Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor:
Not Peer Reviewed

Henry VI, Part 1 (Modern)

Sennet. Enter King [Henry, the Dukes of] Gloucester, and Exeter [and others].
[To Gloucester.] Have you perused the letters from the Pope,
The Emperor, and the Earl of Armagnac?
Gloucester
I have, my Lord, and their intent is this:
They humbly sue unto your excellence
To have a godly peace concluded of
2340Between the realms of England and of France.
How doth your grace affect their motion?
Gloucester
Well, my good lord, and as the only means
To stop effusion of our Christian blood
And 'stablish quietness on every side.
Aye, marry, uncle; for I always thought
It was both impious and unnatural
That such immanity and bloody strife
Should reign among professors of one faith.
Gloucester
Beside, my lord, the sooner to effect
2350And surer bind this knot of amity,
The Earl of Armagnac, near knit to Charles,
A man of great authority in France,
Proffers his only daughter to your grace
In marriage, with a large and sumptuous dowry.
Marriage, uncle? Alas, my years are young,
And fitter is my study and my books
Than wanton dalliance with a paramour.
Yet call th'ambassadors, and as you please,
So let them have their answers every one.
[Exit one or more.]
2360I shall be well content with any choice
Tends to God's glory and my country's weal.
Enter [the Bishop of] Winchester [now in Cardinal's attire], and three Ambassadors [one a papal Legate].
Exeter
What, is my Lord of Winchester installed
And called unto a cardinal's degree?
2365Then I perceive, that will be verified
Henry the Fifth did sometime prophesy:
"If once he come to be a cardinal,
He'll make his cap co-equal with the crown."
My lords ambassadors, your several suits
2370Have been considered and debated on.
Your purpose is both good and reasonable,
And therefore are we certainly resolved
To draw conditions of a friendly peace,
Which by my Lord of Winchester we mean
2375Shall be transported presently to France.
Gloucester
[To Ambassadors.] And for the proffer of my lord your master,
I have informed his highness so at large
As liking of the lady's virtuous gifts,
Her beauty, and the value of her dower,
2380He doth intend she shall be England's queen.
[To Ambassadors.] In argument and proof of which contract
Bear her this jewel, pledge of my affection.
[To Gloucester.] And so my Lord Protector see them guarded
And safely brought to Dover, wherein shipped,
2385Commit them to the fortune of the sea.
Exeunt [severally all except Winchester and Legate].
Winchester
Stay, my lord legate; you shall first receive
The sum of money which I promisèd
Should be delivered to his holiness
For clothing me in these grave ornaments.
2390Legate
I will attend upon your lordship's leisure.
[Exit.]
Winchester
Now Winchester will not submit, I trow,
Or be inferior to the proudest peer.
Humphrey of Gloucester, thou shalt well perceive
That neither in birth or for authority
2395The Bishop will be overborne by thee.
I'll either make thee stoop and bend thy knee,
Or sack this country with a mutiny.
Exit.