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  • Title: Henry VI, Part 3 (Octavo 1, 1595)

    • 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    Not Peer Reviewed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 3 (Octavo 1, 1595)

    Enter the Queene, Prince Edward Oxford and Sum-
    merset, with drum and souldiers.
    Quee. Welcome to England, my louing friends of Frãce,
    And welcome Summerset, and Oxford too.
    2885Once more haue we spread our sailes abroad,
    And though our tackling be almost consumde,
    And Warwike as our maine mast ouerthrowne,
    Yet warlike Lords raise you that sturdie post,
    That beares the sailes to bring vs vnto rest,
    And Ned and I as willing Pilots should
    For once with carefull mindes guide on the sterne,
    To beare vs through that dangerous gulfe
    2905That heretofore hath swallowed vp our friends.
    Prince. And if there be, as God forbid there should,
    Amongst vs a timorous or fearefull man,
    Let him depart before the battels ioine,
    Least he in time of need intise another,
    2930And so withdraw the souldiers harts from vs,
    I will not stand aloofe and bid you fight,
    But with my sword presse in the thickest thronges,
    And single Edward from his strongest guard,
    And hand to hand enforce him for to yeeld,
    Or leaue my bodie as witnesse of my thoughts.
    Oxf. Women and children of so high resolue,
    And
    Yorke, and Henrie the Sixt.
    And Warriors faint, why twere perpetuall
    2935Shame? Oh braue yong Prince, thy
    Noble grandfather doth liue againe in thee,
    Long maiest thou liue to beare his image,
    And to renew his glories.
    Sum. And he that turnes and flies when such do fight,
    Let him to bed, and like the Owle by daie
    2940Be hist, and wondered at if he arise.
    Enter a Messenger.
    2945Mes. My Lords, Duke Edward with a mighty power,
    Is marching hitherwards to fight with you.
    Oxf. I thought it was his pollicie, to take vs vnprouided,
    But here will we stand and fight it to the death.
    Enter king Edward, Cla. Glo. Hast. and Souldiers.
    Edw. See brothers, yonder stands the thornie wood,
    2955Which by Gods assistance and your prowesse,
    Shall with our swords yer night be cleane cut downe.
    2960Queen. Lords, Knights & gentlemen, what I should say,
    My teares gainesaie, for as you see, I drinke
    The water of mine eies. Then no more
    But this. Henry your king is prisoner
    In the tower, his land and all our friends
    2965Are quite distrest, and yonder standes
    The Wolfe that makes all this,
    Then on Gods name Lords togither cry saint George.
    All. Saint George for Lancaster.
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