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About this text

  • Title: Edward III (Quarto 1, 1596)
  • Editor: Sonia Massai

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    Not Peer Reviewed

    Edward III (Quarto 1, 1596)

    The Raigne of king
    2415Enter Copland and King Dauid.
    De, Copland my Lord, and Dauid King of Scots:
    Ki: Is this the proud presumtious Esquire of the
    North,
    That would not yeeld his prisoner to my Queen,
    2420Cop: I am my liege a Northen Esquire indeed,
    But neither proud nor insolent I trust.
    Ki:What moude thee then to be so obstinate,
    To contradict our royall Queenes desire?
    Co.No wilfull disobedience mightie Lord,
    2425But my desert and publike law at armes.
    I tooke the king my selfe in single fight,
    and like a souldier would be loath to loose
    The least preheminence that I had won.
    And Copland straight vpon your highnes charge,
    2430Is come to Fraunce, and with a lowly minde,
    Doth vale the bonnet of his victory:
    Receiue dread Lorde the custome of my fraught,
    The wealthie tribute of my laboring hands,
    Which should long since haue been surrendred vp
    2435Had but your gratious selfe bin there in place,
    Q. But Copland thou didst scorne the kings com-(mand
    Neglecting our commission in his name.
    Cop. His name I reuerence, but his person more,
    His name shall keepe me in alleagaunce still,
    2440But to his person I will bend my knee.
    King. I praie thee Phillip let displeasure passe:
    This man doth please mee, and I like his words,
    For what is he that will attmpt great deeds,
    and loose the glory that ensues the same,
    2445all riuers haue recourse vnto the Sea,
    and Coplands faith relation to his king,
    Kneele therefore downe, now rise king Edwards (knight,
    and to maintayne thy state I freely giue,
    Fiue hundred marks a yeere to thee and thine.
    2450welcom lord Salisburie, what news from Brittaine
    Enter Salsbury.
    Sa: This mightie king, the Country we haue won,
    And