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  • 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    Not Peer Reviewed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)

    Enter Lord Mountford with a Coronet in his hande, with him
    the Earle of Salisbury.
    1695Mo: My Lord of Salisbury since by our aide,
    Mine ennemie Sir Charles of Bloys is slaine,
    And I againe am quietly possest,
    In Btittaines Dukedome, knowe that I resolue,
    For this kind furtherance of your king and you,
    1700To sweare allegeance to his maiesty:
    In signe where of receiue this Coronet,
    Beare it vnto him, and with all mine othe,
    Neuer to be but Edwards faithful friend.
    Sa: I take it Mountfort, thus I hope eare long,
    1705The whole Dominions of the Realme of Fraunce
    Wilbe surrendred to his conquering hand: Exit
    Now if I knew but safely how to passe,
    I would to Calice gladly meete his Grace,
    Whether I am by letters certified,
    Yet
    Edward the third.
    1710Yet he intends to haue his host remooude,
    It shal be so, this pollicy will serue,
    Ho whose within? bring Villiers to me.
    Enter Villeirs.
    Villiers, thou kuowest thou art my prisoner,
    1715And that I might for ransome if I would,
    Require of thee a hundred thousand Francks,
    Or else retayne and keepe thee captiue still:
    But so it is, that for a smaller charge,
    Thou maist be quit and if thou wilt thy selfe,
    1720And this it is, procure me but a pasport,
    Of Charles the Duke of Normandy, that I,
    Without restraint may haue recourse to Callis,
    Through all the Countries where he hath to doe.
    Which thou maist easely obtayne I thinke,
    1725By reason I haue often heard thee say,
    He and thou were students once together:
    And then thou shalt be set at libertie,
    How saiest thou, wilt thou vndertake to do it?
    Vil. I will my Lord, but I must speake with him.
    1730Sa. Why so thou shalt, take Horse and post from hence,
    Onely before thou goest, sweare by thy faith,
    That if thou canst not compasse my desire,
    Thou wilt returne my prisoner backe againe,
    And that shalbe sufficient warrant for mee.
    1735Vil: To that condition I agree my Lord,
    And will vnfaynedly performe the same. Exit.
    Sal: Farewell Villiers,
    Thus once I meane to trie a French mans faith. Exit.