Peer Reviewed
-
Edition:
Famous Victories of Henry V
Famous Victories of Henry V (Modern)
- Introduction
- Texts of this edition
- Contextual materials
Now, my lord high constable, 1063what say you to our embassage into England?
An it please your majesty, I can say nothing 1065until my lords ambassadors be come home, 1066but yet methinks your grace hath done well 1067to get your men in so good a readiness 1068for fear of the worst.
Ay, my lord, we have some in a readiness, 1070but if the king of England make against us 1071we must have thrice so many more.
Tut, my lord, although the king of England 1073be young and wild-headed, yet never think he will be so 1074unwise to make battle against the mighty king of 1075France.
Oh, my son, although the king of England be 1077young and wild-headed, yet never think but he is ruled 1078by his wise counselors.
God save the life of my sovereign lord the king.
Now, my good lord archbishop of Bruges, 1082what news from our brother the English king?
An please your majesty, 1084he is so far from your expectation 1085that nothing will serve him but the crown 1086and kingdom itself. Besides, he bade me haste quickly, 1087lest he be there before me, and, so far as I hear, 1088he hath kept promise, for they say he is already landed 1089at Kidcocks in Normandy, upon the river of Seine, 1090and laid his siege to the garrison town of Harfleur.
You have made great haste in the meantime, 1092have you not?
I pray you, my lord, how did the king of 1094England take my presents?
Truly, my lord, in very ill part. 1096For these your balls of leather, 1097he will toss you balls of brass and iron. 1098Trust me, my lord, I was very afraid of him. 1099He is such a haughty and high-minded prince, 1100he is as fierce as a lion.
Tush, we will make him as tame as a lamb, 1102I warrant you.
God save the mighty king of France.
Now, messenger, what news?
An it please your majesty, 1107I come from your poor distressed town of Harfleur, 1108which is so beset on every side, 1109if your majesty do not send present aid 1110the town will be yielded to the English king.
Come, my lords, come, shall we stand still 1112'til our country be spoiled under our noses? 1113My lords, let the Normans, Brabants, Pickardies, 1114and Danes be sent for with all speed. 1115And you, my lord high constable, I make general 1116over all my whole army, 1117Monsieur le Cole, Master of the Bows, 1118Signor Devens, and all the rest, at your appointment.
I trust your majesty will bestow 1120some part of the battle on me. 1121I hope not to present any otherwise than well.
I tell thee, my son, 1123although I should get the victory, an thou lose thy life, 1124I should think myself quite conquered 1125and the Englishmen to have the victory.