The first part of King Henry the Sixt from Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies. Published according to the true originall copies.
Mr. VVilliam Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies
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Source : Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories, &
tragedies.: Published according to the true originall copies.Mr. VVilliam Shakespeares comedies, histories, &
tragediesFirst FolioLondon, England:
William Jaggard, Edward
Blount, John Smethwicke16238 November 1623 (entered)Bodleian Library, Arch. G c.7S111228015592789
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The first Part of Henry the Sixt §
Actus Primus. Scœna Prima.
[Act 1, Scene 1] §
Dead March.
Enter the Funerall of King Henry the Fift, attended on by
the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France; the Duke
of Gloster, Protector; the Duke of Exeter War
wicke, the Bishop of Winchester, and
the Duke of Somerset.
the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France; the Duke
of Gloster, Protector; the Duke of Exeter War
wicke, the Bishop of Winchester, and
the Duke of Somerset.
Bedford.
HVng be yͤ heauens with black, yield day to night;
Comets importing change of Times and States,
Brandish your crystall Tresses in the Skie,
And with them scourge the bad reuolting Stars,
5 That haue consented vnto Henries death:
King Henry the fift, too famous to liue long,
England ne're lost a King of so much worth.
Glost.
England ne're had a King vntill his time:
Vertue he had, deseruing to command,
10 His brandisht Sword did blinde men with his beames,
His Armes spred wider then a Dragons Wings:
His sparkling Eyes, repleat with wrathfull fire,
More dazled and droue back his Enemies,
Then mid‑day Sunne, fierce bent against their faces.
15 What should I say? his Deeds exceed all speech:
He ne're lift vp his Hand, but conquered.
Exe.
We mourne in black, why mourn we not in blood?
Henry is dead, and neuer shall reuiue:
Vpon a Woodden Coffin we attend;
20 And Deaths dishonourable Victorie,
We with our stately presence glorifie,
Like Captiues bound to a Triumphant Carre.
What? shall we curse the Planets of Mishap,
That plotted thus our Glories ouerthrow?
25 Or shall we thinke the subtile‑witted French,
Coniurers and Sorcerers, that afraid of him,
By Magick Verses haue contriu'd his end.
Winch.
He was a King, blest of the King of Kings.
Vnto the French, the dreadfull Iudgement‑Day
30 So dreadfull will not be, as was his sight.
The Battailes of the Lord of Hosts he fought:
The Churches Prayers made him so prosperous.
Glost.
The Church? where is it?
Had not Church‑men pray'd,
35 His thred of Life had not so soone decay'd.
None doe you like, but an effeminate Prince,
Whom like a Schoole‑boy you may ouer‑awe.
Winch.
Gloster, what ere we like, thou art Protector,
And lookest to command the Prince and Realme.
40 Thy Wife is prowd, she holdeth thee in awe,
More then God or Religious Church‑men may.
Glost.
Name not Religion, for thou lou'st the Flesh,
And ne're throughout the yeere to Church thou go'st,
Except it be to pray against thy foes.
Bed.
45 Cease, cease these Iarres, & rest your minds in peace:
Let's to the Altar: Heralds wayt on vs;
In stead of Gold, wee'le offer vp our Armes,
Since Armes auayle not, now that Henry's dead,
Posteritie await for wretched yeeres,
50 When at their Mothers moistned eyes, Babes shall suck,
Our Ile be made a Nourish of salt Teares,
And none but Women left to wayle the dead.
Henry the Fift, thy Ghost I inuocate:
Prosper this Realme, keepe it from Ciuill Broyles,
55 Combat with aduerse Planets in the Heauens;
A farre more glorious Starre thy Soule will make,
Then Iulius Cæsar, or bright‑‑‑‑
Enter a Messenger.
Mess.
My honourable Lords, health to you all;
Sad tidings bring I to you out of France,
60 Of losse, of slaughter, and discomfiture:
Guyen, Champaigne, Rheimes, Orleance,
Paris Guysors, Poicters, are all quite lost.
Bedf.
What say'st thou man, before dead Henry's Coarse?
Speake softly, or the losse of those great Townes
65 Will make him burst his Lead, and rise from death.
Glost.
Is Paris lost? is Roan yeelded vp?
If Henry were recall'd to life againe,
These news would cause him once more yeeld the Ghost.
Exe.
How were they lost? what trecherie was vs'd?
Mess.
70 No trecherie, but want of Men and Money.
Amongst the Souldiers this is muttered,
That here you maintaine seuer[.]ll Factions:
And whil'st a Field should be dispatcht and fought,
You are disputing of your Generals.
75 One would haue lingring Warres, with little cost;
Another would flye swift, but wanteth Wings:
A third thinkes, without expence at all,
By guilefull faire words, Peace may be obtayn'd.
Awake, awake, English Nobilitie,
80 Let not slouth dimme your Honors, new begot;
Cropt are the Flower‑de‑Luces in your Armes
Of Englands Coat, one halfe is cut away.
Exe.
Were our Teares wanting to this Funerall,
These Tidings would call forth her flowing Tides.
Bedf.
85 Me they concerne, Regent I am of France:
Giue me my steeled Coat, Ile fight for France.
Away with these disgracefull wayling Robes;
Wounds will I lend the French, in stead of Eyes,
To weepe their intermissiue Miseries.
Enter to them another Messenger.
Mess.
90 Lords view these Letters, full of bad mischance.
France is reuolted from the English quite,
Except some petty Townes, of no import.
The Dolphin Charles is crowned King in Rheimes:
The Bastard of Orleance with him is ioyn'd:
95 Reynold, Duke of Aniou, doth take his part,
The Duke of Alanson flyeth to his side.
Exit.
Exe.
The Dolphin crown'd King? all flye to him?
O whither shall we flye from this reproach?
Glost.
We will not flye, but to our enemies throats.
100 Bedford, if thou be slacke, Ile fight it out.
Bed.
Gloster, why doubtst thou of my forwardnesse?
An Army haue I muster'd in my thoughts,
Wherewith already France is ouer‑run.
Enter another Messenger.
Mes.
My gracious Lords, to adde to your laments,
105 Wherewith you now bedew King Henries hearse,
I must informe you of a dismall fight,
Betwixt the stout Lord Talbot, and the French.
Win.
What? wherein Talbot ouercame, is't so?
3. Mes.
O no: wherein Lord Talbot was o'rethrown:
110 The circumstance Ile tell you more at large.
The tenth of August last, this dreadfull Lord,
Retyring from the Siege of Orleance,
Hauing full scarce six thousand in his troupe,
By three and twentie thousand of the French
115 Was round incompassed, and set vpon:
No leysure had he to enranke his men.
He wanted Pikes to set before his Archers:
In stead whereof, sharpe Stakes pluckt out of Hedges
They pitched in the ground confusedly,
120 To keepe the Horsemen off, from breaking in.
More then three houres the fight continued:
Where valiant Talbot, aboue humane thought,
Enacted wonders with his Sword and Lance.
Hundreds he sent to Hell, and none durst stand him:
125 Here, there, and euery where enrag'd, he slew.
The French exclaym'd, the Deuill was in Armes,
All the whole Army stood agaz'd on him.
His Souldiers spying his vndaunted Spirit,
A Talbot, a Talbot, cry'd out amaine,
130 And rusht into the Bowels of the Battaile.
Here had the Conquest fully been seal'd vp,
If Sir Iohn Falstaffe had not play'd the Coward.
He being in the Vauward, plac't behinde,
With purpose to relieue and follow them,
135 Cowardly fled, not hauing struck one stroake.
Hence grew the generall wrack and massacre:
Enclosed were they with their Enemies.
A base Wallon, to win the Dolphins grace,
Thrust Talbot with a Speare into the Back,
140 Whom all France, with their chiefe assembled strength,
Durst not presume to looke once in the face.
Bedf.
Is Talbot slaine then? I will slay my selfe,
For liuing idly here, in pompe and ease,
Whil'st such a worthy Leader, wanting ayd,
145 Vnto his dastard foe‑men is betray'd.
3. Mess.
O no, he liues, but is tooke Prisoner,
And Lord Scales with him, and Lord Hungerford:
Most of the rest slaughter'd, or tooke likewise.
Bedf.
His Ransome there is none but I shall pay.
150 Ile hale the Dolphin headlong from his Throne,
His Crowne shall be the Ransome of my friend:
Foure of their Lords Ile change for one of ours.
Farwell my Masters, to my Taske will I,
Bonfires in France forthwith I am to make,
155 To keepe our great Saint Georges Feast withall.
Ten thousand Souldiers with me I will take,
Whose bloody deeds shall make all Europe quake.
3. Mess.
So you had need, for Orleance is besieg'd,
The English Army is growne weake and faint:
160 The Earle of Salisbury craueth supply,
And hardly keepes his men from mutinie,
Since they so few, watch such a multitude.
Exe.
Remember Lords your Oathes to Henry sworne:
Eyther to quell the Dolphin vtterly,
165 Or bring him in obedience to your yoake.
Bedf.
I doe remember it, and here take my leaue,
To goe about my preparation.
Exit Bedford.
Glost.
Ile to the Tower with all the hast I can,
To view th'Artillerie and Munition,
170 And then I will proclayme young Henry King.
Exit Gloster.
Exe.
To Eltam will I, where the young King is,
Being ordayn'd his speciall Gouernor,
And for his safetie there Ile best deuise.
Exit.
Winch.
Each hath his Place and Function to attend:
175 I am left out; for me nothing remaines:
But long I will not be Iack out of Office,
The King from Eltam I intend to send,
And sit at chiefest Sterne of publique Weale.
Exit.
[Act 1, Scene 2] §
Sound a Flourish.
Enter Charles, Alanson, and Reigneir, marching
with Drum and Souldiers.
with Drum and Souldiers.
Charles.
Mars his true mouing, euen as in the Heauens,
180 So in the Earth, to this day is not knowne.
Late did he shine vpon the English side:
Now we are Victors, vpon vs he smiles.
What Townes of any moment, but we haue?
At pleasure here we lye, neere Orleance:
185 Otherwhiles, the famisht English, like pale Ghosts,
Faintly besiege vs one houre in a moneth.
Alan.
They want their Porredge, & their fat Bul Beeues:
Eyther they must be dyeted like Mules,
And haue their Prouender ty'd to their mouthes,
190 Or pitteous they will looke, like drowned Mice.
Reigneir.
Let's rayse the Siege: why liue we idly here?
Talbot is taken, whom we wont to feare:
Remayneth none but mad‑brayn'd Salisbury,
And he may well in fretting spend his gall,
195 Nor men nor Money hath he to make Warre.
Charles.
Sound, sound Alarum, we will rush on them.
Now for the honour of the forlorne French:
Him I forgiue my death, that killeth me,
When he sees me goe back one foot, or flye.
Exeunt.
Here Alarum, they are beaten back by the
English, with great losse.
English, with great losse.
Enter Charles, Alanson, and Reigneir.
Charles.
200 Who euer saw the like? what men haue I?
Dogges, Cowards, Dastards: I would ne're haue fled,
But that they left me 'midst my Enemies.
Reigneir.
Salisbury is a desperate Homicide,
He fighteth as one weary of his life:
205 The other Lords, like Lyons wanting foode,
Doe rush vpon vs as their hungry prey.
Alanson.
Froysard, a Countreyman of ours, records,
England all Oliuers and Rowlands breed,
During the time Edward the third did raigne:
210 More truly now may this be verified;
For none but Samsons and Goliasses
It sendeth forth to skirmish: one to tenne?
Leane raw‑bon'd Rascals, who would e're suppose,
They had such courage and audacitie?
Charles.
215 Let's leaue this Towne,
For they are hayre‑brayn'd Slaues,
And hunger will enforce them to be more eager:
Of old I know them; rather with their Teeth
The Walls they'le teare downe, then forsake the Siege.
Reigneir.
220 I thinke by someodde Gimmors or Deuice
Their Armes are set, like Clocks, still to strike on;
Else ne're could they hold out so as they doe:
By my consent, wee'le euen let them alone.
Alanson.
Be it so.
Enter the Bastard of Orleance.
Bastard.
225 Where's the Prince Dolphin? I haue newes
for him.
for him.
Dolph.
Bastard of Orleance, thrice welcome to vs.
Bast.
Me thinks your looks are sad, your chear appal'd.
Hath the late ouerthrow wrought this offence?
Be not dismay'd, for succour is at hand:
230 A holy Maid hither with me I bring,
Which by a Vision sent to her from Heauen,
Ordayned is to rayse this tedious Siege,
And driue the English forth the bounds of France:
The spirit of deepe Prophecie she hath,
235 Exceeding the nine Sibyls of old Rome:
What's past, and what's to come, she can descry.
Speake, shall I call her in? beleeue my words,
For they are certaine, and vnfallible.
Dolph.
Goe call her in: but first, to try her skill,
240 Reignier stand thou as Dolphin in my place;
Question her prowdly, let thy Lookes be sterne,
By this meanes shall we sound what skill she hath.
Enter Ioane Puzel.
Reigneir.
Faire Maid, is't thou wilt doe these won
drous feats?
drous feats?
Puzel.
Reignier,is't thou that thinkest to beguile me?
245 Where is the Dolphin? Come, come from behinde,
I know thee well, though neuer seene before.
Be not amaz'd, there's nothing hid from me;
In priuate will I talke with thee apart:
Stand back you Lords, and giue vs leaue a while.
Reigneir.
250 She takes vpon her brauely at first dash.
Puzel.
Dolphin, I am by birth a Shepheards Daughter,
My wit vntrayn'd in any kind of Art:
Heauen and our Lady gracious hath it pleas'd
To shine on my contemptible estate.
255 Loe, whilest I wayted on my tender Lambes,
And to Sunnes parching heat display'd my cheekes,
Gods Mother deigned to appeare to me,
And in a Vision full of Maiestie,
Will'd me to leaue my base Vocation,
260 And free my Countrey from Calamitie:
Her ayde she promis'd, and assur'd successe.
In compleat Glory shee reueal'd her selfe:
And whereas I was black and swart before,
With those cleare Rayes, which shee infus'd on me,
265 That beautie am I blest with, which you may see.
Aske me what question thou canst possible,
And I will answer vnpremeditated:
My Courage trie by Combat, if thou dar'st,
And thou shalt finde that I exceed my Sex.
270 Resolue on this, thou shalt be fortunate,
If thou receiue me for thy Warlike Mate.
Dolph.
Thou hast astonisht me with thy high termes:
Onely this proofe Ile of thy Valour make,
In single Combat thou shalt buckle with me;
275 And if thou vanquishest, thy words are true,
Otherwise I renounce all confidence.
Puzel.
I am prepar'd: here is my keene‑edg'd Sword,
Deckt with fine Flower‑de‑Luces on each side,
The which at Touraine, in Saint
Katherines Church‑yard,
280 Out of a great deale of old Iron, I chose forth.
Dolph.
Then come a Gods name, I feare no woman.
Puzel.
And while I liue, Ile ne're flye from a man.
Here they fight, and Ioane de Puzel overcomes.
Dolph.
Stay, stay thy hands, thou art an Amazon,
And fightest with the Sword of Debora.
Puzel.
285 Christs Mother helpes me, else I were too
weake.
weake.
Dolph.
Who e're helps thee, 'tis thou that must help me:
Impatiently I burne with thy desire,
My heart and hands thou hast at once subdu'd.
Excellent Puzel, if thy name be so,
290 Let me thy seruant, and not Soueraigne be,
'Tis the French Dolphin sueth to thee thus.
Puzel.
I must not yeeld to any rights of Loue,
For my Profession's sacred from aboue:
When I haue chased all thy Foes from hence,
295 Then will I thinke vpon a recompence.
Dolph.
Meane time looke gracious on thy prostrate
Thrall.
Thrall.
Reigneir.
My Lord me thinkes is very long in talke.
Alans.
Doubtlesse he shriues this woman to her smock,
Else ne're could he so long protract his speech.
Reigneir.
300 Shall wee disturbe him, since hee keepes no
meane?
meane?
Alan.
He may meane more then we poor men do know,
These women are shrewd tempters with their tongues.
Reigneir.
My Lord, where are you? what deuise you on?
Shall we giue o're Orleance, or no?
Puzel.
305 Why no, I say: distrustfull Recreants,
Fight till the last gaspe: Ile be your guard.
Dolph.
What shee sayes, Ile confirme: wee'le fight
it out.
it out.
Puzel.
Assign'd am I to be the English Scourge.
This night the Siege assuredly Ile rayse:
310 Expect Saint Martins Summer, Halcyons dayes,
Since I haue entred into these Warres.
Glory is like a Circle in the Water,
Which neuer ceaseth to enlarge it selfe,
Till by broad spreading, it disperse to naught.
315 With Henries death, the English Circle ends,
Dispersed are the glories it included:
Now am I like that prowd insulting Ship,
Which Cæsar and his fortune bare at once.
Dolph.
Was Mahomet inspired with a Doue?
320 Thou with an Eagle art inspired then.
Helen, the Mother of Great Constantine,
Nor yet Saint
Philips daughters were like thee.
Bright Starre of Venus, falne downe on the Earth,
How may I reuerently worship thee enough?
Alanson.
325 Leaue off delayes, and let vs rayse the
Siege.
Siege.
Reigneir.
Woman, do what thou canst to saue our honors,
Driue them from Orleance, and be immortaliz'd.
Dolph.
Presently wee'le try: come, let's away about it,
No Prophet will I trust, if shee proue false.
Exeunt.
[Act 1, Scene 3] §
Enter Gloster, with his Seruing‑men.
Glost.
330 I am come to suruey the Tower this day;
Since Henries death, I feare there is Conueyance:
Where be these Warders, that they wait not here?
Open the Gates, 'tis Gloster that calls.
1. Warder.
Who's there, that knocks so imperiously?
Glost. 1. Man.
335 It is the Noble Duke of Gloster.
2. Warder.
Who ere he be, you may not be let in.
1. Man.
Villaines, answer you so the Lord Protector?
1. Warder.
The Lord protect him, so we answer him,
We doe no otherwise then wee are will'd.
Glost.
340 Who willed you? or whose will stands but mine?
There's none Protector of the Realme, but I:
Breake vp the Gates, Ile be your warrantize;
Shall I be flowted thus by dunghill Groomes?
Glosters men rush at the Tower Gates, and Wooduile
the Lieutenant speakes within.
the Lieutenant speakes within.
Wooduile.
What noyse is this? what Traytors haue
wee here?
wee here?
Glost.
345 Lieutenant, is it you whose voyce I heare?
Open the Gates, here's Gloster that would enter.
Wooduile.
Haue patience Noble Duke, I may not open,
The Cardinall of Winchester forbids:
From him I haue expresse commandement,
350 That thou nor none of thine shall be let in.
Glost.
Faint‑hearted Wooduile, prizest him 'fore me?
Arrogant Winchester, that haughtie Prelate,
Whom Henry our late Soueraigne ne're could brooke?
Thou art no friend to God, or to the King:
355 Open the Gates, or Ile shut thee out shortly.
Seruingmen.
Open the Ga[.]es vnto the Lord Protector,
Or wee'le burst them open, if that you come not quickly.
Enter to the Protector at the Tower Gates Winchester
and his men in Tawney Coates.
and his men in Tawney Coates.
Winchest.
How now ambitious Vmpheir, what meanes
this?
this?
Glost.
Piel'd Priest, doo'st thou command me to be
shut out?
shut out?
Winch.
360 I doe, thou most vsurping Proditor,
And not Protector of the King or Realme.
Glost.
Stand back thou manifest Conspirator,
Thou that contriued'st to murther our dead Lord,
Thou that giu'st Whores Indulgences to sinne,
365 Ile canuas thee in thy broad Cardinalls Hat,
If thou proceed in this thy insolence.
Winch.
Nay, stand thou back, I will not budge a foot:
This be Damascus, be thou cursed Cain,
To slay thy Brother Abel, if thou wilt.
Glost.
370 I will not slay thee, but Ile driue thee back:
Thy Scarlet Robes, as a Childs bearing Cloth,
Ile vse, to carry thee out of this place.
Winch.
Doe what thou dar'st, I beard thee to thy
face.
face.
Glost.
What? am I dat'd, and bearded to my face?
375 Draw men, for all this priuiledged place,
Blew Coats to Tawny Coats. Priest, beware your Beard,
I meane to tugge it, and to cuffe you soundly.
Vnder my feet I stampe thy Cardinalls Hat:
In spight of Pope, or dignities of Church,
380 Here by the Cheekes Ile drag thee vp and downe.
Winch.
Gloster, thou wilt answere this before the
Pope.
Pope.
Glost.
Winchester Goose, I cry, a Rope, a Rope.
Now beat them hence, why doe you let them stay?
Thee Ile chase hence, thou Wolfe in Sheepes array.
385 Out Tawney‑Coates, out Scarlet Hypocrite.
Here Glosters men beat out the Cardinalls men,
and enter in the hurly‑burly the Maior
of London, and his Officers.
and enter in the hurly‑burly the Maior
of London, and his Officers.
Maior.
Fye Lords, that you being supreme Magistrates,
Thus contumeliously should breake the Peace.
Glost.
Peace Maior, thou know'st little of my wrongs:
Here's Beauford, that regards nor God nor King,
390 Hath here distrayn'd the Tower to his vse.
Winch.
Here's Gloster, a Foe to Citizens,
One that still motions Warre, and neuer Peace,
O're‑charging your free Purses with large Fines;
That seekes to ouerthrow Religion,
395 Because he is Protector of the Realme;
And would haue Armour here out of the Tower,
To Crowne himselfe King, and suppresse the Prince.
Glost.
I will not answer thee with words, but blowes.
Here they skirmish againe.
Maior.
Naught rests for me, in this tumultuous strife,
400 But to make open Proclamation.
Come Officer, as lowd as e're thou canst, cry:
[402] All manner of men, assembled here in Armes this day, [l. 403] Against Gods Peace and the Kings, wee charge and command [l. 404] you, in his Highnesse Name, to repayre to your seuerall dwel [l. 405] ling places, and not to weare, handle, or vse any Sword, Wea [l. 406] pon, or Dagger hence‑forward, vpon paine of death.
Glost.
Cardinall, Ile be no breaker of the Law:
But we shall meet, and breake our minds at large.
Winch.
Gloster, wee'le meet to thy cost, be sure:
410 Thy heart‑blood I will haue for this dayes worke.
Maior.
Ile call for Clubs, if you will not away:
This Cardinall's more haughtie then the Deuill.
Glost.
Maior farewell: thou doo'st but what thou
may'st.
may'st.
Winch.
Abhominable Gloster, guard thy Head,
415 For I intend to haue it ere long.
Exeunt.
Maior.
See the Coast clear'd, and then we will depart.
Good God, these Nobles should such stomacks beare,
I my selfe fight not once in fortie yeere.
Exeunt.
[Act 1, Scene 4] §
Enter the Master Gunner of Orleance, and
his Boy.
his Boy.
M. Gunner.
Sirrha, thou know'st how Orleance is besieg'd,
420 And how the Fnglish haue the Suburbs wornne.
Boy.
Father I know, and oft haue shot at them,
How e're vnfortunate, I miss'd my ayme.
M. Gunner.
But now thou shalt not. Be thou rul'd by me:
Chiefe Master Gunner am I of this Towne,
425 Something I must doe to procure me grace:
The Princes espyals haue informed me,
How the English, in the Suburbs close entrencht,
Went through a secret Grate of Iron Barres,
In yonder Tower, to ouer‑peere the Citie,
430 And thence discouer, how with most aduantage
They may vex vs with Shot or with Assault.
To intercept this inconuenience,
A Peece of Ordnance 'gainst it I haue plac'd,
And
{p. 100}
The first part of Henry the Sixt.
And euen these three dayes haue I watcht,
435 If I could see them. Now doe thou watch,
For I can stay no longer.
If thou spy'st any, runne and bring me word,
And thou shalt finde me at the Gouernors.
Exit.
Boy.
Father, I warrant you, take you no care,
440 Ile neuer trouble you, if I may spye them.
Exit.
Enter Salisbury and Talbot on the Turrets,
with others.
with others.
Salisb.
Talbot, my life, my ioy, againe return'd?
How wert thou handled, being Prisoner?
Or by what meanes got's thou to be releas'd?
Discourse I prethee on this Turrets top.
Talbot.
445 The Earle of Bedford had a Prisoner,
Call'd the braue Lord Ponton de Santrayle,
For him was I exchang'd, and ransom'd.
But with a baser man of Armes by farre,
Once in contempt they would haue barter'd me:
450 Which I disdaining, scorn'd, and craued death,
Rather then I would be so pil'd esteem'd:
In fine, redeem'd I was as I desir'd.
But O, the trecherous Falstaffe wounds my heart,
Whom with my bare fists I would execute,
455 If I now had him brought into my power.
Salisb.
Yec tell'st thou not, how thou wert enter
tain'd.
tain'd.
Tal.
With scoffes and scornes, and contumelious taunts,
In open Market‑place produc't they me,
To be a publique spectacle to all:
460 Here, sayd they, is the Terror of the French,
The Scar‑Crow that affrights our Children so.
Then broke I from the Officers that led me,
And with my nayles digg'd stones out of the ground,
To hurle at the beholders of my shame.
465 My grisly countenance made others flye,
None durst come neere, for feare of suddaine death.
In Iron Walls they deem'd me not secure:
So great feare of my Name 'mongst them were spread,
That they suppos'd I could rend Barres of Steele,
470 And spurne in pieces Posts of Adamant.
Wherefore a guard of chosen Shot I had,
That walkt about me euery Minute while:
And if I did but stirre out of my Bed,
Ready they were to shoot me to the heart.
Enter the Boy with a Linstock.
Salisb.
475 I grieue to heare what torments you endur'd,
But we will be reueng'd sufficiently.
Now it is Supper time in Orleance:
Here, through this Grate, I count each one,
And view the Frenchmen how they fortifie:
480 Let vs looke in, the fight will much delight thee;
Sir Thomas Gargraue, and Sir William Glansdale,
Let me haue your expresse opinions,
Where is best place to make our Batt'ry next?
Gargraue.
I thinke at the North Gate, for there stands
Lords.
Lords.
Glansdale.
485 And I heere, at the Bulwarke of the
Bridge.
Bridge.
Talb.
For ought I see, this Citie must be famisht,
Or with light Skirmishes enfeebled.
Here they shot, and
Salisbury falls downe.
Salisbury falls downe.
Salisb.
O Lord haue mercy on vs, wretched sinners.
Gargraue.
O Lord haue mercy on me, wofull man.
Talb.
490 What chance is this, that suddenly hath crost vs?
Speake Salisbury; at least, if thou canst, speake:
How far'st thou, Mirror of all Martiail men?
One of thy Eyes, and thy Cheekes side struck off?
Accursed Tower, accursed fatall Hand,
495 That hath contriu'd this wofull Tragedie.
In thirteene Battailes, Salisbury o'recame:
Henry the Fift he first trayn'd to the Warres.
Whil'st any Trumpe did sound, or Drum struck vp,
His Sword did ne're leaue striking in the field.
500 Yet liu'st thou Salisbury? though thy speech doth fayle,
One Eye thou hast to looke to Heauen for grace.
The Sunne with one Eye vieweth all the World.
Heauen be thou gracious to none aliue,
If Salisbury wants mercy at thy hands.
505 Beare hence his Body, I will helpe to bury it.
Sir Thomas Gargraue, hast thou any life?
Speake vnto Talbot, nay, looke vp to him.
Salisbury cheare thy Spirit with this comfort,
Thou shalt not dye whiles‑‑‑‑
510 He beckens with his hand, and smiles on me:
As who should say, When I am dead and gone,
Remember to auenge me on the French.
Plantaginet I will, and like thee,
Play on the Lute, beholding the Townes burne:
515 Wretched shall France be onely in my Name.
Here an Alarum, and it Thunders and Lightens.
What stirre is this? what tumult's in the Heauens?
Whence commeth this Alarum, and the noyse?
Enter a Messenger.
Mess.
My Lord, my Lord, the French haue gather'd head.
The Dolphin, with one loane de Puzel ioyn'd,
520 A holy Prophetesse, new risen vp,
Is come with a great Power, to rayse the Siege.
Here Salisbury lifteth himselfe vp, and groanes.
Talb.
Heare, heare, how dying Salisbury doth groane,
It irkes his heart he cannot be reueng'd.
Frenchmen, Ile be a Salisbury to you.
525 Puzel or Pussel, Dolphin or Dog‑fish,
Your hearts Ile stampe out with my Horses heeles,
And make a Quagmire of your mingled braines.
Conuey me Salisbury into his Tent,
And then wee'le try what these dastard Frenchmen dare.
Alarum. Exeunt.
[Act 1, Scene 5] §
Here an Alarum againe, and Talbot pursueth the Dolphin,
and driueth him: Then enter Ioane de Puzel,
driuing Englishmen before her.
Then enter Talbot.
and driueth him: Then enter Ioane de Puzel,
driuing Englishmen before her.
Then enter Talbot.
Talb.
530 Where is my strength, my valour, and my force?
Our Englsh Troupes retyre, I cannot stay them,
A Woman clad in Armour chaseth them.
Enter Puzel.
Here, here shee comes. Ile haue a bowt with thee:
Deuill, or Deuils Dam, Ile coniure thee:
535 Blood will I draw on thee, thou art a Witch,
And straightway giue thy Soule to him thou seru'st.
Puzel.
Come, come, 'tis onely I that must disgrace
thee.
thee.
Here they fight.
Talb.
Heauens, can you suffer Hell so to preuayle?
My brest Ile burst with straining of my courage,
540 And from my shoulders crack my Armes asunder,
But I will chastise this high‑minded Strumpet.
They fight againe.
Puzel.
Talbot farwell, thy houre is not yet come,
I must goe Victuall Orleance forthwith:
A short Alarum: then enter the Towne
with Souldiers.
O're
{p. 101}
The first Part of Henry the Sixt.
with Souldiers.
O're‑take me if thou canst, I scorne thy strength.
545 Goe, goe, cheare vp thy hungry‑starued men,
Helpe Salisbury to make his Testament,
This Day is ours, as many more shall be.
Exit.
Talb.
My thoughts are whirled like a Potters Wheele,
I know not where I am, nor what I doe:
550 A Witch by feare, not force, like Hannibal,
Driues back our troupes, and conquers as she lists:
So Bees with smoake, and Doues with noysome stench,
Are from their Hyues and Houses driuen away.
They call'd vs, for our fiercenesse, English Dogges,
555 Now like to Whelpes, we crying runne away.
A short Alarum.
Hearke Countreymen, eyther renew the fight,
Or teare the Lyons out of Englands Coat;
Renounce your Soyle, giue Sheepe in Lyons stead:
Sheepe run not halfe so trecherous from the Wolfe,
560 Or Horse or Oxen from the Leopard,
As you flye from your oft‑subdued slaues.
Alarum. Here another Skirmish.
It will not be, retyre into your Trenches:
You all consented vnto Salisburies death,
For none would strike a stroake in his reuenge.
565 Puzel is entred into Orleance,
In spight of vs, or ought that we could doe.
O would I were to dye with Salisbury,
The shame hereof, will make me hide my head.
Exit Talbot.
Alarum, Retreat, Flourish.
[Act 1, Scene 6] §
Enter on the Walls, Puzel, Dolphin, Reigneir,
Alanson, and Souldiers.
Alanson, and Souldiers.
Puzel.
Aduance our wauing Colours on the Walls,
570 Rescu'd is Orleance from the English.
Thus Ioane de Puzel hath perform'd her word.
Dolph.
Diuinest Creature, Astrea's Daughter,
How shall I honour thee for this successe?
Thy promises are like Adonis Garden,
575 That one day bloom'd, and fruitfull were the next.
France, triumph in thy glorious Prophetesse,
Recouer'd is the Towne of Orleance,
More blessed hap did ne're befall our State.
Reigneir.
Why ring not out the Bells alowd,
580 Throughout the Towne?
Dolphin command the Citizens make Bonfires,
And feast and banquet in the open streets,
To celebrate the ioy that God hath giuen vs.
Alans.
All France will be repleat with mirth and ioy,
585 When they shall heare how we haue play'd the men.
Dolph.
'Tis Ioane, not we, by whom the day is wonne:
For which, I will diuide my Crowne with her,
And all the Priests and Fryers in my Realme,
Shall in procession sing her endlesse prayse.
590 A statelyer Pyramis to her Ile reare,
Then Rhodophe's or Memphis euer was.
In memorie of her, when she is dead,
Her Ashes, in an Vrne more precious
Then the rich‑iewel'd Coffer of Darius,
595 Transported, shall be at high Festiuals
Before the Kings and Queenes of France.
No longer on Saint Dennis will we cry,
But Ioane de Puzell shall be France's Saint.
Come in, and let vs Banquet Royally,
600 After this Golden Day of Victorie.
Flourish. Exeunt.
Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.
[Act 2, Scene 1] §
Enter a Sergeant of a Band, with two Sentinels.
Ser.
Sirs, take your places, and be vigilant:
If any noyse or Souldier you perceiue
Neere to the walles, by some apparant signe
Let vs haue knowledge at the Court of Guard.
Sent.
605 Sergeant you shall. Thus are poore Seruitors
(When others sleepe vpon their quiet beds)
Constrain'd to watch in darknesse, raine, and cold.
Enter Talbot, Bedford, and Burgundy, with scaling
Ladders: Their Drummes beating a
Dead March.
Ladders: Their Drummes beating a
Dead March.
Tal.
Lord Regent, and redoubted Burgundy,
By whose approach, the Regions of Artoys,
610 Wallon, and Picardy, are friends to vs:
This happy night, the Frenchmen are secure,
Hauing all day carows'd and banquetted,
Embrace we then this opportunitie,
As fitting best to quittance their deceite,
615 Contriu'd by Art, and balefull Sorcerie.
Bed.
Coward of France, how much he wrongs his fame,
Dispairing of his owne armes fortitude,
To ioyne with Witches, and the helpe of Hell.
Bur.
Traitors haue neuer other company.
620 But what's that Puzell whom they tearme so pure?
Tal.
A Maid, they say.
Bed.
A Maid? And be so martiall?
Bur.
Pray God she proue not masculine ere long:
If vnderneath the Standard of the French
625 She carry Armour, as she hath begun.
Tal.
Well, let them practise and conuerse with spirits.
God is our Fortresse, in whose conquering name
Let vs resolue to scale their flinty bulwarkes.
Bed.
Ascend braue Talbot, we will follow thee.
Tal.
630 Not altogether: Better farre I guesse,
That we do make our entrance seuerall wayes:
That if it chance the one of vs do faile,
The other yet may rise against their force.
Bed.
Agreed; Ile to yond corner.
Bur.
635 And I to this.
Tal.
And heere will Talbot mount, or make his graue.
Now Salisbury, for thee and for the right
Of English Henry, shall this night appeare
How much in duty, I am bound to both.
Sent.
640 Arme, arme, the enemy doth make assault.
Cry, S. George, A Talbot.
The French leape ore the walles in their shirts. Enter
seuerall wayes, Bastard, Alanson, Reignier,
halfe ready, and halfe vnready.
seuerall wayes, Bastard, Alanson, Reignier,
halfe ready, and halfe vnready.
Alan.
How now my Lords? what all vnreadie so?
Bast.
Vnready? I am glad we scap'd so well.
Reig.
'Twas time (I trow) to wake and leaue our beds,
Hearing Alarums at our Chamber doores.
Alan.
645 Of all exploits since first I follow'd Armes,
Nere heard I of a warlike enterprize
More
{p. 102}
The first Part of Henry the Sixt.
More venturous, or desperate then this.
Bast.
I thinke this Talbot be a Fiend of Hell.
Reig.
If not of Hell, the Heauens sure fauour him.
Alans.
650 Here Commeth Charles, I maruell how he sped?
Enter Charles and Ioane.
Bast.
Tut, holy Ioane was his defensiue Guard.
Charl.
Is this thy cunning, thou deceitfull Dame?
Didst thou at first to flatter vs withall,
Make vs partakers of a little gayne,
655 That now our losse might be ten times so much?
Ioane.
Wherefore is Charles impatient with his friend?
At all times will you haue my Power alike?
Sleeping or waking, must I still preuayle,
Or will you blame and lay the fault on me?
660 Improuident Souldiors, had your Watch been good,
This sudden Mischiefe neuer could haue falne.
Charl.
Duke of Alanson, this was your default,
That being Captaine of the Watch to Night,
Did looke no better to that weightie Charge.
Alans.
665 Had all your Quarters been as safely kept,
As that whereof I had the gouernment,
We had not beene thus shamefully surpriz'd.
Bast.
Mine was secure.
Reig.
And so was mine, my Lord.
Charl.
670 And for my selfe, most part of all this Night
Within her Quarter, and mine owne Precinct,
I was imploy'd in passing to and fro,
About relieuing of the Centinels.
Then how, or which way, should they first breake in?
Ioane.
675 Question (my Lords) no further of the case,
How or which way; 'tis sure they found some place,
But weakely guarded, where the breach was made:
And now there, rests no other shift but this,
To gather our Souldiors, scatter'd and disperc't,
680 And lay new Plat‑formes to endammage them.
Exeunt.
Alarum. Enter a Souldier, crying, a Talbot, a Talbot:
they flye, leauing their Clothes behind.
they flye, leauing their Clothes behind.
Sould.
Ile be so bold to take what they haue left:
The Cry of Talbot serues me for a Sword,
For I haue loaden me with many Spoyles,
Vsing no other Weapon but his Name.
Exit.
[Act 2, Scene 2] §
Enter Talbot, Bedford, Burgundie.
Bedf.
685 The Day begins to breake, and Night is fled,
Whose pitchy Mantle ouer‑vayl'd the Earth.
Here sound Retreat, and cease our hot pursuit.
Retreat.
Talb.
Bring forth the Body of old Salisbury,
And here aduance it in the Market‑Place,
690 The middle Centure of this cursed Towne.
Now haue I pay'd my Vow vnto his Soule:
For euery drop of blood was drawne from him,
There hath at least fiue Frenchmen dyed to night.
And that hereafter Ages may behold
695 What ruine happened in reuenge of him,
Within their chiefest Temple Ile erect
A Tombe, wherein his Corps shall be interr'd:
Vpon the which, that euery one may reade,
Shall be engrau'd the sacke of Orleance,
700 The trecherous manner of his mournefull death,
And what a terror he had beene to France.
But Lords, in all our bloudy Massacre,
I muse we met not with the Dolphins Grace,
His new‑come Champion, vertuous Ioane of Acre,
705 Nor any of his false Confederates.
Bedf.
'Tis thought Lord Talbot, when the fight began,
Rows'd on the sudden from their drowsie Beds,
They did amongst the troupes of armed men,
Leape o're the Walls for refuge in the field.
Burg.
710 My selfe, as farre as I could well discerne,
For smoake, and duskie vapours of the night,
Am sure I scar'd the Dolphin and his Trull,
When Arme in Arme they both came swiftly running,
Like to a payre of louing Turtle‑Doues,
715 That could not liue asunder day or night.
After that things are set in order here,
Wee'le follow them with all the power we haue.
Enter a Messenger.
Mess
All hayle, my Lords: which of this Princely trayne
Call ye the Warlike Talbot, for his Acts
720 So much applauded through the Realme of France?
Talb.
Here is the Talbot, who would speak with him?
Mess.
The vertuous Lady, Countesse of Ouergne,
With modestie admiring thy Renowne,
By me entreats (great Lord) thou would'st vouchsafe
725 To visit her poore Castle where she lyes,
That she may boast she hath beheld the man,
Whose glory fills the World with lowd report.
Burg.
Is it euen so? Nay, then I see our Warres
Will turne vnto a peacefull Comick sport,
730 When Ladyes craue to be encountred with.
You may not (my Lord) despise her gentle suit.
Talb.
Ne're trust me then: for when a World of men
Could not preuayle with all their Oratorie,
Yec hath a Womans kindnesse ouer‑rul'd:
735 And therefore tell her, I returne great thankes,
And in submission will attend on her.
Will not your Honors beare me company?
Bedf.
No, truly, 'tis more then manners will:
And I haue heard it sayd, Vnbidden Guests
740 Are often welcommest when they are gone.
Talb.
Well then, alone (since there's no remedie)
I meane to proue this Ladyes courtesie.
Come hither Captaine, you perceiue my minde.
Whispers.
Capt.
I doe my Lord, and meane accordingly.
Exeunt.
[Act 2, Scene 3] §
Enter Countesse.
Count.
745 Porter, remember what I gaue in charge,
And when you haue done so, bring the Keyes to me.
Port.
Madame, I will.
Exit.
Count.
The Plot is layd, if all things fall out right,
I shall as famous be by this exploit,
750 As Scythian Tomyris by Cyrus death.
Great is the rumour of this dreadfull Knight,
And his atchieuements of no lesse account:
Faine would mine eyes be witnesse with mine eares,
To giue their censure of these rare reports.
Enter Messenger and Talbot.
Mess.
755 Madame, according as your Ladyship desir'd,
By Message crau'd, so is Lord Talbot come.
Count.
And he is welcome: what? is this the man?
Mess.
Madame, it is.
Count.
Is this the Scourge of France?
760 Is this the Talbot, so much fear'd abroad?
That with his Name the Mothers still their Babes?
I see Report is fabulous and false.
I
{p. 103}
The first Part of Henry
the Sixt.
I thought I should haue seene some Hercules,
A second Hector, for his grim aspect,
765 And large proportion of his strong knit Limbes,
Alas, this is a Child, a silly Dwarfe:
It cannot be, this weake and writhled shrimpe
Should strike such terror to his Enemies.
Talb.
Madame, I haue beene bold to trouble you:
770 But since your Ladyship is not at leysure,
Ile sort some other time to visit you.
Count.
What meanes he now?
Goe aske him, whither he goes?
Mess.
Stay my Lord Talbot, for my Lady craues,
775 To know the cause of your abrupt departure?
Talb.
Marry, for that shee's in a wrong beleefe,
I goe to certifie her Talbot's here.
Enter Porter with Keyes.
Count.
If thou be he, then art thou Prisoner.
Talb.
Prisoner? to whom?
Count.
780 To me, blood‑thirstie Lord:
And for that cause I trayn'd thee to my House.
Long time thy shadow hath been thrall to me,
For in my Gallery thy Picture hangs:
But now the substance shall endure the like,
785 And I will chayne these Legges and Armes of thine,
That hast by Tyrannie these many yeeres
Wasted our Countrey, slaine our Citizens,
And sent our Sonnes and Husbands captiuate.
Talb.
[789] Ha, ha, ha.
Count.
790 Laughest thou Wretch?
Thy mirth shall turne to moane.
Talb.
I laugh to see your Ladyship so fond,
To thinke, that you haue ought but Talbots shadow,
Whereon to practise your seueritie.
Count.
795 Why? art not thou the man?
Talb.
I am indeede.
Count.
Then haue I substance too.
Talb.
No, no, I am but shadow of my selfe:
You are deceiu'd, my substance is not here;
800 For what you see, is but the smallest part,
And least proportion of Humanitie:
I tell you Madame, were the whole Frame here,
It is of such a spacious loftie pitch,
Your Roofe were not sufficient to contayn't.
Count.
805 This is a Riddling Merchant for the nonce,
He will be here, and yet he is not here:
How can these contrarieties agree?
Talb.
That will I shew you presently.
Winds his Horne, Drummes strike vp, a Peale
of Ordenance: Enter Souldiors.
of Ordenance: Enter Souldiors.
How say you Madame? are you now perswaded,
810 That Talbot is but shadow of himselfe?
These are his substance, sinewes, armes, and strength,
With which he yoaketh your rebellious Neckes,
Razeth your Cities, and subuerts your Townes,
And in a moment makes them desolate.
Count.
815 Victorious Talbot, pardon my abuse,
I finde thou art no lesse then Fame hath bruited,
And more then may be gathered by thy shape.
Let my presumption not prouoke thy wrath,
For I am sorry, that with reuerence
820 I did not entertaine thee as thou art.
Talb.
Be not dismay'd, faire Lady, nor misconster
The minde of Talbot, as you did mistake
The outward composition of his body.
What you haue done, hath not offended me:
825 Nor other satisfaction doe I craue,
But onely with your patience, that we may
Taste of your Wine, and see what Cates you haue,
For Souldiers stomacks alwayes serue them well.
Count.
With all my heart, and thinke me honored,
830 To feast so great a Warrior in my House.
Exeunt.
[Act 2, Scene 4] §
Enter Richard Plantagenet, Warwick, Somerset,
Poole, and others.
Poole, and others.
Yorke.
Great Lords and Gentlemen,
What meanes this silence?
Dare no man answer in a Case of Truth?
Suff.
Within the Temple Hall we were too lowd,
835 The Garden here is more conuenient.
York.
Then say at once, if I maintain'd the Truth:
Or else was wrangling Somerset in th'error?
Suff.
Faith I haue beene a Truant in the Law,
And neuer yet could frame my will to it,
840 And therefore frame the Law vnto my will.
Som.
Iudge you, my Lord of Warwicke, then be
tweene vs.
tweene vs.
War.
Between two Hawks, which flyes the higher pitch,
Between two Dogs, which hath the deeper mouth,
Between two Blades, which beares the better temper,
845 Between two Horses, which doth beare him best,
Between two Girles, which hath the merryest eye,
I haue perhaps some shallow spirit of Iudgement:
But in these nice sharpe Quillets of the Law,
Good faith I am no wiser then a Daw.
York.
850 Tut, tut, here is a mannerly forbearance;
The truth appeares so naked on my side,
That any purblind eye may find it out.
Som.
And on my side it is so well apparrell'd,
So cleare, so shinning, and so euident,
855 That it will glimmer through a blind‑mans eye.
York.
Since you are tongue‑ty'd, and so loth to speake,
In dumbe significants proclayme your thoughts:
Let him that is a true‑borne Gentleman,
And stands vpon the honor of his birth,
860 If he suppose that I haue pleaded truth,
From off this Bryer pluck a white Rose with me.
Som.
Let him that is no Coward, nor no Flatterer,
But dare maintaine the partie of the truth,
Pluck a red Rose from off this Thorne with me.
War.
865 I loue no Colours: and without all colour
Of base insinuating flatterie,
I pluck this white Rose with Plantagenet.
Suff.
I pluck this red Rose, with young Somerset,
And say withall, I thinke he held the right.
Vernon.
870 Stay Lords and Gentlemen, and pluck no more
Till you conclude, that he vpon whose side
The fewest Roses are cropt from the Tree,
Shall yeeld the other in the right opinion.
Som.
Good Master Vernon, it is well obiected:
875 If I haue fewest, I subscribe in silence.
York.
And I.
Vernon.
Then for the truth, and plainnesse of the Case,
I pluck this pale and Maiden Blossome here,
Giuing my Verdict on the white Rose side.
Som.
880 Prick not your finger as you pluck it off,
Least bleeding, you doe paint the white Rose red,
And fall on my side so against your will.
Vernon.
If I, my Lord, for my opinion bleed,
Opinion shall be Surgeon to my hurt,
885 And keepe me on the side where still I am.
Som.
Well, well, come on, who else?
Lawyer.
Vnlesse my Studie and my Bookes be false,
The argument you held, was wrong in you;
In signe whereof, I pluck a white Rose too.
Yorke.
890 Now Somerset, where is your argument?
Som.
Here in my Scabbard, meditating, that
Shall dye your white Rose in a bloody red.
York.
Meane time your cheeks do counterfeit our Roses:
For pale they looke with feare, as witnessing
895 The truth on our side.
Som.
No Plantagenet:
'Tis not for feare, but anger, that thy cheekes
Blush for pure shame, to counterfeit our Roses,
And yet thy tongue will not confesse thy error.
Yorke.
900 Hath not thy Rose a Canker, Somerset?
Som.
Hath not thy Rose a Thorne, Plantagenet?
Yorke.
I, sharpe and piercing to maintaine his truth,
Whiles thy consuming Canker eates his falsehood.
Som.
Well, Ile find friends to weare my bleeding Roses,
905 That shall maintaine what I haue said is true,
Where false Plantagenet dare not be seene.
Yorke.
Now by this Maiden Blossome in my hand,
I scorne thee and thy fashion, peeuish Boy.
Suff.
Turne not thy scornes this way, Plantagenet.
Yorke.
910 Prowd Poole, I will, and scorne both him and
thee.
thee.
Suff.
Ile turne my part thereof into thy throat.
Som.
Away, away, good William de la Poole,
We grace the Yeoman, by conuersing with him.
Warw.
Now by Gods, will thou wrong'st him, Somerset:
915 His Grandfather was Lyonel Duke of Clarence,
Third Sonne to the third Edward King of England:
Spring Crestlesse Yeomen from so deepe a Root?
Yorke.
He beares him on the place's Priuiledge,
Or durst not for his crauen heart say thus.
Som.
920 By him that made me, Ile maintaine my words
On any Plot of Ground in Christendome.
Was not thy Father, Richard, Earle of Cambridge,
For Treason executed in our late Kings dayes?
And by his Treason, stand'st not thou attainted,
925 Corrupted, and exempt from ancient Gentry?
His Trespas yet liues guiltie in thy blood,
And till thou be restor'd, thou art a Yeoman.
Yorke.
My father was attached, not attainted,
Condemn'd to dye for Treason, but no Traytor;
930 And that Ile proue on better men then Somerset,
Were growing time once ripened to my will.
For your partaker Poole, and you your selfe,
Ile note you in my Booke of Memorie,
To scourge you for this apprehension:
935 Looke to it well, and say you are well warn'd.
Som.
Ah, thou shalt finde vs ready for thee still:
And know vs by these Colours for thy Foes,
For these, my friends in spight of thee shall weare.
Yorke.
And by my Soule, this pale and angry Rose,
940 As Cognizance of my blood‑drinking hate,
Will I for euer, and my Faction weare,
Vntill it wither with me to my Graue,
Or flourish to the height of my Degree.
Suff.
Goe forward, and be choak'd with thy ambition;
945 And so farwell, vntill I meet thee next.
Exit.
Som.
Haue with thee Poole: Farwell ambitious Ri
chard.
chard.
Exit.
Yorke.
How I am b[.]au'd, and must perforce endure
it?
it?
Warw.
This blot that they obiect against your House,
Shall be whipt out in the next Parliament,
950 Call'd for the Truce of Winchester and Gloucester:
And if thou be not then created Yorke,
I will not liue to be accounted Warwicke.
Meane time, in signall of my loue to thee,
Against prowd Somerset, and William Poole,
955 Will I vpon thy partie weare this Rose.
And here I prophecie: this brawle to day,
Growne to this faction in the Temple Garden,
Shall send betweene the Red‑Rose and the White,
A thousand Soules to Death and deadly Night.
Yorke.
960 Good Master Vernon, I am bound to you,
That you on my behalfe would pluck a flower.
Ver.
In your behalfe still will I weare the same.
Lawyer.
And so will I.
Yorke.
Thankes gentle.
965 Come, let vs foure to Dinner: I dare say,
This Quarrell will drinke Blood another day.
Exeunt.
[Act 2, Scene 5] §
Enter Mortimer, brought in a Chayre,
and Iaylors.
and Iaylors.
Mort.
Kind Keepers of my weake decaying Age,
Let dying Mortimer here rest himselfe.
Euen like a man new haled from the Wrack,
970 So fare my Limbes with long Imprisonment:
And these gray Locks, the Pursuiuants of death,
Nestor‑like aged, in an Age of Care,
Argue the end of Edmund Mortimer.
These Eyes, like Lampes, whose wasting Oyle is spent,
975 Waxe dimme, as drawing to their Exigent.
Weake Shoulders, ouer‑borne with burthening Griefe,
And pyth‑lesse Armes, like to a withered Vine,
That droupes his sappe‑lesse Branches to the ground.
Yet are these Feet, whose stength‑lesse stay is numme,
980 (Vnable to support this Lumpe of Clay)
Swift‑winged with desire to get a Graue,
As witting I no other comfort haue.
But tell me, Keeper, will my Nephew come?
Keeper.
Richard Plantagenet, my Lord, will come:
985 We sent vnto the Temple, vnto his Chamber,
And answer was return'd, that he will come.
Mort.
Enough: my Soule shall then be satisfied.
Poore Gentleman, his wrong doth equall mine.
Since Henry Monmouth first began to reigne,
990 Before whose Glory I was great in Armes,
This loathsome sequestration haue I had;
And euen since then, hath Richard beene obscur'd,
Depriu'd of Honor and Inheritance.
But now, the Arbitrator of Despaires,
995 Iust Death, kinde Vmpire of mens miseries,
With sweet enlargement doth dismisse me hence:
I would his troubles likewise were expir'd,
That so he might recouer what was lost.
Enter Richard.
Keeper.
My Lord, your louing Nephew now is come.
Mor.
1000 Richard Plantagenet, my friend, is he come?
Rich.
I, Noble Vnckle, thus ignobly vs'd,
Your Nephew, late despised Richard, comes.
Mort.
Direct mine Armes, I may embrace his Neck,
And in his Bosome spend my latter gaspe.
1005 Oh tell me when my Lippes doe touch his Cheekes,
That I may kindly giue one fainting Kisse.
And now declare Sweet stem from Yorkes great stock,
Why didst thou say of late thou wert despis'd?
Rich.
First, leane thine aged Back against mine Arme,
1010 And in that ease, Ile tell thee my Disease.
This day in argument vpon a Case,
Some words there grew 'twixt Somerset and me:
Among which tearmes, he vs'd his lauish tongue,
And did vpbrayd me with my Fathers death;
1015 Which obloquie set barres before my tongue,
Else with the like I had requited him.
Therefore good Vnckle, for my Fathers sake,
In honor of a true Plantagenet,
And for Alliance sake, declare the cause
1020 My Father, Earle of Cambridge, lost his Head.
Mort.
That cause (faire Nephew) that imprison'd me,
And hath detayn'd me all my flowring Youth,
Within a loathsome Dungeon, there to pyne,
Was cursed Instrument of his decease.
Rich.
1025 Discouer more at large what cause that was,
For I am ignorant, and cannot guesse.
Mort.
I will, if that my fading breath permit,
And Death approach not, ere my Tale be done.
Henry the Fourth, Grandfather to this King,
1030 Depos'd his Nephew Richard, Edwards Sonne,
The first begotten, and the lawfull Heire
Of Edward King, the Third of that Descent.
During whose Reigne, the Percies of the North,
Finding his Vsurpation most vniust,
1035 Endeuour'd my aduancement to the Throne.
The reason mou'd these Warlike Lords to this,
Was, for that (young Richard thus remou'd,
Leauing no Heire begotten of his Body)
I was the next by Birth and Parentage:
1040 For by my Mother, I deriued am
From Lionel Duke of Clarence, third Sonne
To King Edward the Third; whereas hee,
From Iohn of Gaunt doth bring his Pedigree,
Being but fourth of that Heroick Lyne.
1045 But marke: as in this haughtie great attempt,
They laboured, to plant the rightfull Heire,
I lost my Libertie, and they their Liues.
Long after this, when Henry the Fift
(Succeeding his Father Bullingbrooke) did reigne;
1050 Thy Father, Earle of Cambridge, then deriu'd
From famous Edmund Langley, Duke of Yorke,
Marrying my Sister, that thy Mother was;
Againe, in pitty of my hard distresse,
Leuied an Army, weening to redeeme,
1055 And haue install'd me in the Diademe:
But as the rest, so fell that Noble Earle,
And was beheaded. Thus the Mortimers,
In whom the Title rested, were supprest.
Rich.
Of which, my Lord, your Honor is the last.
Mort.
1060 True; and thou seest, that I no Issue haue,
And that my fainting words doe warrant death:
Thou art my Heire; the rest, I wish thee gather:
But yet be wary in thy studious care.
Rich.
Thy graue admonishments preuayle with me:
1065 But yet me thinkes, my Fathers execution
Was nothing lesse then bloody Tyranny.
Mort.
With silence, Nephew, be thou pollitick,
Strong fixed is the House of Lancaster,
And like a Mountaine, not to be remou'd.
1070 But now thy Vnckle is remouing hence,
As Princes doe their Courts, when they are cloy'd
With long continuance in a setled place.
Rich.
O Vnckle, would some part of my young yeeres
Might but redeeme the passage of your Age.
Mort.
1075 Thou do'st then wrong me, as yt slaughterer doth,
Which giueth many Wounds, when one will kill.
Mourne not, except thou sorrow for my good,
Onely giue order for my Funerall.
And so farewell, and faire be all thy hopes,
1080 And prosperous be thy Life in Peace and Warre.
Dyes.
Rich.
And Peace, no Warre, befall thy parting Soule.
In Prison, hast thou spent a Pilgrimage,
And like a Hermite ouer‑past thy dayes.
Well, I will locke his Councell in my Brest,
1085 And what I doe imagine, let that rest.
Keepers conuey him hence, and I my selfe
Wiil see his Buryall better then his Life.
Exit.
Here dyes the duskie Torch of Mortimer,
Choakt with Ambition of the meaner sort.
1090 And for those Wrongs, those bitter Iniuries,
Which Somerset hath offer'd to my House,
I doubt not, but with Honor to redresse.
And therefore haste I to the Parliament,
Eyther to be restored to my Blood,
1095 Or make my will th'aduantage of my good.
Exit.
[Act 3, Scene 1]
Actus Tertius. Scena Prima. §
Flourish. Enter King, Exeter, Gloster, Winchester, Warwick,
Somerset, Suffolk, Richard Plantagenet. Gloster offers
to put vp a Bill: Winchester snatches it, teares it.
Somerset, Suffolk, Richard Plantagenet. Gloster offers
to put vp a Bill: Winchester snatches it, teares it.
Winch.
Com'st thou with deepe premeditated Lines?
With written Pamphlets, studiously deuis'd?
Humfrey of Gloster, if thou canst accuse,
Or ought intend'st to lay vnto my charge,
1100 Doe it without inuention, suddenly,
As I with sudden, and extemporall speech,
Purpose to answer what thou canst obiect.
Glo.
Presumptuous Priest, this place commands my patiences
Or thou should'st finde thou hast dis‑honor'd me.
1105 Thinke not, although in Writing I preferr'd
The manner of thy vile outragious Crymes,
That therefore I haue forg'd, or am not able
Verbatim to rehearse the Methods of my Penne.
No Prelate, such is thy audacious wickednesse,
1110 Thy lewd, pestiferous, and dissentious prancks,
As very Infants prattle of thy pride.
Thou art a most pernitious Vsurer,
Froward by nature, Enemie to Peace,
Lasciuious, wanton, more then well beseemes
1115 A man of thy Profession, and Degree.
And for thy Trecherie, what's more manifest?
In that thou layd'st a Trap to take my Life,
As well at London Bridge, as at the Tower.
Beside, I feare me, if thy thoughts were sifted,
1120 The King, thy Soueraigne, is not quite exempt
From enuious mallice of thy swelling heart.
Winch.
Gloster, I doe defie thee. Lords vouchsafe
To giue me hearing what I shall reply.
If I were couetous, ambitious, or peruerse,
1125 As he will haue me: how am I so poore?
Or how haps it, I seeke not to aduance
Or rayse my selfe? but keepe my wonted Calling.
And for Dissention, who preferreth Peace
More then I doe? except I be prouok'd.
1130 No, my good Lords, it is not that offends,
It is not that, that hath incens'd the Duke:
It is because no one should sway but hee,
No one, but hee, should be about the King;
And that engenders Thunder in his breast,
l
And
{p. 106}
The first Part of Henry the Sixt.
1135 And makes him rore these Accusations forth.
But he shall know I am as good.
Glost.
As good?
Thou Bastard of my Grandfather.
Winch.
I, Lordly Sir: for what are you, I pray,
1140 But one imperious in anothers Throne?
Glost.
Am I not Protector, sawcie Priest?
Winch.
And am not I a Prelate of the Church?
Glost.
Yes, as an Out‑law in a Castle keepes,
And vseth it, to patronage his Theft.
Winch.
1145 Vnreuerent Glocester.
Glost.
Thou art reuerent,
Touching thy Spirituall Function, not thy Life.
Winch.
Rome shall remedie this.
Warw.
Roame thither then.
1150 My Lord, it were your dutie to forbeare.
Som.
I, see the Bishop be not ouer‑borne:
Me thinkes my Lord should be Religious,
And know the Office that belongs to such.
Warw.
Me thinkes his Lordship should be humbler,
1155 It fitteth not a Prelate so to plead.
Som.
[1156] Yes, when his holy State is toucht so neere.
Warw.
State holy, or vnhallow'd, what of that?
Is not his Grace Protector to the King?
Rich.
Plantagenet I see must hold his tongue,
1160 Least it be said, Speake Sirrha when you should:
Must your bold Verdict enter talke with Lords?
Else would I haue a fling at Winchester.
King.
Vnckles of Gloster, and of Winchester,
The speciall Watch‑men of our English Weale,
1165 I would preuayle, if Prayers might preuayle,
To ioyne your hearts in loue and amitie.
Oh, what a Scandall is it to our Crowne,
That two such Noble Peeres as ye should iarre?
Beleeue me, Lords, my tender yeeres can tell,
1170 Ciuill dissention is a viperous Worme,
That gnawes the Bowels of the Common‑wealth.
A noyse within, Downe with the
Tawny‑Coats.
Tawny‑Coats.
King.
What tumult's this?
Warw.
An Vprore, I dare warrant,
Begun through malice of the Bishops men.
A noyse againe, Stones, Stones.
Enter Maior.
Maior.
1175 Oh my good Lords, and vertuous Henry,
Pitty the Citie of London, pitty vs:
The Bishop, and the Duke of Glosters men,
Forbidden late to carry any Weapon,
Haue fill'd their Pockets full of peeble stones;
1180 And banding themselues in contrary parts,
Doe pelt so fast at one anothers Pate,
That many haue their giddy braynes knockt out:
Our Windowes are broke downe in euery street,
And we, for feare, compell'd to shut our Shops.
Enter in skirmish with bloody Pates.
King.
1185 We charge you, on allegeance to our selfe,
To hold your slaughtring hands, and keepe the Peace:
Pray' Vnckle Gloster mittigate this strife.
1. Seruing.
[1188] Nay, if we be forbidden stones, wee'le fall [l. 1189] to it with our Teeth.
2. Seruing.
1190 Doe what ye dare, we are as resolute.
Skirmish againe.
Glost.
You of my household, leaue this peeuish broyle,
And let this vnaccustom'd fight aside.
3. Seru.
My Lord, we know your Grace to be a man
Iust, and vpright; and for your Royall Birth,
1195 Inferior to none, but to his Maiestie:
And ere that we will suffer such a Prince,
So kinde a Father of the Common‑weale,
To be disgraced by an Inke‑horne Mate,
Wee and our Wiues and Children all will fight,
1200 And haue our bodyes slaughtred by thy foes.
1. Seru.
I, and the very parings of our Nayles
Shall pitch a Field when we are dead.
Begin againe.
Glost.
Stay, stay, I say:
And if you loue me, as you say you doe,
1205 Let me perswade you to forbeare a while.
King.
Oh, how this discord doth afflict my Soule.
Can you, my Lord of Winchester, behold
My sighes and teares, and will not once relent?
Who should be pittifull, if you be not?
1210 Or who should study to preferre a Peace,
If holy Church‑men take delight in broyles?
Warw.
Yeeld my Lord Protector, yeeld Winchester,
Except you meane with obstinate repulse
To stay your Soueraigne, and destroy the Realme.
1215 You see what Mischiefe, and what Murther too,
Hath beene enacted through your enmitie:
Then be at peace, except ye thirst for blood.
Winch.
He shall submit, or I will neuer yeeld.
Glost.
Compassion on the King commands me stoupe,
1220 Or I would see his heart out, ere the Priest
Should euer get that priuiledge of me.
Warw.
Behold my Lord of Winchester, the Duke
Hath banisht moodie discontented fury,
As by his smoothed Browes it doth appeare:
1225 Why looke you still so sterne, and tragicall?
Glost.
Here Winchester, I offer thee my Hand.
King.
Fie Vnckle Beauford, I haue heard you preach,
That Mallice was a great and grieuous sinne:
And will not you maintaine the thing you teach?
1230 But proue a chiefe offendor in the same.
Warw.
Sweet King: the Bishop hath a kindly gyrd:
For shame my Lord of Winchester relent;
What, shall a Child instruct you what to doe?
Winch.
Well Duke of Gloster, I will yeeld to thee
1235 Loue for thy Loue, and Hand for Hand I giue.
Glost.
I, but I feare me with a hollow Heart.
See here my Friends and louing Countreymen,
This token serueth for a Flagge of Truce,
Betwixt our selues, and all our followers:
1240 So helpe me God, as I dissemble not.
Winch.
So helpe me God, as I intend it not.
King.
Oh louing Vnckle, kinde Duke of Gloster,
How ioyfull am I made by this Contract,
Away my Masters, trouble vs no more,
1245 But ioyne in friendship, as your Lords haue done.
1. Seru.
Content, Ile to the Surgeons.
2. Seru.
And so will I.
3. Seru.
And I will see what Physick the Tauerne af
fords.
fords.
Exeunt.
Warw.
Accept this Scrowle, most gracious Soueraigne,
1250 Which in the Right of Richard Plantagenet,
We doe exhibite to your Maiestie.
Glo.
Well vrg'd, my Lord of Warwick: for sweet Prince,
And if your Grace marke euery circumstance,
You haue great reason to doe Richard right,
1255 At Eltam Place I told your Maiestie,
King.
And those occasions, Vnckle, were of force:
Therefore my louing Lords, our pleasure is,
That Richard be restored to his Blood.
Warw.
Let Richard be restored to his Blood,
1260 So shall his Fathers wrongs be recompenc't.
Winch.
As will the rest, so willeth Winchester.
King.
If Richard will be true, not that all alone,
But all the whole Inheritance I giue,
That doth belong vnto the House of Yorke,
1265 From whence you spring, by Lineall Descent.
Rich.
Thy humble seruant vowes obedience,
And humble seruice, till the point of death.
King.
Stoope then, and set your Knee against my Foot,
And in reguerdon of that dutie done,
1270 I gyrt thee with the valiant Sword of Yorke:
Rise Richard, like a true Plantagenet,
And rise created Princely Duke of Yorke.
Rich.
And so thriue Richard, as thy foes may fall,
And as my dutie springs, so perish they,
1275 That grudge one thought against your Maiesty.
All.
Welcome high Prince, the mighty Duke of Yorke.
Som.
Perish base Prince, ignoble Duke of Yorke.
Glost.
Now will it best auaile your Maiestie,
To crosse the Seas, and to be Crown'd in France:
1280 The presence of a King engenders loue
Amongst his Subiects, and his loyall Friends,
As it dis‑animates his Enemies.
King.
When Gloster sayes the word, King Henry goes,
For friendly counsaile cuts off many Foes.
Glost.
1285 Your Ships alreadie are in readinesse.
Senet. Flourish. Exeunt.
Manet Exeter.
Exet.
I, we may march in England, or in France,
Not seeing what is likely to ensue:
This late dissention growne betwixt the Peeres,
Burnes vnder fained ashes of forg'd loue,
1290 And will at last breake out into a flame,
As festred members rot but by degree,
Till bones and flesh and sinewes fall away,
So will this base and enuious discord breed.
And now I feare that fatall Prophecie,
1295 Which in the, time of Henry, nam'd the Fift,
Was in the mouth of euery sucking Babe,
That Henry borne at Monmouth should winne all,
And Henry borne at Windsor, loose all:
Which is so plaine, that Exeter doth wish,
1300 His dayes may finish, ere that haplesse time.
Exit.
[Act 3, Scene 2]
Scœna Secunda. §
Enter Pucell disguis'd, with foure Souldiors with
Sacks vpon their backs.
Sacks vpon their backs.
Pucell.
These are the Citie Gates, the Gates of Roan,
Through which our Pollicy must make a breach.
Take heed, be wary how you place your words,
Talke like the vulgar sort of Market men,
1305 That come to gather Money for their Corne.
If we haue entrance, as I hope we shall,
And that we finde the slouthfull Watch but weake,
Ile by a signe giue notice to our friends,
That Charles the Dolphin may encounter them.
Souldier.
1310 Our Sacks shall be a meane to sack the City.
And we be Lords and Rulers ouer Roan,
Therefore wee'le knock.
Knock.
Watch.
Che la.
Pucell.
Peasauns la pouure gens de Fraunce,
1315 Poore Market folkes that come to sell their Corne.
Watch.
Enter, goe in, the Market Bell is rung.
Pucell.
Now Roan, Ile shake thy Bulwarkes to the
ground.
ground.
Exeunt.
Enter Charles, Bastard, Alanson.
Charles.
Saint Dennis blesse this happy Stratageme,
And once againe wee'le sleepe secure in Roan.
Bastard.
1320 Here entred Pucell, and her Practisants:
Now she is there, how will she specifie?
Here is the best and safest passage in.
Reig.
By thrusting out a Torch from yonder Tower,
Which once discern'd, shewes that her meaning is,
1325 No way to that (for weaknesse) which she entred.
Enter Pucell on the top, thrusting out a
Torch burning.
Torch burning.
Pucell.
Behold, this is the happy Wedding Torch,
That ioyneth Roan vnto her Countreymen,
But burning fatall to the Talbonites.
Bastard.
See Noble Charles the Beacon of our friend,
1330 The burning Torch in yonder Turret stands.
Charles.
Now shine it like a Commet of Reuenge,
A Prophet to the fall of all our Foes.
Reig.
Deferre no time, delayes haue dangerous ends,
Enter and cry, the Dolphin, presently,
1335 And then doe execution on the Watch.
Alarum.
An Alarum. Talbot in an Excursion.
Talb.
France, thou shalt rue this Treason with thy teares,
If Talbot but suruiue thy Trecherie.
Pucell that Witch, that damned Sorceresse,
Hath wrought this Hellish Mischiefe vnawares,
1340 That hardly we escap't the Pride of France.
Exit.
An Alarum: Excursions. Bedford brought
in sicke in a Chayre.
in sicke in a Chayre.
Enter Talbot and Burgonie without: within, Pucell,
Charles, Bastard, and Reigneir on the Walls.
Charles, Bastard, and Reigneir on the Walls.
Pucell.
God morrow Gallants, want ye Corn for Bread?
I thinke the Duke of Burgonie will fast,
Before hee'le buy againe at such a rate.
'Twas full of Darnell: doe you like the taste?
Burg.
1345 Scoffe on vile Fiend, and shamelesse Curtizan,
I trust ere long to choake thee with thine owne,
And make thee curse the Haruest of that Corne.
Charles.
Your Grace may starue (perhaps) before that
time.
time.
Bedf.
[1349] Oh let no words, but deedes, reuenge this Trea [l. 1350] son.
Pucell.
What will you doe, good gray‑beard?
Breake a Launce, and runne a‑Tilt at Death,
Within a Chayre.
Talb.
Foule fiend of France, and Hag of all despight,
1355 Incompass'd with thy lustfull paramours,
Becomes it thee to taunt his valiant Age,
And twit with Cowardise a man halfe dead?
Damsell, Ile haue a bowt with you againe,
Or else let Talbot perish with this shame.
Pucell.
1360 Are ye so hot, Sir: yet Pucell hold thy peace,
If Talbot doe but Thunder, Raine will follow.
They whisper together in counsell.
God speed the Parliament: who shall be the Speaker?
Talb.
Dare yee come forth, and meet vs in the field?
Pucell.
Belike your Lordship takes vs then for fooles,
1365 To try if that our owne be ours, or no.
Talb.
I speake not to that rayling Hecate,
But vnto thee Alanson, and the rest.
Will ye, like Souldiors, come and fight it out?
Alans.
Seignior no.
Talb.
1370 Seignior hang: base Muleters of France,
Like Pesant foot‑Boyes doe they keepe the Walls,
And dare not take vp Armes, like Gentlemen.
Pucell.
Away Captaines, let's get vs from the Walls,
For Talbot meanes no goodnesse by his Lookes.
1375 God b'uy my Lord, we came but to tell you
That wee are here.
Exeunt from the Walls.
Talb.
And there will we be too, ere it be long,
Or else reproach be Talbots greatest fame.
Vow Burgonie, by honor of thy House,
1380 Prickt on by publike Wrongs sustain'd in France,
Either to get the Towne againe, or dye.
And I, as sure as English Henry liues,
And as his Father here was Conqueror;
As sure as in this late betrayed Towne,
1385 Great Cordelions Heart was buryed;
So sure I sweare, to get the Towne, or dye.
Burg.
My Vowes are equall partners with thy
Vowes.
Vowes.
Talb.
But ere we goe, regard this dying Prince,
The valiant Duke of Bedford: Come my Lord,
1390 We will bestow you in some better place,
Fitter for sicknesse, and for crasie age.
Bedf.
Lord Talbot, doe not so dishonour me:
Here will I sit, before the Walls of Roan,
And will be partner of your weale or woe.
Burg.
1395 Couragious Bedford, let vs now perswade you.
Bedf.
Not to be gone from hence: for once I read,
That stout Pendragon, in his Litter sick,
Came to the field, and vanquished his foes.
Me thinkes I should reuiue the Souldiors hearts,
1400 Because I euer found them as my selfe.
Talb.
Vndaunted spirit in a dying breast,
Then be it so: Heauens keepe old Bedford safe.
And now no more adoe, braue Burgonie,
But gather we our Forces out of hand,
1405 And set vpon our boasting Enemie.
Exit.
An Alarum: Excursions. Enter Sir Iohn
Falstaffe, and a Captaine.
Falstaffe, and a Captaine.
Capt.
Whither away Sir Iohn Falstaffe, in such haste?
Falst.
Whither away? to saue my selfe by flight,
We are like to haue the ouerthrow againe.
Capt.
What? will you flye, and leaue Lord Talbot?
Falst.
1410 I, all the Talbots in the World, to saue my life.
Exit.
Capt.
Cowardly Knight, ill fortune follow thee.
Exit.
Retreat. Excursions. Pucell, Alanson, and
Charles flye.
Charles flye.
Bedf.
Now quiet Soule, depart when Heauen please,
For I haue seene our Enemies ouerthrow.
What is the trust or strength of foolish man?
1415 They that of late were daring with their scoffes,
Are glad and faine by flight to saue themselues.
Bedford dyes, and is carryed in by two in his Chaire.
An Alarum. Enter Talbot, Burgonie, and
the rest.
the rest.
Talb.
Lost, and recouered in a day againe,
This is a double Honor, Burgonie:
Yet Heauens haue glory for this Victorie.
Burg.
1420 Warlike and Martiall Talbot, Burgonie
Inshrines thee in his heart, and there erects
Thy noble Deeds, as Valors Monuments.
Talb.
Thanks gentle Duke: but where is Pucel now?
I thinke her old Familiar is asleepe.
1425 Now where's the Bastards braues, and Charles his glikes?
What all amort? Roan hangs her head for griefe,
That such a valiant Company are fled.
Now will we take some order in the Towne,
Placing therein some expert Officers,
1430 And then depart to Paris, to the King,
For there young Henry with his Nobles lye.
Burg.
What wills Lord Talbot, pleaseth Burgonie.
Talb.
But yet before we goe, let's not forget
The Noble Duke of Bedford, late deceas'd,
1435 But see his Exequies fulfill'd in Roan.
A brauer Souldier neuer couched Launce,
A gentler Heart did neuer sway in Court.
But Kings and mightiest Potentates must die,
For that's the end of humane miserie.
Exeunt.
[Act 3, Scene 3]
Scæna Tertia §
Enter Charles, Bastard, Alanson, Pucell.
Pucell.
1440 Dismay not (Princes) at this accident,
Nor grieue that Roan is so recouered:
Care is no cure, but rather corrosiue,
For things that are not to be remedy'd.
Let frantike Talbot triumph for a while,
1445 And like a Peacock sweepe along his tayle,
Wee'le pull his Plumes, and take away his Trayne,
If Dolphin and the rest will be but rul'd.
Charles.
We haue been guided by thee hitherto,
And of thy Cunning had no diffidence,
1450 One sudden Foyle shall neuer breed distrust.
Bastard.
Search out thy wit for secret pollicies,
And we will make thee famous through the World.
Alans.
Wee'le set thy statue in some holy place,
And haue thee reuerenc't like a blessed Saint.
1455 Employ thee then, sweet Virgin, for our good.
Pucell.
Then thus it must be, this doth Ioane deuise:
By faire perswasions, mixt with sugred words,
We will entice the Duke of Burgonie
To leaue the Talbot, and to follow vs.
Charles.
1460 I marry Sweeting, if we could doe that,
France were no place for Henryes Warriors,
Nor should that Nation boast it so with vs,
But be extirped from our Prouinces.
Alans.
For euer should they be expuls'd from France,
1465 And not haue Title of an Earledome here.
Pucell.
Your Honors shall perceiue how I will worke,
To bring this matter to the wished end.
Drumme sounds afarre off.
Hearke, by the sound of Drumme you may perceiue
Their Powers are marching vnto Paris‑ward.
Here sound an English March.
1470 There goes the Talbot, with his Colours spred,
And all the Troupes of English after him.
French
{p. 109}
The first Part of the Henry the Sixt.
French March.
Now in the Rereward comes the Duke and his:
Fortune in fauor makes him lagge behinde.
Summon a Parley, we will talke with him.
Trumpets sound a Parley.
Charles.
1475 A Parley with the Duke of Burgonie.
Burg.
Who craues a Parley with the Burgonie?
Pucell.
The Princely Charles of France, thy Countrey
man.
man.
Burg.
What say'st thou Charles? for I am marching
hence.
hence.
Charles.
Speake Pucell, and enchaunt him with thy
words.
words.
Pucell.
1480 Braue Burgonie, vndoubted hope of France,
Stay, let thy humble Hand‑maid speake to thee.
Burg.
Speake on, but be not ouer‑tedious.
Pucell.
Looke on thy Country, look on fertile France,
And see the Cities and the Townes defac't,
1485 By wasting Ruine of the cruell Foe,
As lookes the Mother on her lowly Babe,
When Death doth close his tender‑dying Eyes.
See, see the pining Maladie of France:
Behold the Wounds, the most vnnaturall Wounds,
1490 Which thou thy selfe hast giuen her wofull Brest.
Oh turne thy edged Sword another way,
Strike those that hurt, and hurt not those that helpe:
One drop of Blood drawne from thy Countries Bosome,
Should grieue thee more then streames of forraine gore.
1495 Returne thee therefore with a floud of Teares,
And wash away thy Countries stayned Spots.
Burg.
Either she hath bewitcht me with her words,
Or Nature makes me suddenly relent.
Pucell.
Besides, all French and France exclaimes on thee,
1500 Doubting thy Birth and lawfull Progenie.
Who ioyn'st thou with, but with a Lordly Nation,
That will not trust thee, but for profits sake?
When Talbot hath set footing once in France,
And fashion'd thee that Instrument of Ill,
1505 Who then, but English Henry, will be Lord,
And thou be thrust out, like a Fugitiue?
Call we to minde, and marke but this for proofe:
Was not the Duke of Orleance thy Foe?
And was he not in England Prisoner?
1510 But when they heard he was thine Enemie,
They set him free, without his Ransome pay'd,
In spight of Burgonie and all his friends.
See then, thou fight'st against thy Countreymen,
And ioyn'st with them will be thy slaughter‑men.
1515 Come, come, returne; returne thou wandering Lord,
Charles and the rest will take thee in their armes.
Burg.
I am vanquished:
These haughtie wordes of hers
Haue batt'red me like roaring Cannon‑shot,
1520 And made me almost yeeld vpon my knees.
Forgiue me Countrey, and sweet Countreymen:
And Lords accept this heartie kind embrace.
My Forces and my Power of Men are yours.
So farwell Talbot, Ile no longer trust thee.
Pucell.
1525 Done like a Frenchman: turne and turne a
gaine.
gaine.
Charles.
Welcome braue Duke, thy friendship makes
vs fresh.
vs fresh.
Bastard.
And doth beget new Courage in our
Breasts.
Breasts.
Alans.
Pucell hath brauely play'd her part in this,
And doth deserue a Coronet of Gold.
Charles.
1530 Now let vs on, my Lords,
And ioyne our Powers,
And seeke how we may preiudice the Foe.
Exeunt.
Scœna Quarta.
[Act 3, Scene 4] §
Enter the King, Gloucester, Winchester, Yorke, Suffolke,
Somerset, Warwicke, Exeter: To them, with
his Souldiors, Talbot.
Somerset, Warwicke, Exeter: To them, with
his Souldiors, Talbot.
Talb.
My gracious Prince, and honorable Peeres,
Hearing of your arriuall in this Realme,
1535 I haue a while giuen Truce vnto my Warres,
To doe my dutie to my Soueraigne.
In signe whereof, this Arme, that hath reclaym'd
To your obedience, fiftie Fortresses,
Twelue Cities, and seuen walled Townes of strength,
1540 Beside fiue hundred Prisoners of esteeme;
Lets fall his Sword before your Highnesse feet:
And with submissiue loyaltie of heart
Ascribes the Glory of his Conquest got,
First to my God, and next vnto your Grace.
King.
1545 Is this the Lord Talbot, Vnckle Gloucester,
That hath so long beene resident in France?
Glost.
Yes, if it please your Maiestie, my Liege.
King.
Welcome braue Captaine, and victorious Lord:
When I was young (as yet I am not old)
1550 I doe remember how my Father said,
A stouter Champion neuer handled Sword.
Long since we were resolued of your truth,
Your faithfull seruice, and your toyle in Warre:
Yet neuer haue you tasted our Reward,
1555 Or beene reguerdon'd with so much as Thanks,
Because till now, we neuer saw your face.
Therefore stand vp, and for these good deserts,
We here create you Earle of Shrewsbury,
And in our Coronation take your place/
Senet. Flourish. Exeunt.
Manet Vernon and Basset.
Vern.
1560 Now Sir, to you that were so hot at Sea,
Disgracing of these Colours that I weare,
In honor of my Noble Lord of Yorke[.]
Dar'st thou maintaine the former words thou spak'st?
Bass.
Yes Sir, as well as you dare patronage
1565 The enuious barking of your sawcie Tongue,
Against my Lord the Duke of Somerset.
Vern.
Sirrha, thy Lord I honour as he is.
Bass.
Why, what is he? as good a man as Yorke.
Vern.
Hearke ye: not so: in witnesse take ye that.
Strikes him.
Bass.
1570 Villaine, thou knowest
The Law of Armes is such,
That who so drawes a Sword,'tis present death,
Or else this Blow should broach thy dearest Bloud.
But Ile vnto his Maiestie, and craue,
1575 I may haue libertie to venge this Wrong,
When thou shalt see, Ile meet thee to thy cost.
Vern.
Well miscreant, Ile be there as soone as you,
And after meete you, sooner then you would.
Exeunt.
l3
Enter
{p. 110}
The first part of Henry the Sixt.
Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.
[Act 4, Scene 1] §
Enter King, Glocester, Winchester, Yorke, Suffolke, Somer
set, Warwicke, Talbot, and Gouernor Exeter.
set, Warwicke, Talbot, and Gouernor Exeter.
Glo.
Lord Bishop set the Crowne vpon his head.
Win.
1580 God saue King Henry of that name the sixt.
Glo.
Now Gouernour of Paris take your oath,
That you elect no other King but him;
Esteeme none Friends, but such as are his Friends,
And none your Foes, but such as shall pretend
1585 Malicious practises against his State:
This shall ye do, so helpe you righteous God.
Enter Falstaffe.
Fal.
My gracious Soueraigne, as I rode from Calice,
To haste vnto your Coronation:
A Letter was deliuer'd to my hands.
1590 Writ to your Grace, from th'Duke of Burgundy.
Tal.
Shame to the Duke of Burgundy, and thee:
I vow'd (base Knight) when I did meete the next,
To teare the Garter from thy Crauens legge,
Which I haue done, because (vnworthily)
1595 Thou was't installed in that High Degree.
Pardon me Princely Henry, and the rest:
This Dastard, at the battell of Poictiers,
When (but in all) I was sixe thousand strong,
And that the French were almost ten to one,
1600 Before we met, or that a stroke was giuen,
Like to a trustie Squire, did run away.
In which assault, we lost twelue hundred men.
My selfe, and diuers Gentlemen beside,
Were thete there surpriz'd, and taken prisoners.
1605 Then iudge (great Lords) if I haue done amisse:
Or whether that such Cowards ought to weare
This Ornament of Knighthood, yea or no?
Glo.
To say the truth, this fact was infamous,
And ill beseeming any common man;
1610 Much more a Knight, a Captaine, and a Leader.
Tal.
When first this Order was ordain'd my Lords,
Knights of the Garrer were of Noble birth;
Valiant, and Vertuous, full of haughtie Courage,
Such as were growne to credit by the warres:
1615 Not fearing Death, nor shrinking for Distresse,
But alwayes resolute, in most extreames.
He then, that is not furnish'd in this sort,
Doth but vsurpe the Sacred name of Knight,
Prophaning this most Honourable Order,
1620 And should (if I were worthy to be Iudge)
Be quite degraded, like a Hedge‑borne Swaine,
That doth prefume to boast of Gentle blood.
K.
Staine to thy Countrymen, thou hear'st thy doom:
Be packing therefore, thou that was't a knight:
1625 Henceforth we banish thee on paine of death.
And now Lord Protector, view the Letter
Sent from our Vnckle Duke of Burgundy.
Glo.
What meanes his Grace, that he hath chaung'd
his Stile?
his Stile?
No more but plaine and bluntly?
(To the King.)
1630 Hath he forgot he is his Soueraigne?
Or doth this churlish Superscription
Pretend some alteration in good will?
What's heere? I haue vpon especiall cause,
Mou'd with compassion of my Countries wracke,
1635 Together with the pittiful complaints
Of such as your oppression feedes vpon,
Forsaken your pernitious Faction,
And ioyn'd with Charles, the rightfull king of France.
O monstrous Treachery: Can this be so?
1640 That in alliance, amity, and oathes,
There should be found such false dissembling guile?
King.
What? doth my Vnckle Burgundy reuolt?
Glo.
He doth my Lord, and is become your foe.
King.
Is that the worst this Letter doth containe?
Glo.
1645 It is the worst, and all (my Lord) he writes.
King.
Why then Lord Talbot there shal talk with him,
And giue him chasticement for this abuse.
How say you (my Lord) are you not content?
Tal.
Content, my Liege? Yes: But yt I am preuented,
1650 I should haue begg'd I might haue bene employd.
King.
Then gather strength, and march vnto him
straight:
straight:
Let him perceiue how ill we brooke his Treason,
And what offence it is to flout his Friends.
Tal.
I go my Lord, in heart desiring still
1655 You may behold confusion of your foes.
Enter Vernon and Bassit.
Ver.
Grant me the Combate, gracious Soueraigne.
Bas.
And me (my Lord) grant me the Combate too.
Yorke.
This is my Seruant, heare him Noble Prince.
Som.
And this is mine (sweet Henry) fauour him.
King.
1660 Be patient Lords, and giue them leaue to speak.
Say Gentlemen, what makes you thus exclaime,
And wherefore craue you Combate? Or with whom?
Ver.
With him (my Lord) for he hath done me wrong.
Bas.
And I with him, for he hath done me wrong.
King.
1665 What is that wrong, wherof you both complain
First let me know, and then Ile answer you.
Bas.
Crossing the Sea, from England into France,
This Fellow heere with enuious carping tongue,
Vpbraided me about the Rose I weare,
1670 Saying, the sanguine colour of the Leaues
Did represent my Masters blushing cheekes;
When stubbornly he did repugne the truth,
About a certaine question in the Law,
Argu'd betwixt the Duke of Yorke, and him:
1675 With other vile and ignominious tearmes.
In confutation of which rude reproach,
And in defence of my Lords worthinesse,
I craue the benefit of Law of Armes.
Ver.
And that is my petition (Noble Lord:)
1680 For though he seeme with forged queint conceite
To set a glosse vpon his bold intent,
Yet know (my Lord) I was prouok'd by him,
And he first tooke exceptions at this badge,
Pronouncing that the palenesse of this Flower,
1685 Bewray'd the faintnesse of my Masters heart.
Yorke.
Will not this malice Somerset be left?
Som.
Your priuate grudge my Lord of York, wil out,
Though ne're so cunningly you smother it.
King.
Good Lord, what madnesse rules in braine
sicke men,
sicke men,
1690 When for so slighr slight and friuolous a cause,
Such factious æmulations shall arise?
Good Cosins both of Yorke and Somerset,
Quiet your selues (I pray) and be at peace.
Yorke.
Let this dissention first be tried by fight,
1695 And then your Highnesse shall command a Peace.
Som.
The quarrell toucheth none but vs alone,
Betwixt our selues let vs decide it then.
Yorke.
There is my pledge, accept it Somerset.
Ver.
Nay, let it rest where it began at first.
Bass.
1700 Confirme it so, mine honourable Lord.
Glo.
Confirme it so? Confounded be your strife,
And perish with your audacious prate,
Presumptuous vassals, are you not asham'd
With this immodest clamorous outrage,
1705 To trouble and disturbe the King, and Vs?
And you my Lords, me thinkes you do not well
To beare with their peruerse Obiections:
Much lesse to take occasion from their mouthes,
To raise a mutiny betwixt your selues.
1710 Let me perswade you take a better course.
Exet.
It greeues his Highnesse,
Good my Lords, be Friends.
King.
Come hither you that would be Combatants:
Henceforth I charge you, as you loue our fauour,
1715 Quite to forget this Quarrell, and the cause.
And you my Lords: Remember where we are,
In France, amongst a fickle wauering Nation:
If they perceyue dissention in our lookes,
And that within our selues we disagree;
1720 How will their grudging stomackes be prouok'd
To wilfull Disobedience, and Rebell?
Beside, What infamy will there arise,
When Forraigne Princes shall be certified,
That for a toy, a thing of no regard,
1725 King Henries Peeres, and cheefe Nobility,
Destroy'd themselues, and lost the Realme of France?
Oh thinke vpon the Conquest of my Father,
My tender yeares, and let vs not forgoe
That for a trifle, that was bought with blood.
1730 Let me be Vmper in this doubtfull strife:
I see no reason if I weare this Rose,
That any one should therefore be suspitious
I more incline to Somerset, than Yorke:
Both are my kinsmen, and I loue them both.
1735 As well they may vpbray'd me with my Crowne,
Because (forfooth) the King of Scots is Crown'd.
But your discretions better can perswade,
Then I am able to instruct or teach:
And therefore, as we hither came in peace,
1740 So let vs still continue peace, and loue.
Colin of Yorke, we institute your Grace
To be our Regent in these parts of France:
And good my Lord of Somerset, vnite
Your Troopes of horsemen, with his Bands of foote,
1745 And like true Subiects, sonnes of your Progenitors,
Go cheerefully together, and digest
Your angry Choller on your Enemies.
Our Selfe, my Lord Protector, and the rest,
After some respit, will returne to Calice;
1750 From thence to England, where I hope ere long
To be presented by your Victories,
With Charles, Alanson, and that Traiterous rout.
Exeunt. Manet Yorke, Warwick, Exeter, Vernon.
War.
My Lord of Yorke, I promise you the King
Prettily (me thought) did play the Orator.)
Yorke.
1755 And so he did, but yet I like it not,
In that he weares the badge of Somerset.
War.
Tush, that was but his fancie, blame him not,
I dare presume (sweet Prince) he thought no harme.
Yorke.
And if I wish he did. But let it rest,
1760 Other affayres must now be managed.
Exeunt.
Flourish. Manet Exeter.
Exet.
Well didst thou Richard to suppresse thy voice:
For had the passions of thy heart burst out,
I feare we should haue seene decipher'd there
More rancorous spight, more furious raging broyles,
1765 Then yet can be imagin'd or suppos'd:
But howsoere, no simple man that sees
This iarring discord of Nobilitie,
This shouldering of each other in the Court,
This factious bandying of their Fauourites,
1770 But that it doth presage some ill euent.
'Tis much, when Scepters are in Childrens hands:
But more, when Enuy breeds vnkinde deuision.
There comes the ruine, there begins confusion.
Exit.
[Act 4, Scene 2] §
Enter Talbot with Trumpe and Drumme,
before Burdeaux.
before Burdeaux.
Talb.
Go to the Gates of Burdeaux Trumpeter,
1775 Summon their Generall vnto the Wall.
Sounds.
Enter Generall aloft.
English Iohn Talbot (Captaines) call you forth,
Seruant in Armes to Harry King of England,
And thus he would. Open your Citie Gates,
Be humble to vs, call my Soueraigne yours,
1780 And do him homage as obedient Subiects,
And Ile withdraw me, and my bloody power.
But if you srowne vpon this proffer'd Peace,
You tempt the fury of my three attendants,
Leane Famine, quartering Steele, and climbing Fire,
1785 Who in a moment, eeuen with the earth,
Shall lay your stately, and ayre‑brauing Towers,
If you forsake the offer of their loue.
Cap.
Thou ominous and fearefull Owle of death,
Our Nations terror, and their bloody scourge,
1790 The period of thy Tyranny approacheth,
On vs thou canst not enter but by death:
For I protest we are well fortified,
And strong enough to issue out and fight.
If thou retire, the Dolphin well appointed,
1795 Stands with the snares of Warre to tangle thee.
On either hand thee, there are squadrons pitcht,
To wall thee from the liberty of Flight;
And no way canst thou turne thee for redresse,
But death doth front thee with apparant spoyle,
1800 And pale destruction meets thee in the face:
Ten thousand French haue tane the Sacrament,
To ryue their dangerous Artillerie
Vpon no Christian soule but English Talbot:
Loe, there thou standst a breathing valiant man
1805 Of an inuincible vnconquer'd spirit:
This is the latest Glorie of thy praise,
That I thy enemy dew thee withall:
For ere the Glasse that now begins to runne,
Finish the processe of his sandy houre,
1810 These eyes that see thee now well coloured,
Shall see thee withered, bloody, pale, and dead.
Drum a farre off.
Harke, harke, the Dolphins drumme, a warning bell,
Sings heauy Musicke to thy timorous soule,
And mine shall ring thy dire departure out.
Exit
Tal.
1815 He Fables not, I heare the enemie:
Out some light Horsemen, and peruse their Wings.
O negligent and heedlesse Discipline,
How are we park'd and bounded in a pale?
A little Heard of Englands timorous Deere,
1820 Maz'd with a yelping kennell of French Curres.
If we be English Deere, be then in blood,
Not Rascall‑like to fall downe with a pinch,
But rather moodie mad: And desperate Stagges,
Turne
{p. 112}
The first Part of Henry the Sixt.
Turne on the bloody Hounds with heads of Steele,
1825 And make the Cowards stand aloofe at bay:
Sell euery man his life as deere as mine,
And they shall finde deere Deere of vs my Friends.
God, and Saint
George, Talbot and Englands right,
Prosper our Colours in this dangerous fight.
[Act 4, Scene 3] §
Enter a Messenger that meets Yorke. Enter Yorke
with Trumpet, and many Soldiers.
with Trumpet, and many Soldiers.
Yorke.
1830 Are not the speedy scouts return'd againe,
That dog'd the mighty Army of the Dolphin?
Mess.
They are return'd my Lord, and giue it out,
That he is march'd to Burdeaux with his power
To fight with Talbot as he march'd along.
1835 By your espyals were discouered
Two mightier Troopes then that the Dolphin led,
Which ioyn'd with him, and made their march for
(Burdeaux
(Burdeaux
Yorke
A plague vpon that Villaine Somerset,
That thus delayes my promised supply
1840 Of horsemen, that were leuied for this siege.
Renowned Talbot doth expect my ayde,
And I am lowted by a Traitor Villaine,
And cannot helpe the noble Cheualier:
God comfort him in this necessity:
1845 If he miscarry, farewell Warres in France.
Enter another Messenger.
2. Mes.
Thou Princely Leader of our English strength,
Neuer so needfull on the earth of France,
Spurre to the rescue of the Noble Talbot,
Who now is girdled with a waste of Iron,
1850 And hem'd about with grim destruction:
To Burdeaux warlike Duke, to Burdeaux Yorke,
Else farwell Talbot, France, and Englands honor.
Yorke.
O God, that Somerset who in proud heart
Doth stop my Cornets, were in Talbots place,
1855 So should wee saue a valiant Gentleman,
By forfeyting a Traitor, and a Coward:
Mad ire, and wrathfull fury makes me weepe,
That thus we dye, while remisse Traitors sleepe.
Mes.
[1859] O send some succour to the distrest Lord.
Yorke.
1860 He dies, we loose: I breake my warlike word:
We mourne, France smiles: We loose, they dayly get,
All long of this vile Traitor Somerset.
Mes.
Then God take mercy on braue Talbots soule,
And on his Sonne yong Iohn, who two houres since,
1865 I met in trauaile toward his warlike Father;
This seuen yeeres did not Talbot see his sonne,
And now they meete where both their liues are done.
Yorke.
Alas, what ioy shall noble Talbot haue,
To bid his yong sonne welcome to his Graue:
1870 Away, vexation almost stoppes my breath,
That sundred friends greete in the houre of death.
Lucie farewell, no more my fortune can,
But curse the cause I cannot ayde the man.
Maine, Bloys, Poytiers, and Toures, are wonne away,
1875 Long all of Somerset, and his delay.
Exit
Mes.
Thus while the Vulture of sedition,
Feedes in the bosome of such great Commanders,
Sleeping neglection doth betray to losse:
The Conquest of our scarse‑cold Conqueror,
1880 That euer‑liuing man of Memorie,
Henrie the fift: Whiles they each other crosse,
Liues, Honours, Lands, and all, hurrie to losse.
[Act 4, Scene 4] §
Enter Somerset with his Armie.
Som.
It is too late, I cannot send them now:
This expedition was by Yorke and Talbot,
1885 Too rashly plotted. All our generall force,
Might with a sally of the very Towne
Be buckled with: the ouer‑daring Talbot
Hath sullied all his glosse of former Honor
By this vnheedfull, desperate, wilde aduenture:
1890 Yorke set him on to fight, and dye in shame,
That Talbot dead, great Yorke might beare the name.
Cap.
Heere is Sir William Lucie, who with me
Set from our ore‑matcht forces forth for ayde.
Som.
How now Sir William, whether were you sent?
Lu.
1895 Whether my Lord, from bought & sold Lord
Talbot,
Who ring'd about with bold aduersitie,
Cries out for noble Yorke and Somerset,
To beate assayling death from his weake Regions,
And whiles the honourable Captaine there
1900 Drops bloody swet from his warre‑wearied limbes,
And in aduantage lingring lookes for rescue,
You his false hopes, the trust of Englands honor,
Keep off aloofe with worthlesse emulation:
Let not your priuate discord keepe away
1905 The leuied succours that should lend him ayde,
While he renowned Noble Gentleman
Yeeld vp his life vnto a world of oddes.
Orleance the Bastard, Charles, Burgundie,
Alanson, Reignard, compasse him about,
1910 And Talbot perisheth by your default.
Som.
Yorke set him on, Yorke should haue sent him
ayde.
ayde.
Luc.
And Yorke as fast vpon your Grace exclaimes,
Swearing that you with‑hold his leuied hoast,
Collected for this expidition.
Som.
1915 York lyes: He might haue sent, & had the Horse;
I owe him little Dutie, and lesse Loue,
And take foule scorne to fawne on him by sending.
Lu.
The fraud of England, not the force of France,
Hath now intrapt the Noble‑minded Talbot:
1920 Neuer to England shall he beare his life,
But dies betraid to fortune by your strife.
Som.
Come go, I will dispatch the Horsemen strait:
Within sixe houres, they will be at his ayde.
Lu.
Too late comes rescue, he is tane or slaine,
1925 For flye he could not, if he would haue fled:
And flye would Talbot neuer though he might.
Som.
If he be dead, braue Talbot then adieu.
Lu.
His Fame liues in the world. His Shame in you.
Exeunt.
[Act 4, Scene 5] §
Enter Talbot and his Sonne.
Tal.
O yong Iohn Talbot, I did send for thee
1930 To tutor thee in stratagems of Warre,
That Talbots name might be in thee reuiu'd,
When saplesse Age, and weake vnable limbes
Should bring thy Father to his drooping Chaire.
But O malignant and ill‑boading Starres,
1935 Now thou art come vnto a Feast of death,
A terrible and vnauoyded danger;
Therefore deere Boy, mount on my swiftest horse,
And Ile direct thee how thou shalt escape
By sodaine flight. Come, dally not, be gone.
Iohn.
1940 Is my name Talbot? and am I your Sonne?
Shall
{p. 113}
The first Part of Henry the
Sixt.
And shall I flye? O, if you loue my Mother,
Dishonor not her Honorable Name,
To make a Bastard, and a Slaue of me:
The World will say, he is not Talbots blood,
1945 That basely fled, when Noble Talbot stood.
Talb.
Flye, to reuenge my death, if I be slaine.
Iohn.
He that flyes so, will ne're returne againe.
Talb.
If we both stay, we both are sure to dye.
Iohn.
Then let me stay, and Father doe you flye:
1950 Your losse is great, so your regard should be;
My worth vnknowne, no losse is knowne in me.
Vpon my death, the French can little boast;
In yours they will, in you all hopes are lost.
Flight cannot stayne the Honor you haue wonne,
1955 But mine it will, that no Exploit haue done.
You fled for Vantage, euery one will sweare:
But if I bow, they'le say it was for feare.
There is no hope that euer I will stay,
If the first howre I shrinke and run away:
1960 Here on my knee I begge Mortalitie,
Rather then Life, preseru'd with Infamie.
Talb.
Shall all thy Mothers hopes lye in one Tombe?
Iohn.
I, rather then Ile shame my Mothers Wombe.
Talb.
Vpon my Blessing I command thee goe.
Iohn.
1965 To fight I will, but not to flye the Foe.
Talb.
Part of thy Father may be sau'd in thee.
Iohn.
No part of him, but will be shame in mee.
Talb.
Thou neuer hadst Renowne, nor canst not lose it.
Iohn.
Yes, your renowned Name: shall flight abuse it?
Talb.
1970 Thy Fathers charge shal cleare thee from yt staine.
Iohn.
You cannot witnesse for me, being slaine.
If Death be so apparant, then both flye.
Talb.
And leaue my followers here to fight and dye?
My Age was neuer tainted with such shame.
Iohn.
1975 And shall my Youth be guiltie of such blame?
No more can I be seuered from your side,
Then can your selfe, your selfe in twaine diuide:
Stay, goe, doe what you will, the like doe I;
For liue I will not, if my Father dye.
Talb.
1980 Then here I take my leaue of thee, faire Sonne,
Borne to eclipse thy Life this afternoone:
Come, side by side, together liue and dye,
And Soule with Soule from France to Heauen flye.
Exit.
[Act 4, Scene 6] §
Alarum: Excursions, wherein Talbots Sonne
is hemm'd about, and Talbot
rescues him.
is hemm'd about, and Talbot
rescues him.
Talb.
Saint George, and Victory; fight Souldiers, fight:
1985 The Regent hath with Talbot broke his word,
And left vs to the rage of France his Sword.
Where is Iohn Talbot? pawse, and take thy breath,
I gaue thee Life, and rescu'd thee from Death.
Iohn.
O twice my Father, twice am I thy Sonne:
1990 The Life thou gau'st me first, was lost and done,
Till with thy Warlike Sword, despight of Fate,
To my determin'd time thou gau'st new date.
Talb.
When fro the Dolphins Crest thy Sword struck fire,
It warm'd thy Fathers heart with prowd desire
1995 Of bold‑fac't Victorie. Then Leaden Age,
Quicken'd with Youthfull Spleene, and Warlike Rage,
Beat downe Alanson, Orleance, Burgundie,
And from the Pride of Gallia rescued thee.
The irefull Bastard Orleance, that drew blood
2000 From thee my Boy, and had the Maidenhood
Of thy first fight, I soone encountred,
And interchanging blowes, I quickly shed
Some of his Bastard blood, and in disgrace
Bespoke him thus: Contaminated, base,
2005 And mis‑begotten blood, I spill of thine,
Meane and right poore, for that pure blood of mine,
Which thou didst force from Talbot, my braue Boy.
Here purposing the Bastard to destroy,
Came in strong rescue. Speake thy Fathers care:
2010 Art thou not wearie Iohn? How do'st thou fare?
Wilt thou yet leaue the Battaile, Boy, and flie,
Now thou art seal'd the Sonne of Chiualrie?
Flye, to reuenge my death when I am dead,
The helpe of one stands me in little stead.
2015 Oh, too much folly is it, well I wot,
To hazard all our liues in one small Boat.
If I to day dye not with Frenchmens Rage,
To morrow I shall dye with mickle Age.
By me they nothing gaine, and if I stay,
2020 'Tis but the shortning of my Life one day.
In thee thy Mother dyes, our Households Name,
My Deaths Reuenge, thy Youth, and Englands Fame:
All these, and more, we hazard by thy stay;
All these are sau'd, if thou wilt flye away.
Iohn.
2025 The Sword of Orleance hath not made me smart,
These words of yours draw Life‑blood from my Heart.
On that aduantage, bought with such a shame,
To saue a paltry Life, and slay bright Fame,
Before young Talbot from old Talbot flye,
2030 The Coward Horse that beares me, fall and dye:
And like me to the pesant Boyes of France.
To be Shames scorne, and subiect of Mischance.
Surely, by all the Glorie you haue wonne,
And if I flye, I am not Talbots Sonne.
2035 Then talke no more of flight, it is no boot,
If Sonne to Talbot, dye at Talbots foot.
Talb.
Then follow thou thy desp'rate Syre of Creet,
Thou Icarus, thy Life to me is sweet:
If thou wilt fight, fight by thy Fathers side,
2040 And commendable prou'd, let's dye in pride.
Exit.
[Act 4, Scene 7] §
Alarum. Excursions. Enter old
Talbot led.
Talbot led.
Talb.
Where is my other Life? mine owne is gone.
O, where's young Talbot? where is valiant Iohn?
Triumphant Death, smear'd with Captiuitie,
Young Talbots Valour makes me smile at thee.
2045 When he perceiu'd me shrinke, and on my Knee,
His bloodie Sword he brandisht ouer mee,
And like a hungry Lyon did commence
Rough deeds of Rage, and sterne Impatience:
But when my angry Guardant stood alone,
2050 Tendring my ruine, and assayl'd of none,
Dizzie‑ey'd Furie, and great rage of Heart,
Suddenly made him from my side to start
Into the clustering Battaile of the French:
And in that Sea of Blood, my Boy did drench
2055 His ouer‑mounting Spirit; and there di'de
My Icarus, my Blossome, in his pride.
Enter with Iohn Talbot, borne.
Seru.
O my deare Lord, loe where your Sonne is borne.
Tal.
Thou antique Death, which laugh'st vs here to scorn,
Anon from thy insulting Tyrannie,
2060 Coupled in bonds of perpetuitie,
Two Talbots winged through the lither Skie,
In thy despight shall scape Mortalitie.
O
{p. 114}
The first Part of Henry the Sixt.
O thou whose wounds become hard fauoured death,
Speake to thy father, ere thou yeeld thy breath,
2065 Braue death by speaking, whither he will or no:
Imagine him a Frenchman, and thy Foe.
Poore Boy, he smiles, me thinkes, as who should say,
Had Death bene French, then Death had dyed to day.
Come, come, and lay him in his Fathers armes,
2070 My spirit can no longer beare these harmes.
Souldiers adieu: I haue what I would haue,
Now my old armes are yong Iohn Talbots graue.
Dyes
Enter Charles, Alanson, Burgundie, Bastard,
and Pucell.
and Pucell.
Char.
Had Yorke and Somerset brought rescue in,
We should haue found a bloody day of this.
Bast.
2075 How the yong whelpe of Talbots raging wood,
Did flesh his punie‑sword in Frenchmens blood.
Puc.
Once I encountred him, and thus I said:
Thou Maiden youth, be vanquisht by a Maide.
But with a proud Maiesticall high scorne
2080 He answer'd thus: Yong Talbot was not borne
To be the pillage of a Giglot Wench:
So rushing in the bowels of the French,
He left me proudly, as vnworthy fight.
Bur.
Doubtlesse he would haue made a noble Knight:
2085 See where he lyes inherced in the armes
Of the most bloody Nursser of his harmes.
Bast.
Hew them to peeces, hack their bones assunder,
Whose life was Englands glory, Gallia's wonder.
Char.
Oh no forbeare: For that which we haue fled
2090 During the life, let vs not wrong it dead.
Enter Lucie.
Lu.
Herald, conduct me to the Dolphins Tent,
To know who hath obtain'd the glory of the day.
Char.
On what submissiue message art thou sent?
Lucy.
Submission Dolphin? Tis a meere French word:
2095 We English Warriours wot not what it meanes.
I come to know what Prisoners thou hast tane,
And to suruey the bodies of the dead.
Char.
For prisoners askst thou? Hell our prison is.
But tell me whom thou seek'st?
Luc.
2100 But where's the great Alcides of the field,
Valiant Lord Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury?
Created for his rare successe in Armes,
Great Earle of Washford, Waterford, and Valence,
Lord Talbot of Goodrig and Vrchinfield,
2105 Lord Strange of Blackmere, Lord Verdon of Alton,
Lord Cromwell of Wingefield, Lord Furniuall of Sheffeild,
The thrice victorious Lord of Falconbridge,
Knight of the Noble Order of Saint George,
Worthy Saint
Michael, and the Golden Fleece,
2110 Great Marshall to Henry the sixt,
Of all his Warres within the Realme of France.
Puc.
Heere's a silly stately stile indeede:
The Turke that two and fiftie Kingdomes hath,
Writes not so tedious a stile as this.
2115 Him that thou magnifi'st with all these Titles,
Stinking and fly‑blowne lyes here at our feete.
Lucy.
Is Talbot slaine, the Frenchmens only Scourge,
Your Kingdomes terror, and blacke Nemesis?
Oh were mine eye‑balles into Bullets turn'd,
2120 That I in rage might shoot them at your faces.
Oh, that I could but call these dead to life,
It were enough to fright the Realme of France.
Were but his Picture left amongst you here,
It would amaze the prowdest of you all.
2125 Giue me their Bodyes, that I may beare them hence,
And giue them Buriall, as beseemes their worth.
Pucel.
I thinke this vpstart is old Talbots Ghost,
He speakes with such a proud commanding spirit:
For Gods sake let him haue him, to keepe them here,
2130 They would but stinke, and putrifie the ayre.
Char.
Go take their bodies hence.
Lucy.
Ile beare them hence: but from their ashes shal
be reard
be reard
A Phœnix that shall make all France affear'd.
Char.
So we be rid of them, do with him what yu wilt.
2135 And now to Paris in this conquering vaine,
All will be ours, now bloody Talbots slaine.
Exit.
Scena secunda.
[Act 5, Scene 1] §
SENNET.
Enter King, Glocester, and Exeter.
King.
Haue you perus'd the Letters from the Pope,
The Emperor, and the Earle of Arminack?
Glo.
I haue my Lord, and their intent is this,
2140 They humbly sue vnto your Excellence,
To haue a godly peace concluded of,
Betweene the Realmes of England, and of France.
King.
How doth your Grace affect their motion?
Glo.
Well (my good Lord) and as the only meanes
2145 To stop effusion of our Christian blood,
And stablish quietnesse on euery side.
King.
I marry Vnckle, for I alwayes thought
It was both impious and vnnaturall,
That such immanity and bloody strife
2150 Should reigne among Professors of one Faith.
Glo.
Bcside my Lord, the sooner to effect,
And surer binde this knot of amitie,
The Earle of Arminacke neere knit to Charles,
A man of great Authoritie in France,
2155 Proffers his onely daughter to your Grace,
In marriage, with a large and sumptuous Dowrie.
King.
Marriage Vnckle? Alas my yeares are yong:
And fitter is my studie, and my Bookes,
Than wanton dalliance with a Paramour.
2160 Yet call th'Embassadors, and as you please,
So let them haue their answeres euery one;
I shall be well content with any choyce
Tends to Gods glory, and my Countries weale.
Enter Winchester, and three Ambassadors.
Exet.
What, is my Lord of Winchester install'd,
2165 And call'd vnto a Cardinalls degree?
Then I perceiue, that will be verified
Henry the Fift did sometime prophesie.
If once he come to be a Cardinall,
Hee'l make his cap coequall with the Crowne.
King.
2170 My Lords Ambassadors, your seuerall suites
Haue bin consider'd and debated on,
Your purpose is both good and reasonable:
And therefore are we certainly resolu'd,
To draw conditions of a friendly peace,
Which
{p. 115}
The first Part of Henry the
Sixt.
2175 Which by my Lord of Winchester we meane
Shall be transported presently to France.
Glo.
And for the proffer of my Lord your Master,
I haue inform'd his Highnesse so at large,
As liking of the Ladies vertuous gifts,
2180 Her Beauty, and the valew of her Dower,
He doth intend she shall be Englands Queene.
King.
In argument and proofe of which contract,
Beare her this Iewell, pledge of my affection.
And so my Lord Protector see them guarded,
2185 And safely brought to Douer, wherein ship'd
Commit them to the fortune of the sea.
Exeunt.
Win.
Stay my Lord Legate, you shall first receiue
The summe of money which I promised
Should be deliuered to his Holinesse,
2190 For cloathing me in these graue Ornaments.
Legat.
I will attend vpon your Lordships leysure.
Win.
Now Winchester will not submit, I trow,
Or be inferior to the proudest Peere;
Humfrey of Gloster, thou shalt well perceiue,
2195 That neither in birth, or for authoritie,
The Bishop will be ouer‑borne by thee:
Ile either make thee stoope, and bend thy knee,
Or sacke this Country with a mutiny.
Exeunt
Scœna Tertia.
[Act 5, Scene 2] §
Enter Charles, Burgundy, Alanson, Bastard,
Reignier, and Ione.
Reignier, and Ione.
Char.
These newes (my Lords) may cheere our droo
ping spirits:
ping spirits:
2200 'Tis said, the stout Parisians do reuolt,
And turne againe vnto the warlike French.
Alan.
Then march to Paris Royall Charles of France,
And keepe not backe your powers in dalliance.
Pucel.
Peace be amongst them if they turne to vs,
2205 Else ruine combate with their Pallaces.
Enter Scout.
Scout.
Successe vnto our valiant Generall,
And happinesse to his accomplices.
Char.
What tidings send our Scouts? I prethee speak.
Scout.
The English Army that diuided was
2210 Into two parties, is now conioyn'd in one,
And meanes to giue you battell presently.
Char.
Somewhat too sodaine Sirs, the warning is,
But we will presently prouide for them.
Bur.
I trust the Ghost of Talbot is not there:
2215 Now he is gone my Lord, you neede not feare.
Pucel.
Of all base passions, Feare is most accurst.
Command the Conquest Charles, it shall be thine:
Let Henry fret, and all the world repine.
Char.
Then on my Lords, and France be fortunate.
Exeunt. Alarum. Excursions.
[Act 5, Scene 3] §
Enter Ione de Pucell.
Puc.
2220 The Regent conquers, and the Frenchmen flye.
Now helpe ye charming Spelles and Periapts,
And ye choise spirits that admonish me,
And giue me signes of future accidents.
Thunder.
You speedy helpers, that are substitutes
2225 Vnder the Lordly Monarch of the North,
Appeare, and ayde me in this enterprize.
Enter Fiends.
This speedy and quicke appearance argues proofe
Of your accustom'd diligence to me.
Now ye Familiar Spirits, that are cull'd
2230 Out of the powerfull Regions vnder earth,
Helpe me this once, that France may get the field.
They walke, and speake not.
Oh hold me not with silence ouer‑long:
Where I was wont to feed you with my blood,
Ile lop a member off, and giue it you,
2235 In earnest of a further benefit:
So you do condiscend to helpe me now.
They hang their heads.
No hope to haue redresse? My body shall
Pay recompence, if you will graunt my suite.
They shake their heads.
Cannot my body, nor blood‑sacrifice,
2240 Intreate you to your wonted furtherance?
Then take my soule; my body, soule, and all,
Before that England giue the French the foyle.[.]
They depart.
See, they forsake me. Now the time is come,
That France must vale her lofty plumed Crest,
2245 And let her head fall into Englands lappe.
My ancient Incantations are too weake,
And hell too strong for me to buckle with:
Now France, thy glory droopeth to the dust.
Exit.
Excursions. Burgundie and Yorke fight hand to
hand. French flye.
hand. French flye.
Yorke.
Damsell of France, I thinke I haue you fast,
2250 Vnchaine your spirits now with spelling Charmes,
And try if they can gaine your liberty.
A goodly prize, sit for the diuels grace.
See how the vgly Witch doth bend her browes,
As if with Circe, she would change my shape.
Puc.
2255 Chang'd to a worser shape thou canst not be.
Yor.
Oh, Charles the Dolphin is a proper man,
No shape but his can please your dainty eye.
Puc.
A plaguing mischeefe light on Charles, and thee,
And may ye both be sodainly surpriz'd
2260 By bloudy hands, in sleeping on your beds.
Yorke.
Fell banning Hagge, Inchantresse hold thy
tongue.
tongue.
Puc.
I prethee giue me leaue to curse awhile.
Yorke.
Curse Miscreant, when thou comst to the stake
Exeunt.
Alarum. Enter Suffolke with Margaret
in his hand.
in his hand.
Suff.
Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner.
Gazes on her.
2265 Oh Fairest Beautie, do not feare, nor flye:
For I will touch thee but with reuerend hands,
I kisse these fingers for eternall peace,
And lay them gently on thy tender side.
Who art thou, say? that I may honor thee.
Mar.
2270 Margaret my name, and daughter to a King,
The King of Naples, who so ere thou art.
Suff.
An Earle I am, and Suffolke am I call'd.
Be not offended Natures myracle,
Thou art alotted to be tane by me:
2275 So doth the Swan her downie Signets saue,
Oh stay:
{p. 116}
The first Part of Henry the Sixt.
Keeping them prisoner vnderneath his wings:
Yet if this seruile vsage once offend,
Go, and be free againe, as Suffolkes friend.
She is going
Oh stay: I haue no power to let her passe,
2280 My hand would free her, but my heart sayes no.
As playes the Sunne vpon the glassie streames,
Twinkling another counterfetted beame,
So seemes this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes.
Faine would I woe her, yet I dare not speake:
2285 Ile call for Pen and Inke, and write my minde:
Fye De la Pole, disable not thy selfe:
Hast not a Tongue? Is she not heere?
Wilt thou be daunted at a Womans sight?
I: Beauties Princely Maiesty is such,
2290 'Confounds the tongue, and makes the senses rough.
Mar.
Say Earle of Suffolke, if thy name be so,
What ransome must I pay before I passe?
For I perceiue I am thy prisoner.
Suf.
How canst thou tell she will deny thy suite,
2295 Before thou make a triall of her loue?
M.
Why speak'st thou not? What ransom must I pay?
Suf.
She's beautifull; and therefore to be Wooed:
She is a Woman; therefore to be Wonne.
Mar.
Wilt thou accept of ransome, yea or no?
Suf.
2300 Fond man, remember that thou hast a wife,
Then how can Margaret be thy Paramour?
Mar.
I were best to leaue him, for he will not heare.
Suf.
There all is marr'd: there lies a cooling card.
Mar.
He talkes at randon: sure the man is mad.
Suf.
2305 And yet a dispensation may bee had.
Mar.
And yet I would that you would answer me:
Suf.
Ile win this Lady Margaret. For whom?
Why for my King: Tush, that's a woodden thing.
Mar.
He talkes of wood: It is some Carpenter.
Suf.
2310 Yet so my fancy may be satisfied,
And peace established betweene these Realmes.
But there remaines a scruple in that too:
For though her Father be the King of Naples,
Duke of Aniou and Mayne, yet is he poore,
2315 And our Nobility will scorne the match.
Mar.
Heare ye Captaine? Are you not at leysure?
Suf.
It shall be so, disdaine they ne're so much:
Henry is youthfull, and will quickly yeeld.
Madam, I haue a secret to reueale.
Mar.
2320 What though I be inthral'd, he seems a knight
And will not any way dishonor me.
Suf.
Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say.
Mar.
Perhaps I shall be rescu'd by the French,
And then I need not craue his curtesie.
Suf.
2325 Sweet Madam, giue me hearing in a cause.
Mar.
Tush, women haue bene captiuate ere now.
Suf.
Lady, wherefore talke you so?
Mar.
I cry you mercy, 'tis but Quid for Quo.
Suf.
Say gentle Princesse, would you not suppose
2330 Your bondage happy, to be made a Queene?
Mar.
To be a Queene in bondage, is more vile,
Than is a slaue, in base seruility:
For Princes should be free.
Suf.
And so shall you,
2335 If happy Englands Royall King be free.
Mar.
Why what concernes his freedome vnto mee?
Suf.
Ile vndertake to make thee Henries Queene,
To put a Golden Scepter in thy hand,
And set a precious Crowne vpon thy head,
2340 If thou wilt condiscend to be my⸺
Mar.
What?
Suf.
His loue.
Mar.
I am vnworthy to be Henries wife.
Suf.
No gentle Madam, I vnworthy am
2345 To woe so faire a Dame to be his wife,
And haue no portion in the choice my selfe.
How say you Madam, are ye so content?
Mar.
And if my Father please, I am content.
Suf.
Then call our Captaines and our Colours forth,
2350 And Madam, at your Fathers Castle walles,
Wee'l craue a parley, to conferre with him.
Sound. Enter Reignier on the Walles.
See Reignier see, thy daughter prisoner.
Reig.
To whom?
Suf.
To me.
Reig.
2355 Suffolke, what remedy?
I am a Souldier, and vnapt to weepe,
Or to exclaime on Fortunes ficklenesse.
Suf.
Yes, there is remedy enough my Lord,
Consent, and for thy Honor giue consent,
2360 Thy daughter shall be wedded to my King,
Whom I with paine haue wooed and wonne thereto:
And this her easie held imprisonment,
Hath gain'd thy daughter Princely libertie.
Reig.
Speakes Suffolke as he thinkes?
Suf.
2365 Faire Margaret knowes,
That Suffolke doth not flatter, face, or faine.
Reig.
Vpon thy Princely warrant, I descend,
To giue thee answer of thy iust demand.
Suf.
And heere I will expect thy comming.
Trumpets sound. Enter Reignier.
Reig.
2370 Welcome braue Earle into our Territories,
Command in Aniou what your Honor pleases.
Suf.
Thankes Reignier, happy for so sweet a Childe,
Fit to be made companion with a King:
What answer makes your Grace vnto my suite?
Reig.
2375 Since thou dost daigne to woe her little worth,
To be the Princely Bride of such a Lord:
Vpon condition I may quietly
Enioy mine owne, the Country Maine and Aniou,
Free from oppression, or the stroke of Warre,
2380 My daughter shall be Henries, if he please.
Suf.
That is her ransome, I deliuer her,
And those two Counties I will vndertake
Your Grace shall well and quietly enioy.
Reig.
And I againe in Henries Royall name,
2385 As Deputy vnto that gracious King,
Giue thee her hand for signe of plighted faith.
Suf.
Reignier of France, I giue thee Kingly thankes,
Because this is in Trafficke of a King.
And yet me thinkes I could be well content
2390 To be mine owne Atturney in this case.
Ile ouer then to England with this newes.
And make this marriage to be solemniz'd:
So farewell Reignier, set this Diamond safe
In Golden Pallaces as it becomes.
Reig.
2395 I do embrace thee, as I would embrace
The Christian Prince King Henrie were he heere.
Mar.
Farewell my Lord, good wishes, praise, & praiers,
Shall Suffolke euer haue of Margaret.
Shee is going.
Suf.
Farwell sweet Madam: but hearke you Margaret,
2400 No Princely commendations to my King?
Mar.
Such commendations as becomes a Maide,
A Virgin, and his Seruant, say to him.
Suf.
Words sweetly plac'd, and modestie directed,
But
{p. 117}
The first Part of Henry the Sixt.
But Madame, I must trouble you againe,
2405 No louing Token to his Maiestie?
Mar.
Yes, my good Lord, a pure vnspotted heart,
Neuer yet taint with loue, I send the King.
Suf.
And this withall.
Kisse her.
Mar.
That for thy selfe, I will not so presume,
2410 To send such peeuish tokens to a King.
Suf.
Oh wert thou for my selfe: but Suffolke stay,
Thou mayest not wander in that Labyrinth,
There Minotaurs and vgly Treasons lurke,
Solicite Henry with her wonderous praise.
2415 Bethinke thee on her Vertues that surmount,
Mad naturall Graces that extinguish Art,
Repeate their semblance often on the Seas,
That when thou com'st to kneele at Henries feete,
Thou mayest bereaue him of his wits with wonder.
Exit
[Act 5, Scene 4] §
Enter Yorke, Warwicke, Shepheard, Pucell.
Yor.
2420 Bring forth that Sorceresse condemn'd to burne.
Shep.
Ah Ione, this kils thy Fathers heart out‑right,
Haue I sought euery Country farre and neere,
And now it is my chance to finde thee out,
Must I behold thy timelesse cruell death:
2425 Ah Ione, sweet daughter Ione, Ile die with thee.
Pucel.
Decrepit Miser, base ignoble Wretch,
I am descended of a gentler blood.
Thou art no Father, nor no Friend of mine.
Shep.
Out, out: My Lords, and please you, 'tis not so
2430 I did beget her, all the Parish knowes:
Her Mother liueth yet, can testifie
She was the first fruite of my Bach'ler‑ship.
War.
Gracelesse, wilt thou deny thy Parentage?
Yorke.
This argues what her kinde of life hath beene,
2435 Wicked and vile, and so her death concludes.
Shep.
Fye Ione, that thou wilt be so obstacle:
God knowes, thou art a collop of my flesh,
And for thy sake haue I shed many a teare:
Deny me not, I prythee, gentle Ione.
Pucell.
2440 Pezant auant. You haue suborn'd this man
Of purpose, to obscure my Noble birth.
Shep.
'Tis true, I gaue a Noble to the Priest,
The morne that I was wedded to her mother.
Kneele downe and take my blessing, good my Gyrle.
2445 Wilt thou not stoope? Now cursed be the time
Of thy natiuitie: I would the Milke
Thy mother gaue thee when thou suck'st her brest,
Had bin a little Rats‑bane for thy sake.
Or else, when thou didst keepe my Lambes a‑field,
2450 I wish some rauenous Wolfe had eaten thee.
Doest thou deny thy Father, cursed Drab?
O burne her, burne her, hanging is too good.
Exit.
Yorke.
Take her away, for she hath liu'd too long,
To fill the world with vicious qualities.
Puc.
2455 First let me tell you whom you haue condemn'd;
Not me, begotten of a Shepheard Swaine,
But issued from the Progeny of Kings.
Vertuous and Holy, chosen from aboue,
By inspiration of Celestiall Grace,
2460 To worke exceeding myracles on earth.
I neuer had to do with wicked Spirits.
But you that are polluted with your lustes,
Stain'd with the guiltlesse blood of Innocents,
Corrupt and tainted with a thousand Vices:
2465 Because you want the grace that others haue,
You iudge it straight a thing impossible
To compasse Wonders, but by helpe of diuels.
No misconceyued, Ione of Aire hath beene
A Virgin from her tender infancie,
2470 Chaste, and immaculate in very thought,
Whose Maiden‑blood thus rigorously effus'd,
Will cry for Vengeance, at the Gates of Heauen.
Yorke.
I, I: away with her to execution.
War.
And hearke ye sirs: because she is a Maide,
2475 Spare for no Faggots, let there be enow:
Place barrelles of pitch vpon the fatall stake,
That so her torture may be shortned.
Puc.
Will nothing turne your vnrelenting hearts?
Then Ione discouer thine infirmity,
2480 That wartanteth warranteth by Law, to be thy priuiledge.
I am with childe ye bloody Homicides:
Murther not then the Fruite within my Wombe,
Although ye hale me to a violent death.
Yor.
Now heauen forfend, the holy Maid with child?
War.
2485 The greatest miracle that ere ye wrought.
Is all your strict precisenesse come to this?
Yorke.
She and the Dolphin haue bin iugling,
I did imagine what would be her refuge.
War.
Well go too, we'll haue no Bastards liue,
2490 Especially since Charles must Father it.
Puc.
You are deceyu'd, my childe is none of his,
It was Alanson that inioy'd my loue.
Yorke.
Alanson that notorious Macheuile?
It dyes, and if it had a thousand liues.
Pue.
2495 Oh giue me leaue, I haue deluded you,
'Twas neyther Charles, nor yet the Duke I nam'd,
But Reignier King of Naples that preuayl'd.
War.
A married man, that's most intollerable.
Yor.
Why here's a Gyrle: I think she knowes not wel
2500 (There were so many) whom she may accuse.
War.
It's signe she hath beene liberall and free.
Yor.
And yet forsooth she is a Virgin pure.
Strumpet, thy words condemne thy Brat, and thee.
Vse no intreaty, for it is in vaine.
Pu.
2505 Then lead me hence: with whom I leaue my curse.
May neuer glorious Sunne reflex his beames
Vpon the Countrey where you make abode:
But darknesse, and the gloomy shade of death
Inuiron you, till Mischeefe and Dispaire,
2510 Driue you to break your necks, or hang your selues.
Exit
Enter Cardinall.
Yorke.
Breake thou in peeces, and consume to ashes,
Thou fowle accursed minister of Hell.
Car.
Lord Regent, I do greete your Excellence
With Letters of Commission from the King.
2515 For know my Lords, the states of Christendome,
Mou'd with remorse of these out‑ragious broyles,
Haue earnestly implor'd a generall peace,
Betwixt our Nation, and the aspyring French;
And heere at hand, the Dolphin and his Traine
2520 Approacheth, to conferre about some matter.
Yorke.
Is all our trauell turn'd to this effect,
After the slaughter of so many Peeres,
So many Captaines, Gentlemen, and Soldiers,
That in this quarrell haue beene ouerthrowne,
2525 And sold their bodyes for their Countryes benefit,
Shall we at last conclude effeminate peace?
Haue we not lost most part of all the Townes,
By Treason, Falshood, and by Treacherie,
Our great Progenitors had conquered:
2530 Oh Warwicke, Warwicke, I foresee with greefe
The vtter losse of all the Realme of France.
War.
Be patient Yorke, if we conclude a Peace
m
It
{p. 118}
It shall be with such strict and seuere Couenants,
As little shall the Frenchmen gaine thereby.
Enter Charles, Alanson, Bastard, Reignier.
Char.
2535 Since Lords of England, it is thus agreed,
That peacefull truce shall be proclaim'd in France,
We come to be informed by your selues,
What the conditions of that league must be.
Yorke.
Speake Winchcster, for boyling choller chokes
2540 The hollow passage of my poyson'd voyce,
By sight of these our balefull enemies.
Win.
Charles, and the rest, it is enacted thus:
That in regard King Henry giues consent,
Of meere compassion, and of lenity,
2545 To ease your Countrie of distressefull Warre,
And suffer you to breath in fruitfull peace,
You shall become true Liegemen to his Crowne.
And Charles, vpon condition thou wilt sweare
To pay him tribute, and submit thy selfe,
2550 Thou shalt be plac'd as Viceroy vnder him,
And still enioy thy Regall dignity.
Alan.
Must he be then as shadow of himselfe?
Adorne his Temples with a Coronet,
And yet in substance and authority,
2555 Retaine but priuiledge of a priuate man?
This proffer is absurd, and reasonlesse.
Char.
'Tis knowne already that I am possest
With more then halfe the Gallian Territories,
And therein reuerenc'd for their lawfull King.
2560 Shall I for lucre of the rest vn‑vanquisht,
Detract so much from that prerogatiue,
As to be call'd but Viceroy of the whole?
No Lord Ambassador, Ile rather keepe
That which I haue, than coueting for more
2565 Be cast from possibility of all.
Yorke.
Insulting Charles, hast thou by secret meanes
Vs'd intercession to obtaine a league,
And now the matter growes to compremize,
Stand'st thou aloofe vpon Comparison.
2570 Either accept the Title thou vsurp'st,
Of benefit proceeding from our King,
And not of any challenge of Desert,
Or we will plague thee with incessant Warres.
Reig.
My Lord, you do not well in obstinacy,
2575 To cauill in the course of this Contract:
If once it be neglected, ten to one,
We shall not finde like opportunity.
Alan.
To say the truth, it is your policie,
To saue your Subiects from such massacre
2580 And ruthlesse slaughters as are dayly seene
By our proceeding in Hostility,
And therefore take this compact of a Truce,
Although you breake it, when your pleasure serues.
War.
How sayst thou Charles?
2585 Shall our Condition stand?
Char.
It Shall:
Onely reseru'd, you claime no interest
In any our Townes of Garrison.
Yor.
Then sweare Allegeance to his Maiesty,
2590 As thou art Knight, neuer to disobey,
Nor be Rebellious to the Crowne of England,
Thou nor thy Nobles, to the Crowne of England.
So, now dismisse your Army when ye please:
Hang vp your Ensignes, let your Drummes be still,
2595 For heere we entertaine a solemne peace.
Exeunt
Actus Quintus.
[Act 5, Scene 5] §
Enter Suffolke in conference with the King,
Glocester and Exeter.
Glocester and Exeter.
King.
Your wondrous rare description (noble Earle)
Of beauteous Margaret hath astonish'd me:
Her vertues graced with externall gifts,
Do breed Loues setled passions in my heart,
2600 And like as rigour of tempestuous gustes
Prouokes the mightiest Hulke against the tide,
So am I driuen by breath of her Renowne,
Either to suffer Shipwracke, or arriue
Where I may haue fruition of her Loue.
Suf.
2605 Tush my good Lord, this superficiall tale,
Is but a preface of her worthy praise:
The cheefe perfections of that louely Dame,
(Had I sufficient skill to vtter them)
Would make a volume of inticing lines,
2610 Able to rauish any dull conceit.
And which is more, she is not so Diuine,
So full repleate with choice of all delights,
But with as humble lowlinesse of minde,
She is content to be at your command:
2615 Command I meane, of Vertuous chaste intents,
To Loue, and Honor Henry as her Lord.
King.
And otherwise, will Henry ne're presume:
Therefore my Lord Protector, giue consent,
That Marg'ret may be Englands Royall Queene.
Glo.
2620 So should I giue consent to flatter sinne,
You know (my Lord) your Highnesse is betroath'd
Vnto another Lady of esteeme,
How shall we then dispense with that contract,
And not deface your Honor with reproach?
Suf.
2625 As doth a Ruler with vnlawfull Oathes,
Or one that at a Triumph, hauing vow'd
To try his strength, forsaketh yet the Listes
By reason of his Aduersaries oddes.
A poore Earles daughter is vnequall oddes,
2630 And therefore may be broke without offence.
Gloucester.
Why what (I pray) is Margaret more
then that?
then that?
Her Father is no better than an Earle,
Although in glorious Titles he excell.
Suf.
Yes my Lord, her Father is a King,
2635 The King of Naples, and Ierusalem,
And of such great Authoritie in France,
As his alliance will confirme our peace,
And keepe the Frenchmen in Allegeance.
Glo.
And so the Earle of Arminacke may doe,
2640 Because he is neere Kinsman vnto Charles.
Exet.
Beside, his wealth doth warrant a liberal dower,
Where Reignier sooner will receyue, than giue.
Suf.
A Dowre my Lords? Disgrace not so your King,
That he should be so abiect, base, and poore,
2645 To choose for wealth, and not for perfect Loue.
Henry is able to enrich his Queene,
And not to seeke a Queene to make him rich,
So worthlesse Pezants bargaine for their Wiues,
As Market men for Oxen, Sheepe, or Horse,
2650 Marriage is a matter of more worth,
Then to be dealt in by Atturney‑ship:
Not whom we will, but whom his Grace affects,
Must
{p. 119}
The first Part of Henry the Sixt.
Must be companion of his Nuptiall bed.
And therefore Lords, since he affects her most,
2655 Most of all these reasons bindeth vs,
In our opinions she should be preferr'd.
For what is wedloeke wedlocke forced? but a Hell,
An Age of discord and continuall strife,
Whereas the contrarie bringeth blisse,
2660 And is a patterne of Celestiall peace.
Whom should we match with Henry being a King,
But Margaret, that is daughter to a King:
Her peerelesse feature, ioyned with her birth,
Approues her fit for none, but for a King.
2665 Her valiant courage, and vndaunted spirit,
(More then in women commonly is seene)
Will answer our hope in issue of a King.
For Henry, sonne vnto a Conqueror,
Is likely to beget more Conquerors,
2670 If with a Lady of so high resolue,
(As is faire Margaret) he be link'd in loue.
Then yeeld my Lords, and heere conclude with mee,
That Margaret shall be Queene, and none but shee.
King.
Whether it be through force of your report,
2675 My Noble Lord of Suffolke: Or for that
My tender youth was neuer yet attaint
With any passion of inflaming loue,
I cannot tell: but this I am assur'd,
I feele such sharpe dissention in my breast,
2680 Such fierce alarums both of Hope and Feare,
As I am sicke with working of my thoughts.
Take therefore shipping, poste my Lord to France;
Agree to any couenants, and procure
That Lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come
2685 To crosse the Seas to England, and be crown'd
King Henries faithfull and annointed Queene.
For your expences and sufficient charge,
Among the people gather vp a tenth.
Be gone I say, for till you do returne,
2690 I rest perplexed with a thousand Cares.
And you (good Vnckle) banish all offence:
If you do censure me, by what you were,
Not what you are, I know it will excuse
This sodaine execution of my will.
2695 And so conduct me, where from company,
I may reuolue and ruminate my greefe.
Exit.
Glo.
I greefe I feare me, both at first and last.
Exit Glocester.
Suf.
Thus Suffolke hath preuail'd, and thus he goes
As did the youthfull Paris once to Greece,
2700 With hope to finde the like euent in loue,
But prosper better than the Troian did:
Margaret shall now be Queene, and rule the King:
But I will rule both her, the King, and Realme.
Exit
FINIS.