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  COUNTESS。

  Butthatyourlipsweresacred,myLord,Youwouldprofanetheholynameoflove。

  Thatloveyouoffermeyoucannotgive,ForCaesarowesthattributetohisQueen;

  ThatloveyoubegofmeIcannotgive,ForSaraowesthatdutytoherLord。

  HethatdothcliporcounterfeityourstampShalldie,myLord;andwillyoursacredselfCommithightreasonagainsttheKingofheaven,TostamphisImageinforbiddenmetal,Forgettingyourallegianceandyouroath?

  Inviolatingmarriagesacredlaw,Youbreakagreaterhonorthanyourself:

  TobeaKingisofayoungerhouseThantobemarried;yourprogenitour,SolereigningAdamontheuniverse,ByGodwashonoredforamarriedman,Butnotbyhimanointedforaking。

  Itisapenaltytobreakyourstatutes,Thoughnotenactedwithyourhighness’hand:

  Howmuchmore,toinfringetheholyact,MadebythemouthofGod,sealedwithhishand?

  Iknow,mysovereign,inmyhusband’slove,Whonowdothloyalserviceinhiswars,DothbutsotrythewifeofSalisbury,Whithershewillhearawanton’staleorno,Lestbeingthereinguiltybymystay,>Fromthat,notfrommyliege,Iturnaway。

  [Exit。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  Whetherisherbeautybyherwordsdying,Orareherwordssweetchaplainstoherbeauty?

  Likeasthewinddothbeautifyasail,Andasasailbecomestheunseenwind,Sodoherwordsherbeauties,beautieswords。

  O,thatIwereahoneygatheringbee,Tobearthecombofvirtuefromthisflower,Andnotapoisonsuckingenviousspider,ToturnthejuiceItaketodeadlyvenom!

  Religionisaustereandbeautygentle;

  Toostrictaguardianforsofairaward!

  O,thatshewere,asistheair,tome!

  Why,sosheis,forwhenIwouldembraceher,ThisdoI,andcatchnothingbutmyself。

  Imustenjoyher;forIcannotbeatWithreasonandreprooffondloveaway。

  [EnterWarwick。]

  Herecomesherfather:Iwillworkwithhim,Tobearmycoloursinthisfieldoflove。

  WARWICK。

  Howisitthatmysovereignissosad?

  MayIwithpardonknowyourhighnessgrief;

  Andthatmyoldendeavorwillremoveit,Itshallnotcumberlongyourmajesty。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Akindandvoluntarygiftthouproferest,ThatIwasforwardtohavebeggedofthee。

  But,Othouworld,greatnurseofflattery,Whydostthoutipmen’stongueswithgoldenwords,Andpeisetheirdeedswithweightofheavylead,Thatfairperformancecannotfollowpromise?

  O,thatamanmightholdtheheart’sclosebookAndchokethelavishtongue,whenitdothutterThebreathoffalsehoodnotcharacteredthere!

  WARWICK。

  Farbeitfromthehonorofmyage,ThatIshouldowebrightgoldandrenderlead;

  Ageisacynic,notaflatterer。

  Isayagain,thatifIknewyourgrief,Andthatbymeitmaybelessened,Myproperharmshouldbuyyourhighnessgood。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Thesearethevulgartendersoffalsemen,Thatneverpaythedutyoftheirwords。

  Thouwiltnotsticktoswearwhatthouhastsaid;

  But,whenthouknowestmygrief’scondition,ThisrashdisgorgedvomitofthywordThouwilteatupagain,andleavemehelpless。

  WARWICK。

  Byheaven,Iwillnot,thoughyourmajestyDidbidmerunuponyourswordanddie。

  KINGEDWARD。

  SaythatmygriefisnowaymedicinableButbythelossandbruisingofthinehonour。

  WARWICK。

  Ifnothingbutthatlossmayvantageyou,Iwouldaccomptthatlossmyvantagetoo。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Thinkstthatthoucanstunswearthyoathagain?

  WARWICK。

  Icannot;norIwouldnot,ifIcould。

  KINGEDWARD。

  But,ifthoudost,whatshallIsaytothee?

  WARWICK。

  Whatmaybesaidtoanyperjuredvillain,Thatbreaksthesacredwarrantofanoath。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Whatwiltthousaytoonethatbreaksanoath?

  WARWICK。

  ThathehathbrokehisfaithwithGodandman,Andfromthembothstandsexcommunicate。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Whatofficewereit,tosuggestamanTobreakalawfulandreligiousvow?

  WARWICK。

  Anofficeforthedevil,notforman。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Thatdevil’sofficemustthoudoforme,Orbreakthyoath,orcancelallthebondsOfloveanddutytwixtthyselfandme;

  Andtherefore,Warwick,ifthouartthyself,TheLordandmasterofthywordandoath,Gotothydaughter;andinmybehalfCommandher,wooher,winheranyways,Tobemymistressandmysecretlove。

  Iwillnotstandtoheartheemakereply:

  Thyoathbreakhers,orletthysovereigndie。

  [Exit。]

  WARWICK。

  OdotingKing!Odetestableoffice!

  WellmayItemptmyselftowrongmyself,WhenhehathswornmebythenameofGodTobreakavowmadebythenameofGod。

  What,ifIswearbythisrighthandofmineTocutthisrighthandoff?ThebetterwayWeretoprofanetheIdolthanconfoundit:

  ButneitherwillIdo;I’llkeepmineoath,AndtomydaughtermakearecantationOfallthevirtueIhavepreachttoher:

  I’llsay,shemustforgetherhusbandSalisbury,Ifsheremembertoembracetheking;

  I’llsay,anoathmayeasilybebroken,Butnotsoeasilypardoned,beingbroken;

  I’llsay,itistruecharitytolove,Butnottruelovetobesocharitable;

  I’llsay,hisgreatnessmaybearouttheshame,Butnothiskingdomcanbuyoutthesin;

  I’llsay,itismydutytopersuade,Butnotherhonestytogiveconsent。

  [EnterCountess。]

  Seewhereshecomes;wasneverfatherhadAgainsthischildanembassagesobad?

  COUNTESS。

  MyLordandfather,Ihavesoughtforyou:

  MymotherandthePeersimportuneyouTokeepinpresenceofhismajesty,Anddoyourbesttomakehishighnessmerry。

  WARWICK。

  [Aside。]HowshallIenterinthisgracelessarrant?

  Imustnotcallherchild,forwhere’sthefatherThatwillinsuchasuitseducehischild?

  Then,’wifeofSalisbury’;shallIsobegin?

  No,he’smyfriend,andwhereisfoundthefriendThatwilldofriendshipsuchindammagement?

  [TotheCountess。]

  Neithermydaughternormydearfriend’swife,IamnotWarwick,asthouthinkstIam,ButanattorneyfromtheCourtofhell,Thatthushavehousedmyspiritinhisform,Todoamessagetotheefromtheking。

  ThemightykingofEnglanddotesonthee:

  Hethathathpowertotakeawaythylife,Hathpowertotakethyhonor;thenconsentTopawnthinehonorratherthanthylife:

  Honorisoftenlostandgotagain,Butlife,oncegone,hathnorecovery。

  TheSun,thatwithershay,dothnourishgrass;

  Theking,thatwoulddisdainthee,willadvancethee。

  ThePoetswritethatgreatAchilles’spearCouldhealthewounditmade:themoralis,Whatmightymenmisdo,theycanamend。

  TheLyondothbecomehisbloodyjaws,Andgracehisforragementbybeingmild,Whenvasselfearliestremblingathisfeet。

  Thekingwillinhisgloryhidethyshame;

  Andthosethatgazeonhimtofindoutthee,Willlosetheireye-sight,lookingintheSun。

  WhatcanonedropofpoisonharmtheSea,WhosehugevasturescandigesttheillAndmakeitloosehisoperation?

  Theking’sgreatnamewilltemperthymisdeeds,Andgivethebitterpotionofreproach,Asugared,sweetandmostdelicioustaste。

  Besides,itisnoharmtodothethingWhichwithoutshamecouldnotbeleftundone。

  ThushaveIinhismajesty’sbehalfAppareledsininvirtuoussentences,Anddwelluponthyanswerinhissuit。

  COUNTESS。

  Unnaturalbesiege!woemeunhappy,Tohaveescapedthedangerofmyfoes,Andtobetentimesworseinjuredbyfriends!

  Hathhenomeanstostainmyhonestblood,ButtocorrupttheauthorofmybloodTobehisscandalousandvilesolicitor?

  Nomarvelthoughthebranchesbetheninfected,Whenpoisonhathencompassedtheroot:

  Nomarvelthoughtheleprousinfantdie,WhenthesterndameinvenomeththeDug。

  Whythen,givesinapassporttooffend,Andyouththedangerousreignofliberty:

  Blotoutthestrictforbiddingofthelaw,AndcanceleverycannonthatprescribesAshameforshameorpenanceforoffence。

  No,letmedie,ifhistooboistrouswillWillhaveitso,beforeIwillconsentTobeanactorinhisgracelesslust。

  WARWICK。

  Why,nowthouspeakstasIwouldhavetheespeak:

  AndmarkhowIunsaymywordsagain。

  AnhonorablegraveismoreesteemedThanthepollutedclosetofaking:

  Thegreaterman,thegreateristhething,Beitgoodorbad,thatheshallundertake:

  Anunreputedmote,flyingintheSun,Presentsagreatersubstancethanitis:

  Thefreshestsummer’sdaydothsoonesttaintTheloathedcarrionthatitseemstokiss:

  DeeparetheblowsmadewithamightyAxe:

  Thatsindothtentimesaggravateitself,Thatiscommittedinaholyplace:

  Anevildeed,donebyauthority,Issinandsubornation:DeckanApeIntissue,andthebeautyoftherobeAddsbutthegreaterscornuntothebeast。

  AspatiousfieldofreasonscouldIurgeBetweenhisglory,daughter,andthyshame:

  Thatpoisonshewsworstinagoldencup;

  Darknightseemsdarkerbythelightningflash;

  Liliesthatfestersmellfarworsethanweeds;

  Andeveryglorythatinclinestosin,Theshameistreblebytheopposite。

  SoleaveIwithmyblessinginthybosom,Whichthenconverttoamostheavycurse,Whenthouconvertestfromhonor’sgoldennameTotheblackfactionofbedblottingshame。

  COUNTESS。

  I’llfollowthee;andwhenmymindturnsso,Mybodysinkmysoulinendlesswoe!

  [Exeunt。]

  ACTII。SCENEII。TheSame。ARoomintheCastle。

  [EnteratonedoorDerbyfromFrance,AtanotherdoorAudleywithaDrum。]

  DERBY。

  ThricenobleAudley,wellencounteredhere!

  Howisitwithoursovereignandhispeers?

  AUDLEY。

  Tisfullafortnight,sinceIsawhishighnessWhattimehesentmeforthtomustermen;

  WhichIaccordinglyhavedone,andbringthemhitherInfairarraybeforehismajesty。

  Whatnews,myLordofDerby,fromtheEmperor?

  DERBY。

  Asgoodaswedesire:theEmperorHathyieldedtohishighnessfriendlyaid,AndmakesourkinglieutenantgeneralInallhislandsandlargedominions;

  ThenviaforthespatiousboundsofFrance!

  AUDLEY。

  What,dothhishighnessleaptohearthesenews?

  DERBY。

  Ihavenotyetfoundtimetoopenthem;

  Thekingisinhiscloset,malcontent;

  Forwhat,Iknownot,buthegaveincharge,Tillafterdinnernoneshouldinterrupthim:

  TheCountessSalisburyandherfatherWarwick,Artoisandalllookunderneaththebrows。

  AUDLEY。

  Undoubtedly,then,somethingisamiss。

  [Trumpetwithin。]

  DERBY。

  TheTrumpetssound,thekingisnowabroad。

  [EntertheKing。]

  AUDLEY。

  Herecomeshishighness。

  DERBY。

  Befallmysovereignallmysovereign’swish!

  KINGEDWARD。

  Ah,thatthouwertaWitchtomakeitso!

  DERBY。

  TheEmperourgreetethyou。

  [PresentingLetters。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  ——WoulditweretheCountess!

  DERBY。

  Andhathaccordedtoyourhighnesssuite。

  KINGEDWARD。

  ——Thouliest,shehathnot;butIwouldshehad。

  AUDLEY。

  AllloveanddutytomyLordtheKing!

  KINGEDWARD。

  Well,allbutoneisnone。——Whatnewswithyou?

  AUDLEY。

  Ihave,myliege,leviedthosehorseandfootAccordingtoyourcharge,andbroughtthemhither。

  KINGEDWARD。

  ThenletthosefoottrudgehenceuponthosehorseAccordingtoourdischarge,andbegone。——

  Darby,I’lllookupontheCountess’mindanon。

  DERBY。

  TheCountess’mind,myliege?

  KINGEDWARD。

  ImeantheEmperour:——leavemealone。

  AUDLEY。

  Whatishismind?

  DERBY。

  Let’sleavehimtohishumor。

  [Exeunt。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  Thusfromtheheart’saboundancespeaksthetongue;

  CountessforEmperour:andindeed,whynot?

  SheisasimperatorovermeAndItoherAmasakneelingvassal,thatobservesThepleasureordispleasureofhereye。

  [EnterLodowick。]

  WhatsaysthemorethanCleopatra’smatchToCaesarnow?

  LODOWICK。

  Thatyet,myliege,erenightShewillresolveyourmajesty。

  [Drumwithin。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  Whatdrumisthisthatthundersforththismarch,TostartthetenderCupidinmybosom?

  Poorshipskin,howitbrawlswithhimthatbeatethit!

  Go,breakthethundringparchmentbottomout,AndIwillteachittoconductsweetlinesUntothebosomofaheavenlyNymph;

  ForIwilluseitasmywritingpaper,AndsoreducehimfromascoldingdrumTobetheheraldanddearcounselbearerBetwixtagoddessandamightyking。

  Go,bidthedrummerlearntotouchtheLute,Orhanghiminthebracesofhisdrum,Fornowwethinkitanuncivilthing,Totroubleheavenwithsuchharshresounds:

  Away!

  [Exit。]

  ThequarrelthatIhaverequiresnoarmsButtheseofmine:andtheseshallmeetmyfoeInadeepmarchofpenetrablegroans;

  Myeyesshallbemyarrows,andmysighsShallservemeasthevantageofthewind,Towhirlawaymysweetestartillery。

  Ah,but,alas,shewinsthesunofme,Forthatissheherself,andthenceitcomesThatPoetstermthewantonwarriorblind;

  Butlovehatheyesasjudgementtohissteps,Tilltoomuchlovedglorydazzlesthem。——

  [EnterLodowick。]

  Hownow?

  LODOWICK。

  Myliege,thedrumthatstrokethelustymarch,StandswithPrinceEdward,yourthricevaliantson。

  [EnterPrinceEdward。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  Iseetheboy;oh,howhismother’sface,Modeledinhis,correctsmystrayeddesire,Andratesmyheart,andchidesmythievisheye,Who,beingrichenoughinseeingher,Yetseekselsewhere:andbasesttheftisthatWhichcannotcloakitselfonpoverty。——

  Now,boy,whatnews?

  PRINCEEDWARD。

  Ihaveassembled,mydearLordandfather,ThechoicestbudsofallourEnglishbloodForouraffairsinFrance;andherewecomeTotakedirectionfromyourmajesty。

  KINGEDWARD。

  StilldoIseeinhimdelineateHismother’svisage;thosehiseyesarehers,Who,lookingwistelyonme,makemeblush:

  Forfaultsagainstthemselvesgiveevidence;

  Lustisfire,andmenlikelanthornesshowLightlustwithinthemselves,eventhroughthemselves。

  Away,loosesilksofwaveringvanity!

  ShallthelargelimitoffairBrittainBymebeoverthrown,andshallInotMasterthislittlemansionofmyself?

  GivemeanArmorofeternalsteel!

  Igotoconquerkings;andshallInotthenSubduemyself?andbemyenemy’sfriend?

  Itmustnotbe。——Come,boy,forward,advance!

  Let’swithourcolourssweettheAirofFrance。

  [EnterLodowick。]

  LODOWICK。

  Myliege,theCountesswithasmilingcheerDesiresaccessuntoyourMajesty。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Why,thereitgoes!ThatverysmileofhersHathransomedcaptiveFrance,andsettheKing,TheDauphin,andthePeersatliberty。——

  Go,leaveme,Ned,andrevelwiththyfriends。

  [ExitPrinceEdward。]

  Thymotherisbutblack,andthou,likeher,Dostputitinmymindhowfoulsheis。——

  Go,fetchtheCountesshitherinthyhand,Andletherchaseawaythesewinterclouds,Forshegivesbeautybothtoheavenandearth。

  [ExitLodowick。]

  Thesinismoretohackandhewpoormen,ThantoembraceinanunlawfulbedTheregisterofallraritiesSinceLetherneAdamtillthisyoungesthour。

  [EnterCountessescortedbyLodowick。]

  Go,Lodowick,putthyhandintomypurse,Play,spend,give,riot,waste,dowhatthouwilt,Sothouwilthenceawhileandleavemehere。

  [ExitLodowick。]

  Now,mysoul’splayfellow,artthoucomeTospeakthemorethanheavenlywordofyeaTomyobjectioninthybeauteouslove?

  COUNTESS。

  Myfatheronhisblessinghathcommanded——

  KINGEDWARD。

  Thatthoushaltyieldtome?

  COUNTESS。

  Aye,dearmyliege,yourdue。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Andthat,mydearestlove,canbenolessThanrightforrightandtenderloveforlove。

  COUNTESS。

  Thenwrongforwrongandendlesshateforhate。——

  But,——sithIseeyourmajestysobent,Thatmyunwillingness,myhusband’slove,Yourhighestate,nornorespectrespectedCanbemyhelp,butthatyourmightinessWilloverbearandawethesedearregards——

  Ibindmydiscontenttomycontent,AndwhatIwouldnotI’llcompelIwill,ProvidedthatyourselfremovethoseletsThatstandbetweenyourhighness’loveandmine。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Namethem,fairCountess,and,byheaven,Iwill。

  COUNTESS。

  Itistheirlivesthatstandbetweenourlove,ThatIwouldhavechokedup,mysovereign。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Whoselives,myLady?

  COUNTESS。

  Mythricelovingliege,YourQueenandSalisbury,myweddedhusband,Wholivinghavethattitleinourlove,Thatwecannotbestowbutbytheirdeath。

  KINGEDWARD。

  ThyoppositionisbeyondourLaw。

  COUNTESS。

  Soisyourdesire:ifthelawCanhinderyoutoexecutetheone,Letitforbidyoutoattempttheother。

  Icannotthinkyoulovemeasyousay,Unlessyoudomakegoodwhatyouhavesworn。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Nomore;thyhusbandandtheQueenshalldie。

  FairerthouartbyfarthanHerowas,BeardlessLeandernotsostrongasI:

  Heswomaneasycurrentforhislove,ButIwillthroughaHellespontofblood,ToarriveatCestuswheremyHerolies。

  COUNTESS。

  Nay,you’lldomore;you’llmaketheRivertoWiththeirheartbloodsthatkeepourloveasunder,Ofwhichmyhusbandandyourwifearetwain。

  KINGEDWARD。

  ThybeautymakesthemguiltyoftheirdeathAndgivesinevidencethattheyshalldie;

  UponwhichverdictI,theirJudge,condemnthem。

  COUNTESS。

  [Aside。]Operjuredbeauty,morecorruptedJudge!

  WhentothegreatStar-chambero’erourheadsTheuniversalSessionscallstocountThispackingevil,webothshalltrembleforit。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Whatsaysmyfairlove?issheresolute?

  COUNTESS。

  Resolutetobedissolute;and,therefore,this:

  Keepbutthyword,greatking,andIamthine。

  Standwherethoudost,I’llpartalittlefromthee,AndseehowIwillyieldmetothyhands。

  [Turningsuddenlyuponhim,andshewingtwoDaggers。]

  Herebymysidedothhangmyweddingknifes:

  Takethoutheone,andwithitkillthyQueen,Andlearnbymetofindherwhereshelies;

  AndwiththisotherI’lldispatchmylove,Whichnowliesfastasleepwithinmyheart:

  Whentheyaregone,thenI’llconsenttolove。

  Stirnot,lasciviousking,tohinderme;

  Myresolutionismorenimblerfar,Thanthypreventioncanbeinmyrescue,Andifthoustir,Istrike;therefore,standstill,AndhearthechoicethatIwillputtheeto:

  EithersweartoleavethymostunholysuitAndneverhenceforthtosolicitme;

  Orelse,byheaven,thissharppointedknifeShallstainthyearthwiththatwhichthouwouldstain,Mypoorchasteblood。Swear,Edward,swear,OrIwillstrikeanddiebeforetheehere。

  KINGEDWARD。

  EvenbythatpowerIswear,thatgivesmenowThepowertobeashamedofmyself,InevermeantopartmylipsagainInanywordsthattendstosuchasuit。

  Arise,trueEnglishLady,whomourIsleMaybetterboastofthaneverRomanmightOfher,whoseransackedtreasuryhathtasktThevainendeavorofsomanypens:

  Arise,andbemyfaultthyhonor’sfame,Whichafteragesshallenrichtheewith。

  Iamawakenedfromthisidledream。——

  Warwick,mySon,Darby,Artois,andAudley!

  Bravewarriorsall,whereareyouallthiswhile?

  [Enterall。]

  Warwick,ImaketheeWardenoftheNorth:

  Thou,PrinceofWales,andAudley,straighttoSea;

  ScourtoNew-haven;sometherestayforme:

  Myself,Artois,andDarbywillthroughFlanders,Togreetourfriendsthereandtocravetheiraide。

  Thisnightwillscarcesufficeafaithfullover;

  For,eretheSunshallgildtheeasternsky,We’llwakehimwithourMarshallharmony。

  [Exeunt。]

  ACTIII。SCENEI。Flanders。TheFrenchCamp。

  [EnterKingJohnofFrance,histwosons,CharlesofNormandy,andPhillip,andtheDukeofLorrain。]

  KINGJOHN。

  Here,tillourNavyofathousandsailHavemadeabreakfasttoourfoebySea,Letusencamp,towaittheirhappyspeed。——

  Lorraine,whatreadinessisEdwardin?

  HowhastthouheardthatheprovidedisOfmarshallfurnitureforthisexploit?

  LORRAINE。

  Tolayasideunnecessarysoothing,Andnottospendthetimeincircumstance,Tisbruitedforacertainty,myLord,Thathe’sexceedingstronglyfortified;

  Hissubjectsflockaswillinglytowar,Asifuntoatriumphtheywereled。

  CHARLES。

  Englandwaswonttoharbourmalcontents,BloodthirstyandseditiousCatelynes,Spendthrifts,andsuchasgapefornothingelseButchangingandalterationofthestate;

  AndisitpossibleThattheyarenowsoloyalinthemselves?

  LORRAINE。

  AllbuttheScot,whosolemnlyprotests,AsheretoforeIhaveinformedhisgrace,NevertosheathhisSwordortakeatruce。

  KINGJOHN。

  Ah,that’stheanchorageofsomebetterhope!

  But,ontheotherside,tothinkwhatfriendsKingEdwardhathretainedinNetherland,Amongthoseever-bibbingEpicures,ThosefrothyDutchmen,puftwithdoublebeer,Thatdrinkandswillineveryplacetheycome,Dothnotalittleaggravatemineire;

  Besides,wehear,theEmperorconjoins,Andstallshiminhisownauthority;

  But,allthemightierthattheirnumberis,Thegreatergloryreapsthevictory。

  Somefriendshavewebesidedomesticpower;

  ThesternPolonian,andthewarlikeDane,ThekingofBohemia,andofSicily,Areallbecomeconfederateswithus,And,asIthink,aremarchinghitherapace。

  [Drumwithin。]

  Butsoft,Ihearthemusicoftheirdrums,BywhichIguessthattheirapproachisnear。

  [EntertheKingofBohemia,withDanes,andaPolonianCaptain,withothersoldiers,anotherway。]

  KINGOFBOHEMIA。

  KingJohnofFrance,asleagueandneighborhoodRequires,whenfriendsareanywaydistrest,Icometoaidetheewithmycountry’sforce。

  POLONIANCAPTAIN。

  AndfromgreatMusco,fearfultotheTurk,AndloftyPoland,nurseofhardymen,Ibringtheseservitorstofightforthee,Whowillinglywillventureinthycause。

  KINGJOHN。

  Welcome,Bohemianking,andwelcomeall:

  ThisyourgreatkindnessIwillnotforget。

  BesidesyourplentifulrewardsinCrowns,ThatfromourTreasuryyeshallreceive,TherecomesaharebrainedNation,deckedinpride,Thespoilofwhomwillbeatreblegain。

  Andnowmyhopeisfull,myjoycomplete:

  AtSea,weareaspuissantastheforceOfAgamemnonintheHavenofTroy;

  Byland,withZerxeswecompareofstrength,Whosesoldiersdrankupriversintheirthirst;

  ThenBayardlike,blind,overweaningNed,ToreachatourimperialdiademIseithertobeswallowedofthewaves,Orhackedapieceswhenthoucomestashore。

  [EnterMariner。]

  MARINER。

  NeartothecoastIhavedescried,myLord,AsIwasbuyinmywatchfulcharge,TheproudArmadoofkingEdward’sships:

  Which,atthefirst,faroffwhenIdidken,Seemedasitwereagroveofwitheredpines;

  But,drawingnear,theirgloriousbrightaspect,TheirstreamingEnsigns,wroughtofcolouredsilk,Liketoameadowfullofsundryflowers,Adornsthenakedbosomoftheearth:

  Majesticaltheorderoftheircourse,FiguringthehornedCircleoftheMoon:

  AndonthetopgallantoftheAdmiralAndlikewiseallthehandmaidsofhistrainTheArmsofEnglandandofFranceuniteArequarteredequallybyHeralds’art:

  Thus,tightlycarriedwithamerrygale,TheyploughtheOceanhitherwardamain。

  KINGJOHN。

  DarehealreadycroptheFleurdeLuce?

  Ihope,thehoneybeinggatheredthence,He,withthespider,afterwardapproached,Shallsuckforthdeadlyvenomfromtheleaves。——

  Butwhere’sourNavy?howaretheypreparedTowingthemselvesagainstthisflightofRavens?

  MARINER。

  They,havingknowledge,broughtthembythescouts,DidbreakfromAnchorstraight,and,puffedwithrage,Nootherwisethenweretheirsailswithwind,Madeforth,aswhentheemptyEagleflies,Tosatisfyhishungrygripingmaw。

  KINGJOHN。

  There’sforthynews。Returnuntothybark;

  AndifthouscapethebloodystrokeofwarAnddosurvivetheconflict,comeagain,Andletushearthemannerofthefight。

  [ExitMariner。]

  Meanspace,myLords,tisbestwebedispersedToseveralplaces,leasttheychancetoland:

  Firstyou,myLord,withyourBohemianTroops,Shallpitchyourbattailesonthelowerhand;

  Myeldestson,theDukeofNormandy,TogetherwiththeaideofMuscovites,Shallclimbthehighergroundanotherway;

  Hereinthemiddlecost,betwixtyouboth,Phillip,myyoungestboy,andIwilllodge。

  So,Lors,begone,andlookuntoyourcharge:

  YoustandforFrance,anEmpirefairandlarge。

  [Exeunt。]

  Nowtellme,Phillip,whatisthyconcept,TouchingthechallengethattheEnglishmake?

  PHILLIP。

  Isay,myLord,claimEdwardwhathecan,Andbringhene’ersoplainapedigree,TisyouareinthepossessionoftheCrown,Andthat’sthesurestpointofalltheLaw:

  But,wereitnot,yetereheshouldprevail,I’llmakeaConduitofmydearestblood,Orchasethosestragglingupstartshomeagain。

  KINGJOHN。

  Wellsaid,youngPhillip!CallforbreadandWine,Thatwemaycheerourstomachswithrepast,Tolookourfoesmoresternlyintheface。

  [ATableandProvisionsbroughtin。Thebattlehardafaroff。]

  NowisbeguntheheavydayatSea:

  Fight,Frenchmen,fight;belikethefieldofBears,WhentheydefendtheiryounglingsintheCaves!

  Stir,angryNemesis,thehappyhelm,That,withthesulphurbattlesofyourrage,TheEnglishFleetmaybedispersedandsunk。

  [Shot。]

  PHILLIP。

  OFather,howthisechoingCannonshot,Likesweetharmony,digestsmyeats!

  KINGJOHN。

  Now,boy,thouhearestwhatthunderingterrortis,Tobuckleforakingdom’ssovereignty:

  Theearth,withgiddytremblingwhenitshakes,OrwhentheexhalationsoftheairBreaksinextremityoflightningflash,Affrightsnotmorethankings,whentheydisposeToshewtherancoroftheirhighswollenhearts。

  [Retreat。]

  Retreatissounded;onesidehaththeworse;

  O,ifitbetheFrench,sweetfortune,turn;

  And,inthyturning,changetheforwardwinds,That,withadvantageofafavoringsky,Ourmenmayvanquish,andtheotherfly!

  [EnterMariner。]

  Myheartmisgives:——say,mirrorofpaledeath,Towhombelongsthehonorofthisday?

  Relate,Ipraythee,ifthybreathwillserve,Thesaddiscourseofthisdiscomfiture。

  MARINER。

  Iwill,myLord。

  Mygracioussovereign,Franchhathta’enthefoil,AndboastingEdwardtriumphswithsuccess。

  TheseIronheartedNavies,WhenlastIwasreportertoyourgrace,Bothfullofangryspleen,ofhope,andfear,Hastingtomeeteachotherintheface,Atlastconjoined;andbytheirAdmiralOurAdmiralencounteredmanyshot:

  Bythis,theother,thatbeheldthesetwainGiveearnestpennyofafurtherwrack,LikefieryDragonstooktheirhaughtyflight;

  And,likewisemeeting,fromtheirsmokywombsSentmanygrimAmbassadorsofdeath。

  Thenganthedaytoturntogloomynight,AnddarknessdidaswellenclosethequickAsthosethatwerebutnewlyreftoflife。

  Noleisureservedforfriendstobidfarewell;

  And,ifithad,thehideousnoisewassuch,Aseachtootherseemeddeafanddumb。

  PurpletheSea,whosechannelfilledasfastWithstreaminggore,thatfromthemaimedfell,AsdidhergushingmoisturebreakintoThecranniedclefturesofthethroughshotplanks。

  Hereflewahead,disseveredfromthetrunk,Theremangledarmsandlegsweretossedaloft,AswhenawhirlwindtakestheSummerdustAndscattersitinmiddleoftheair。

  Thenmightyeseethereelingvesselssplit,Andtotteringsinkintotheruthlessflood,Untiltheirloftytopswereseennomore。

  Allshiftsweretried,bothfordefenceandhurt:

  Andnowtheeffectofvalorandofforce,Ofresolutionandofcowardice,Welivelypictures;howtheoneforfame,Theotherbycompulsionlaidabout;

  MuchdidtheNonpareille,thatbraveship;

  SodidtheblacksnakeofBullen,thenwhichAbonniervesselneveryetspreadsail。

  Butallinvain;bothSun,theWindandtide,Revoltedalluntoourfoemen’sside,Thatweperforcewerefaintogivethemway,Andtheyarelanded。——Thusmytaleisdone:

  Wehaveuntimelylost,andtheyhavewon。

  KINGJOHN。

  Thenreststherenothing,butwithpresentspeedTojoinourseveralforcesallinone,Andbidthembattle,eretheyrangetoofar。

  Come,gentlePhillip,letushencedepart;

  Thissoldier’swordshavepiercedthyfather’sheart。

  [Exeunt。]

  ACTIII。SCENEII。Picardy。FieldsnearCressi。

  [EntertwoFrenchmen;awomanandtwolittleChildrenmeetthem,andotherCitizens。]

  ONE。

  Wellmet,mymasters:hownow?what’sthenews?

  Andwhereforeareyeladenthuswithstuff?

  What,isitquarterdaythatyouremove,Andcarrybagandbaggagetoo?

  TWO。

  Quarterday?Aye,andquarteringday,Ifear:

  Haveyenotheardthenewsthatfliesabroad?

  ONE。

  Whatnews?

  THREE。

  HowtheFrenchNavyisdestroyedatSea,AndthattheEnglishArmyisarrived。

  ONE。

  Whatthen?

  TWO。

  Whatthen,quothyou?why,istnottimetofly,Whenenvyanddestructionissonigh?

  ONE。

  Contentthee,man;theyarefarenoughfromhence,Andwillbemet,Iwarrantye,totheircost,BeforetheybreaksofarintotheRealm。

  TWO。

  Aye,sotheGrasshopperdothspendthetimeInmirthfuljollity,tillWintercome;

  Andthentoolatehewouldredeemhistime,Whenfrozencoldhathnippedhiscarelesshead。

  He,thatnosoonerwillprovideaCloak,Thenwhenheseesitdothbegintoreign,May,peradventure,forhisnegligence,Bethroughlywashed,whenhesuspectsitnot。

  Wethathavechargeandsuchatrainasthis,Mustlookintimetolookforthemandus,Least,whenwewould,wecannotberelieved。

  ONE。

  Belike,youthendespairofallsuccess,AndthinkyourCountrywillbesubjugate。

  THREE。

  Wecannottell;tisgoodtofeartheworst。

  ONE。

  Yetratherfight,then,likeunnaturalsons,Forsakeyourlovingparentsindistress。

  TWO。

  Tush,theythathavealreadytakenarmsAremanyfearfulmillionsinrespectOfthatsmallhandfulofourenemies;

  Buttisarightfulquarrelmustprevail;

  Edwardissonuntoourlateking’ssister,WhenJohnValoisisthreedegreesremoved。

  WOMAN。

  Besides,theregoesaProphesyabroad,PublishedbyonethatwasaFriaronce,WhoseOracleshavemanytimesprovedtrue;

  Andnowhesays,thetimewillshortlycome,WhenasaLyon,rousedinthewest,ShallcarryhencethefluerdeluceofFrance:

  These,Icantellye,andsuchlikesurmisesStrikemanyFrenchmencolduntotheheart。

  [EnteraFrenchman。]

  FOUR。

  Fly,countrymenandcitizensofFrance!

  Sweetfloweringpeace,therootofhappylife,Isquiteabandonedandexpulsttheland;

  InsteadofwhomransackedconstrainingwarSitsliketoRavensuponyourhouses’tops;

  Slaughterandmischiefwalkwithinyourstreets,And,unrestrained,makehavocastheypass;

  TheformwhereofevennowmyselfbeheldUponthisfairmountainwhenceIcame。

  ForsofarofasIdirectedmineeyes,ImightperceivefiveCitiesallonfire,Cornfieldsandvineyards,burninglikeanoven;

  And,asthereakingvapourinthewindTurnedbutaside,IlikewisemightdiscernThepoorinhabitants,escapedtheflame,Fallnumberlessuponthesoldiers’pikes。

  ThreewaysthesedreadfulministersofwrathDotreadthemeasuresoftheirtragicmarch:

  UpontherighthandcomestheconqueringKing,Uponthelefthishotunbridledson,Andinthemidstournation’sglitteringhost,Allwhich,thoughdistantyet,conspireinone,Toleaveadesolationwheretheycome。

  Flytherefore,Citizens,ifyoubewise,Seekoutsomehabitationfurtheroff:

  Hereisyoustay,yourwiveswillbeabused,Yourtreasuresharedbeforeyourweepingeyes;

  Shelteryouyourselves,fornowthestormdothrise。

  Away,away;methinksIheartheirdrums:——

  Ah,wretchedFrance,Igreatlyfearthyfall;

  Thygloryshakethlikeatotteringwall。

  [Exeunt。]

  ACTIII。SCENEIII。Thesame。Drums。

  [EnterKingEdward,andtheEarlofDarby,WithSoldiers,andGobindeGrey。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  Where’stheFrenchmanbywhosecunningguideWefoundtheshallowofthisRiverSomme,Andhaddirectionshowtopassthesea?

  GOBIN。

  Here,mygoodLord。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Howartthoucalled?tellmethyname。

  GOBIN。

  GobindeGraie,ifpleaseyourexcellence。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Then,Gobin,fortheservicethouhastdone,Wehereenlargeandgivetheeliberty;

  And,forrecompensebesidethisgood,Thoushaltreceivefivehundredmarksingold。——

  Iknownothow,weshouldhavemetourson,WhomnowinheartIwishImightbehold。

  [EnterArtois。]

  ARTOIS。

  Goodnews,myLord;theprinceishardathand,AndwithhimcomesLordAwdleyandtherest,Whomsinceourlandingwecouldnevermeet。

  [EnterPrinceEdward,LordAwdley,andSoldiers。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  Welcome,fairPrince!Howhastthousped,myson,SincethyarrivalonthecoastofFrance?

  PRINCEEDWARD。

  Successfully,Ithankthegraciousheavens:

  SomeoftheirstrongestCitieswehavewon,AsHarflew,Lo,Crotay,andCarentigne,Andotherswasted,leavingatourheelsAwideapparentfieldandbeatenpathForsolitarinesstoprogressin:

  Yetthosethatwouldsubmitwekindlypardoned,Butwhoinscornrefusedourprofferedpeace,Enduredthepenaltyofsharprevenge。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Ah,France,whyshouldestthoubethusobstinateAgainstthekindembracementofthyfriends?

  HowgentlyhadwethoughttotouchthybreastAndsetourfootuponthytendermould,Butthat,infrowardanddisdainfulpride,Thou,likeaskittishanduntamedcolt,Doststartasideandstrikeuswiththyheels!

  Buttellme,Ned,inallthywarlikecourse,HastthounotseentheusurpingKingofFrance?

  PRINCEEDWARD。

  Yes,mygoodLord,andnottwohoursago,Withfullahundredthousandfightingmen——

  Upontheonesideoftheriver’sbankAndontheotherboth,hismultitudes。

  Ifearedhewouldhavecroppedoursmallerpower:

  Buthappily,perceivingyourapproach,HehathwithdrawnhimselftoCresseyplains;

  Where,asitseemethbyhisgoodarray,Hemeanstobidusbattlepresently。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Heshallbewelcome;that’sthethingwecrave。

  [EnterKingJohn,DukesofNormandyandLorrain,KingofBoheme,youngPhillip,andSoldiers。]

  KINGJOHN。

  Edward,knowthatJohn,thetruekingofFrance,Musingthoushouldstencroachuponhisland,AndinthytyranousproceedingslayHisfaithfulsubjectsandsubverthisTowns,Spitsinthyface;andinthismannerfollowingObraidstheewiththinearrogantintrusion:

  First,Icondemntheeforafugitive,Athievishpirate,andaneedymate,Onethathatheithernoabidingplace,Orelse,inhabitingsomebarrensoil,Whereneitherherborfruitfulgrainishad,Doestaltogetherlivebypilfering:

  Next,insomuchthouhastinfringedthyfaith,Brokeleageandsolemncovenantmadewithme,Iholdtheeforafalseperniciouswretch:

  And,lastofall,althoughIscorntocopeWithonesomuchinferiortomyself,Yet,inrespectthythirstisallforgold,Thylabourrathertobefearedthanloved,Tosatisfythylustineitherpart,HereamIcome,andwithmehaveIbroughtExceedingstoreoftreasure,pearl,andcoin。

  Leave,therefore,nowtopersecutetheweak,Andarmedenteringconflictwiththearmed,Letitbeseen,mongestotherpettythefts,Howthoucanstwinthispillagemanfully。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Ifgallorwormwoodhaveapleasanttaste,Thenisthysalutationhoneysweet;

  Butastheonehathnosuchproperty,Soistheothermostsatirical。

  YetwothowIregardthyworthlesstaunts:

  IfthouhaveutteredthemtofoilmyfameOrdimthereputationofmybirth,Knowthatthywolvishbarkingcannothurt;

  Ifslylytoinsinuatewiththeworld,Andwithastrumpet’sartificiallineTopaintthyviciousanddeformedcause,Bewellassured,thecounterfeitwillfade,Andintheendthyfouldefectsbeseen;

  Butifthoudidstittoprovokemeon,AswhoshouldsayIwerebuttimorous。

  Or,coldlynegligent,didneedaspur,BethinkthyselfhowslackIwasatsea,HowsincemylandingIhavewonnotowns,Enterednofurtherbutuponthecoast,Andtherehaveeversincesecurelyslept。

  ButifIhavebeenotherwiseemployed,Imagine,Valois,whetherIintendToskirmish,notforpillage,butfortheCrownWhichthoudostwear;andthatIvowtohave,Oroneofusshallfallintohisgrave。

  PRINCEEDWARD。

  Looknotforcrossinvectivesatourhands,Orrailingexecrationsofdespite:

  Letcreepingserpents,hidinhollowbanks,Stingwiththeirtongues;wehaveremorselessswords,Andtheyshallpleadforusandouraffairs。

  Yetthusmuch,briefly,bymyfather’sleave:

  AsalltheimmodestpoisonofthythroatIsscandalousandmostnotoriouslies,Andourpretendedquarrelistrulyjust,Soendthebattlewhenwemeettoday:

  Mayeitherofusprosperandprevail,Or,luckless,curst,receiveeternalshame!

  KINGEDWARD。

  Thatneedsnofurtherquestion;andIknow,Hisconsciencewitnesseth,itismyright。——

  Therefore,Valois,say,wiltthouyetresign,BeforethesicklesthrustintotheCorn,Orthatinkindledfuryturntoflame?

  KINGJOHN。

  Edward,IknowwhatrightthouhastinFrance;

  AndereIbaselywillresignmyCrown,ThisChampionfieldshallbeapoolofblood,Andallourprospectasaslaughterhouse。

  PRINCEEDWARD。

  Aye,thatapprovesthee,tyrant,whatthouart:

  Nofather,king,orshepherdofthyrealm,Butone,thattearsherentrailswiththyhands,And,likeathirstytyger,suckstherblood。

  AUDLEY。

  YoupeersofFrance,whydoyoufollowhimThatissoprodigaltospendyourlives?

  CHARLES。

  Whomshouldtheyfollow,agedimpotent,Buthethatistheirtruebornesovereign?

  KINGEDWARD。

  Obraidstthouhim,becausewithinhisfaceTimehathingraveddeepcharactersofage?

  Know,thesegravescholarsofexperience,Likestiffgrownoaks,willstandimmovable,Whenwhirlwindquicklyturnsupyoungertrees。

  DARBY。

  Waseveranyofthyfather’shouseKingbutthyself,beforethispresenttime?

  Edward’sgreatlinage,bythemother’sside,Fivehundredyearshathheldthescepterup:

  Judgethen,conspiratours,bythisdescent,Whichisthetruebornesovereign,thisorthat。

  PHILIP。

  Father,rangeyourbattles,pratenomore;

  TheseEnglishfainwouldspendthetimeinwords,That,nightapproaching,theymightescapeunfought。

  KINGJOHN。

  LordsandmylovingSubjects,now’sthetime,Thatyourintendedforcemustbidethetouch。

  Therefore,myfriends,considerthisinbrief:

  HethatyoufightforisyournaturalKing;

  Heagainstwhomyoufight,aforeigner:

  Hethatyoufightfor,rulesinclemency,Andreinsyouwithamildandgentlebit;

  Heagainstwhomyoufight,ifheprevail,Willstraightinthronehimselfintyranny,Makesslavesofyou,andwithaheavyhandCurtailandcurbyoursweetestliberty。

  Then,toprotectyourCountryandyourKing,LetbutthehaughtyCourageofyourheartsAnswerthenumberofyourablehands,Andweshallquicklychasethesefugitives。

  Forwhat’sthisEdwardbutabellygod,Atenderandlasciviouswantoness,Thatthotherdaywasalmostdeadforlove?

  Andwhat,Iprayyou,ishisgoodlyguard?

  Suchas,butscantthemoftheirchinesofbeefAndtakeawaytheirdownyfeatherbeds,Andpresentlytheyareasrestystiff,Astwereamanyoverriddenjades。

  Then,Frenchmen,scornthatsuchshouldbeyourLords,Andratherbindyethemincaptivebands。

  ALLFRENCHMEN。

  ViveleRoy!GodsaveKingJohnofFrance!

  KINGJOHN。

  NowonthisplainofCressyspreadyourselves,——

  And,Edward,whenthoudarest,beginthefight。

  [ExeuntKingJohn,Charles,Philip,Lorrain,Boheme,andForces。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  Wepresentlywillmeetthee,JohnofFrance:——

  And,EnglishLords,letusresolvethisday,Eithertoclearusofthatscandalouscrime,Orbeintombedinourinnocence。

  And,Ned,becausethisbattleisthefirstThateveryetthoufoughtestinpitchedfield,AsancientcustomisofMartialists,Todubtheewiththetipofchivalry,Insolemnmannerwewillgivetheearms。

  Come,therefore,Heralds,orderlybringforthAstrongattirementfortheprincemyson。

  [EnterfourHeralds,bringinginacoatarmour,ahelmet,alance,andashield。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  EdwardPlantagenet,inthenameofGod,AswiththisarmourIimpalethybreast,SobethynobleunrelentingheartWalledinwithflintofmatchlessfortitude,Thatneverbaseaffectionsenterthere:

  Fightandbevaliant,conquerwherethoucomest!

  Nowfollow,Lords,anddohimhonorto。

  DARBY。

  EdwardPlantagenet,princeofWales,AsIdosetthishelmetonthyhead,Wherewiththechamberofthybrainisfenst,Somaythytemples,withBellona’shand,Bestilladornedwithlaurelvictory:

  Fightandbevaliant,conquerwherethoucomest!

  AUDLEY。

  EdwardPlantagenet,princeofWales,Receivethislanceintothymanlyhand;

  Useitinfashionofabrazenpen,TodrawforthbloodystratagemsinFrance,Andprintthyvaliantdeedsinhonor’sbook:

  Fightandbevaliant,vanquishwherethoucomest!

  ARTOIS。

  EdwardPlantagenet,princeofWales,Hold,takethistarget,wearitonthyarm;

  Andmaytheviewthereof,likePerseus’shield,AstonishandtransformthygazingfoesTosenselessimagesofmeagerdeath:

  Fightandbevaliant,conquerwherethoucomest!

  KINGEDWARD。

  Nowwantstherenoughtbutknighthood,whichdeferredWeleave,tillthouhastwonitinthefield。

  PRINCEEDWARD。

  Mygraciousfatherandyeforwardpeers,Thishonoryouhavedoneme,animatesAndcheersmygreen,yetscarceappearingstrengthWithcomfortablegoodpresagingsigns,NootherwisethandidoldJacob’swords,Whenashebreathedhisblessingsonhissons。

  ThesehallowedgiftsofyourswhenIprofane,OrusethemnottogloryofmyGod,Topatronagethefatherlessandpoor,OrforthebenefitofEngland’speace,Benumbmyjoints,waxfeeblebothminearms,Withermyheart,that,likeasaplesstree,Imayremainthemapofinfamy。

  KINGEDWARD。

  ThenthusoursteeledBattlesshallberanged:

  Theleadingofthevaward,Ned,isthine;

  Todignifywhoselustyspiritthemore,WetemperitwithAudly’sgravity,That,courageandexperiencejoinedinone,Yourmanagemaybeseconduntonone:

  Forthemainbattles,Iwillguidemyself;

  And,Darby,intherearwardmarchbehind,Thatorderlydisposedandsetinray,Letustohorse;andGodgrantustheday!

  [Exeunt。]

  ACTIII。SCENEIV。TheSame。

  [Alarum。EnteramanyFrenchmenflying。AfterthemPrinceEdward,running。ThenenterKingJohnandDukeofLorrain。]

  KINGJOHN。

  Oh,Lorrain,say,whatmeanourmentofly?

  Ournumberisfargreaterthanourfoes。

  LORRAIN。

  ThegarrisonofGenoaes,myLord,ThatcamefromPariswearywiththeirmarch,Grudgingtobesosuddenlyimployd,Nosoonerintheforefronttooktheirplace,But,straightretiring,sodismayedtherest,Aslikewisetheybetookthemselvestoflight,Inwhich,forhastetomakeasafeescape,Moreintheclusteringthrongarepressedtodeath,Thanbytheenemy,athousandfold。

  KINGJOHN。

  Ohaplessfortune!Letusyetassay,Ifwecancounselsomeofthemtostay。

  [Exeunt。]

  ACTIII。SCENEV。TheSame。

  [EnterKingEdwardandAudley。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  LordAudley,whilesoursonisinthechase,Withdrawourpowersuntothislittlehill,Andhereaseasonletusbreathourselves。

  AUDLEY。

  Iwill,myLord。

  [Exit。SoundRetreat。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  Justdoomingheaven,whosesecretprovidenceToourgrossjudgementisinscrutable,Howareweboundtopraisethywondrousworks,Thathastthisdaygivenwayuntotheright,Andmadethewickedstumbleatthemselves!

  [EnterArtois。]

  ARTOIS。

  Rescue,kingEdward!rescueforthyson!

  KINGEDWARD。

  Rescue,Artois?what,isheprisoner,Orbyviolencefellbesidehishorse?

  ARTOIS。

  Neither,myLord:butnarrowlybesetWithturningFrenchmen,whomhedidpursue,Astisimpossiblethatheshouldscape,Exceptyourhighnesspresentlydescend。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Tut,lethimfight;wegavehimarmstoday,Andheislaboringforaknighthood,man。

  [EnterDerby。]

  DARBY。

  ThePrince,myLord,thePrince!oh,succourhim!

  He’scloseincompastwithaworldofodds!

  KINGEDWARD。

  Thenwillhewinaworldofhonortoo,Ifhebyvalourcanredeemhimthence;

  Ifnot,whatremedy?wehavemoresonsThanone,tocomfortourdecliningage。

  [EnterAudley。]

  RenownedEdward,givemeleave,Ipray,ToleadmysoldierswhereImayrelieveYourGrace’sson,indangertobeslain。

  ThesnaresofFrench,likeEmmetsonabank,Musterabouthim;whilesthe,Lionlike,Intangledinthenetoftheirassaults,Franticlywrends,andbitesthewoventoil;

  Butallinvain,hecannotfreehimself。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Audley,content;Iwillnothaveaman,Onpainofdeath,sentforthtosuccourhim:

  Thisistheday,ordainedbydestiny,Toseasonhiscouragewiththosegrievousthoughts,That,ifhebreakethout,Nestor’syearsonearthWillmakehimsavorstillofthisexploit。

  DARBY。

  Ah,butheshallnotlivetoseethosedays。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Why,thenhisEpitaphislastingpraise。

  AUDLEY。

  Yet,goodmyLord,tistoomuchwillfulness,Tolethisbloodbespilt,thatmaybesaved。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Exclaimnomore;fornoneofyoucantellWhetheraborrowedaidwillserve,orno;

  Perhapsheisalreadyslainorta’en。

  AnddareaFalconwhenshe’sinherflight,Andeveraftershe’llbehaggardlike:

  LetEdwardbedeliveredbyourhands,Andstill,indanger,he’llexpectthelike;

  Butifhimselfhimselfredeemfromthence,Hewillhavevanquishedcheerfuldeathandfear,AndeverafterdreadtheirforcenomoreThaniftheywerebutbabesorCaptiveslaves。

  AUDLEY。

  OcruelFather!Farewell,Edward,then!

  DARBY。

  Farewell,sweetPrince,thehopeofchivalry!

  ARTOIS。

  O,wouldmylifemightransomhimfromdeath!

  KINGEDWARD。

  Butsoft,methinksIhear[Retreatsounded。]

  ThedismalchargeofTrumpets’loudretreat。

  Allarenotslain,Ihope,thatwentwithhim;

  Somewillreturnwithtidings,goodorbad。

  [EnterPrinceEdwardintriumph,bearinginhishandshischiveredLance,andtheKingofBoheme,bornebefore,wrappedintheColours。Theyrunandimbracehim。]

  AUDLEY。

  Ojoyfulsight!victoriousEdwardlives!

  DERBY。

  Welcome,bravePrince!

  KINGEDWARD。

  Welcome,Plantagenet!

  PRINCEEDWARD。

  [Kneelsandkisseshisfather’shand。]

  Firsthavingdonemydutyasbeseemed,Lords,Iregreetyouallwithheartythanks。

  Andnow,behold,aftermywinter’stoil,MypainfulvoyageontheboisterousseaOfwarsdevouringgulfsandsteelyrocks,Ibringmyfraughtuntothewishedport,MySummer’shope,mytravels’sweetreward:

  Andhere,withhumbleduty,IpresentThissacrifice,thisfirstfruitofmysword,Croppedandcutdownevenatthegateofdeath,ThekingofBoheme,father,whomIslew;

  Whosethousandshadentrenchedmeroundabout,Andlayasthickuponmybatteredcrest,AsonanAnvil,withtheirponderousglaves:

  YetmarblecouragestilldidunderpropAndwhenmywearyarms,withoftenblows,LikethecontinuallaboringWood-man’sAxeThatisenjoinedtofellaloadofOaks,Begantofaulter,straightIwouldrecordMygiftsyougaveme,andmyzealousvow,Andthennewcouragemademefreshagain,That,indespite,Icarvedmypassageforth,Andputthemultitudetospeedyflight。

  Lo,thushathEdward’shandfilledyourrequest,Anddone,Ihope,thedutyofaKnight。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Aye,wellthouhastdeservedaknighthood,Ned!

  And,therefore,withthysword,yetreakingwarm[HisSwordbornebyaSoldier。]

  Withbloodofthosethatfoughttobethybane。

  Arise,PrinceEdward,trustyknightatarms:

  Thisdaythouhastconfoundedmewithjoy,Andproudthyselffitheiruntoaking。

  PRINCEEDWARD。

  Hereisanote,mygraciousLord,ofthoseThatinthisconflictofourfoeswereslain:

  ElevenPrincesofesteem,FourscoreBarons,Ahundredandtwentyknights,andthirtythousandCommonsoldiers;and,ofourmen,athousand。

  KINGEDWARD。

  OurGodbepraised!Now,JohnofFrance,Ihope,ThouknowestKingEdwardfornowantoness,Nolovesickcockney,norhissoldiersjades。

  Butwhichwayisthefearfulkingescaped?

  PRINCEEDWARD。

  TowardsPoitiers,noblefather,andhissons。

  KINGEDWARD。

  Ned,thouandAudleyshallpursuethemstill;

  MyselfandDerbywilltoCalicestraight,AndtherebebegirtthatHaventownwithsiege。

  Nowliesitonanupshot;thereforestrike,Andwistlyfollow,whilesthegame’sonfoot。

  WhatPicture’sthis?

  PRINCEEDWARD。

  APelican,myLord,Woundingherbosomwithhercrookedbeak,ThatsohernestofyoungonesmaybefedWithdropsofbloodthatissuefromherheart;

  ThemottoSic&vos,’andsoshouldyou’。

  [Exeunt。]

  ACTIV。SCENEI。Bretagne。CampoftheEnglish。

  [EnterLordMountfordwithaCoronetinhishand;

  withhimtheEarlofSalisbury。]

  MOUNTFORD。

  MyLordofSalisbury,sincebyyouraideMineenemySirCharlesofBloisisslain,AndIagainamquietlypossessedInBrittain’sDukedom,knowthatIresolve,Forthiskindfurtheranceofyourkingandyou,Toswearallegiancetohismajesty:

  InsignwhereofreceivethisCoronet,Bearituntohim,and,withal,mineoath,NevertobebutEdward’sfaithfulfriend。

  SALISBURY。

  Itakeit,Mountfort。Thus,Ihope,erelongThewholeDominionsoftheRealmofFranceWillbesurrenderedtohisconqueringhand。

  [ExitMountford。]

  Now,ifIknewbutsafelyhowtopass,IwouldatCalicegladlymeethisGrace,WhetherIambyletterscertifiedThatheintendstohavehishostremoved。

  Itshallbeso,thispolicywillserve:——

  Ho,whosewithin?BringVillierstome。

  [EnterVilliers。]

  Villiers,thouknowest,thouartmyprisoner,AndthatImightforransom,ifIwould,RequireoftheeahundredthousandFrancs,Orelseretainandkeeptheecaptivestill:

  Butsoitis,thatforasmallerchargeThoumaistbequit,andifthouwiltthyself。

  Andthisitis:ProcuremebutapassportOfCharles,theDukeofNormandy,thatI

  WithoutrestraintmayhaverecoursetoCallisThroughalltheCountrieswherehehathtodo;

  Whichthoumaisteasilyobtain,Ithink,ByreasonIhaveoftenheardtheesay,Heandthouwerestudentsoncetogether:

  Andthenthoushaltbesetatliberty。

  Howsaiestthou?wiltthouundertaketodoit?

  VILLIERS。

  Iwill,myLord;butImustspeakwithhim。

  SALISBURY。

  Why,sothoushalt;takeHorse,andpostfromhence:

  Onlybeforethougoest,swearbythyfaith,That,ifthoucanstnotcompassmydesire,Thouwiltreturnmyprisonerbackagain;

  Andthatshallbesufficientwarrantforme。

  VILLIERS。

  TothatconditionIagree,myLord,Andwillunfainedlyperformthesame。

  [Exit。]

  SALISBURY。

  Farewell,Villiers。——

  ThusonceimeantotryaFrenchman’sfaith。

  [Exit。]

  ACTIV。SCENEII。Picardy。TheEnglishCampbeforeCalais。

  [EnterKingEdwardandDerby,withSoldiers。]

  KINGEDWARD。

  Sincetheyrefuseourprofferedleague,myLord,Andwillnotopetheirgates,andletusin,Wewillintrenchourselvesoneveryside,ThatneithervitualsnorsupplyofmenMaycometosuccourthisaccursedtown:

  Famineshallcombatwhereourswordsarestopped。

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