No Fear Shakespeare: Henry VI, Part 1: Act 4 Scene 1

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Henry VI, Part 1

William Shakespeare

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Modern Text

Original Text

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Flourish. Enter KING, GLOUCESTER, WINCHESTER, TALBOT, EXETER; YORK and WARWICK, with white roses; SUFFOLK and SOMERSET, with red roses; GOVERNOR OF PARIS, and OTHERS.	Flourish. Enter KING, GLOUCESTER, WINCHESTER, TALBOT, EXETER; YORK and WARWICK, with white roses; SUFFOLK and SOMERSET, with red roses; GOVERNOR OF PARIS, and OTHERS.
GLOUCESTER Lord Bishop, set the crown upon his head.	GLOUCESTER Lord Bishop, set the crown upon his head.
WINCHESTER , crowning KING HENRY God save King Henry, of that name the Sixth!	WINCHESTER , crowning KING HENRY God save King Henry, of that name the Sixth!
GLOUCESTER Now, Governor of Paris, take your oath. GOVERNOR kneels. That you elect no other king but him; 5 Esteem none friends but such as are his friends, And none your foes but such as shall pretend Malicious practices against his state: This shall you do, so help you righteous God.	GLOUCESTER Now, Governor of Paris, take your oath. GOVERNOR kneels. That you elect no other king but him; 5 Esteem none friends but such as are his friends, And none your foes but such as shall pretend Malicious practices against his state: This shall you do, so help you righteous God.
GOVERNOR rises.	GOVERNOR rises.
Enter FASTOLF.	Enter FASTOLF.
FASTOLF My gracious sovereign, as I rode from Callice 10 To haste unto your coronation, A letter was delivered to my hands, Writ to your Grace from th’ Duke of Burgundy. He hands the KING a paper.	FASTOLF My gracious sovereign, as I rode from Callice 10 To haste unto your coronation, A letter was delivered to my hands, Writ to your Grace from th’ Duke of Burgundy. He hands the KING a paper.
TALBOT Shame to the Duke of Burgundy and thee! I vowed, base knight, when I did meet thee next, 15 To tear the Garter from thy craven’s leg, (tearing it off) Which I have done, because unworthily Thou wast installèd in that high degree.— Pardon me, princely Henry and the rest. This dastard, at the battle of Patay, 20 When but in all I was six thousand strong And that the French were almost ten to one, Before we met or that a stroke was given, Like to a trusty squire did run away; In which assault we lost twelve hundred men. 25 Myself and divers gentlemen besides Were there surprised and taken prisoners. Then judge, great lords, if I have done amiss, Or whether that such cowards ought to wear This ornament of knighthood—yea or no?	TALBOT Shame to the Duke of Burgundy and thee! I vowed, base knight, when I did meet thee next, 15 To tear the Garter from thy craven’s leg, (tearing it off) Which I have done, because unworthily Thou wast installèd in that high degree.— Pardon me, princely Henry and the rest. This dastard, at the battle of Patay, 20 When but in all I was six thousand strong And that the French were almost ten to one, Before we met or that a stroke was given, Like to a trusty squire did run away; In which assault we lost twelve hundred men. 25 Myself and divers gentlemen besides Were there surprised and taken prisoners. Then judge, great lords, if I have done amiss, Or whether that such cowards ought to wear This ornament of knighthood—yea or no?
GLOUCESTER 30 To say the truth, this fact was infamous And ill beseeming any common man, Much more a knight, a captain, and a leader.	GLOUCESTER 30 To say the truth, this fact was infamous And ill beseeming any common man, Much more a knight, a captain, and a leader.
TALBOT When first this Order was ordained, my lords, Knights of the Garter were of noble birth, 35 Valiant and virtuous, full of haughty courage, Such as were grown to credit by the wars; Not fearing death nor shrinking for distress, But always resolute in most extremes. He then that is not furnished in this sort 40 Doth but usurp the sacred name of knight, Profaning this most honorable Order, And should, if I were worthy to be judge, Be quite degraded, like a hedge-born swain That doth presume to boast of gentle blood.	TALBOT When first this Order was ordained, my lords, Knights of the Garter were of noble birth, 35 Valiant and virtuous, full of haughty courage, Such as were grown to credit by the wars; Not fearing death nor shrinking for distress, But always resolute in most extremes. He then that is not furnished in this sort 40 Doth but usurp the sacred name of knight, Profaning this most honorable Order, And should, if I were worthy to be judge, Be quite degraded, like a hedge-born swain That doth presume to boast of gentle blood.
KING HENRY , to FASTOLF 45 Stain to thy countrymen, thou hear’st thy doom. Be packing therefore, thou that wast a knight. Henceforth we banish thee on pain of death. FASTOLF exits. And now, my lord protector, view the letter Sent from our uncle, Duke of Burgundy. He hands the paper to GLOUCESTER.	KING HENRY , to FASTOLF 45 Stain to thy countrymen, thou hear’st thy doom. Be packing therefore, thou that wast a knight. Henceforth we banish thee on pain of death. FASTOLF exits. And now, my lord protector, view the letter Sent from our uncle, Duke of Burgundy. He hands the paper to GLOUCESTER.
GLOUCESTER 50 What means his Grace that he hath changed his style? No more but, plain and bluntly, “To the King”! Hath he forgot he is his sovereign? Or doth this churlish superscription Pretend some alteration in good will? 55 What’s here? (Reads.) I have upon especial cause, Moved with compassion of my country’s wrack, Together with the pitiful complaints Of such as your oppression feeds upon, 60 Forsaken your pernicious faction And joined with Charles, the rightful king of France. O monstrous treachery! Can this be so? That in alliance, amity, and oaths There should be found such false dissembling guile?	GLOUCESTER 50 What means his Grace that he hath changed his style? No more but, plain and bluntly, “To the King”! Hath he forgot he is his sovereign? Or doth this churlish superscription Pretend some alteration in good will? 55 What’s here? (Reads.) I have upon especial cause, Moved with compassion of my country’s wrack, Together with the pitiful complaints Of such as your oppression feeds upon, 60 Forsaken your pernicious faction And joined with Charles, the rightful king of France. O monstrous treachery! Can this be so? That in alliance, amity, and oaths There should be found such false dissembling guile?
KING HENRY 65 What? Doth my Uncle Burgundy revolt?	KING HENRY 65 What? Doth my Uncle Burgundy revolt?
GLOUCESTER He doth, my lord, and is become your foe.	GLOUCESTER He doth, my lord, and is become your foe.
KING HENRY Is that the worst this letter doth contain?	KING HENRY Is that the worst this letter doth contain?
GLOUCESTER It is the worst, and all, my lord, he writes.	GLOUCESTER It is the worst, and all, my lord, he writes.
KING HENRY Why, then, Lord Talbot there shall talk with him 70 And give him chastisement for this abuse.— How say you, my lord, are you not content?	KING HENRY Why, then, Lord Talbot there shall talk with him 70 And give him chastisement for this abuse.— How say you, my lord, are you not content?
TALBOT Content, my liege? Yes. But that I am prevented, I should have begged I might have been employed.	TALBOT Content, my liege? Yes. But that I am prevented, I should have begged I might have been employed.
KING HENRY Then gather strength and march unto him straight; 75 Let him perceive how ill we brook his treason And what offense it is to flout his friends.	KING HENRY Then gather strength and march unto him straight; 75 Let him perceive how ill we brook his treason And what offense it is to flout his friends.
TALBOT I go, my lord, in heart desiring still You may behold confusion of your foes. He exits.	TALBOT I go, my lord, in heart desiring still You may behold confusion of your foes. He exits.
Enter VERNON, with a white rose, and BASSET, with a red rose.	Enter VERNON, with a white rose, and BASSET, with a red rose.
VERNON Grant me the combat, gracious sovereign.	VERNON Grant me the combat, gracious sovereign.
BASSET 80 And me, my lord, grant me the combat too.	BASSET 80 And me, my lord, grant me the combat too.
YORK , indicating VERNON This is my servant; hear him, noble prince.	YORK , indicating VERNON This is my servant; hear him, noble prince.
SOMERSET , indicating BASSET And this is mine, sweet Henry; favor him.	SOMERSET , indicating BASSET And this is mine, sweet Henry; favor him.
KING HENRY Be patient, lords, and give them leave to speak.— Say, gentlemen, what makes you thus exclaim, 85 And wherefore crave you combat, or with whom?	KING HENRY Be patient, lords, and give them leave to speak.— Say, gentlemen, what makes you thus exclaim, 85 And wherefore crave you combat, or with whom?
VERNON With him, my lord, for he hath done me wrong.	VERNON With him, my lord, for he hath done me wrong.
BASSET And I with him, for he hath done me wrong.	BASSET And I with him, for he hath done me wrong.
KING HENRY What is that wrong whereof you both complain? First let me know, and then I’ll answer you.	KING HENRY What is that wrong whereof you both complain? First let me know, and then I’ll answer you.
BASSET 90 Crossing the sea from England into France, This fellow here with envious carping tongue Upbraided me about the rose I wear, Saying the sanguine color of the leaves Did represent my master’s blushing cheeks 95 When stubbornly he did repugn the truth About a certain question in the law Argued betwixt the Duke of York and him, With other vile and ignominious terms. In confutation of which rude reproach, 100 And in defense of my lord’s worthiness, I crave the benefit of law of arms.	BASSET 90 Crossing the sea from England into France, This fellow here with envious carping tongue Upbraided me about the rose I wear, Saying the sanguine color of the leaves Did represent my master’s blushing cheeks 95 When stubbornly he did repugn the truth About a certain question in the law Argued betwixt the Duke of York and him, With other vile and ignominious terms. In confutation of which rude reproach, 100 And in defense of my lord’s worthiness, I crave the benefit of law of arms.
VERNON And that is my petition, noble lord; For though he seem with forgèd quaint conceit To set a gloss upon his bold intent, 105 Yet know, my lord, I was provoked by him, And he first took exceptions at this badge, Pronouncing that the paleness of this flower Bewrayed the faintness of my master’s heart.	VERNON And that is my petition, noble lord; For though he seem with forgèd quaint conceit To set a gloss upon his bold intent, 105 Yet know, my lord, I was provoked by him, And he first took exceptions at this badge, Pronouncing that the paleness of this flower Bewrayed the faintness of my master’s heart.
YORK Will not this malice, Somerset, be left?	YORK Will not this malice, Somerset, be left?
SOMERSET 110 Your private grudge, my Lord of York, will out, Though ne’er so cunningly you smother it.	SOMERSET 110 Your private grudge, my Lord of York, will out, Though ne’er so cunningly you smother it.
KING HENRY Good Lord, what madness rules in brainsick men When for so slight and frivolous a cause Such factious emulations shall arise! 115 Good cousins both, of York and Somerset, Quiet yourselves, I pray, and be at peace.	KING HENRY Good Lord, what madness rules in brainsick men When for so slight and frivolous a cause Such factious emulations shall arise! 115 Good cousins both, of York and Somerset, Quiet yourselves, I pray, and be at peace.
YORK Let this dissension first be tried by fight, And then your Highness shall command a peace.	YORK Let this dissension first be tried by fight, And then your Highness shall command a peace.
SOMERSET The quarrel toucheth none but us alone; 120 Betwixt ourselves let us decide it then.	SOMERSET The quarrel toucheth none but us alone; 120 Betwixt ourselves let us decide it then.
YORK , throwing down a gage There is my pledge; accept it, Somerset.	YORK , throwing down a gage There is my pledge; accept it, Somerset.
VERNON , to SOMERSET Nay, let it rest where it began at first.	VERNON , to SOMERSET Nay, let it rest where it began at first.
BASSET , to SOMERSET Confirm it so, mine honorable lord.	BASSET , to SOMERSET Confirm it so, mine honorable lord.
GLOUCESTER Confirm it so? Confounded be your strife, 125 And perish you with your audacious prate! Presumptuous vassals, are you not ashamed With this immodest clamorous outrage To trouble and disturb the King and us?— And you, my lords, methinks you do not well 130 To bear with their perverse objections, Much less to take occasion from their mouths To raise a mutiny betwixt yourselves. Let me persuade you take a better course.	GLOUCESTER Confirm it so? Confounded be your strife, 125 And perish you with your audacious prate! Presumptuous vassals, are you not ashamed With this immodest clamorous outrage To trouble and disturb the King and us?— And you, my lords, methinks you do not well 130 To bear with their perverse objections, Much less to take occasion from their mouths To raise a mutiny betwixt yourselves. Let me persuade you take a better course.
EXETER It grieves his Highness. Good my lords, be friends.	EXETER It grieves his Highness. Good my lords, be friends.
KING HENRY 135 Come hither, you that would be combatants: Henceforth I charge you, as you love our favor, Quite to forget this quarrel and the cause.— And you, my lords, remember where we are: In France, amongst a fickle wavering nation. 140 If they perceive dissension in our looks, And that within ourselves we disagree, How will their grudging stomachs be provoked To willful disobedience and rebel! Besides, what infamy will there arise 145 When foreign princes shall be certified That for a toy, a thing of no regard, King Henry’s peers and chief nobility Destroyed themselves and lost the realm of France! O, think upon the conquest of my father, 150 My tender years, and let us not forgo That for a trifle that was bought with blood. Let me be umpire in this doubtful strife. I see no reason if I wear this rose That anyone should therefore be suspicious 155 I more incline to Somerset than York. He puts on a red rose. Both are my kinsmen, and I love them both. As well they may upbraid me with my crown Because, forsooth, the King of Scots is crowned. But your discretions better can persuade 160 Than I am able to instruct or teach; And therefore, as we hither came in peace, So let us still continue peace and love. Cousin of York, we institute your Grace To be our regent in these parts of France;— 165 And good my Lord of Somerset, unite Your troops of horsemen with his bands of foot; And like true subjects, sons of your progenitors, Go cheerfully together and digest Your angry choler on your enemies. 170 Ourself, my lord protector, and the rest, After some respite, will return to Callice; From thence to England, where I hope ere long To be presented, by your victories, With Charles, Alanson, and that traitorous rout.	KING HENRY 135 Come hither, you that would be combatants: Henceforth I charge you, as you love our favor, Quite to forget this quarrel and the cause.— And you, my lords, remember where we are: In France, amongst a fickle wavering nation. 140 If they perceive dissension in our looks, And that within ourselves we disagree, How will their grudging stomachs be provoked To willful disobedience and rebel! Besides, what infamy will there arise 145 When foreign princes shall be certified That for a toy, a thing of no regard, King Henry’s peers and chief nobility Destroyed themselves and lost the realm of France! O, think upon the conquest of my father, 150 My tender years, and let us not forgo That for a trifle that was bought with blood. Let me be umpire in this doubtful strife. I see no reason if I wear this rose That anyone should therefore be suspicious 155 I more incline to Somerset than York. He puts on a red rose. Both are my kinsmen, and I love them both. As well they may upbraid me with my crown Because, forsooth, the King of Scots is crowned. But your discretions better can persuade 160 Than I am able to instruct or teach; And therefore, as we hither came in peace, So let us still continue peace and love. Cousin of York, we institute your Grace To be our regent in these parts of France;— 165 And good my Lord of Somerset, unite Your troops of horsemen with his bands of foot; And like true subjects, sons of your progenitors, Go cheerfully together and digest Your angry choler on your enemies. 170 Ourself, my lord protector, and the rest, After some respite, will return to Callice; From thence to England, where I hope ere long To be presented, by your victories, With Charles, Alanson, and that traitorous rout.
Flourish. All but YORK, WARWICK, EXETER, VERNON exit.	Flourish. All but YORK, WARWICK, EXETER, VERNON exit.
WARWICK 175 My Lord of York, I promise you the King Prettily, methought, did play the orator.	WARWICK 175 My Lord of York, I promise you the King Prettily, methought, did play the orator.
YORK And so he did, but yet I like it not In that he wears the badge of Somerset.	YORK And so he did, but yet I like it not In that he wears the badge of Somerset.
WARWICK Tush, that was but his fancy; blame him not. 180 I dare presume, sweet prince, he thought no harm.	WARWICK Tush, that was but his fancy; blame him not. 180 I dare presume, sweet prince, he thought no harm.
YORK And if I wist he did—but let it rest. Other affairs must now be managèd.	YORK And if I wist he did—but let it rest. Other affairs must now be managèd.
YORK , WARWICK and VERNON exit. EXETER remains.	YORK , WARWICK and VERNON exit. EXETER remains.
EXETER Well didst thou, Richard, to suppress thy voice, For had the passions of thy heart burst out, 185 I fear we should have seen deciphered there More rancorous spite, more furious raging broils, Than yet can be imagined or supposed. But howsoe’er, no simple man that sees This jarring discord of nobility, 190 This shouldering of each other in the court, This factious bandying of their favorites, But sees it doth presage some ill event. ’Tis much when scepters are in children’s hands, But more when envy breeds unkind division: 195 There comes the ruin; there begins confusion.	EXETER Well didst thou, Richard, to suppress thy voice, For had the passions of thy heart burst out, 185 I fear we should have seen deciphered there More rancorous spite, more furious raging broils, Than yet can be imagined or supposed. But howsoe’er, no simple man that sees This jarring discord of nobility, 190 This shouldering of each other in the court, This factious bandying of their favorites, But sees it doth presage some ill event. ’Tis much when scepters are in children’s hands, But more when envy breeds unkind division: 195 There comes the ruin; there begins confusion.
He exits.	He exits.