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Original Text

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Alarum. Excursions. Enter JOAN LA PUCELLE.
Alarum. Excursions. Enter JOAN LA PUCELLE.
PUCELLE
The Regent conquers and the Frenchmen fly.
Now help, you charming spells and periapts,
And you choice spirits that admonish me,
And give me signs of future accidents. Thunder.
5
You speedy helpers, that are substitutes
Under the lordly monarch of the north,
Appear, and aid me in this enterprise.
Enter FIENDS.
This speed and quick appearance argues proof
Of your accustomed diligence to me.
10
Now, you familiar spirits that are culled
Out of the powerful regions under earth,
Help me this once, that France may get the field.
They walk, and speak not.
O, hold me not with silence overlong!
Where I was wont to feed you with my blood,
15
I’ll lop a member off and give it you
In earnest of a further benefit,
So you do condescend to help me now.
They hang their heads.
No hope to have redress? My body shall
Pay recompense if you will grant my suit.
They shake their heads.
20
Cannot my body nor blood-sacrifice
Entreat you to your wonted furtherance?
Then take my soul—my body, soul, and all—
Before that England give the French the foil.
They depart.
See, they forsake me. Now the time is come
25
That France must vail her lofty-plumèd crest
And let her head fall into England’s lap.
My ancient incantations are too weak,
And hell too strong for me to buckle with.
Now, France, thy glory droopeth to the dust.
PUCELLE
The Regent conquers and the Frenchmen fly.
Now help, you charming spells and periapts,
And you choice spirits that admonish me,
And give me signs of future accidents. Thunder.
5
You speedy helpers, that are substitutes
Under the lordly monarch of the north,
Appear, and aid me in this enterprise.
Enter FIENDS.
This speed and quick appearance argues proof
Of your accustomed diligence to me.
10
Now, you familiar spirits that are culled
Out of the powerful regions under earth,
Help me this once, that France may get the field.
They walk, and speak not.
O, hold me not with silence overlong!
Where I was wont to feed you with my blood,
15
I’ll lop a member off and give it you
In earnest of a further benefit,
So you do condescend to help me now.
They hang their heads.
No hope to have redress? My body shall
Pay recompense if you will grant my suit.
They shake their heads.
20
Cannot my body nor blood-sacrifice
Entreat you to your wonted furtherance?
Then take my soul—my body, soul, and all—
Before that England give the French the foil.
They depart.
See, they forsake me. Now the time is come
25
That France must vail her lofty-plumèd crest
And let her head fall into England’s lap.
My ancient incantations are too weak,
And hell too strong for me to buckle with.
Now, France, thy glory droopeth to the dust.
She exits.
She exits.
Excursions. BURGUNDY and YORK fight hand to hand. BURGUNDY and THE FRENCH fly as YORK and ENGLISH SOLDIERS capture JOAN LA PUCELLE.
Excursions. BURGUNDY and YORK fight hand to hand. BURGUNDY and THE FRENCH fly as YORK and ENGLISH SOLDIERS capture JOAN LA PUCELLE.
YORK
30
Damsel of France, I think I have you fast.
Unchain your spirits now with spelling charms,
And try if they can gain your liberty.
A goodly prize, fit for the devil’s grace!
See how the ugly witch doth bend her brows
35
As if with Circe she would change my shape.
YORK
30
Damsel of France, I think I have you fast.
Unchain your spirits now with spelling charms,
And try if they can gain your liberty.
A goodly prize, fit for the devil’s grace!
See how the ugly witch doth bend her brows
35
As if with Circe she would change my shape.
PUCELLE
Changed to a worser shape thou canst not be.
PUCELLE
Changed to a worser shape thou canst not be.
YORK
O, Charles the Dauphin is a proper man;
No shape but his can please your dainty eye.
YORK
O, Charles the Dauphin is a proper man;
No shape but his can please your dainty eye.
PUCELLE
A plaguing mischief light on Charles and thee,
40
And may you both be suddenly surprised
By bloody hands in sleeping on your beds!
PUCELLE
A plaguing mischief light on Charles and thee,
40
And may you both be suddenly surprised
By bloody hands in sleeping on your beds!
YORK
Fell banning hag! Enchantress, hold thy tongue.
YORK
Fell banning hag! Enchantress, hold thy tongue.
PUCELLE
I prithee give me leave to curse awhile.
PUCELLE
I prithee give me leave to curse awhile.
YORK
Curse, miscreant, when thou com’st to the stake.
YORK
Curse, miscreant, when thou com’st to the stake.
They exit.
They exit.
Alarum. Enter SUFFOLK with MARGARET in his hand.
Alarum. Enter SUFFOLK with MARGARET in his hand.
SUFFOLK
45
Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner.
Gazes on her.
O fairest beauty, do not fear nor fly,
For I will touch thee but with reverent hands.
I kiss these fingers for eternal peace
And lay them gently on thy tender side.
50
Who art thou? Say, that I may honor thee.
SUFFOLK
45
Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner.
Gazes on her.
O fairest beauty, do not fear nor fly,
For I will touch thee but with reverent hands.
I kiss these fingers for eternal peace
And lay them gently on thy tender side.
50
Who art thou? Say, that I may honor thee.
MARGARET
Margaret my name, and daughter to a king,
The King of Naples, whosoe’er thou art.
MARGARET
Margaret my name, and daughter to a king,
The King of Naples, whosoe’er thou art.
SUFFOLK
An earl I am, and Suffolk am I called.
Be not offended, nature’s miracle;
55
Thou art allotted to be ta’en by me.
So doth the swan her downy cygnets save,
Keeping them prisoner underneath her wings.
Yet if this servile usage once offend,
Go and be free again as Suffolk’s friend.
She is going .
60
O, stay! (Aside.) I have no power to let her pass.
My hand would free her, but my heart says no.
As plays the sun upon the glassy streams,
Twinkling another counterfeited beam,
So seems this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes.
65
Fain would I woo her, yet I dare not speak.
I’ll call for pen and ink and write my mind.
Fie, de la Pole, disable not thyself!
Hast not a tongue? Is she not here?
Wilt thou be daunted at a woman’s sight?
70
Ay. Beauty’s princely majesty is such
Confounds the tongue and makes the senses rough.
SUFFOLK
An earl I am, and Suffolk am I called.
Be not offended, nature’s miracle;
55
Thou art allotted to be ta’en by me.
So doth the swan her downy cygnets save,
Keeping them prisoner underneath her wings.
Yet if this servile usage once offend,
Go and be free again as Suffolk’s friend.
She is going .
60
O, stay! (Aside.) I have no power to let her pass.
My hand would free her, but my heart says no.
As plays the sun upon the glassy streams,
Twinkling another counterfeited beam,
So seems this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes.
65
Fain would I woo her, yet I dare not speak.
I’ll call for pen and ink and write my mind.
Fie, de la Pole, disable not thyself!
Hast not a tongue? Is she not here?
Wilt thou be daunted at a woman’s sight?
70
Ay. Beauty’s princely majesty is such
Confounds the tongue and makes the senses rough.
MARGARET
Say, Earl of Suffolk, if thy name be so,
What ransom must I pay before I pass?
For I perceive I am thy prisoner.
MARGARET
Say, Earl of Suffolk, if thy name be so,
What ransom must I pay before I pass?
For I perceive I am thy prisoner.
SUFFOLK , aside
75
How canst thou tell she will deny thy suit
Before thou make a trial of her love?
SUFFOLK , aside
75
How canst thou tell she will deny thy suit
Before thou make a trial of her love?
MARGARET
Why speak’st thou not? What ransom must I pay?
MARGARET
Why speak’st thou not? What ransom must I pay?
SUFFOLK , aside
She’s beautiful, and therefore to be wooed;
She is a woman, therefore to be won.
SUFFOLK , aside
She’s beautiful, and therefore to be wooed;
She is a woman, therefore to be won.
MARGARET
80
Wilt thou accept of ransom, yea or no?
MARGARET
80
Wilt thou accept of ransom, yea or no?
SUFFOLK , aside
Fond man, remember that thou hast a wife;
Then how can Margaret be thy paramour?
SUFFOLK , aside
Fond man, remember that thou hast a wife;
Then how can Margaret be thy paramour?
MARGARET , aside
I were best to leave him, for he will not hear.
MARGARET , aside
I were best to leave him, for he will not hear.
SUFFOLK , aside
There all is marred; there lies a cooling card.
SUFFOLK , aside
There all is marred; there lies a cooling card.
MARGARET , aside
85
He talks at random; sure the man is mad.
MARGARET , aside
85
He talks at random; sure the man is mad.
SUFFOLK , aside
And yet a dispensation may be had.
SUFFOLK , aside
And yet a dispensation may be had.
MARGARET
And yet I would that you would answer me.
MARGARET
And yet I would that you would answer me.
SUFFOLK , aside
I’ll win this Lady Margaret. For whom?
Why, for my king. Tush, that’s a wooden thing!
SUFFOLK , aside
I’ll win this Lady Margaret. For whom?
Why, for my king. Tush, that’s a wooden thing!
MARGARET , aside
90
He talks of wood. It is some carpenter.
MARGARET , aside
90
He talks of wood. It is some carpenter.
SUFFOLK , aside
Yet so my fancy may be satisfied,
And peace establishèd between these realms.
But there remains a scruple in that, too;
For though her father be the King of Naples,
95
Duke of Anjou and Maine, yet is he poor,
And our nobility will scorn the match.
SUFFOLK , aside
Yet so my fancy may be satisfied,
And peace establishèd between these realms.
But there remains a scruple in that, too;
For though her father be the King of Naples,
95
Duke of Anjou and Maine, yet is he poor,
And our nobility will scorn the match.
MARGARET
Hear you, captain? Are you not at leisure?
MARGARET
Hear you, captain? Are you not at leisure?
SUFFOLK , aside
It shall be so, disdain they ne’er so much.
Henry is youthful, and will quickly yield.—
100
Madam, I have a secret to reveal.
SUFFOLK , aside
It shall be so, disdain they ne’er so much.
Henry is youthful, and will quickly yield.—
100
Madam, I have a secret to reveal.
MARGARET , aside
What though I be enthralled, he seems a knight,
And will not any way dishonor me.
MARGARET , aside
What though I be enthralled, he seems a knight,
And will not any way dishonor me.
SUFFOLK
Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say.
SUFFOLK
Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say.
MARGARET , aside
Perhaps I shall be rescued by the French,
105
And then I need not crave his courtesy.
MARGARET , aside
Perhaps I shall be rescued by the French,
105
And then I need not crave his courtesy.
SUFFOLK
Sweet madam, give me hearing in a cause.
SUFFOLK
Sweet madam, give me hearing in a cause.
MARGARET , aside
Tush, women have been captivate ere now.
MARGARET , aside
Tush, women have been captivate ere now.
SUFFOLK
Lady, wherefore talk you so?
SUFFOLK
Lady, wherefore talk you so?
MARGARET
I cry you mercy, ’tis but quid for quo.
MARGARET
I cry you mercy, ’tis but quid for quo.
SUFFOLK
110
Say, gentle princess, would you not suppose
Your bondage happy, to be made a queen?
SUFFOLK
110
Say, gentle princess, would you not suppose
Your bondage happy, to be made a queen?
MARGARET
To be a queen in bondage is more vile
Than is a slave in base servility,
For princes should be free.
MARGARET
To be a queen in bondage is more vile
Than is a slave in base servility,
For princes should be free.
SUFFOLK
115
And so shall you,
If happy England’s royal king be free.
SUFFOLK
115
And so shall you,
If happy England’s royal king be free.
MARGARET
Why, what concerns his freedom unto me?
MARGARET
Why, what concerns his freedom unto me?
SUFFOLK
I’ll undertake to make thee Henry’s queen,
To put a golden scepter in thy hand
120
And set a precious crown upon thy head,
If thou wilt condescend to be my—
SUFFOLK
I’ll undertake to make thee Henry’s queen,
To put a golden scepter in thy hand
120
And set a precious crown upon thy head,
If thou wilt condescend to be my—
MARGARET
What?
MARGARET
What?
SUFFOLK
His love.
SUFFOLK
His love.
MARGARET
I am unworthy to be Henry’s wife.
MARGARET
I am unworthy to be Henry’s wife.
SUFFOLK
125
No, gentle madam, I unworthy am
To woo so fair a dame to be his wife,
And have no portion in the choice myself.
How say you, madam? Are you so content?
SUFFOLK
125
No, gentle madam, I unworthy am
To woo so fair a dame to be his wife,
And have no portion in the choice myself.
How say you, madam? Are you so content?
MARGARET
An if my father please, I am content.
MARGARET
An if my father please, I am content.
SUFFOLK
130
Then call our captains and our colors forth!
A SOLDIER exits.
And, madam, at your father’s castle walls
We’ll crave a parley to confer with him.
Enter CAPTAINS and TRUMPETS. Sound a parley. Enter REIGNIER on the walls.
See, Reignier, see thy daughter prisoner!
SUFFOLK
130
Then call our captains and our colors forth!
A SOLDIER exits.
And, madam, at your father’s castle walls
We’ll crave a parley to confer with him.
Enter CAPTAINS and TRUMPETS. Sound a parley. Enter REIGNIER on the walls.
See, Reignier, see thy daughter prisoner!
REIGNIER
To whom?
REIGNIER
To whom?
SUFFOLK
135
To me.
SUFFOLK
135
To me.
REIGNIER
Suffolk, what remedy?
I am a soldier and unapt to weep
Or to exclaim on Fortune’s fickleness.
REIGNIER
Suffolk, what remedy?
I am a soldier and unapt to weep
Or to exclaim on Fortune’s fickleness.
SUFFOLK
Yes, there is remedy enough, my lord:
140
Consent, and, for thy Honor give consent,
Thy daughter shall be wedded to my king,
Whom I with pain have wooed and won thereto;
And this her easy-held imprisonment
Hath gained thy daughter princely liberty.
SUFFOLK
Yes, there is remedy enough, my lord:
140
Consent, and, for thy Honor give consent,
Thy daughter shall be wedded to my king,
Whom I with pain have wooed and won thereto;
And this her easy-held imprisonment
Hath gained thy daughter princely liberty.
REIGNIER
145
Speaks Suffolk as he thinks?
REIGNIER
145
Speaks Suffolk as he thinks?
SUFFOLK
Fair Margaret knows
That Suffolk doth not flatter, face, or feign.
SUFFOLK
Fair Margaret knows
That Suffolk doth not flatter, face, or feign.
REIGNIER
Upon thy princely warrant, I descend
To give thee answer of thy just demand.
He exits from the walls.
REIGNIER
Upon thy princely warrant, I descend
To give thee answer of thy just demand.
He exits from the walls.
SUFFOLK
150
And here I will expect thy coming.
SUFFOLK
150
And here I will expect thy coming.
Trumpets sound. Enter REIGNIER, below.
Trumpets sound. Enter REIGNIER, below.
REIGNIER
Welcome, brave earl, into our territories.
Command in Anjou what your Honor pleases.
REIGNIER
Welcome, brave earl, into our territories.
Command in Anjou what your Honor pleases.
SUFFOLK
Thanks, Reignier, happy for so sweet a child,
Fit to be made companion with a king.
155
What answer makes your Grace unto my suit?
SUFFOLK
Thanks, Reignier, happy for so sweet a child,
Fit to be made companion with a king.
155
What answer makes your Grace unto my suit?
REIGNIER
Since thou dost deign to woo her little worth
To be the princely bride of such a lord,
Upon condition I may quietly
Enjoy mine own, the country Maine and Anjou,
160
Free from oppression or the stroke of war,
My daughter shall be Henry’s, if he please.
REIGNIER
Since thou dost deign to woo her little worth
To be the princely bride of such a lord,
Upon condition I may quietly
Enjoy mine own, the country Maine and Anjou,
160
Free from oppression or the stroke of war,
My daughter shall be Henry’s, if he please.
SUFFOLK
That is her ransom; I deliver her,
And those two counties I will undertake
Your Grace shall well and quietly enjoy.
SUFFOLK
That is her ransom; I deliver her,
And those two counties I will undertake
Your Grace shall well and quietly enjoy.
REIGNIER
165
And I, again in Henry’s royal name
As deputy unto that gracious king,
Give thee her hand for sign of plighted faith.
REIGNIER
165
And I, again in Henry’s royal name
As deputy unto that gracious king,
Give thee her hand for sign of plighted faith.
SUFFOLK
Reignier of France, I give thee kingly thanks
Because this is in traffic of a king.
170 Aside.
And yet methinks I could be well content
To be mine own attorney in this case.—
I’ll over then to England with this news,
And make this marriage to be solemnized.
So farewell, Reignier; set this diamond safe
175
In golden palaces, as it becomes.
SUFFOLK
Reignier of France, I give thee kingly thanks
Because this is in traffic of a king.
170 Aside.
And yet methinks I could be well content
To be mine own attorney in this case.—
I’ll over then to England with this news,
And make this marriage to be solemnized.
So farewell, Reignier; set this diamond safe
175
In golden palaces, as it becomes.
REIGNIER , embracing SUFFOLK
I do embrace thee, as I would embrace
The Christian prince King Henry, were he here.
REIGNIER , embracing SUFFOLK
I do embrace thee, as I would embrace
The Christian prince King Henry, were he here.
MARGARET , to SUFFOLK
Farewell, my lord; good wishes, praise, and prayers
Shall Suffolk ever have of Margaret.
MARGARET , to SUFFOLK
Farewell, my lord; good wishes, praise, and prayers
Shall Suffolk ever have of Margaret.
She is going, as REIGNIER exits.
She is going, as REIGNIER exits.
SUFFOLK
180
Farewell, sweet madam. But, hark you, Margaret,
No princely commendations to my king?
SUFFOLK
180
Farewell, sweet madam. But, hark you, Margaret,
No princely commendations to my king?
MARGARET
Such commendations as becomes a maid,
A virgin, and his servant, say to him.
MARGARET
Such commendations as becomes a maid,
A virgin, and his servant, say to him.
SUFFOLK
Words sweetly placed and modestly directed.
185
But, madam, I must trouble you again:
No loving token to his Majesty?
SUFFOLK
Words sweetly placed and modestly directed.
185
But, madam, I must trouble you again:
No loving token to his Majesty?
MARGARET
Yes, my good lord: a pure unspotted heart,
Never yet taint with love, I send the King.
MARGARET
Yes, my good lord: a pure unspotted heart,
Never yet taint with love, I send the King.
SUFFOLK
And this withal. Kiss her.
SUFFOLK
And this withal. Kiss her.
MARGARET
190
That for thyself. I will not so presume
To send such peevish tokens to a king. She exits.
MARGARET
190
That for thyself. I will not so presume
To send such peevish tokens to a king. She exits.
SUFFOLK
O, wert thou for myself! But, Suffolk, stay.
Thou mayst not wander in that labyrinth.
There Minotaurs and ugly treasons lurk.
195
Solicit Henry with her wondrous praise;
Bethink thee on her virtues that surmount
And natural graces that extinguish art;
Repeat their semblance often on the seas,
That, when thou com’st to kneel at Henry’s feet,
200
Thou mayst bereave him of his wits with wonder.
SUFFOLK
O, wert thou for myself! But, Suffolk, stay.
Thou mayst not wander in that labyrinth.
There Minotaurs and ugly treasons lurk.
195
Solicit Henry with her wondrous praise;
Bethink thee on her virtues that surmount
And natural graces that extinguish art;
Repeat their semblance often on the seas,
That, when thou com’st to kneel at Henry’s feet,
200
Thou mayst bereave him of his wits with wonder.
He exits.
He exits.

Original Text

Modern Text
Alarum. Excursions. Enter JOAN LA PUCELLE.
Alarum. Excursions. Enter JOAN LA PUCELLE.
PUCELLE
The Regent conquers and the Frenchmen fly.
Now help, you charming spells and periapts,
And you choice spirits that admonish me,
And give me signs of future accidents. Thunder.
5
You speedy helpers, that are substitutes
Under the lordly monarch of the north,
Appear, and aid me in this enterprise.
Enter FIENDS.
This speed and quick appearance argues proof
Of your accustomed diligence to me.
10
Now, you familiar spirits that are culled
Out of the powerful regions under earth,
Help me this once, that France may get the field.
They walk, and speak not.
O, hold me not with silence overlong!
Where I was wont to feed you with my blood,
15
I’ll lop a member off and give it you
In earnest of a further benefit,
So you do condescend to help me now.
They hang their heads.
No hope to have redress? My body shall
Pay recompense if you will grant my suit.
They shake their heads.
20
Cannot my body nor blood-sacrifice
Entreat you to your wonted furtherance?
Then take my soul—my body, soul, and all—
Before that England give the French the foil.
They depart.
See, they forsake me. Now the time is come
25
That France must vail her lofty-plumèd crest
And let her head fall into England’s lap.
My ancient incantations are too weak,
And hell too strong for me to buckle with.
Now, France, thy glory droopeth to the dust.
PUCELLE
The Regent conquers and the Frenchmen fly.
Now help, you charming spells and periapts,
And you choice spirits that admonish me,
And give me signs of future accidents. Thunder.
5
You speedy helpers, that are substitutes
Under the lordly monarch of the north,
Appear, and aid me in this enterprise.
Enter FIENDS.
This speed and quick appearance argues proof
Of your accustomed diligence to me.
10
Now, you familiar spirits that are culled
Out of the powerful regions under earth,
Help me this once, that France may get the field.
They walk, and speak not.
O, hold me not with silence overlong!
Where I was wont to feed you with my blood,
15
I’ll lop a member off and give it you
In earnest of a further benefit,
So you do condescend to help me now.
They hang their heads.
No hope to have redress? My body shall
Pay recompense if you will grant my suit.
They shake their heads.
20
Cannot my body nor blood-sacrifice
Entreat you to your wonted furtherance?
Then take my soul—my body, soul, and all—
Before that England give the French the foil.
They depart.
See, they forsake me. Now the time is come
25
That France must vail her lofty-plumèd crest
And let her head fall into England’s lap.
My ancient incantations are too weak,
And hell too strong for me to buckle with.
Now, France, thy glory droopeth to the dust.
She exits.
She exits.
Excursions. BURGUNDY and YORK fight hand to hand. BURGUNDY and THE FRENCH fly as YORK and ENGLISH SOLDIERS capture JOAN LA PUCELLE.
Excursions. BURGUNDY and YORK fight hand to hand. BURGUNDY and THE FRENCH fly as YORK and ENGLISH SOLDIERS capture JOAN LA PUCELLE.
YORK
30
Damsel of France, I think I have you fast.
Unchain your spirits now with spelling charms,
And try if they can gain your liberty.
A goodly prize, fit for the devil’s grace!
See how the ugly witch doth bend her brows
35
As if with Circe she would change my shape.
YORK
30
Damsel of France, I think I have you fast.
Unchain your spirits now with spelling charms,
And try if they can gain your liberty.
A goodly prize, fit for the devil’s grace!
See how the ugly witch doth bend her brows
35
As if with Circe she would change my shape.
PUCELLE
Changed to a worser shape thou canst not be.
PUCELLE
Changed to a worser shape thou canst not be.
YORK
O, Charles the Dauphin is a proper man;
No shape but his can please your dainty eye.
YORK
O, Charles the Dauphin is a proper man;
No shape but his can please your dainty eye.
PUCELLE
A plaguing mischief light on Charles and thee,
40
And may you both be suddenly surprised
By bloody hands in sleeping on your beds!
PUCELLE
A plaguing mischief light on Charles and thee,
40
And may you both be suddenly surprised
By bloody hands in sleeping on your beds!
YORK
Fell banning hag! Enchantress, hold thy tongue.
YORK
Fell banning hag! Enchantress, hold thy tongue.
PUCELLE
I prithee give me leave to curse awhile.
PUCELLE
I prithee give me leave to curse awhile.
YORK
Curse, miscreant, when thou com’st to the stake.
YORK
Curse, miscreant, when thou com’st to the stake.
They exit.
They exit.
Alarum. Enter SUFFOLK with MARGARET in his hand.
Alarum. Enter SUFFOLK with MARGARET in his hand.
SUFFOLK
45
Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner.
Gazes on her.
O fairest beauty, do not fear nor fly,
For I will touch thee but with reverent hands.
I kiss these fingers for eternal peace
And lay them gently on thy tender side.
50
Who art thou? Say, that I may honor thee.
SUFFOLK
45
Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner.
Gazes on her.
O fairest beauty, do not fear nor fly,
For I will touch thee but with reverent hands.
I kiss these fingers for eternal peace
And lay them gently on thy tender side.
50
Who art thou? Say, that I may honor thee.
MARGARET
Margaret my name, and daughter to a king,
The King of Naples, whosoe’er thou art.
MARGARET
Margaret my name, and daughter to a king,
The King of Naples, whosoe’er thou art.
SUFFOLK
An earl I am, and Suffolk am I called.
Be not offended, nature’s miracle;
55
Thou art allotted to be ta’en by me.
So doth the swan her downy cygnets save,
Keeping them prisoner underneath her wings.
Yet if this servile usage once offend,
Go and be free again as Suffolk’s friend.
She is going .
60
O, stay! (Aside.) I have no power to let her pass.
My hand would free her, but my heart says no.
As plays the sun upon the glassy streams,
Twinkling another counterfeited beam,
So seems this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes.
65
Fain would I woo her, yet I dare not speak.
I’ll call for pen and ink and write my mind.
Fie, de la Pole, disable not thyself!
Hast not a tongue? Is she not here?
Wilt thou be daunted at a woman’s sight?
70
Ay. Beauty’s princely majesty is such
Confounds the tongue and makes the senses rough.
SUFFOLK
An earl I am, and Suffolk am I called.
Be not offended, nature’s miracle;
55
Thou art allotted to be ta’en by me.
So doth the swan her downy cygnets save,
Keeping them prisoner underneath her wings.
Yet if this servile usage once offend,
Go and be free again as Suffolk’s friend.
She is going .
60
O, stay! (Aside.) I have no power to let her pass.
My hand would free her, but my heart says no.
As plays the sun upon the glassy streams,
Twinkling another counterfeited beam,
So seems this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes.
65
Fain would I woo her, yet I dare not speak.
I’ll call for pen and ink and write my mind.
Fie, de la Pole, disable not thyself!
Hast not a tongue? Is she not here?
Wilt thou be daunted at a woman’s sight?
70
Ay. Beauty’s princely majesty is such
Confounds the tongue and makes the senses rough.
MARGARET
Say, Earl of Suffolk, if thy name be so,
What ransom must I pay before I pass?
For I perceive I am thy prisoner.
MARGARET
Say, Earl of Suffolk, if thy name be so,
What ransom must I pay before I pass?
For I perceive I am thy prisoner.
SUFFOLK , aside
75
How canst thou tell she will deny thy suit
Before thou make a trial of her love?
SUFFOLK , aside
75
How canst thou tell she will deny thy suit
Before thou make a trial of her love?
MARGARET
Why speak’st thou not? What ransom must I pay?
MARGARET
Why speak’st thou not? What ransom must I pay?
SUFFOLK , aside
She’s beautiful, and therefore to be wooed;
She is a woman, therefore to be won.
SUFFOLK , aside
She’s beautiful, and therefore to be wooed;
She is a woman, therefore to be won.
MARGARET
80
Wilt thou accept of ransom, yea or no?
MARGARET
80
Wilt thou accept of ransom, yea or no?
SUFFOLK , aside
Fond man, remember that thou hast a wife;
Then how can Margaret be thy paramour?
SUFFOLK , aside
Fond man, remember that thou hast a wife;
Then how can Margaret be thy paramour?
MARGARET , aside
I were best to leave him, for he will not hear.
MARGARET , aside
I were best to leave him, for he will not hear.
SUFFOLK , aside
There all is marred; there lies a cooling card.
SUFFOLK , aside
There all is marred; there lies a cooling card.
MARGARET , aside
85
He talks at random; sure the man is mad.
MARGARET , aside
85
He talks at random; sure the man is mad.
SUFFOLK , aside
And yet a dispensation may be had.
SUFFOLK , aside
And yet a dispensation may be had.
MARGARET
And yet I would that you would answer me.
MARGARET
And yet I would that you would answer me.
SUFFOLK , aside
I’ll win this Lady Margaret. For whom?
Why, for my king. Tush, that’s a wooden thing!
SUFFOLK , aside
I’ll win this Lady Margaret. For whom?
Why, for my king. Tush, that’s a wooden thing!
MARGARET , aside
90
He talks of wood. It is some carpenter.
MARGARET , aside
90
He talks of wood. It is some carpenter.
SUFFOLK , aside
Yet so my fancy may be satisfied,
And peace establishèd between these realms.
But there remains a scruple in that, too;
For though her father be the King of Naples,
95
Duke of Anjou and Maine, yet is he poor,
And our nobility will scorn the match.
SUFFOLK , aside
Yet so my fancy may be satisfied,
And peace establishèd between these realms.
But there remains a scruple in that, too;
For though her father be the King of Naples,
95
Duke of Anjou and Maine, yet is he poor,
And our nobility will scorn the match.
MARGARET
Hear you, captain? Are you not at leisure?
MARGARET
Hear you, captain? Are you not at leisure?
SUFFOLK , aside
It shall be so, disdain they ne’er so much.
Henry is youthful, and will quickly yield.—
100
Madam, I have a secret to reveal.
SUFFOLK , aside
It shall be so, disdain they ne’er so much.
Henry is youthful, and will quickly yield.—
100
Madam, I have a secret to reveal.
MARGARET , aside
What though I be enthralled, he seems a knight,
And will not any way dishonor me.
MARGARET , aside
What though I be enthralled, he seems a knight,
And will not any way dishonor me.
SUFFOLK
Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say.
SUFFOLK
Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say.
MARGARET , aside
Perhaps I shall be rescued by the French,
105
And then I need not crave his courtesy.
MARGARET , aside
Perhaps I shall be rescued by the French,
105
And then I need not crave his courtesy.
SUFFOLK
Sweet madam, give me hearing in a cause.
SUFFOLK
Sweet madam, give me hearing in a cause.
MARGARET , aside
Tush, women have been captivate ere now.
MARGARET , aside
Tush, women have been captivate ere now.
SUFFOLK
Lady, wherefore talk you so?
SUFFOLK
Lady, wherefore talk you so?
MARGARET
I cry you mercy, ’tis but quid for quo.
MARGARET
I cry you mercy, ’tis but quid for quo.
SUFFOLK
110
Say, gentle princess, would you not suppose
Your bondage happy, to be made a queen?
SUFFOLK
110
Say, gentle princess, would you not suppose
Your bondage happy, to be made a queen?
MARGARET
To be a queen in bondage is more vile
Than is a slave in base servility,
For princes should be free.
MARGARET
To be a queen in bondage is more vile
Than is a slave in base servility,
For princes should be free.
SUFFOLK
115
And so shall you,
If happy England’s royal king be free.
SUFFOLK
115
And so shall you,
If happy England’s royal king be free.
MARGARET
Why, what concerns his freedom unto me?
MARGARET
Why, what concerns his freedom unto me?
SUFFOLK
I’ll undertake to make thee Henry’s queen,
To put a golden scepter in thy hand
120
And set a precious crown upon thy head,
If thou wilt condescend to be my—
SUFFOLK
I’ll undertake to make thee Henry’s queen,
To put a golden scepter in thy hand
120
And set a precious crown upon thy head,
If thou wilt condescend to be my—
MARGARET
What?
MARGARET
What?
SUFFOLK
His love.
SUFFOLK
His love.
MARGARET
I am unworthy to be Henry’s wife.
MARGARET
I am unworthy to be Henry’s wife.
SUFFOLK
125
No, gentle madam, I unworthy am
To woo so fair a dame to be his wife,
And have no portion in the choice myself.
How say you, madam? Are you so content?
SUFFOLK
125
No, gentle madam, I unworthy am
To woo so fair a dame to be his wife,
And have no portion in the choice myself.
How say you, madam? Are you so content?
MARGARET
An if my father please, I am content.
MARGARET
An if my father please, I am content.
SUFFOLK
130
Then call our captains and our colors forth!
A SOLDIER exits.
And, madam, at your father’s castle walls
We’ll crave a parley to confer with him.
Enter CAPTAINS and TRUMPETS. Sound a parley. Enter REIGNIER on the walls.
See, Reignier, see thy daughter prisoner!
SUFFOLK
130
Then call our captains and our colors forth!
A SOLDIER exits.
And, madam, at your father’s castle walls
We’ll crave a parley to confer with him.
Enter CAPTAINS and TRUMPETS. Sound a parley. Enter REIGNIER on the walls.
See, Reignier, see thy daughter prisoner!
REIGNIER
To whom?
REIGNIER
To whom?
SUFFOLK
135
To me.
SUFFOLK
135
To me.
REIGNIER
Suffolk, what remedy?
I am a soldier and unapt to weep
Or to exclaim on Fortune’s fickleness.
REIGNIER
Suffolk, what remedy?
I am a soldier and unapt to weep
Or to exclaim on Fortune’s fickleness.
SUFFOLK
Yes, there is remedy enough, my lord:
140
Consent, and, for thy Honor give consent,
Thy daughter shall be wedded to my king,
Whom I with pain have wooed and won thereto;
And this her easy-held imprisonment
Hath gained thy daughter princely liberty.
SUFFOLK
Yes, there is remedy enough, my lord:
140
Consent, and, for thy Honor give consent,
Thy daughter shall be wedded to my king,
Whom I with pain have wooed and won thereto;
And this her easy-held imprisonment
Hath gained thy daughter princely liberty.
REIGNIER
145
Speaks Suffolk as he thinks?
REIGNIER
145
Speaks Suffolk as he thinks?
SUFFOLK
Fair Margaret knows
That Suffolk doth not flatter, face, or feign.
SUFFOLK
Fair Margaret knows
That Suffolk doth not flatter, face, or feign.
REIGNIER
Upon thy princely warrant, I descend
To give thee answer of thy just demand.
He exits from the walls.
REIGNIER
Upon thy princely warrant, I descend
To give thee answer of thy just demand.
He exits from the walls.
SUFFOLK
150
And here I will expect thy coming.
SUFFOLK
150
And here I will expect thy coming.
Trumpets sound. Enter REIGNIER, below.
Trumpets sound. Enter REIGNIER, below.
REIGNIER
Welcome, brave earl, into our territories.
Command in Anjou what your Honor pleases.
REIGNIER
Welcome, brave earl, into our territories.
Command in Anjou what your Honor pleases.
SUFFOLK
Thanks, Reignier, happy for so sweet a child,
Fit to be made companion with a king.
155
What answer makes your Grace unto my suit?
SUFFOLK
Thanks, Reignier, happy for so sweet a child,
Fit to be made companion with a king.
155
What answer makes your Grace unto my suit?
REIGNIER
Since thou dost deign to woo her little worth
To be the princely bride of such a lord,
Upon condition I may quietly
Enjoy mine own, the country Maine and Anjou,
160
Free from oppression or the stroke of war,
My daughter shall be Henry’s, if he please.
REIGNIER
Since thou dost deign to woo her little worth
To be the princely bride of such a lord,
Upon condition I may quietly
Enjoy mine own, the country Maine and Anjou,
160
Free from oppression or the stroke of war,
My daughter shall be Henry’s, if he please.
SUFFOLK
That is her ransom; I deliver her,
And those two counties I will undertake
Your Grace shall well and quietly enjoy.
SUFFOLK
That is her ransom; I deliver her,
And those two counties I will undertake
Your Grace shall well and quietly enjoy.
REIGNIER
165
And I, again in Henry’s royal name
As deputy unto that gracious king,
Give thee her hand for sign of plighted faith.
REIGNIER
165
And I, again in Henry’s royal name
As deputy unto that gracious king,
Give thee her hand for sign of plighted faith.
SUFFOLK
Reignier of France, I give thee kingly thanks
Because this is in traffic of a king.
170 Aside.
And yet methinks I could be well content
To be mine own attorney in this case.—
I’ll over then to England with this news,
And make this marriage to be solemnized.
So farewell, Reignier; set this diamond safe
175
In golden palaces, as it becomes.
SUFFOLK
Reignier of France, I give thee kingly thanks
Because this is in traffic of a king.
170 Aside.
And yet methinks I could be well content
To be mine own attorney in this case.—
I’ll over then to England with this news,
And make this marriage to be solemnized.
So farewell, Reignier; set this diamond safe
175
In golden palaces, as it becomes.
REIGNIER , embracing SUFFOLK
I do embrace thee, as I would embrace
The Christian prince King Henry, were he here.
REIGNIER , embracing SUFFOLK
I do embrace thee, as I would embrace
The Christian prince King Henry, were he here.
MARGARET , to SUFFOLK
Farewell, my lord; good wishes, praise, and prayers
Shall Suffolk ever have of Margaret.
MARGARET , to SUFFOLK
Farewell, my lord; good wishes, praise, and prayers
Shall Suffolk ever have of Margaret.
She is going, as REIGNIER exits.
She is going, as REIGNIER exits.
SUFFOLK
180
Farewell, sweet madam. But, hark you, Margaret,
No princely commendations to my king?
SUFFOLK
180
Farewell, sweet madam. But, hark you, Margaret,
No princely commendations to my king?
MARGARET
Such commendations as becomes a maid,
A virgin, and his servant, say to him.
MARGARET
Such commendations as becomes a maid,
A virgin, and his servant, say to him.
SUFFOLK
Words sweetly placed and modestly directed.
185
But, madam, I must trouble you again:
No loving token to his Majesty?
SUFFOLK
Words sweetly placed and modestly directed.
185
But, madam, I must trouble you again:
No loving token to his Majesty?
MARGARET
Yes, my good lord: a pure unspotted heart,
Never yet taint with love, I send the King.
MARGARET
Yes, my good lord: a pure unspotted heart,
Never yet taint with love, I send the King.
SUFFOLK
And this withal. Kiss her.
SUFFOLK
And this withal. Kiss her.
MARGARET
190
That for thyself. I will not so presume
To send such peevish tokens to a king. She exits.
MARGARET
190
That for thyself. I will not so presume
To send such peevish tokens to a king. She exits.
SUFFOLK
O, wert thou for myself! But, Suffolk, stay.
Thou mayst not wander in that labyrinth.
There Minotaurs and ugly treasons lurk.
195
Solicit Henry with her wondrous praise;
Bethink thee on her virtues that surmount
And natural graces that extinguish art;
Repeat their semblance often on the seas,
That, when thou com’st to kneel at Henry’s feet,
200
Thou mayst bereave him of his wits with wonder.
SUFFOLK
O, wert thou for myself! But, Suffolk, stay.
Thou mayst not wander in that labyrinth.
There Minotaurs and ugly treasons lurk.
195
Solicit Henry with her wondrous praise;
Bethink thee on her virtues that surmount
And natural graces that extinguish art;
Repeat their semblance often on the seas,
That, when thou com’st to kneel at Henry’s feet,
200
Thou mayst bereave him of his wits with wonder.
He exits.
He exits.
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