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Henry VI, Part 1

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Original Text	Modern Text
Enter SUFFOLK in conference with the KING, GLOUCESTER, and EXETER, with ATTENDANTS.	Enter SUFFOLK in conference with the KING, GLOUCESTER, and EXETER, with ATTENDANTS.
KING HENRY Your wondrous rare description, noble earl, Of beauteous Margaret hath astonished me. Her virtues gracèd with external gifts Do breed love’s settled passions in my heart, 5 And like as rigor of tempestuous gusts Provokes the mightiest hulk against the tide, So am I driven by breath of her renown Either to suffer shipwrack, or arrive Where I may have fruition of her love.	KING HENRY Your wondrous rare description, noble earl, Of beauteous Margaret hath astonished me. Her virtues gracèd with external gifts Do breed love’s settled passions in my heart, 5 And like as rigor of tempestuous gusts Provokes the mightiest hulk against the tide, So am I driven by breath of her renown Either to suffer shipwrack, or arrive Where I may have fruition of her love.
SUFFOLK 10 Tush, my good lord, this superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. The chief perfections of that lovely dame, Had I sufficient skill to utter them, Would make a volume of enticing lines 15 Able to ravish any dull conceit; And, which is more, she is not so divine, So full replete with choice of all delights, But with as humble lowliness of mind She is content to be at your command— 20 Command, I mean, of virtuous chaste intents— To love and honor Henry as her lord.	SUFFOLK 10 Tush, my good lord, this superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. The chief perfections of that lovely dame, Had I sufficient skill to utter them, Would make a volume of enticing lines 15 Able to ravish any dull conceit; And, which is more, she is not so divine, So full replete with choice of all delights, But with as humble lowliness of mind She is content to be at your command— 20 Command, I mean, of virtuous chaste intents— To love and honor Henry as her lord.
KING HENRY And otherwise will Henry ne’er presume.— Therefore, my Lord Protector, give consent That Margaret may be England’s royal queen.	KING HENRY And otherwise will Henry ne’er presume.— Therefore, my Lord Protector, give consent That Margaret may be England’s royal queen.
GLOUCESTER 25 So should I give consent to flatter sin. You know, my lord, your Highness is betrothed Unto another lady of esteem. How shall we then dispense with that contract And not deface your honor with reproach?	GLOUCESTER 25 So should I give consent to flatter sin. You know, my lord, your Highness is betrothed Unto another lady of esteem. How shall we then dispense with that contract And not deface your honor with reproach?
SUFFOLK 30 As doth a ruler with unlawful oaths; Or one that, at a triumph having vowed To try his strength, forsaketh yet the lists By reason of his adversary’s odds. A poor earl’s daughter is unequal odds, 35 And therefore may be broke without offense.	SUFFOLK 30 As doth a ruler with unlawful oaths; Or one that, at a triumph having vowed To try his strength, forsaketh yet the lists By reason of his adversary’s odds. A poor earl’s daughter is unequal odds, 35 And therefore may be broke without offense.
GLOUCESTER Why, what, I pray, is Margaret more than that? Her father is no better than an earl, Although in glorious titles he excel.	GLOUCESTER Why, what, I pray, is Margaret more than that? Her father is no better than an earl, Although in glorious titles he excel.
SUFFOLK Yes, my lord, her father is a king, 40 The King of Naples and Jerusalem, And of such great authority in France As his alliance will confirm our peace, And keep the Frenchmen in allegiance.	SUFFOLK Yes, my lord, her father is a king, 40 The King of Naples and Jerusalem, And of such great authority in France As his alliance will confirm our peace, And keep the Frenchmen in allegiance.
GLOUCESTER And so the Earl of Armagnac may do, Because he is near kinsman unto Charles.	GLOUCESTER And so the Earl of Armagnac may do, Because he is near kinsman unto Charles.
EXETER Besides, his wealth doth warrant a liberal dower, Where Reignier sooner will receive than give.	EXETER Besides, his wealth doth warrant a liberal dower, Where Reignier sooner will receive than give.
SUFFOLK A dower, my lords? Disgrace not so your king That he should be so abject, base, and poor, 50 To choose for wealth and not for perfect love. Henry is able to enrich his queen, And not to seek a queen to make him rich; So worthless peasants bargain for their wives, As market men for oxen, sheep, or horse. 55 Marriage is a matter of more worth Than to be dealt in by attorneyship. Not whom we will, but whom his Grace affects, Must be companion of his nuptial bed. And therefore, lords, since he affects her most, 60 Most of all these reasons bindeth us In our opinions she should be preferred. For what is wedlock forcèd but a hell, An age of discord and continual strife? Whereas the contrary bringeth bliss 65 And is a pattern of celestial peace. Whom should we match with Henry, being a king, But Margaret, that is daughter to a king? Her peerless feature, joinèd with her birth, Approves her fit for none but for a king. 70 Her valiant courage and undaunted spirit, More than in women commonly is seen, Will answer our hope in issue of a king. For Henry, son unto a conqueror, Is likely to beget more conquerors, 75 If with a lady of so high resolve As is fair Margaret he be linked in love. Then yield, my lords, and here conclude with me That Margaret shall be queen, and none but she.	SUFFOLK A dower, my lords? Disgrace not so your king That he should be so abject, base, and poor, 50 To choose for wealth and not for perfect love. Henry is able to enrich his queen, And not to seek a queen to make him rich; So worthless peasants bargain for their wives, As market men for oxen, sheep, or horse. 55 Marriage is a matter of more worth Than to be dealt in by attorneyship. Not whom we will, but whom his Grace affects, Must be companion of his nuptial bed. And therefore, lords, since he affects her most, 60 Most of all these reasons bindeth us In our opinions she should be preferred. For what is wedlock forcèd but a hell, An age of discord and continual strife? Whereas the contrary bringeth bliss 65 And is a pattern of celestial peace. Whom should we match with Henry, being a king, But Margaret, that is daughter to a king? Her peerless feature, joinèd with her birth, Approves her fit for none but for a king. 70 Her valiant courage and undaunted spirit, More than in women commonly is seen, Will answer our hope in issue of a king. For Henry, son unto a conqueror, Is likely to beget more conquerors, 75 If with a lady of so high resolve As is fair Margaret he be linked in love. Then yield, my lords, and here conclude with me That Margaret shall be queen, and none but she.
KING HENRY Whether it be through force of your report, 80 My noble Lord of Suffolk, or for that My tender youth was never yet attaint With any passion of inflaming love, I cannot tell; but this I am assured: I feel such sharp dissension in my breast, 85 Such fierce alarums both of hope and fear, As I am sick with working of my thoughts. Take therefore shipping; post, my lord, to France; Agree to any covenants, and procure That Lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come 90 To cross the seas to England and be crowned King Henry’s faithful and anointed queen. For your expenses and sufficient charge, Among the people gather up a tenth. Be gone, I say, for till you do return, 95 I rest perplexèd with a thousand cares.— And you, good uncle, banish all offense. If you do censure me by what you were, Not what you are, I know it will excuse This sudden execution of my will. 100 And so conduct me where, from company, I may revolve and ruminate my grief. He exits with ATTENDANTS.	KING HENRY Whether it be through force of your report, 80 My noble Lord of Suffolk, or for that My tender youth was never yet attaint With any passion of inflaming love, I cannot tell; but this I am assured: I feel such sharp dissension in my breast, 85 Such fierce alarums both of hope and fear, As I am sick with working of my thoughts. Take therefore shipping; post, my lord, to France; Agree to any covenants, and procure That Lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come 90 To cross the seas to England and be crowned King Henry’s faithful and anointed queen. For your expenses and sufficient charge, Among the people gather up a tenth. Be gone, I say, for till you do return, 95 I rest perplexèd with a thousand cares.— And you, good uncle, banish all offense. If you do censure me by what you were, Not what you are, I know it will excuse This sudden execution of my will. 100 And so conduct me where, from company, I may revolve and ruminate my grief. He exits with ATTENDANTS.
GLOUCESTER Ay, grief, I fear me, both at first and last.	GLOUCESTER Ay, grief, I fear me, both at first and last.
GLOUCESTER exits with EXETER.	GLOUCESTER exits with EXETER.
SUFFOLK Thus Suffolk hath prevailed, and thus he goes As did the youthful Paris once to Greece, 105 With hope to find the like event in love, But prosper better than the Trojan did. Margaret shall now be queen, and rule the King, But I will rule both her, the King, and realm.	SUFFOLK Thus Suffolk hath prevailed, and thus he goes As did the youthful Paris once to Greece, 105 With hope to find the like event in love, But prosper better than the Trojan did. Margaret shall now be queen, and rule the King, But I will rule both her, the King, and realm.
He exits.	He exits.

Original Text	Modern Text
Enter SUFFOLK in conference with the KING, GLOUCESTER, and EXETER, with ATTENDANTS.	Enter SUFFOLK in conference with the KING, GLOUCESTER, and EXETER, with ATTENDANTS.
KING HENRY Your wondrous rare description, noble earl, Of beauteous Margaret hath astonished me. Her virtues gracèd with external gifts Do breed love’s settled passions in my heart, 5 And like as rigor of tempestuous gusts Provokes the mightiest hulk against the tide, So am I driven by breath of her renown Either to suffer shipwrack, or arrive Where I may have fruition of her love.	KING HENRY Your wondrous rare description, noble earl, Of beauteous Margaret hath astonished me. Her virtues gracèd with external gifts Do breed love’s settled passions in my heart, 5 And like as rigor of tempestuous gusts Provokes the mightiest hulk against the tide, So am I driven by breath of her renown Either to suffer shipwrack, or arrive Where I may have fruition of her love.
SUFFOLK 10 Tush, my good lord, this superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. The chief perfections of that lovely dame, Had I sufficient skill to utter them, Would make a volume of enticing lines 15 Able to ravish any dull conceit; And, which is more, she is not so divine, So full replete with choice of all delights, But with as humble lowliness of mind She is content to be at your command— 20 Command, I mean, of virtuous chaste intents— To love and honor Henry as her lord.	SUFFOLK 10 Tush, my good lord, this superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. The chief perfections of that lovely dame, Had I sufficient skill to utter them, Would make a volume of enticing lines 15 Able to ravish any dull conceit; And, which is more, she is not so divine, So full replete with choice of all delights, But with as humble lowliness of mind She is content to be at your command— 20 Command, I mean, of virtuous chaste intents— To love and honor Henry as her lord.
KING HENRY And otherwise will Henry ne’er presume.— Therefore, my Lord Protector, give consent That Margaret may be England’s royal queen.	KING HENRY And otherwise will Henry ne’er presume.— Therefore, my Lord Protector, give consent That Margaret may be England’s royal queen.
GLOUCESTER 25 So should I give consent to flatter sin. You know, my lord, your Highness is betrothed Unto another lady of esteem. How shall we then dispense with that contract And not deface your honor with reproach?	GLOUCESTER 25 So should I give consent to flatter sin. You know, my lord, your Highness is betrothed Unto another lady of esteem. How shall we then dispense with that contract And not deface your honor with reproach?
SUFFOLK 30 As doth a ruler with unlawful oaths; Or one that, at a triumph having vowed To try his strength, forsaketh yet the lists By reason of his adversary’s odds. A poor earl’s daughter is unequal odds, 35 And therefore may be broke without offense.	SUFFOLK 30 As doth a ruler with unlawful oaths; Or one that, at a triumph having vowed To try his strength, forsaketh yet the lists By reason of his adversary’s odds. A poor earl’s daughter is unequal odds, 35 And therefore may be broke without offense.
GLOUCESTER Why, what, I pray, is Margaret more than that? Her father is no better than an earl, Although in glorious titles he excel.	GLOUCESTER Why, what, I pray, is Margaret more than that? Her father is no better than an earl, Although in glorious titles he excel.
SUFFOLK Yes, my lord, her father is a king, 40 The King of Naples and Jerusalem, And of such great authority in France As his alliance will confirm our peace, And keep the Frenchmen in allegiance.	SUFFOLK Yes, my lord, her father is a king, 40 The King of Naples and Jerusalem, And of such great authority in France As his alliance will confirm our peace, And keep the Frenchmen in allegiance.
GLOUCESTER And so the Earl of Armagnac may do, Because he is near kinsman unto Charles.	GLOUCESTER And so the Earl of Armagnac may do, Because he is near kinsman unto Charles.
EXETER Besides, his wealth doth warrant a liberal dower, Where Reignier sooner will receive than give.	EXETER Besides, his wealth doth warrant a liberal dower, Where Reignier sooner will receive than give.
SUFFOLK A dower, my lords? Disgrace not so your king That he should be so abject, base, and poor, 50 To choose for wealth and not for perfect love. Henry is able to enrich his queen, And not to seek a queen to make him rich; So worthless peasants bargain for their wives, As market men for oxen, sheep, or horse. 55 Marriage is a matter of more worth Than to be dealt in by attorneyship. Not whom we will, but whom his Grace affects, Must be companion of his nuptial bed. And therefore, lords, since he affects her most, 60 Most of all these reasons bindeth us In our opinions she should be preferred. For what is wedlock forcèd but a hell, An age of discord and continual strife? Whereas the contrary bringeth bliss 65 And is a pattern of celestial peace. Whom should we match with Henry, being a king, But Margaret, that is daughter to a king? Her peerless feature, joinèd with her birth, Approves her fit for none but for a king. 70 Her valiant courage and undaunted spirit, More than in women commonly is seen, Will answer our hope in issue of a king. For Henry, son unto a conqueror, Is likely to beget more conquerors, 75 If with a lady of so high resolve As is fair Margaret he be linked in love. Then yield, my lords, and here conclude with me That Margaret shall be queen, and none but she.	SUFFOLK A dower, my lords? Disgrace not so your king That he should be so abject, base, and poor, 50 To choose for wealth and not for perfect love. Henry is able to enrich his queen, And not to seek a queen to make him rich; So worthless peasants bargain for their wives, As market men for oxen, sheep, or horse. 55 Marriage is a matter of more worth Than to be dealt in by attorneyship. Not whom we will, but whom his Grace affects, Must be companion of his nuptial bed. And therefore, lords, since he affects her most, 60 Most of all these reasons bindeth us In our opinions she should be preferred. For what is wedlock forcèd but a hell, An age of discord and continual strife? Whereas the contrary bringeth bliss 65 And is a pattern of celestial peace. Whom should we match with Henry, being a king, But Margaret, that is daughter to a king? Her peerless feature, joinèd with her birth, Approves her fit for none but for a king. 70 Her valiant courage and undaunted spirit, More than in women commonly is seen, Will answer our hope in issue of a king. For Henry, son unto a conqueror, Is likely to beget more conquerors, 75 If with a lady of so high resolve As is fair Margaret he be linked in love. Then yield, my lords, and here conclude with me That Margaret shall be queen, and none but she.
KING HENRY Whether it be through force of your report, 80 My noble Lord of Suffolk, or for that My tender youth was never yet attaint With any passion of inflaming love, I cannot tell; but this I am assured: I feel such sharp dissension in my breast, 85 Such fierce alarums both of hope and fear, As I am sick with working of my thoughts. Take therefore shipping; post, my lord, to France; Agree to any covenants, and procure That Lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come 90 To cross the seas to England and be crowned King Henry’s faithful and anointed queen. For your expenses and sufficient charge, Among the people gather up a tenth. Be gone, I say, for till you do return, 95 I rest perplexèd with a thousand cares.— And you, good uncle, banish all offense. If you do censure me by what you were, Not what you are, I know it will excuse This sudden execution of my will. 100 And so conduct me where, from company, I may revolve and ruminate my grief. He exits with ATTENDANTS.	KING HENRY Whether it be through force of your report, 80 My noble Lord of Suffolk, or for that My tender youth was never yet attaint With any passion of inflaming love, I cannot tell; but this I am assured: I feel such sharp dissension in my breast, 85 Such fierce alarums both of hope and fear, As I am sick with working of my thoughts. Take therefore shipping; post, my lord, to France; Agree to any covenants, and procure That Lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come 90 To cross the seas to England and be crowned King Henry’s faithful and anointed queen. For your expenses and sufficient charge, Among the people gather up a tenth. Be gone, I say, for till you do return, 95 I rest perplexèd with a thousand cares.— And you, good uncle, banish all offense. If you do censure me by what you were, Not what you are, I know it will excuse This sudden execution of my will. 100 And so conduct me where, from company, I may revolve and ruminate my grief. He exits with ATTENDANTS.
GLOUCESTER Ay, grief, I fear me, both at first and last.	GLOUCESTER Ay, grief, I fear me, both at first and last.
GLOUCESTER exits with EXETER.	GLOUCESTER exits with EXETER.
SUFFOLK Thus Suffolk hath prevailed, and thus he goes As did the youthful Paris once to Greece, 105 With hope to find the like event in love, But prosper better than the Trojan did. Margaret shall now be queen, and rule the King, But I will rule both her, the King, and realm.	SUFFOLK Thus Suffolk hath prevailed, and thus he goes As did the youthful Paris once to Greece, 105 With hope to find the like event in love, But prosper better than the Trojan did. Margaret shall now be queen, and rule the King, But I will rule both her, the King, and realm.
He exits.	He exits.

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