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Enter YORK, WARWICK, SHEPHERD, and PUCELLE, guarded.
Enter YORK, WARWICK, SHEPHERD, and PUCELLE, guarded.
YORK
Bring forth that sorceress condemned to burn.
YORK
Bring forth that sorceress condemned to burn.
SHEPHERD
Ah, Joan, this kills thy father’s heart outright.
Have I sought every country far and near,
And, now it is my chance to find thee out,
5
Must I behold thy timeless cruel death?
Ah, Joan, sweet daughter Joan, I’ll die with thee.
SHEPHERD
Ah, Joan, this kills thy father’s heart outright.
Have I sought every country far and near,
And, now it is my chance to find thee out,
5
Must I behold thy timeless cruel death?
Ah, Joan, sweet daughter Joan, I’ll die with thee.
PUCELLE
Decrepit miser, base ignoble wretch!
I am descended of a gentler blood.
Thou art no father nor no friend of mine.
PUCELLE
Decrepit miser, base ignoble wretch!
I am descended of a gentler blood.
Thou art no father nor no friend of mine.
SHEPHERD
10
Out, out!—My lords, an please you, ’tis not so!
I did beget her, all the parish knows;
Her mother liveth yet, can testify
She was the first fruit of my bach’lorship.
SHEPHERD
10
Out, out!—My lords, an please you, ’tis not so!
I did beget her, all the parish knows;
Her mother liveth yet, can testify
She was the first fruit of my bach’lorship.
WARWICK
Graceless, wilt thou deny thy parentage?
WARWICK
Graceless, wilt thou deny thy parentage?
YORK
15
This argues what her kind of life hath been,
Wicked and vile; and so her death concludes.
YORK
15
This argues what her kind of life hath been,
Wicked and vile; and so her death concludes.
SHEPHERD
Fie, Joan, that thou wilt be so obstacle!
God knows thou art a collop of my flesh,
And for thy sake have I shed many a tear.
20
Deny me not, I prithee, gentle Joan.
SHEPHERD
Fie, Joan, that thou wilt be so obstacle!
God knows thou art a collop of my flesh,
And for thy sake have I shed many a tear.
20
Deny me not, I prithee, gentle Joan.
PUCELLE
Peasant, avaunt!—You have suborned this man
Of purpose to obscure my noble birth.
PUCELLE
Peasant, avaunt!—You have suborned this man
Of purpose to obscure my noble birth.
SHEPHERD
’Tis true, I gave a noble to the priest
The morn that I was wedded to her mother.—
25
Kneel down and take my blessing, good my girl.
Wilt thou not stoop? Now cursèd be the time
Of thy nativity! I would the milk
Thy mother gave thee when thou suck’dst her
breast
30
Had been a little ratsbane for thy sake!
Or else, when thou didst keep my lambs afield,
I wish some ravenous wolf had eaten thee!
Dost thou deny thy father, cursèd drab?
O burn her, burn her! Hanging is too good. He exits.
SHEPHERD
’Tis true, I gave a noble to the priest
The morn that I was wedded to her mother.—
25
Kneel down and take my blessing, good my girl.
Wilt thou not stoop? Now cursèd be the time
Of thy nativity! I would the milk
Thy mother gave thee when thou suck’dst her
breast
30
Had been a little ratsbane for thy sake!
Or else, when thou didst keep my lambs afield,
I wish some ravenous wolf had eaten thee!
Dost thou deny thy father, cursèd drab?
O burn her, burn her! Hanging is too good. He exits.
YORK
35
Take her away, for she hath lived too long
To fill the world with vicious qualities.
YORK
35
Take her away, for she hath lived too long
To fill the world with vicious qualities.
PUCELLE
First, let me tell you whom you have condemned:
Not one begotten of a shepherd swain,
But issued from the progeny of kings,
40
Virtuous and holy, chosen from above
By inspiration of celestial grace
To work exceeding miracles on earth.
I never had to do with wicked spirits.
But you, that are polluted with your lusts,
45
Stained with the guiltless blood of innocents,
Corrupt and tainted with a thousand vices,
Because you want the grace that others have,
You judge it straight a thing impossible
To compass wonders but by help of devils.
50
No, misconceivèd! Joan of Arc hath been
A virgin from her tender infancy,
Chaste and immaculate in very thought,
Whose maiden blood, thus rigorously effused,
Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven.
PUCELLE
First, let me tell you whom you have condemned:
Not one begotten of a shepherd swain,
But issued from the progeny of kings,
40
Virtuous and holy, chosen from above
By inspiration of celestial grace
To work exceeding miracles on earth.
I never had to do with wicked spirits.
But you, that are polluted with your lusts,
45
Stained with the guiltless blood of innocents,
Corrupt and tainted with a thousand vices,
Because you want the grace that others have,
You judge it straight a thing impossible
To compass wonders but by help of devils.
50
No, misconceivèd! Joan of Arc hath been
A virgin from her tender infancy,
Chaste and immaculate in very thought,
Whose maiden blood, thus rigorously effused,
Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven.
YORK
55
Ay, ay.—Away with her to execution.
YORK
55
Ay, ay.—Away with her to execution.
WARWICK
And hark you, sirs: because she is a maid,
Spare for no faggots; let there be enow.
Place barrels of pitch upon the fatal stake
That so her torture may be shortenèd.
WARWICK
And hark you, sirs: because she is a maid,
Spare for no faggots; let there be enow.
Place barrels of pitch upon the fatal stake
That so her torture may be shortenèd.
PUCELLE
60
Will nothing turn your unrelenting hearts?
Then, Joan, discover thine infirmity,
That warranteth by law to be thy privilege:
I am with child, you bloody homicides.
Murder not then the fruit within my womb,
65
Although you hale me to a violent death.
PUCELLE
60
Will nothing turn your unrelenting hearts?
Then, Joan, discover thine infirmity,
That warranteth by law to be thy privilege:
I am with child, you bloody homicides.
Murder not then the fruit within my womb,
65
Although you hale me to a violent death.
YORK
Now heaven forfend, the holy maid with child?
YORK
Now heaven forfend, the holy maid with child?
WARWICK , to PUCELLE
The greatest miracle that e’er you wrought!
Is all your strict preciseness come to this?
WARWICK , to PUCELLE
The greatest miracle that e’er you wrought!
Is all your strict preciseness come to this?
YORK
She and the Dauphin have been juggling.
70
I did imagine what would be her refuge.
YORK
She and the Dauphin have been juggling.
70
I did imagine what would be her refuge.
WARWICK
Well, go to, we’ll have no bastards live,
Especially since Charles must father it.
WARWICK
Well, go to, we’ll have no bastards live,
Especially since Charles must father it.
PUCELLE
You are deceived; my child is none of his.
It was Alanson that enjoyed my love
PUCELLE
You are deceived; my child is none of his.
It was Alanson that enjoyed my love
YORK
75
Alanson, that notorious Machiavel?
It dies an if it had a thousand lives!
YORK
75
Alanson, that notorious Machiavel?
It dies an if it had a thousand lives!
PUCELLE
O, give me leave! I have deluded you.
’Twas neither Charles nor yet the Duke I named,
But Reignier, King of Naples, that prevailed.
PUCELLE
O, give me leave! I have deluded you.
’Twas neither Charles nor yet the Duke I named,
But Reignier, King of Naples, that prevailed.
WARWICK
80
A married man? That’s most intolerable.
WARWICK
80
A married man? That’s most intolerable.
YORK
Why, here’s a girl! I think she knows not well—
There were so many—whom she may accuse.
YORK
Why, here’s a girl! I think she knows not well—
There were so many—whom she may accuse.
WARWICK
It’s sign she hath been liberal and free.
WARWICK
It’s sign she hath been liberal and free.
YORK
And yet, forsooth, she is a virgin pure!—
85
Strumpet, thy words condemn thy brat and thee.
Use no entreaty, for it is in vain.
YORK
And yet, forsooth, she is a virgin pure!—
85
Strumpet, thy words condemn thy brat and thee.
Use no entreaty, for it is in vain.
PUCELLE
Then lead me hence, with whom I leave my curse:
May never glorious sun reflex his beams
Upon the country where you make abode,
90
But darkness and the gloomy shade of death
Environ you, till mischief and despair
Drive you to break your necks or hang yourselves.
PUCELLE
Then lead me hence, with whom I leave my curse:
May never glorious sun reflex his beams
Upon the country where you make abode,
90
But darkness and the gloomy shade of death
Environ you, till mischief and despair
Drive you to break your necks or hang yourselves.
She exits, led by GUARDS.
She exits, led by GUARDS.
YORK
Break thou in pieces, and consume to ashes,
Thou foul accursèd minister of hell!
YORK
Break thou in pieces, and consume to ashes,
Thou foul accursèd minister of hell!
Enter WINCHESTER, as CARDINAL.
Enter WINCHESTER, as CARDINAL.
WINCHESTER
95
Lord Regent, I do greet your Excellence
With letters of commission from the King.
For know, my lords, the states of Christendom,
Moved with remorse of these outrageous broils,
Have earnestly implored a general peace
100
Betwixt our nation and the aspiring French;
And here at hand the Dauphin and his train
Approacheth to confer about some matter.
WINCHESTER
95
Lord Regent, I do greet your Excellence
With letters of commission from the King.
For know, my lords, the states of Christendom,
Moved with remorse of these outrageous broils,
Have earnestly implored a general peace
100
Betwixt our nation and the aspiring French;
And here at hand the Dauphin and his train
Approacheth to confer about some matter.
YORK
Is all our travail turned to this effect?
After the slaughter of so many peers,
105
So many captains, gentlemen, and soldiers
That in this quarrel have been overthrown
And sold their bodies for their country’s benefit,
Shall we at last conclude effeminate peace?
Have we not lost most part of all the towns—
110
By treason, falsehood, and by treachery—
Our great progenitors had conquerèd?
O, Warwick, Warwick, I foresee with grief
The utter loss of all the realm of France!
YORK
Is all our travail turned to this effect?
After the slaughter of so many peers,
105
So many captains, gentlemen, and soldiers
That in this quarrel have been overthrown
And sold their bodies for their country’s benefit,
Shall we at last conclude effeminate peace?
Have we not lost most part of all the towns—
110
By treason, falsehood, and by treachery—
Our great progenitors had conquerèd?
O, Warwick, Warwick, I foresee with grief
The utter loss of all the realm of France!
WARWICK
Be patient, York; if we conclude a peace
115
It shall be with such strict and severe covenants
As little shall the Frenchmen gain thereby.
WARWICK
Be patient, York; if we conclude a peace
115
It shall be with such strict and severe covenants
As little shall the Frenchmen gain thereby.
Enter CHARLES, ALANSON, BASTARD, REIGNIER, with ATTENDANTS.
Enter CHARLES, ALANSON, BASTARD, REIGNIER, with ATTENDANTS.
CHARLES
Since, lords of England, it is thus agreed
That peaceful truce shall be proclaimed in France,
We come to be informèd by yourselves
120
What the conditions of that league must be.
CHARLES
Since, lords of England, it is thus agreed
That peaceful truce shall be proclaimed in France,
We come to be informèd by yourselves
120
What the conditions of that league must be.
YORK
Speak, Winchester, for boiling choler chokes
The hollow passage of my poisoned voice
By sight of these our baleful enemies.
YORK
Speak, Winchester, for boiling choler chokes
The hollow passage of my poisoned voice
By sight of these our baleful enemies.
WINCHESTER
Charles and the rest, it is enacted thus:
125
That, in regard King Henry gives consent,
Of mere compassion and of lenity,
To ease your country of distressful war
And suffer you to breathe in fruitful peace,
You shall become true liegemen to his crown.
130
And, Charles, upon condition thou wilt swear
To pay him tribute and submit thyself,
Thou shalt be placed as viceroy under him,
And still enjoy thy regal dignity.
WINCHESTER
Charles and the rest, it is enacted thus:
125
That, in regard King Henry gives consent,
Of mere compassion and of lenity,
To ease your country of distressful war
And suffer you to breathe in fruitful peace,
You shall become true liegemen to his crown.
130
And, Charles, upon condition thou wilt swear
To pay him tribute and submit thyself,
Thou shalt be placed as viceroy under him,
And still enjoy thy regal dignity.
ALANSON
Must he be then as shadow of himself—
135
Adorn his temples with a coronet,
And yet, in substance and authority,
Retain but privilege of a private man?
This proffer is absurd and reasonless.
ALANSON
Must he be then as shadow of himself—
135
Adorn his temples with a coronet,
And yet, in substance and authority,
Retain but privilege of a private man?
This proffer is absurd and reasonless.
CHARLES
’Tis known already that I am possessed
140
With more than half the Gallian territories,
And therein reverenced for their lawful king.
Shall I, for lucre of the rest unvanquished,
Detract so much from that prerogative
As to be called but viceroy of the whole?
145
No, lord ambassador, I’ll rather keep
That which I have than, coveting for more,
Be cast from possibility of all.
CHARLES
’Tis known already that I am possessed
140
With more than half the Gallian territories,
And therein reverenced for their lawful king.
Shall I, for lucre of the rest unvanquished,
Detract so much from that prerogative
As to be called but viceroy of the whole?
145
No, lord ambassador, I’ll rather keep
That which I have than, coveting for more,
Be cast from possibility of all.
YORK
Insulting Charles, hast thou by secret means
Used intercession to obtain a league
150
And, now the matter grows to compromise,
Stand’st thou aloof upon comparison?
Either accept the title thou usurp’st,
Of benefit proceeding from our king
And not of any challenge of desert,
155
Or we will plague thee with incessant wars.
YORK
Insulting Charles, hast thou by secret means
Used intercession to obtain a league
150
And, now the matter grows to compromise,
Stand’st thou aloof upon comparison?
Either accept the title thou usurp’st,
Of benefit proceeding from our king
And not of any challenge of desert,
155
Or we will plague thee with incessant wars.
REIGNIER , aside to CHARLES
My lord, you do not well in obstinacy
To cavil in the course of this contract.
If once it be neglected, ten to one
We shall not find like opportunity.
REIGNIER , aside to CHARLES
My lord, you do not well in obstinacy
To cavil in the course of this contract.
If once it be neglected, ten to one
We shall not find like opportunity.
ALANSON , aside to CHARLES
160
To say the truth, it is your policy
To save your subjects from such massacre
And ruthless slaughters as are daily seen
By our proceeding in hostility;
And therefore take this compact of a truce
165
Although you break it when your pleasure serves.
ALANSON , aside to CHARLES
160
To say the truth, it is your policy
To save your subjects from such massacre
And ruthless slaughters as are daily seen
By our proceeding in hostility;
And therefore take this compact of a truce
165
Although you break it when your pleasure serves.
WARWICK
How say’st thou, Charles? Shall our condition stand?
WARWICK
How say’st thou, Charles? Shall our condition stand?
CHARLES
It shall—only reserved you claim no interest
In any of our towns of garrison.
CHARLES
It shall—only reserved you claim no interest
In any of our towns of garrison.
YORK
Then swear allegiance to his Majesty,
170
As thou art knight, never to disobey
Nor be rebellious to the crown of England,
Thou nor thy nobles, to the crown of England.
CHARLES , ALANSON, BASTARD, and REIGNIER swear allegiance to HENRY.
So, now dismiss your army when you please;
Hang up your ensigns, let your drums be still,
175
For here we entertain a solemn peace.
YORK
Then swear allegiance to his Majesty,
170
As thou art knight, never to disobey
Nor be rebellious to the crown of England,
Thou nor thy nobles, to the crown of England.
CHARLES , ALANSON, BASTARD, and REIGNIER swear allegiance to HENRY.
So, now dismiss your army when you please;
Hang up your ensigns, let your drums be still,
175
For here we entertain a solemn peace.
They exit.
They exit.

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter YORK, WARWICK, SHEPHERD, and PUCELLE, guarded.
Enter YORK, WARWICK, SHEPHERD, and PUCELLE, guarded.
YORK
Bring forth that sorceress condemned to burn.
YORK
Bring forth that sorceress condemned to burn.
SHEPHERD
Ah, Joan, this kills thy father’s heart outright.
Have I sought every country far and near,
And, now it is my chance to find thee out,
5
Must I behold thy timeless cruel death?
Ah, Joan, sweet daughter Joan, I’ll die with thee.
SHEPHERD
Ah, Joan, this kills thy father’s heart outright.
Have I sought every country far and near,
And, now it is my chance to find thee out,
5
Must I behold thy timeless cruel death?
Ah, Joan, sweet daughter Joan, I’ll die with thee.
PUCELLE
Decrepit miser, base ignoble wretch!
I am descended of a gentler blood.
Thou art no father nor no friend of mine.
PUCELLE
Decrepit miser, base ignoble wretch!
I am descended of a gentler blood.
Thou art no father nor no friend of mine.
SHEPHERD
10
Out, out!—My lords, an please you, ’tis not so!
I did beget her, all the parish knows;
Her mother liveth yet, can testify
She was the first fruit of my bach’lorship.
SHEPHERD
10
Out, out!—My lords, an please you, ’tis not so!
I did beget her, all the parish knows;
Her mother liveth yet, can testify
She was the first fruit of my bach’lorship.
WARWICK
Graceless, wilt thou deny thy parentage?
WARWICK
Graceless, wilt thou deny thy parentage?
YORK
15
This argues what her kind of life hath been,
Wicked and vile; and so her death concludes.
YORK
15
This argues what her kind of life hath been,
Wicked and vile; and so her death concludes.
SHEPHERD
Fie, Joan, that thou wilt be so obstacle!
God knows thou art a collop of my flesh,
And for thy sake have I shed many a tear.
20
Deny me not, I prithee, gentle Joan.
SHEPHERD
Fie, Joan, that thou wilt be so obstacle!
God knows thou art a collop of my flesh,
And for thy sake have I shed many a tear.
20
Deny me not, I prithee, gentle Joan.
PUCELLE
Peasant, avaunt!—You have suborned this man
Of purpose to obscure my noble birth.
PUCELLE
Peasant, avaunt!—You have suborned this man
Of purpose to obscure my noble birth.
SHEPHERD
’Tis true, I gave a noble to the priest
The morn that I was wedded to her mother.—
25
Kneel down and take my blessing, good my girl.
Wilt thou not stoop? Now cursèd be the time
Of thy nativity! I would the milk
Thy mother gave thee when thou suck’dst her
breast
30
Had been a little ratsbane for thy sake!
Or else, when thou didst keep my lambs afield,
I wish some ravenous wolf had eaten thee!
Dost thou deny thy father, cursèd drab?
O burn her, burn her! Hanging is too good. He exits.
SHEPHERD
’Tis true, I gave a noble to the priest
The morn that I was wedded to her mother.—
25
Kneel down and take my blessing, good my girl.
Wilt thou not stoop? Now cursèd be the time
Of thy nativity! I would the milk
Thy mother gave thee when thou suck’dst her
breast
30
Had been a little ratsbane for thy sake!
Or else, when thou didst keep my lambs afield,
I wish some ravenous wolf had eaten thee!
Dost thou deny thy father, cursèd drab?
O burn her, burn her! Hanging is too good. He exits.
YORK
35
Take her away, for she hath lived too long
To fill the world with vicious qualities.
YORK
35
Take her away, for she hath lived too long
To fill the world with vicious qualities.
PUCELLE
First, let me tell you whom you have condemned:
Not one begotten of a shepherd swain,
But issued from the progeny of kings,
40
Virtuous and holy, chosen from above
By inspiration of celestial grace
To work exceeding miracles on earth.
I never had to do with wicked spirits.
But you, that are polluted with your lusts,
45
Stained with the guiltless blood of innocents,
Corrupt and tainted with a thousand vices,
Because you want the grace that others have,
You judge it straight a thing impossible
To compass wonders but by help of devils.
50
No, misconceivèd! Joan of Arc hath been
A virgin from her tender infancy,
Chaste and immaculate in very thought,
Whose maiden blood, thus rigorously effused,
Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven.
PUCELLE
First, let me tell you whom you have condemned:
Not one begotten of a shepherd swain,
But issued from the progeny of kings,
40
Virtuous and holy, chosen from above
By inspiration of celestial grace
To work exceeding miracles on earth.
I never had to do with wicked spirits.
But you, that are polluted with your lusts,
45
Stained with the guiltless blood of innocents,
Corrupt and tainted with a thousand vices,
Because you want the grace that others have,
You judge it straight a thing impossible
To compass wonders but by help of devils.
50
No, misconceivèd! Joan of Arc hath been
A virgin from her tender infancy,
Chaste and immaculate in very thought,
Whose maiden blood, thus rigorously effused,
Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven.
YORK
55
Ay, ay.—Away with her to execution.
YORK
55
Ay, ay.—Away with her to execution.
WARWICK
And hark you, sirs: because she is a maid,
Spare for no faggots; let there be enow.
Place barrels of pitch upon the fatal stake
That so her torture may be shortenèd.
WARWICK
And hark you, sirs: because she is a maid,
Spare for no faggots; let there be enow.
Place barrels of pitch upon the fatal stake
That so her torture may be shortenèd.
PUCELLE
60
Will nothing turn your unrelenting hearts?
Then, Joan, discover thine infirmity,
That warranteth by law to be thy privilege:
I am with child, you bloody homicides.
Murder not then the fruit within my womb,
65
Although you hale me to a violent death.
PUCELLE
60
Will nothing turn your unrelenting hearts?
Then, Joan, discover thine infirmity,
That warranteth by law to be thy privilege:
I am with child, you bloody homicides.
Murder not then the fruit within my womb,
65
Although you hale me to a violent death.
YORK
Now heaven forfend, the holy maid with child?
YORK
Now heaven forfend, the holy maid with child?
WARWICK , to PUCELLE
The greatest miracle that e’er you wrought!
Is all your strict preciseness come to this?
WARWICK , to PUCELLE
The greatest miracle that e’er you wrought!
Is all your strict preciseness come to this?
YORK
She and the Dauphin have been juggling.
70
I did imagine what would be her refuge.
YORK
She and the Dauphin have been juggling.
70
I did imagine what would be her refuge.
WARWICK
Well, go to, we’ll have no bastards live,
Especially since Charles must father it.
WARWICK
Well, go to, we’ll have no bastards live,
Especially since Charles must father it.
PUCELLE
You are deceived; my child is none of his.
It was Alanson that enjoyed my love
PUCELLE
You are deceived; my child is none of his.
It was Alanson that enjoyed my love
YORK
75
Alanson, that notorious Machiavel?
It dies an if it had a thousand lives!
YORK
75
Alanson, that notorious Machiavel?
It dies an if it had a thousand lives!
PUCELLE
O, give me leave! I have deluded you.
’Twas neither Charles nor yet the Duke I named,
But Reignier, King of Naples, that prevailed.
PUCELLE
O, give me leave! I have deluded you.
’Twas neither Charles nor yet the Duke I named,
But Reignier, King of Naples, that prevailed.
WARWICK
80
A married man? That’s most intolerable.
WARWICK
80
A married man? That’s most intolerable.
YORK
Why, here’s a girl! I think she knows not well—
There were so many—whom she may accuse.
YORK
Why, here’s a girl! I think she knows not well—
There were so many—whom she may accuse.
WARWICK
It’s sign she hath been liberal and free.
WARWICK
It’s sign she hath been liberal and free.
YORK
And yet, forsooth, she is a virgin pure!—
85
Strumpet, thy words condemn thy brat and thee.
Use no entreaty, for it is in vain.
YORK
And yet, forsooth, she is a virgin pure!—
85
Strumpet, thy words condemn thy brat and thee.
Use no entreaty, for it is in vain.
PUCELLE
Then lead me hence, with whom I leave my curse:
May never glorious sun reflex his beams
Upon the country where you make abode,
90
But darkness and the gloomy shade of death
Environ you, till mischief and despair
Drive you to break your necks or hang yourselves.
PUCELLE
Then lead me hence, with whom I leave my curse:
May never glorious sun reflex his beams
Upon the country where you make abode,
90
But darkness and the gloomy shade of death
Environ you, till mischief and despair
Drive you to break your necks or hang yourselves.
She exits, led by GUARDS.
She exits, led by GUARDS.
YORK
Break thou in pieces, and consume to ashes,
Thou foul accursèd minister of hell!
YORK
Break thou in pieces, and consume to ashes,
Thou foul accursèd minister of hell!
Enter WINCHESTER, as CARDINAL.
Enter WINCHESTER, as CARDINAL.
WINCHESTER
95
Lord Regent, I do greet your Excellence
With letters of commission from the King.
For know, my lords, the states of Christendom,
Moved with remorse of these outrageous broils,
Have earnestly implored a general peace
100
Betwixt our nation and the aspiring French;
And here at hand the Dauphin and his train
Approacheth to confer about some matter.
WINCHESTER
95
Lord Regent, I do greet your Excellence
With letters of commission from the King.
For know, my lords, the states of Christendom,
Moved with remorse of these outrageous broils,
Have earnestly implored a general peace
100
Betwixt our nation and the aspiring French;
And here at hand the Dauphin and his train
Approacheth to confer about some matter.
YORK
Is all our travail turned to this effect?
After the slaughter of so many peers,
105
So many captains, gentlemen, and soldiers
That in this quarrel have been overthrown
And sold their bodies for their country’s benefit,
Shall we at last conclude effeminate peace?
Have we not lost most part of all the towns—
110
By treason, falsehood, and by treachery—
Our great progenitors had conquerèd?
O, Warwick, Warwick, I foresee with grief
The utter loss of all the realm of France!
YORK
Is all our travail turned to this effect?
After the slaughter of so many peers,
105
So many captains, gentlemen, and soldiers
That in this quarrel have been overthrown
And sold their bodies for their country’s benefit,
Shall we at last conclude effeminate peace?
Have we not lost most part of all the towns—
110
By treason, falsehood, and by treachery—
Our great progenitors had conquerèd?
O, Warwick, Warwick, I foresee with grief
The utter loss of all the realm of France!
WARWICK
Be patient, York; if we conclude a peace
115
It shall be with such strict and severe covenants
As little shall the Frenchmen gain thereby.
WARWICK
Be patient, York; if we conclude a peace
115
It shall be with such strict and severe covenants
As little shall the Frenchmen gain thereby.
Enter CHARLES, ALANSON, BASTARD, REIGNIER, with ATTENDANTS.
Enter CHARLES, ALANSON, BASTARD, REIGNIER, with ATTENDANTS.
CHARLES
Since, lords of England, it is thus agreed
That peaceful truce shall be proclaimed in France,
We come to be informèd by yourselves
120
What the conditions of that league must be.
CHARLES
Since, lords of England, it is thus agreed
That peaceful truce shall be proclaimed in France,
We come to be informèd by yourselves
120
What the conditions of that league must be.
YORK
Speak, Winchester, for boiling choler chokes
The hollow passage of my poisoned voice
By sight of these our baleful enemies.
YORK
Speak, Winchester, for boiling choler chokes
The hollow passage of my poisoned voice
By sight of these our baleful enemies.
WINCHESTER
Charles and the rest, it is enacted thus:
125
That, in regard King Henry gives consent,
Of mere compassion and of lenity,
To ease your country of distressful war
And suffer you to breathe in fruitful peace,
You shall become true liegemen to his crown.
130
And, Charles, upon condition thou wilt swear
To pay him tribute and submit thyself,
Thou shalt be placed as viceroy under him,
And still enjoy thy regal dignity.
WINCHESTER
Charles and the rest, it is enacted thus:
125
That, in regard King Henry gives consent,
Of mere compassion and of lenity,
To ease your country of distressful war
And suffer you to breathe in fruitful peace,
You shall become true liegemen to his crown.
130
And, Charles, upon condition thou wilt swear
To pay him tribute and submit thyself,
Thou shalt be placed as viceroy under him,
And still enjoy thy regal dignity.
ALANSON
Must he be then as shadow of himself—
135
Adorn his temples with a coronet,
And yet, in substance and authority,
Retain but privilege of a private man?
This proffer is absurd and reasonless.
ALANSON
Must he be then as shadow of himself—
135
Adorn his temples with a coronet,
And yet, in substance and authority,
Retain but privilege of a private man?
This proffer is absurd and reasonless.
CHARLES
’Tis known already that I am possessed
140
With more than half the Gallian territories,
And therein reverenced for their lawful king.
Shall I, for lucre of the rest unvanquished,
Detract so much from that prerogative
As to be called but viceroy of the whole?
145
No, lord ambassador, I’ll rather keep
That which I have than, coveting for more,
Be cast from possibility of all.
CHARLES
’Tis known already that I am possessed
140
With more than half the Gallian territories,
And therein reverenced for their lawful king.
Shall I, for lucre of the rest unvanquished,
Detract so much from that prerogative
As to be called but viceroy of the whole?
145
No, lord ambassador, I’ll rather keep
That which I have than, coveting for more,
Be cast from possibility of all.
YORK
Insulting Charles, hast thou by secret means
Used intercession to obtain a league
150
And, now the matter grows to compromise,
Stand’st thou aloof upon comparison?
Either accept the title thou usurp’st,
Of benefit proceeding from our king
And not of any challenge of desert,
155
Or we will plague thee with incessant wars.
YORK
Insulting Charles, hast thou by secret means
Used intercession to obtain a league
150
And, now the matter grows to compromise,
Stand’st thou aloof upon comparison?
Either accept the title thou usurp’st,
Of benefit proceeding from our king
And not of any challenge of desert,
155
Or we will plague thee with incessant wars.
REIGNIER , aside to CHARLES
My lord, you do not well in obstinacy
To cavil in the course of this contract.
If once it be neglected, ten to one
We shall not find like opportunity.
REIGNIER , aside to CHARLES
My lord, you do not well in obstinacy
To cavil in the course of this contract.
If once it be neglected, ten to one
We shall not find like opportunity.
ALANSON , aside to CHARLES
160
To say the truth, it is your policy
To save your subjects from such massacre
And ruthless slaughters as are daily seen
By our proceeding in hostility;
And therefore take this compact of a truce
165
Although you break it when your pleasure serves.
ALANSON , aside to CHARLES
160
To say the truth, it is your policy
To save your subjects from such massacre
And ruthless slaughters as are daily seen
By our proceeding in hostility;
And therefore take this compact of a truce
165
Although you break it when your pleasure serves.
WARWICK
How say’st thou, Charles? Shall our condition stand?
WARWICK
How say’st thou, Charles? Shall our condition stand?
CHARLES
It shall—only reserved you claim no interest
In any of our towns of garrison.
CHARLES
It shall—only reserved you claim no interest
In any of our towns of garrison.
YORK
Then swear allegiance to his Majesty,
170
As thou art knight, never to disobey
Nor be rebellious to the crown of England,
Thou nor thy nobles, to the crown of England.
CHARLES , ALANSON, BASTARD, and REIGNIER swear allegiance to HENRY.
So, now dismiss your army when you please;
Hang up your ensigns, let your drums be still,
175
For here we entertain a solemn peace.
YORK
Then swear allegiance to his Majesty,
170
As thou art knight, never to disobey
Nor be rebellious to the crown of England,
Thou nor thy nobles, to the crown of England.
CHARLES , ALANSON, BASTARD, and REIGNIER swear allegiance to HENRY.
So, now dismiss your army when you please;
Hang up your ensigns, let your drums be still,
175
For here we entertain a solemn peace.
They exit.
They exit.
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