Glo. I have, my lord, and their intents is this,They humbly sue unto your excellence, To have a godly peace concluded of, Between the realms of England and of France. K. Hen. How Joth your grace affect their motion? Glo. Well, my good lord, and as the only means To stop effusion of our Christian blood, And 'stablish quietness on every side. K. Hen. Ay, marry, uncle; for I always thought, It was both impious and unnatural, That such immanity and bloody strife Should reign among professors of one faith. Gl. Beside, my lord,-the sooner to effect, And surer bind, this knot of amity,— The earl of Armagnac-near knit to Charles, A man of great authority in France,— Proffers his only daughter to your grace In marriage, with a large and sumptuous dowry. K.Hen. Marriage, uncle! alas! my years are young; And fitter is my study and my books, Than wanton dalliance with a paramour. Yet, call the ambassadors; and, as you please, So let them have their answers every one: I shall be well content with any choice, Tends to God's glory, and my country's weal. Enter a Legate, and two Ambassadors, with WINCHESTER, in a Cardinal's habit. Exe. What is my lord of Winchester install'd, And call'd unto a cardinal's degree! Then, I perceive, that will be verified, Henry the fifth did sometime prophecy,— If once he come to be a cardinal, He'll make his cap co-equal with the crown. Alen. Then march to Paris, royal Charles of France, And keep not back your powers in dalliance. Puc. Peace be amongst them, if they turn to us; Else, ruin combat with their palaces! Enter a Messenger. [speak Mess. Success unto our valiant general, And happiness to his accomplices! Char. What tidings send our scouts? I pry'thee. Mess. The English army, that divided was Into two parts, is now conjoin'd in one : And means to give you battle presently. Char. Somewhat too sudden, sirs, the warning is; But we will presently provide for them. Bur. I trust, the ghost of Talbot is not there, Now he is gone, my lord, you need not fear. Puc. Of all base passions, fear is most accurs'd :Command the conquest, Charles, it shall be thine; Let Henry fret, and all the world repine. Char. Then on, my lords; And France be fortunate! [Exeunt. SCENE III.--The same. Before Angiers. Alarums: Excursions. Enter LA PUCELLE. Puc. The regent conquers, and the Frenchmen fly.Now help, ye charming spells, and periapts; And ye choice spirits that admonish me, And give me signs of future accidents! You speedy helpers, that are substitutes Under the lordly monarch of the north, Appear, and aid me in this enterprize! Enter Fiends. This speedy quick appearance argues proot K. Hen. My lords ambassadors, your several suits Of your accustom'd diligence to ine. [Thunder. Now, ye familiar spirits, that are cull'd Glo. And for the proffer of my lord your I have inform'd his highness so at large, As-liking of the lady's virtuous gifts, Her beauty, and the value of her dower,He doth intend she shall be England's queen. K. Hen. In argument and proof of which contract, Bear her this jewel, [to the Amb.] pledge of my affecAnd so, my lord protector, see them guarded, And safely brought to Dover; where, inshipp'd, Commit them to the fortune of the sea [tion. [Er. K. HEN. & Train; GLO. EXE. & Ambassadors. Win. Stay, my lord legate; you shall first receive The sum of money, which I promised Should be deliver'd to his holiness For clothing me in these grave ornaments. Leg. I will attend upon your lordship's leisure. Win. Now, Winchester will not submit, I trow, Or be inferior to the proudest peer. Humphrey of Gloster, thou shalt well perceive, That neither in birth, or for authority, The bishop will be overborne by thee: I'll either make thee stoop, and bend thy knee, Or sack this country with a mutiny SCENE II.-France. [Exeunt. Plains in Anjou. Enter CHARLES, BURGUNDY, ALENÇON, LA PUCELLE, and Forces, marching. Char. These news, my lords, may cheer our drooping "Tis said, the stout Parisians do revolt, [spirits: And turn again unto the warlike French. 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. Cannot my body, nor blood-sacrifice, [They depart. My ancient incantations are too weak, Alarums. Enter French and English, fighting. LA PUCELLE and YORK fight hand to hand. LA PUCELI E is taken. The French fly. York. 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, As if, with Circe, she would change my shape. Puc. Chang'd to a worser shape thou can'st not be: York. O, Charles the Dauphin is a proper man; No shape but his can please your dainty eye. Puc. A plaguing mischief light on Charles, and thee! | And then I need not crave his courtesy. [Aside. And may ye both be suddenly surpriz'd By bloody hands, in sleeping on your beds! [tongue. O fairest beauty, do not fear, nor fly; Mar. Margaret is my name; and daughter to a king. The king of Naples, whosoe'er thou art. Suf. An earl I am, and Suffolk am I call'd. Be not offended, nature's miracle, Thou art allotted to be ta'en by me: So doth the swan her downy cygnets save, [She turns away as going. So seems this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes. Suf. How canst thou tell, she will deny thy suit, Before thou make a trial of her love? [Aside. Mar. Why speak'st thou not? what ransome must I pay? Suf. She's beautiful; and therefore to be woo'd: She is a woman; therefore to be won. [Aside. Mar. Wilt thou accept of ransome, yea, or no? Suf. Fond man! remember, that thou hast a wife; Then how can Margaret be thy paramour? [Aside. Mar. I were best leave him, for he will not hear. Suf. There all is marr'd; there lies a cooling card. Mar. He talks at random; sure the man is mad. Suf. And yet a dispensation may be had. Mar. And yet I would that you would answer me. Suf. I'll win this lady Margaret. For whom? Why, for my king: Tush! that's a wooden thing Mar. He talks of wood: It is some carpenter. Suf. Yet so my fancy may be satisfied, And peace established between these realms. But there remains a scruple in that too: For though her father be the king of Naples, Duke of Anjou and Maine, yet is he poor, And our nobility will scorn the match. [Aside. Mar. Hear ye, captain? Are you not at leisure? Suf. It shall be so, disdain they ne'er o much : Henry is youthful, and will quickly yield.— Madam, I have a secret to reveal. [knight, Mar. What though I be enthrall'd? he seems a And will not any way dishonour me. [Aside. Suf. Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say. Suf. Sweet madam, give me hearing in a causeMur. Tush! women have been captivate ere now. [Aside. Suf. Lady, wherefore talk you so? Mar. I cry you mercy, 'tis but quid for quo. Suf. Say, gentle princess, would you not suppose Your bondage happy, to be made a queen? Mar. To be a queen in bondage, is more vile, Than is a slave in base servility; For princes should be free. Suf. And so shall you, If happy England's royal king be free. To Mar. Why, what concerns his freedom unto me? Suf. I'll undertake to make thee Henry's queen; put a golden scepter in thy hand, And set a precious crown upon thy head, If thou wilt condescend to be myMar. Suf. His love. What? Mar. I am unworthy to be Henry's wife. Mar. An if my father please, I am content. A Parley sounded. Enter REIGNIER, on the walls. Suf. See, Reignier, see, thy daughter prisoner Reig. To whom? Suf. Reig. To me. Suffolk, what remedy? I am a soldier and unapt to weep, Or to exclaim on fortune's fickleness. Suf. Yes, there is remedy enough, my lord: Consent, (and, to. thy honour give consent,) Thy daughter shall be wedded to my king; Whom I with pain have woo'd and won thereto; And this her easy-held imprisonment Hath gain'd thy daughter princely liberty. Reig. Speaks Suffolk as he thinks? Suf. Fair Margaret knows That Suffolk doth not flatter, face, or feign. Reig. Upon thy princely warrant, 1 descend, To give thee answer to thy just demand. [Exit, from the walls. Suf. And here I will expect thy coming. Trumpets sounded. Enter REIGNIER, below. Reig. Welcome, brave earl, into our territories; Cominand in Anjou what your honour pleases. Suf. Thanks, Reignier, happy for so sweet a child Enjoy mine own, the county Maine, and Anjou, Reig. And I again,-in Henry's royal name, Suf. Reiguier of France, I give thee kingly thanks, Because this is in traffic of a king: And yet, methinks, I could be well content [Aside. Reig. I do embrace thee, as I would embrace The Christian prince, king Henry, were he here. Mar. Farewell, my lord! Good wishes, praise, and prayers, Shall Suffolk ever have of Margaret. [ Going. Suf Farewell, sweet madam! But hark you, Mar No princely commendations to my king? [garet; Mar. Such commendations as become a maid, A virgin, and his servant, say to him. Suf. Words sweetly plac'd, and modestly directed. But, madam, I must trouble you again,-No loving token to his majesty? Mar. Yes, my good lord; a pure unspotted heart. Never yet taint with love, I send the king. Suf. And this withal. [Kisses her. Mar. That for thyself; I will not so presume, To send such peevish tokens to a king. [Exeunt REIGNIER and MARGARET. Suf. O, wert thou for myself!-But, Suffolk, stay: Thou may'st not wander in that labyrinth ; There Minotaurs, and ugly treasons, lurk. Solicit Henry with her wond'rous praise: Bethink thee on her virtues that surmount; Mad, natural graces that extinguish art; Repeat their semblance often on the seas, That, when thou com'st to kneel at Henry's feet, Thou may'st bereave him of his wits with wonder. | York. Take her away; for she hath liv'd too long To fill the world with vicious qualities. Puc. First, let me tell you whom you have conNot me begotten of a shepherd swain, [demn'd; But issu'd from the progeny of kings; 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, Stain'd 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. No, misconceiv'd! Joan of Arc hath been A virgin from her tender infancy, Chaste and immaculate in very thought; Whose maiden blood, thus rigorously effus'd, Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven. York. Ay, ay;-away with her to execution. War. And hark ye, sirs; because she is a maid, Spare for no fagots, let there be enough; Place barrels of pitch upon the fatal stake, That so her torture may be shortened. [Exit. I SCENE IV.--Camp of the Duke of York, in Anjou. Enter YORK, WARWICK, and others. York. Bring forth that sorceress, condemn'd to burn. Enter LA PUCELLE, guarded, and a Shepherd. Shep. Ah, Joan ! this kills thy father's heart outHave I sought every country far and near, And, now it is my chance to find thee out, Must I behold thy timeless cruel death? [right ! Ah, Joan, sweet daughter Joan, I'll die with thee! [so; War. Graceless! wilt thou deny thy parentage? York. This argues what her kind of life hath been; Wicked and vile; and so her death concludes. Shep. Fye, 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: Deny me not, I pr'ythee, gentle Joan. Puc. Peasant, avaunt!-You have suborn'd this Of purpose to obscure my noble birth. [man, Shep. "Tis true, I gave a noble to the priest, The morn that I was wedded to her mother.Kneel down and take my blessing, good my girl. Wilt thou not stoop? Now cursed be the times Of thy nativity! I would, the milk Thy mother gave thee, when thou suck'dst her breast, O, burn her, burn her; hanging is too good. [Exit. Puc. Will nothing turn your unrelenting hearts Then, Joan, discover thine infirmity; That warranteth by law to be thy privilege.--I am with child, ye bloody homicides: Murder not then the fruit within my womb, Although ye hale me to a violent death. York. Now heaven forfend! the holy maid with childr War. The greatest miracle that e'er ye wrought: Is all your strict preciseness come to this? York. She and the Dauphin have been juggling did imagine what would be her refuge. War. Well, go to ; we will have no bastards live ; Especially, since Charles must father it. Puc. You are deceiv'd; my child is none of his ; It was Alençon that enjoyed my love. York. Alençon! that notorious Machiavel ' It dies, an if it had a thousand lives. Puc. O, give me leave, I have deluded you; 'Twas neither Charles, nor yet the duke I nam'd, But Reignier, king of Naples, that prevail'd. War. A married man ! that's inost intolerable. York. Why, here's a girl! I think,she knows not well, There were so many, whom she may accuse. War. It's sign, she hath been liberal and free. York. And, yet, forsooth, she is a virgin pure.Strumpet, thy words condemn thy brat, and thee: Use no entreaty, for it is in vain. Puc. Then lead me hence ;- with whom I leave my Enter CARDINAL BEAUFORT, attended. York. Is all our travail turn'd to this effect? After the slaughter of so many peers, War. Be patient, York: if we conclude a peace, Enter CHARLES, attended; ALENÇON, Bastard, Char. Since, lords of England, it is thus agreed, York. Speak, Winchester; for boiling choler chokes The hollow passage of my poison'd voice, By sight of these our baleful enemies. Win. Charles, and the rest, it is enacted thus: Alen. Must he be then as shadow of himself? Char. "Tis known, already that I am possess'd York. Insulting Charles! hast thou by secret means Alen. 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, Although you break it when your pleasure serves. [Aside, to CHARLES. War. How say'st thou, Charles? shall our condition Char. It shall: [stand? Only reserv'd, you claim no interest In any of our towns of garrison. York. Then swear allegiance to his majesty ; As thou art knight, never to disobey, SCENE V.-London. A Room in the Palace. Enter KING HENRY, in conference with SUFFOLK; GLOSTER and EXETER following. K. Hen. Your wond'rous rare description, noble earl, Of beauteous Margaret hath astonish'd me: Her virtues, graced with external gifts, Do breed love's settled passions in my heart: And like as rigour in tempestuous gusts Provokes the mightiest hulk against the tide ; So am I driven, by breath of her renown, Either to suffer shipwreck, or arrive Where I may have fruition of her love. S. 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, 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; Command, I mean, of virtuous chaste intents To love and honour Henry as her lord. K. Hen. And otherwise will Henry ne'er presuine. Therefore, my lord protector, give consent, That Margaret may be England's royal queen. Glo. So should I give consent to flatter sin. How shall we then dispense with that contract, Suf. As doth a ruler with unlawful oaths; A poor earl's daughter is unequal odds, Glo. Why, what, I pray, is Margaret more than that? Suf. Yes, my good lord, her father is a king, Exe. Beside his wealth doth warrant liberal dower; While Reignier sooner will receive, than give. Suf. A dower, my lords! disgrace not so your king, And not to seek a queen to make him rich: For what is wedlock forced, but a hell, As I am sick with working of my thoughts. Whom should we match, with Henry, being a king, To cross the seas to England, and be crown'd But Margaret, that is daughter to a king? As is fair Margaret, he be link'd in love. Then yield, my lords, and here conclude with me, King Henry's faithful and anointed queen : Of this play, whoever may have been the author, it is certain that it was once extremely popular. It is evidently alluded to by Nashe, in a tract entitled Pierce Pennilesse his Supplication, &c. 1592, where he says, "How would it have joyed brave Talbot, the terror of the French, to think that after he had lain two hundred years in his tomb, he should triumph again on the stage, and have his bones new embalmed with teares of ten thousand spectators at least, at several times, who, in the tragedian that represents his person, imagine they behold him fresh bleeding." SECOND PART OF KING HENRY THIS play, which was first printed in its presem form in the folio VI. play of Marlowe with the drama which Shakspeare formed out of it and distinguishing by different marks the alterations made by our great poet. The play opens with Henry's marriage, which was in the twentythird year of his reign, A. D. 1445; and closes with the first bat le fought at St. Alban's, and won by the York faction, in the thirty-third year of his reign, A. D. 1455: so that it cou prises the history and transactions of ten years. PERSONS REPRESENTED. KING HENRY THE SIXTH. HUMPHREY, Duke of Gloster, his uncle. VAUX. HUME and SOUTHWELI, two priests. BOLINGBROKE, a conjurer. A Spirit raised by him. CARDINAL BEAUFORT, Bishop of Winchester, great THOMAS HORNER, an armourer. PETER, his man Clerk of Chatham. Mayor of Saint Alban's. JACK CADE, a rebel. GEORGE, JOHN, DICK; SMITH, the weaver ; MICHAEL, &c. his followers. DUKE OF SUFFOLK, SIMPCOX, an impostor. Two Murderers. DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM, of the King's party. of the York faction. EARL OF WARWICK, LORD SCALES, governor of the Tower. LORD SAY. Sir HUMPHREY STAFFORD, and his Brother. A Sca-captain, Master, and Master's Mate, and Two Gentlemen, prisoners with Suffolk. A Herald ALEXANDER IDEN, a Kentish Gentleman. MARGARET, Queen to King Henry. Lords, Ladies, and Attendants: Petitioners, Aldermen, a Beadle, Sheriff, and Officers; Citizens, Prez tices, Falconers, Guards, Soldiers, Messengers. de SCENE,―dispersedly in various parts of Englanin |