Page 188 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

A base Walloon, to win the dauphin’s grace, [Exit.]
Thrust Talbot with a spear into the back -
Whom all France, with their chief assembled strength,
Durst not presume to look once in the face. [140]

BEDFORD

Is Talbot slain? Then I will slay myself
For living idly here, in pomp and ease,
Whilst such a worthy leader, wanting aid,
Unto his dastard foemen is betrayed.

THIRD MESSENGER

O no, he lives, but is took prisoner, [145]
And Lord Scales with him, and Lord Hungerford;
Most of the rest slaughtered or took likewise.

BEDFORD

His ransom there is none but I shall pay:
I’ll hale the dauphin headlong from his throne,
His crown shall be the ransom of my friend; [150]
Four of their lords I’ll change for one of ours.
Farewell, my masters; to my task will I;
Bonfires in France forthwith I am to make,
To keep our great Saint George’s feast withal.
Ten thousand soldiers with me I will take, [155]
Whose bloody deeds shall make all Europe quake.

THIRD MESSENGER

So you had need; ’fore Orléans besieged
The English army is grown weak and faint,
The Earl of Salisbury craveth supply
And hardly keeps his men from mutiny, [160]
Since they, so few, watch such a multitude.

EXET ER

Remember, lords, your oaths to Henry sworn:
Either to quell the dauphin utterly,
Or bring him in obedience to your yoke.