Page 251 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Which I have done, because unworthily [Exit Fastolf.]
Thou wast installèd in that high degree. -
Pardon me, princely Henry, and the rest:
This dastard, at the battle of Patay,
When but in all I was six thousand strong [20]
And that the French were almost ten to one,
Before we met or that a stroke was given,
Like to a trusty squire did run away;
In which assault we lost twelve hundred men;
Myself and divers gentlemen beside [25]
Were there surprised and taken prisoners.
Then judge, great lords, if I have done amiss,
Or whether that such cowards ought to wear
This ornament of knighthood - yea or no?

GLOUCEST ER

To say the truth, this fact was infamous [30]
And ill beseeming any common man,
Much more a knight, a captain, and a leader.

T ALBOT

When first this order was ordained, my lords,
Knights of the Garter were of noble birth,
Valiant and virtuous, full of haughty courage, [35]
Such as were grown to credit by the wars;
Not fearing death nor shrinking for distress,
But always resolute in most extremes.
He then that is not furnished in this sort
Doth but usurp the sacred name of knight, [40]
Profaning this most honourable order,
And should, if I were worthy to be judge,
Be quite degraded, like a hedge-born swain
That doth presume to boast of gentle blood.

KING HENRY

Stain to thy countrymen, thou hear’st thy doom! [45]
Be packing therefore, thou that wast a knight;
Henceforth we banish thee on pain of death.

And now, my lord protector, view the letter
Sent from our uncle, Duke of Burgundy.