Page 264 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

T ALBOT

If we both stay, we both are sure to die. [20]

JOHN

Then let me stay and, father, do you fly.
Your loss is great, so your regard should be:
My worth unknown, no loss is known in me.
Upon my death the French can little boast:
In yours they will, in you all hopes are lost. [25]
Flight cannot stain the honour you have won:
But mine it will, that no exploit have done.
You fled for vantage, every one will swear:
But if I bow, they’ll say it was for fear.
There is no hope that ever I will stay [30]
If the first hour I shrink and run away.
Here, on my knee, I beg mortality
Rather than life preserved with infamy.

T ALBOT

Shall all thy mother’s hopes lie in one tomb?

JOHN

Ay, rather than I’ll shame my mother’s womb. [35]

T ALBOT

Upon my blessing I command thee go.

JOHN

To fight I will, but not to fly the foe.

T ALBOT

Part of thy father may be saved in thee.

JOHN

No part of him but will be shame in me.

T ALBOT

Thou never hadst renown, nor canst not lose it. [40]

JOHN