Page 265 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Yes, your renownèd name: shall flight abuse it?

T ALBOT

Thy father’s charge shall clear thee from that stain.

JOHN

You cannot witness for me, being slain.
If death be so apparent, then both fly.

T ALBOT

And leave my followers here to fight and die? [45]
My age was never tainted with such shame.

JOHN

And shall my youth be guilty of such blame?
No more can I be severed from your side
Than can yourself in twain divide.
Stay, go, do what you will, the like do I: [50]
For live I will not, if my father die.

T ALBOT

Then here I take my leave of thee, fair son,
Born to eclipse thy life this afternoon.
Come, side by side, together live and die,
And soul with soul from France to heaven fly. [55]

Exeunt.

Scene VI IT

Alarum. Excursions wherein Talbot’s son [John] is hemmed about, and
Talbot rescues him.

T ALBOT

Saint George and victory! Fight, soldiers, fight:
The regent hath with Talbot broke his word
And left us to the rage of France his sword.
Where is John Talbot? Pause, and take thy breath;
I gave thee life and rescued thee from death. [5]