Page 291 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

And, now the matter grows to compromise,
Stand’st thou aloof upon comparison? [150]
Either accept the title thou usurp’st,
Of benefit proceeding from our king
And not of any challenge of desert,
Or we will plague thee with incessant wars.

REIGNIER

[aside to Charles]
My lord, you do not well in obstinacy [155]
To cavil in the course of this contract:
If once it be neglected, ten to one
We shall not find like opportunity.

ALENÇON

[aside to Charles]
To say the truth, it is your policy
To save your subjects from such massacre [160]
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.

WARWICK

How say’st thou, Charles? Shall our condition stand? [165]

CHARLES

It shall;
Only reserved you claim no interest
In any of our towns of garrison.

Y ORK

Then swear allegiance to his majesty:
As thou art knight, never to disobey [170]
Nor be rebellious to the crown of England,
Thou, nor thy nobles, to the crown of England.

[Charles and the rest give tokens of fealty.]
So, now dismiss your army when ye please;
Hang up your ensigns, let your drums be still,
For here we entertain a solemn peace. [175]