At all times will you have my power alike? Char. Duke of Alençon, this was your default, Alen. Had all your quarters been as safely kept We had not been thus shamefully surpris'd. Bast. Mine was secure. Reig. And so was mine, my lord. Char. And, for myself, most part of all this night, Within her quarter and mine own precinct I was employ'd in passing to and fro, About relieving of the sentinels: Then how or which way should they first break in? To gather our soldiers, scatter'd and dispers'd, Alarum. Enter an English Soldier, crying "A Talbot! a Talbot!" They fly, leaving their clothes behind. Sold. I'll be so bold to take what they have left. The cry of Talbot serves me for a sword; For I have loaden me with many spoils, Using no other weapon but his name. [Exit. SCENE II. Orleans. Within the town. Enter TALBOT, Bedford, Burgundy, a Captain, and others. Bed. The day begins to break, and night is fled, Whose pitchy mantle over-veil'd the earth. Here sound retreat, and cease our hot pursuit. [Retreat sounded. Tal. Bring forth the body of old Salisbury, Now have I paid my vow unto his soul; The treacherous manner of his mournful death, I muse we met not with the Dauphin's grace, His new-come champion, virtuous Joan of Arc, Bed. 'Tis thought, Lord Talbot, when the fight began, Bur. Myself (as far as I could well discern, Like to a pair of loving turtle-doves, That could not live asunder day or night. After that things are set in order here, We'll follow them with all the power we have. Enter a Messenger. Mess. All hail, my lords! Which of this princely train Call ye the warlike Talbot, for his acts So much applauded through the realm of France? Tal. Here is the Talbot: who would speak with him? With modesty admiring thy renown, By me entreats, great lord, thou wouldst vouchsafe That she may boast she hath beheld the man When ladies crave to be encounter'd with.— Tal. Ne'er trust me, then; for when a world of men Bed. No, truly; it is more than manners will: And I have heard it said, unbidden guests Tal. Well then, alone, since there's no remedy, I mean to prove this lady's courtesy. Come hither, captain. [Whispers.] You perceive my mind? Capt. I do, my lord, and mean accordingly. [Exeunt. SCENE III. Auvergne. Court of the Castle. Enter the Countess and her Porter. Count. Porter, remember what I gave in charge; And when you have done so, bring the keys to me. Port. Madam, I will. Count. The plot is laid: if all things fall out right, I shall as famous be by this exploit As Scythian Tomyris by Cyrus' death. Great is the rumour of this dreadful knight, And his achievements of no less account: To give their censure of these rare reports. [Exit. Enter Messenger and TALBOT. Mess. Madam, According as your ladyship desir'd, By message crav'd, so is Lord Talbot come. Count. And he is welcome. Mess. Madam, it is. Count. What! is this the man? Is this the scourge of France? Is this the Talbot, so much fear'd abroad, That with his name the mothers still their babes? I see report is fabulous and false : I thought I should have seen some Hercules, And large proportion of his strong-knit limbs. It cannot be this weak and writhlèd shrimp Should strike such terror to his enemies. Tal. Madam, I have been bold to trouble you; But since your ladyship is not at leisure, I'll sort some other time to visit you. [Going. Count. What means he now?-Go ask him whither he goes. Mess. Stay, my Lord Talbot; for my lady craves To know the cause of your abrupt departure. Tal. Marry, for that she's in a wrong belief, I go to certify her, Talbot's here. Re-enter Porter with keys. Count. If thou be he, then art thou prisoner. Count. To me, blood-thirsty lord; And for that cause I train'd thee to my house. Tal. Ha, ha, ha! Count. Laughest thou, wretch? thy mirth shall turn to moan. Tal. I laugh to see your ladyship so fond To think that you have aught but Talbot's shadow Count. Why, art not thou the man? Count. Then have I substance too. I am indeed. Tal. No, no, I am but shadow of myself: I tell you, madam, were the whole frame here, Your roof were not sufficient to contain 't. Count. This is a riddling merchant for the nonce; He will be here, and yet he is not here: How can these contrarieties agree? Tal. That will I show you presently. [He winds a horn. Drums strike up; then a peal How say you, madam? are you now persuaded These are his substance, sinews, arms, and strength, Count. Victorious Talbot! pardon my abuse: I did not entertain thee as thou art. Tal. Be not dismay'd, fair lady; nor misconstrue (36) The mind of Talbot, as you did mistake The outward composition of his body. What you have done hath not offended me : |