University of Virginia Library

Scene I.—Castle of Compiègne.

Louis, King of France, John of Salisbury, Llewellen.
K. Louis.
No need of pleading, sirs: I know the man:
I met him first breasting the tides of war,
And more admired, than joyed to see his banner
That still made way when others tacked and veered
On that large-labouring sea. In peace I found him
A loyal man, and honest, lofty-souled,
And resolute in his purpose. Never father
So loved, methought, a son, as he his king,
Who brave, but erring, plays this day a part
Not knightly, and not Christian. Sirs, he's hot,
And notes, methinks, but half of that great word,
‘Be wroth, yet sin not.’ Send me here your primate!
France loves the noble foe.

John of Sal.
May it please your Highness,
The primate stands resolved to light no flame
Betwixt two kings now happily at one:
He lacks not therefore grateful heart to France,
That great old land which shall not cease from greatness
While faithful to its God. He hastes to Sens.

K. Louis.
I love the man or distant or close by,
Knowing him injured, and esteeming just.
Tell him no girl-lip in my France hath ever
Trembled more sweetly ere it owned the truth,
Than this old heart for joy when came the news
He trod our shores secure.