University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

The French Camp.
Enter the King of France, the Dauphin, Bourbon, the Constable of France, and Attendants.
Fr. King.
'Tis certain he hath pass'd the river Some.

Con.
And if he be not fought withal, my lord,
Let us not live in France; let us quit all,
And give our vineyards to a barb'rous people.

Daup.
Shall a few sprays of us,
(The emptying of our father's luxury)
Our scions, put in wild and savage stock,
Sprout up so suddenly into the clouds,
And overlook their grafters?

Const.
Why, whence have they this mettle?
Is not their climate foggy, raw, and dull?
On whom, as in despite, the sun looks pale,
Killing their fruit with frowns?
Oh! for the honour of our land,
Let us not hang like frozen isicles,
Upon our house-tops, while more frosty people,
Sweat drops of gallant blood, in our rich fields.

Daup.
By faith and honour,
Our madams mock at us;
They bid us to the English dancing-schools,
And teach La Volta's high, and swift Coranto's
Saying, our grace is only in our heels,
And that we are most lofty run-aways.

Fr. King.
Where is Mountjoy, the herald? Speed him hence;
Let him greet England with our sharp defiance.
Up, princes, and with spirit of honour edg'd,
Yet sharper than your swords, hie to the field;
Bar Harry England, that sweeps through our land,
With pennons painted in the blood of Harfleur.
Go down upon him, you have pow'r enough,
And in a captive chariot into Roan,
Bring him, our prisoner.

Con.
This becomes the great.
Sorry am I, his numbers are so few;
His soldiers sick, and famish'd in their march.
For I am sure, when he shall see our army,
He'll drop his heart into the sink of fear,
And for atchievement offer us his ransom.

Fr. King.
Therefore, lord constable, haste on Mountjoy,
And let him say to England, that we send
To know, what willing ransom he will give.
Prince Dauphin, you shall stay with us in Roan.

Daup.
Not so, I do beseech your majesty.

Fr. King.
Be patient, for you shall remain with us.
Now forth, lord constable, and princes all;
And quickly bring us word of England's fall.

[Exeunt.