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Henry VI, Part 1 - Act 3, scene 4
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Henry VI, Part 1 - Act 3, scene 4Act 3, scene 4
Scene 4
Synopsis:
In Paris, a grateful Henry VI creates Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury in recompense for his victories in France. Vernon, a supporter of York, quarrels with Basset, a supporter of Somerset.
⌜Flourish.⌝ Enter the King, Gloucester, Winchester,Exeter; York, Warwick, ⌜and Vernon, with white roses;⌝
Somerset, Suffolk, ⌜and Basset, with red roses.⌝
To them, with his Soldiers, Talbot.
TALBOT
1541 My gracious prince and honorable peers,
1542 Hearing of your arrival in this realm,
1543 I have awhile given truce unto my wars
1544 To do my duty to my sovereign;
1545 5 In sign whereof, this arm, that hath reclaimed
1546 To your obedience fifty fortresses,
1547 Twelve cities, and seven walled towns of strength,
1548 Besides five hundred prisoners of esteem,
1549 Lets fall his sword before your Highness’ feet,
1550 10 And with submissive loyalty of heart
1551 Ascribes the glory of his conquest got
1552 First to my God, and next unto your Grace.
⌜He kneels.⌝
KING HENRY
1553 Is this the Lord Talbot, Uncle Gloucester,
1554 That hath so long been resident in France?
GLOUCESTER
1555 15 Yes, if it please your Majesty, my liege.
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137
KING HENRY 1556 Welcome, brave captain and victorious lord.
1557 When I was young—as yet I am not old—
1558 I do remember how my father said
1559 A stouter champion never handled sword.
1560 20 Long since we were resolvèd of your truth,
1561 Your faithful service, and your toil in war;
1562 Yet never have you tasted our reward
1563 Or been reguerdoned with so much as thanks,
1564 Because till now we never saw your face.
1565 25 Therefore stand up; and for these good deserts
1566 We here create you Earl of Shrewsbury;
1567 And in our coronation take your place.⌜Talbot rises.⌝
Sennet. Flourish. All except
Vernon and Basset exit.
VERNON
1568 Now, sir, to you that were so hot at sea,
1569 Disgracing of these colors that I wear
1570 30 In honor of my noble Lord of York,
1571 Dar’st thou maintain the former words thou spak’st?
BASSET
1572 Yes, sir, as well as you dare patronage
1573 The envious barking of your saucy tongue
1574 Against my lord the Duke of Somerset.
VERNON
1575 35 Sirrah, thy lord I honor as he is.
BASSET
1576 Why, what is he? As good a man as York.
VERNON
1577 Hark you, not so; in witness, take you that.
Strikes him.
BASSET
1578 Villain, thou knowest the law of arms is such
1579 That whoso draws a sword ’tis present death,
1580 40 Or else this blow should broach thy dearest blood.
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139
1581
But I’ll unto his Majesty, and crave1582 I may have liberty to venge this wrong,
1583 When thou shalt see I’ll meet thee to thy cost.
⌜He exits.⌝
VERNON
1584 Well, miscreant, I’ll be there as soon as you,
1585 45 And after meet you sooner than you would.
He exits.