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Act 3, Scene 3
Henry VI, Part 1 Translation Act 3, Scene 4
Enter KING HENRY VI, GLOUCESTER, BISHOP OF WINCHESTER, YORK, SUFFOLK, SOMERSET, WARWICK, EXETER, VERNON BASSET, and others. To them with his Soldiers, TALBOT
TALBOT
My gracious prince, and honourable peers, Hearing of your arrival in this realm, I have awhile given truce unto my wars, To do my duty to my sovereign: In sign, whereof, this arm, that hath reclaim'd To your obedience fifty fortresses, Twelve cities and seven walled towns of strength, Beside five hundred prisoners of esteem, Lets fall his sword before your highness' feet, And with submissive loyalty of heart Ascribes the glory of his conquest got First to my God and next unto your grace.
TALBOT
My kind prince, and honest lords! I have heard about your arrival in this country and so I have made peace for a while in my wars, so I can pay my respects to my king. I show you a sign of my respects here—this arm that regained fifty fortresses, twelve cities and seven powerful towns surrounded by a wall. On top of that, we have taken five hundred prisoners of high rank. I let my sword fall before your highness' feet and with the obedient loyalty of my heart, I give credit first to my God and then to your grace, for the glory of my victory.
Kneels
KING HENRY VI
Is this the Lord Talbot, uncle Gloucester,That hath so long been resident in France?
KING HENRY VI
Uncle Gloucester, is this the Lord Talbot, that has been in France for so long?
GLOUCESTER
Yes, if it please your majesty, my liege.
GLOUCESTER
Yes, if you are happy with that, my lord.
KING HENRY VI
Welcome, brave captain and victorious lord! When I was young, as yet I am not old, I do remember how my father said A stouter champion never handled sword. Long since we were resolved of your truth, Your faithful service and your toil in war; Yet never have you tasted our reward, Or been reguerdon'd with so much as thanks, Because till now we never saw your face: Therefore, stand up; and, for these good deserts, We here create you Earl of Shrewsbury; And in our coronation take your place.
KING HENRY VI
Brave captain and victorious lord, welcome! When I was young—not that I am old now—I remember how my father used to say that a bolder champion had never held a sword than you. Ever since then, we have been convinced that this is true because of your faithful service and your efforts in war. And yet you've never been rewarded, and we have never thanked you for all you've done, because we have never seen your face until now. Therefore, stand up and for these good actions, we make you Earl of Shrewsbury. Take your place in our procession.
Sennet. Flourish. Exeunt all but VERNON and BASSET
VERNON
Now, sir, to you, that were so hot at sea, Disgracing of these colours that I wear In honour of my noble Lord of York: Darest thou maintain the former words thou spakest?
VERNON
Now, sir! You were so angry when we were at sea, insulting the colors of the badge that I wear in the name of my kind Lord of York. Do you stand by the words you spoke then?
BASSET
Yes, sir; as well as you dare patronageThe envious barking of your saucy tongueAgainst my lord the Duke of Somerset.
BASSET
Yes, sir, I dare as much as you dare to defend the jealous barking of your insolent tongue that spoke against my lord, the Duke of Somerset.
VERNON
Sirrah, thy lord I honour as he is.
VERNON
Boy, I honor your lord for what he's worth.
BASSET
Why, what is he? as good a man as York.
BASSET
Why? What is he worth? He is as good a man as York.
VERNON
Hark ye; not so: in witness, take ye that.
VERNON
Listen, I don't think so. Take this from me!
Strikes him
BASSET
Villain, thou know'st the law of arms is such That whoso draws a sword, 'tis present death, Or else this blow should broach thy dearest blood. But I'll unto his majesty, and crave I may have liberty to venge this wrong; When thou shalt see I'll meet thee to thy cost.
BASSET
You're a villain! You know the law of weapons here. Whoever uses a sword, must die immediately or else I would use mine and make your dearest blood flow. But I'll go to his majesty and request permission to revenge what you've done to me. When you see me next, I'll repay you for this.
VERNON
Well, miscreant, I'll be there as soon as you;And, after, meet you sooner than you would.
VERNON
Well, you villain! I'll be there as soon as you will. And afterwards, I'll meet you sooner than you would meet me.
Exeunt
