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Act 4, Scene 3
Henry VI, Part 1 Translation Act 4, Scene 4
Enter SOMERSET, with his army; a Captain of TALBOT's with him
SOMERSET
It is too late; I cannot send them now: This expedition was by York and Talbot Too rashly plotted: all our general force Might with a sally of the very town Be buckled with: the over-daring Talbot Hath sullied all his gloss of former honour By this unheedful, desperate, wild adventure: York set him on to fight and die in shame, That, Talbot dead, great York might bear the name.
SOMERSET
It's too late, I can't send them now. This military action was planned too hastily by York and Talbot. All of our general army might be surprised by a sudden attack. Talbot risks too much and he has stained all the shine of his previous honor with this careless, desperate and wild move. York sent Talbot to go fight and die in shame, so that when Talbot is dead, great York may have his title.
CAPTAIN
Here is Sir William Lucy, who with meSet from our o'ermatch'd forces forth for aid.
CAPTAIN
Here is Sir William Lucy. He was sent with me from our outnumbered army to ask for help.
Enter Sir William LUCY
SOMERSET
How now, Sir William! whither were you sent?
SOMERSET
How is it going, Sir William? Where are you coming from?
LUCY
Whither, my lord? from bought and sold Lord Talbot; Who, ring'd about with bold adversity, Cries out for noble York and Somerset, To beat assailing death from his weak legions: And whiles the honourable captain there Drops bloody sweat from his war-wearied limbs, And, in advantage lingering, looks for rescue, You, his false hopes, the trust of England's honour, Keep off aloof with worthless emulation. Let not your private discord keep away The levied succors that should lend him aid, While he, renowned noble gentleman, Yields up his life unto a world of odds: Orleans the Bastard, Charles, Burgundy, Alencon, Reignier, compass him about, And Talbot perisheth by your default.
LUCY
Where, my lord? From the betrayed Lord Talbot, who, in his brave misfortune is crying out for noble York and Somerset so they can conquer the death that has attacked his weak troops. And while the honorable captain drops bloody sweat from his tired arms and legs, as he is desperately trying to hold onto his superior military position, you—his false hopes, the guardians of England's honor, stand aside due to your foolish rivalry. Don't let your personal disagreement stop you from gathering military assistance to help him out. While he, a famous noble gentleman, gives up his life for a huge risk, Orleans the Bastard, Charles, Burgundy, Alencon and Reignier surround him and Talbot dies because you failed to act.
SOMERSET
York set him on; York should have sent him aid.
SOMERSET
York sent him there, York should have sent him help.
LUCY
And York as fast upon your grace exclaims;Swearing that you withhold his levied host,Collected for this expedition.
LUCY
And York also reacted as quickly against you, swearing that you withheld the army that was reserved for this military action.
SOMERSET
York lies; he might have sent and had the horse;I owe him little duty, and less love;And take foul scorn to fawn on him by sending.
SOMERSET
York lies, he should have sent for help. I don't owe him anything—no duty and even less love. And I find it disgraceful that he didn't send for help.
LUCY
The fraud of England, not the force of France, Hath now entrapp'd the noble-minded Talbot: Never to England shall he bear his life; But dies, betray'd to fortune by your strife.
LUCY
It is England that has tricked and trapped the noble Talbot, not France. He will never return to England alive, but he dies betrayed by your argument.
SOMERSET
Come, go; I will dispatch the horsemen straight:Within six hours they will be at his aid.
SOMERSET
Come, let's go! I will send the horsemen immediately. They will be at his side in six hours.
LUCY
Too late comes rescue: he is ta'en or slain;For fly he could not, if he would have fled;And fly would Talbot never, though he might.
LUCY
The rescue will be too late. He is already taken or killed, because he did not run away; and he would not have even if he had been able to, because Talbot would never run away.
SOMERSET
If he be dead, brave Talbot, then adieu!
SOMERSET
If he is dead, then brave Talbot goodbye!
LUCY
His fame lives in the world, his shame in you.
LUCY
His fame will continue on in the world and his shame will live in you.
Exeunt
