K. Phi. "Tis France, for England. K. John, England, for itself: You men of Angiers, and my loving subjects, K. Phi, You loving men of Angiers, Arthur's subjects, Our trumpet call'd you to this gentle parle.9 K. John. For our advantage;-Therefore, hear us first. These flags of France, that are advanced here And merciless proceeding by these French, They shoot but calm words, folded up in smoke, 9 Conference. To make a faithless error in your ears: And let us in, your king; whose labour'd spirits, Forwearied in this action of swift speed, Crave harbourage within your city walls. K. Phi. When I have said, make answer to us both. Lo, in this right hand, whose protection Is most divinely vow'd upon the right And king o'er him, and all that he enjoys: In warlike march these greens before your town; Than the constraint of hospitable zeal, To him that owes it; namely, this young prince: Save in aspect, have all offence seal'd up; With unhack'd swords, and helmets all unbruis'd, 'Tis not the roundure3 of your old-fac❜d walls you Can hide I Worn out. 2 Owns. 3 Circle. Though all these English, and their discipline, 1 Cit. In brief, we are the king of England's sub jects; For him, and in his right, we hold this town. K. John. Acknowledge then the king, and let me in. 1 Cit. That can we not: but he that king, To him will we prove loyal; till that time, Have we ramm'd up our gates against the world. king? And, if not that, I bring you witnesses, Twice fifteen thousand hearts of England's breed,Bast. Bastards, and else. K. John. To verify our title with their lives. K. Phi. As many, and as well-born bloods as those, Bast. Some bastards too. K. Phi. Stand in his face, to contradict his claim. 1 Cit. Till you compound whose right is wor thiest, We, for the worthiest, hold the right from both. K. John. Then God forgive the sin of all those souls, That to their everlasting residence, Before the dew of evening fall, shall fleet, In dreadful trial of our kingdom's king! K. Phi. Amen, Amen!-Mount, chevaliers! to arms! Bast. St. George,-that swing'd the dragon, and e'er since, Sits on his horseback at mine hostess' door, Bast. O, tremble; for you hear the lion roar. K. John. Up higher to the plain; where we'll set forth, In best appointment, all our regiments. Bast. Speed then, to take advantage of the field. K. Phi. It shall be so ;-[To LEWIS] and at the other hill Command the rest to stand.-God, and our right! [Exeunt. SCENE II. The same. Alarums and Excursions; then a Retreat. Enter a French Herald, with trumpets, to the gates. F. Her. You men of Angiers, open wide your gates, And let young Arthur, duke of Bretagne, in; Who, by the hand of France, this day hath made Much work for tears in many an English mother, Enter an English Herald, with trumpets. E. Her. Rejoice, you men of Angiers, ring your bells; King John, your king and England's, doth approach, Commander of this hot malicious day! Their armours, that march'd hence so silver-bright, Hither return all gilt with Frenchmen's blood; There stuck no plume in any English crest, That is removed by a staff of France; Our colours do return in those same hands That did display them when we first march'd forth; Cit. Heralds, from off our towers we might behold, By our best eyes cannot be censured: 4 Blood hath bought blood, and blows have answer'd blows; 4 Judged, determined. |