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K. Hen. In argument and proof of which contract, Bear her this jewel, [to the Ambass.] pledge of my

affection.

And so, my lord protector, see them guarded,
And safely brought to Dover; where, inshipp'd,
Commit them to the fortune of the sea.

[Exeunt King HENRY and Train; GLOSTER,
EXETER, and Ambassadors.

Win. Stay, my lord legate; you shall first receive The sum of money, which I promised

Should be deliver'd to his holiness

For clothing me in these grave ornaments.

Leg. I will attend upon your lordship's leisure.
Win. Now, Winchester will not submit, I trow,
Or be inferior to the proudest peer.

Humphrey of Gloster, thou shalt well perceive,
That, neither in birth, or for authority,
The bishop will be overborne by thee:

I'll either make thee stoop, and bend thy knee,
Or sack this country with a mutiny.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II.

France. Plains in Anjou.

Enter CHARLES, BURGUNDY, ALENÇON, LA PUCELLE, and Forces, marching.

Char. These news, my lords, may cheer our drooping spirits:

'Tis said, the stout Parisians do revolt,

And turn again unto the warlike French.

Alen. Then march to Paris, royal Charles of France,

And keep not back your powers in dalliance.

$ That, neither in birth,] I would read-for birth. That is, thou shalt not rule me, though thy birth is legitimate, and thy authority supreme. JOHNSON.

Puc. Peace be amongst them, if they turn to us; Else, ruin combat with their palaces !

Enter a Messenger.

Mess. Success unto our valiant general,

And happiness to his accomplices!

Char. What tidings send our scouts? I pr'ythee, speak. Mess. The English army, that divided was

+Into two parts, is now conjoin'd in one;

And means to give you battle presently.

Char. Somewhat too sudden, sirs, the warning is;

But we will presently provide for them.

Bur. I trust, the ghost of Talbot is not there; Now he is gone, my lord, you need not fear.

Puc. Of all base passions, fear is most accurs'd:Command the conquest, Charles, it shall be thine; Let Henry fret, and all the world repine.

Char. Then on, my lords; And France be fortunate! [Exeunt.

SCENE III. .

The same. Before Angiers.

Alarums: Excursions. Enter LA PUCELLE.

Puc. The regent conquers, and the Frenchmen fly.Now help, ye charming spells, and periapts;9 And ye choice spirits that admonish me, And give me signs of future accidents ! You speedy helpers, that are substitutes

+"Into two parties,"-MALOne.

[Thunder.

9 ye charming spells, and periapts;] Charms sowed up. Periapts were worn about the neck as preservatives from disease or danger. Of these, the first chapter of St. John's Gospel was deemed the most efficacious.

Under the lordly monarch of the north1,
Appear, and aid me in this enterprize!
Enter Fiends.

This speedy quick appearance argues proof

Of

your accustom❜d diligence to me.

Now, ye familiar spirits, that are cull'd

Out of the powerful regions under earth,
Help me this once, that France may get the field.
[They walk about, and speak not.

O, hold me not with silence over-long!
Where I was wont to feed you with my
I'll lop a member off, and give it you,
In earnest of a further benefit;

do condescend to help me now.

-

blood,

[They hang their heads.

So you
No hope to have redress?- My body shall
Pay recompense, if you will grant my suit.

[They shake their heads.

Cannot my body, nor blood-sacrifice,
Entreat you to your wonted furtherance?
Then take my soul; my body, soul, and all,
Before that England give the French the foil.

See! they forsake me.

[They depart.

Now the time is come,

That France must vail her lofty-plumed crest, 3
And let her head fall into England's lap.
My ancient incantations are too weak,
And hell too strong for me to buckle with:

Now, France, thy glory droopeth to the dust.

1

[Exit.

monarch of the north,] The north was always supposed to be

the particular habitation of bad spirits. Milton, therefore, assembles

the rebel angels in the north. JOHNSON.

2 Where-] i. e. whereas.

3

vail her lofty-plumed crest,] i. e. lower it.

[graphic][merged small]

PUC. O. HOLD ME NOT WITH SILENCE OVER-LONG! WHERE I WAS WANT TO FEED YOU WITH MY BLOOD.

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London, Published by F.C&J. Rivington, and Partners Feb 1823

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