Part 8 (1/2)

[Footnote IIIc.7: _Whose blood is +fet+_] To fet is an obsolete word meaning _to fetch_. That is, ”whose blood is derived,” &c.

The word is used by Spencer and Ben Jonson.]

[Footnote IIIc.8: _----like greyhounds in the +slips+,_] _Slips_ are a contrivance of leather, to start two dogs at the same time.]

[Footnote IIIc.9: _----whom of succour we entreated,_] This phraseology was not uncommon in Shakespeare's time.]

[Footnote IIIc.10: _----are we +addrest+._] i.e., prepared.]

ACT III.

SCENE I.--FRANCE. ROOM IN THE FRENCH KING'S PALACE.

_Trumpets sound._

_Enter the FRENCH KING, the DAUPHIN, DUKE OF BOURBON, the CONSTABLE OF FRANCE, and others, L.H._

_Fr. King._ (C.) 'Tis certain he hath pa.s.s'd the river Somme.

_Con._ (R.C.) And if he be not fought withal, my lord, Let us not live in France; let us quit all, And give our vineyards to a barbarous people.

_Dau._ (R.) By faith and honour, Our madams mock at us; They bid us--to the English dancing-schools, And teach lavoltas high[1] and swift corantos;[2]

Saying our grace is only in our heels, And that we are most lofty runaways.

_Fr. King._ Where is Montjoy the herald? speed him hence: Let him greet England with our sharp defiance.-- Up, princes! and, with spirit of honour edg'd More sharper than your swords, hie to the field: Bar Harry England, that sweeps through our land With pennons[3] painted in the blood of Harfleur: Go down upon him,--you have power enough,-- And in a captive chariot into Rouen Bring him our prisoner.

_Con._ This becomes the great.

Sorry am I his numbers are so few, His soldiers sick, and famish'd in their march; For, I am sure, when he shall see our army, He'll drop his heart into the sink of fear, And, for achievement offer us his ransom.[4]

_Fr. King._ Therefore, lord constable, haste on Montjoy;

[_CONSTABLE crosses to L._

And let him say to England, that we send To know what willing ransom he will give.-- Prince Dauphin, you shall stay with us in Rouen.

_Dau._ Not so, I do beseech your majesty.

_Fr. King._ Be patient; for you shall remain with us.-- Now, forth, lord constable (_Exit CONSTABLE, L.H._), and princes all, And quickly bring us word of England's fall.

[_Exeunt L.H._

_Trumpets sound._

[Footnote III.1: _----lavoltas high_] A dance in which there was much turning, and much capering.]

[Footnote III.2: _----swift corantos;_] A corant is a sprightly dance.]

[Footnote III.3: _With +pennons+_] _Pennons_ armorial were small flags, on which the arms, device, and motto of a knight were painted.]