Tal.
My gracious Prince, and honourable Peers,
Hearing of your arrival in this realm,

I have a while giv'n 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 sev'n walled towns of strength,
Beside five hundred prisoners of esteem;
Lets fall the 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.

K. Henry.
Is this the fam'd Lord Talbot, uncle Glo'ster,
That hath so long been resident in France?

Glou.
Yes, if it please your Majesty, my Liege.

K. Henry.
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 your 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. [Exeunt. Manent Vernon and Basset.

Ver.
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;
Dar'st thou maintain the former words thou spak'st?

Bas.
Yes, Sir, as well as you dare patronage
The envious barking of your saucy tongue
Against my Lord, the Duke of Somerset.

Ver.
Sirrah, thy Lord I honour as he is.

Bas.
Why, what is he? as good a man as York.

Ver.
Hark ye; not so: in witness, take you that. [Strikes him.

Bas.
Villain, thou know'st, the law of arms is such,
That, whoso draws a sword, 'tis present death;^{5 note}

Ver.
Well, miscreant, I'll be there as soon as you;
And, after, meet you sooner than you would. [Exeunt.

Previous section