Now have I paid my vow unto his soul; For every drop of blood was drawn from him, What ruin happen'd in revenge of him, I muse1 we met not with the Dauphin's grace; Bed. 'Tis thought, lord Talbot, when the fight began, Roused on the sudden from their drowsy beds, Like to a pair of loving turtle-doves, That could not live asunder day or night. After that things are set in order here, We'll follow them with all the power we have. 1 Wonder. Enter MESSENGER. Mes. All hail, my lords! Which of this princely train Call ye the warlike Talbot, for his acts So much applauded through the realm of France ? Tal. Here is the Talbot. Who would speak with him? Mes. The virtuous lady, countess of Auvergne, By me entreats, good lord, thou wouldst vouchsafe men Could not prevail with all their oratory, Yet hath a woman's kindness over-ruled :- Will not your honors bear me company? Bed. No, truly; it is more than manners will: 1 Dwells. Tul. Well then, alone, since there's no remedy, I mean to prove this lady's courtesy. Come hither, captain. [whispers.]-You perceive my mind. Cap. I do, my lord; and mean accordingly. [Exeunt. SCENE III. Auvergne. Court of the castle. Enter COUNTESS and her Porter. Count. Porter, remember what I gave in charge; And, when you have done so, bring the keys to me. Por. Madam, I will. [Exit. Count. The plot is laid: if all things fall out right, I shall as famous be by this exploit, As Scythian Thomyris by Cyrus' death. And his achievements of no less account. Fain would mine eyes be witness with mine ears, Enter MESSENGER and TALBOT. Mes. Madam, According as your ladyship desired, By message craved, so is lord Talbot come. 1 Opinion. Count. And he is welcome. What! is this the man? Mes. Madam, it is. Count. Is this the scourge of France ? Is this the Talbot, so much fear'd abroad, That with his name the mothers still their babes? I see, report is fabulous and false: I thought, I should have seen some Hercules, And large proportion of his strong-knit limbs. It cannot be, this weak and writhled 1 shrimp Tal. Madam, I have been bold to trouble you; But, since your ladyship is not at leisure, I'll sort some other time to visit you. Count. What means he now?-Go, ask him, whither he goes. Mes. Stay, my lord Talbot; for my lady craves To know the cause of your abrupt departure. Tal. Marry, for that she's in a wrong belief, I go to certify her, Talbot's here. Re-enter PORTER, with keys. Count. If thou be he, then art thou prisoner. Count. To me, blood-thirsty lord; And for that cause I train'd thee to my house. 1 Wrinkled. Long time thy shadow hath been thrall to me, But now the substance shall endure the like; Count. Laughest thou, wretch? thy mirth shall turn to moan. Tal. I laugh to see your ladyship so fond,1 Count. Why, art not thou the man? Count. Then have I substance too. I am indeed. Tal. No, no, I am but shadow of myself: I tell you, madam, were the whole frame here, Your roof were not sufficient to contain it. Count. This is a riddling merchant for the nonce : 2 He will be here, and yet he is not here. How can these contrarieties agree? Tal. That will I show you presently. |