Page:Henry VI Part 1 (1918) Yale.djvu/97

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
King Henry the Sixth, V. i
85

And surer bind this knot of amity, 16
The Earl of Armagnac, near knit to Charles,
A man of great authority in France,
Proffers his only daughter to your Grace
In marriage, with a large and sumptuous dowry.

King. Marriage, uncle! alas! my years are young, 21
And fitter is my study and my books
Than wanton dalliance with a paramour.
Yet call the ambassadors; and, as you please, 24
So let them have their answers every one:
I shall be well content with any choice
Tends to God's glory and my country's weal.

Enter Winchester [dressed as Cardinal], and three Ambassadors [one a Papal Legate].

Exe. [Aside.] What! is my Lord of Winchester install'd, 28
And call'd unto a cardinal's degree?
Then, I perceive that will be verified
Henry the Fifth did sometime prophesy,—
'If once he come to be a cardinal, 32
He'll make his cap co-equal with the crown.'

King. My lords ambassadors, your several suits
Have been consider'd and debated on.
Your purpose is both good and reasonable; 36
And therefore are we certainly resolv'd
To draw conditions of a friendly peace;
Which by my Lord of Winchester we mean
Shall be transported presently to France. 40

Glo. And for the proffer of my lord your master,
I have inform'd his highness so at large,
As,—liking of the lady's virtuous gifts,

31 sometime: formerly
43 As: that