What ransom must I pay before I pass ? Suf. How canst thou tell she will deny thy suit, Before thou make a trial of her love? Mar. Why speak'st thou not? what ransom must I pay? Suf. She's beautiful and therefore to be woo'd; She is a woman, therefore to be won. Mar. Wilt thou accept of ransom? yea, or no. Suf. Fond man, remember that thou hast a wife; Then how can Margaret be thy paramour? Mar. I were best to leave him, for he will not hear. Suf. There all is marr'd; there lies a cooling card. Mar. He talks at random; sure, the man is Suf. And yet a dispensation may be had. me. Suf. I'll win this Lady-Margaret. For whom? Mar. Hear ye, captain, are you not at leisure? 83. cooling card, something which dashes hope, 'throws cold water' on eager expectation. 80 90 Henry is youthful and will quickly yield. Madam, I have a secret to reveal. Mar. What though I be enthrall'd? he seems a knight, And will not any way dishonour me. Suf. Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say. Suf. Sweet madam, give me hearing in a cause Mar. Tush, women have been captivate ere now. Mar. I cry you mercy, 'tis but Quid for Quo. pose Your bondage happy, to be made a queen? Mar. To be a queen in bondage is more vile Than is a slave in base servility; For princes should be free. Suf. And so shall you, If happy England's royal king be free. Mar. Why, what concerns his freedom unto me? Suf. I'll undertake to make thee Henry's queen, To put a golden sceptre in thy hand And set a precious crown upon thy head, If thou wilt condescend to be my Mar. Suf. His love. Mar. I am unworthy to be Henry's wife. To woo so fair a dame to be his wife Mar. An if my father please, I am content. And, madam, at your father's castle walls 130 A parley sounded. Enter REIGNIER on the walls. See, Reignier, see, thy daughter prisoner ! Reig. To whom? Suf. Reig. To me. Suffolk, what remedy? I am a soldier and unapt to weep Or to exclaim on fortune's fickleness. Suf. Yes, there is remedy enough, my lord: Whom I with pain have woo'd and won thereto; Hath gain'd thy daughter princely liberty. [Exit from the walls. Suf. And here I will expect thy coming. Trumpets sound. Enter REIGNIER, below. Reig. Welcome, brave earl, into our territories : Command in Anjou what your honour pleases. Suf. Thanks, Reignier, happy for so sweet a child, Fit to be made companion with a king: What answer makes your grace unto my suit? Reig. Since thou dost deign to woo her little worth 142. face, play the hypocrite. 140 150 To be the princely bride of such a lord; Enjoy mine own, the country Maine and Anjou, Reig. And I again, in Henry's royal name, Give thee her hand, for sign of plighted faith. Suf. Reignier of France, I give thee kingly thanks, Because this is in traffic of a king. [Aside] And yet, methinks, I could be well con tent To be mine own attorney in this case. I'll over then to England with this news, Reig. I do embrace thee, as I would em- The Christian prince, King Henry, were he here. and prayers Shall Suffolk ever have of Margaret. [Going. Suf. Farewell, sweet madam: but hark you, Margaret ; No princely commendations to my king? Mar. Such commendations as maid, A virgin and his servant, say to him. becomes a Suf. Words sweetly placed and modestly directed. But, madam, I must trouble you again; 164. in traffic of a king, in a king's business. 160 170 180 No loving token to his majesty? Mar. Yes, my good lord, a pure unspotted heart, Never yet taint with love, I send the king. Suf. And this withal. [Kisses her. Mar. That for thyself: I will not so presume To send such peevish tokens to a king. [Exeunt Reignier and Margaret. Suf. O, wert thou for myself! But, Suffolk, stay; Thou mayst not wander in that labyrinth ; That, when thou comest to kneel at Henry's feet, [Exit. SCENE IV. Camp of the DUKE OF York Enter YORK, WARWICK, and others. York. Bring forth that sorceress condemn'd to burn. Enter LA PUCELLE, guarded, and a Shepherd. Shep. Ah, Joan, this kills thy father's heart outright! Have I sought every country far and near, 183. taint, stained. 189. Minotaurs, monsters (from the mythical Minotaur 190 of Crete, vanquished by Theseus). 190. Solicit, excite, stir. |