And so was mine, my lord. Bast. Mine was secure. Reig. Char. And, for myself, most part of all this night, Within her quarter, and mine own precinct, Then how, or which way, should they first break in? Puc. Question, my lords, no further of the case, Alarum. Enter an English Soldier crying, a Talbot! [Exit. SCENE II. ORLEANS. WITHIN THE TOWN. Enter Talbot, Bedford, Burgundy, a Captain, Bed. The day begins to break, and night is fled, Whose pitchy mantle over-veil'd the earth. Here sound retreat, and cease our hot pursuit. [Retreat sounded. Tal. Bring forth the body of old Salisbury; I muse, we met not with the Dauphin's grace; Bed. 'Tis thought, lord Talbot, when the fight Rous'd on the sudden from their drowsy beds, We'll follow them with all the power we have. Enter a Messenger. Mess. All hail, my lords! which of this princely train Call ye the warlike Talbot, for his acts Mess. The virtuous lady, countess of Auvergne, With modesty admiring thy renown, By me entreats, great lord, thou wouldst vouchsafe Bur. Is it e'en so? Nay, then, I see, our wars men Could not prevail with all their oratory, Will not your honours bear me company? Bed. No, truly; it is more than manners will: And I have heard it said, - Unbidden guests Are often welcomest when they are gone. Tal. Well then, alone, since there's no remedy, I mean to prove this lady's courtesy. Come hither, captain. [Whispers.] - You perceive my mind. Capt. I do, my lord; and mean accordingly. SCENE III. [Ereunt. AUVERGNE. COURT OF THE CASTLE. Enter the Countess and her Porter. Count. Porter, remember what I gave in charge; And, when you have done so, bring the keys to me. Port. Madam, I will. [Exit. Count. The plot is laid: if all things fall out right, I shall as famous be by this exploit, Fain would mine eyes be witness with mine ears, Enter Messenger and Talbot. Mess. Madam, According as your ladyship desir'd, By message crav'd, so is lord Talbot come. Count. And he is welcome. man? Mess. Madam, it is. Count. What! is this the 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, D A second Hector, for his grim aspéct, It cannot be, this weak and writhled shrimp Tal. Madam, I have been bold to trouble you: Count. What means he now?-Go ask him, whither he goes. Mess. 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. Tal. Prisoner! to whom? Count. To me, biood-thirsty lord; And for that cause I train'd thee to my house. Long time thy shadow hath been thrall to me, For in my gallery thy picture hangs: But now the substance shall endure the like; And sent our sons and husbands captivate. Tal. Ha, ha, ha! Count. Laughest thou, wretch? thy mirth shall turn to moan. Tal. I laugh to see your ladyship so fond, To think that you have aught but Talbot's shadow, |