_Count._ Porter, remember what I gave in charge;   [abc001] And when you have done so, bring the keys to me.   [abc002] _Port._ Madam, I will. [_Exit._ _Count._ The plot is laid: if all things fall out right, I shall as famous be by this exploit   ·abc005· As Scythian Tomyris by Cyrus’ death. Great is the rumour of this dreadful knight, And his achievements of no less account: Fain would mine eyes be witness with mine ears, To give their censure of these rare reports.   ·abc010· _Enter_ Messenger _and_ TALBOT. _Mess._ Madam,   [abc011] According as your ladyship desired,   [abc012] By message craved, so is Lord Talbot come. _Count._ And he is welcome. What! is this the man? _Mess._ Madam, it is. _Count._ Is this the scourge of France?   ·abc015· 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, A second Hector, for his grim aspect,   ·abc020· And large proportion of his strong-knit limbs. Alas, this is a child, a silly dwarf! It cannot be this weak and writhled shrimp   [abc023] Should strike such terror to his enemies.   [abc024] _Tal._ Madam, I have been bold to trouble you;   ·abc025· But since your ladyship is not at leisure, I’ll sort some other time to visit you.   [abc027] _Count._ What means he now? Go ask him whither he goes.   [abc028] _Mess._ Stay, my Lord Talbot; for my lady craves To know the cause of your abrupt departure.   ·abc030· _Tal._ Marry, for that she’s in a wrong belief, I go to certify her Talbot’s here.   [abc032] _Re-enter_ Porter _with keys_. _Count._ If thou be he, then art thou prisoner. _Tal._ Prisoner! to whom? _Count._ To me, blood-thirsty lord; And for that cause I train’d thee to my house.   ·abc035· 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 I will chain these legs and arms of thine, That hast by tyranny these many years   ·abc040· Wasted our country, slain our citizens And sent our sons and husbands captivate. _Tal._ Ha, ha, ha! _Count._ Laughest thou, wretch? thy mirth shall turn to moan.   [abc044] _Tal._ I laugh to see your ladyship so fond   ·abc045· To think that you have aught but Talbot’s shadow Whereon to practise your severity. _Count._ Why, art not thou the man?   [abc048] _Tal._ I am indeed. _Count._ Then have I substance too. _Tal._ No, no, I am but shadow of myself:   ·abc050· You are deceived, my substance is not here; For what you see is but the smallest part And least proportion of humanity: I tell you, madam, were the whole frame here, It is of such a spacious lofty pitch,   ·abc055· Your roof were not sufficient to contain ’t.