The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 5 of 9]Shakespeare, William
General
The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 5 of 9]
Shakespeare, William
English drama
This speedy and quick appearance argues proof [aec008]
Of your accustom’d diligence to me.
Now, ye familiar spirits, that are cull’d [aec010]
Out of the powerful regions under earth, [aec011]
Help me this once, that France may get the field.
[_They walk, and speak not._
O, hold me not with silence over-long!
Where I was wont to feed you with my blood,
I’ll lop a member off and give it you ·aec015·
In earnest of a further benefit,
So you do condescend to help me now.
[_They hang their heads._
No hope to have redress? My body shall
Pay recompense, if you will grant my suit.
[_They shake their heads._
Cannot my body nor blood-sacrifice ·aec020·
Entreat you to your wonted furtherance?
Then take my soul, my body, soul and all,
Before that England give the French the foil. [_They depart._
See, they forsake me! Now the time is come
That France must vail her lofty-plumed crest [aec025]
And let her head fall into England’s lap.
My ancient incantations are too weak,
And hell too strong for me to buckle with:
Now, France, thy glory droopeth to the dust. [_Exit._
_Excursions. Re-enter_ LA PUCELLE _fighting hand to hand with_
YORK: LA PUCELLE _is taken. The French fly_.
_York._ Damsel of France, I think I have you fast: [aec030]
Unchain your spirits now with spelling charms
And try if they can gain your liberty. [aec032]
A goodly prize, fit for the devil’s grace!
See, how the ugly wench doth bend her brows,
As if with Circe she would change my shape! ·aec035·
_Puc._ Changed to a worser shape thou canst not be.
_York._ O, Charles the Dauphin is a proper man;
No shape but his can please your dainty eye.
_Puc._ A plaguing mischief light on Charles and thee!
And may ye both be suddenly surprised ·aec040·
By bloody hands, in sleeping on your beds!
_York._ Fell banning hag, enchantress, hold thy tongue!
_Puc._ I prithee, give me leave to curse awhile.
_York._ Curse, miscreant, when thou comest to the stake. [aec044]
[_Exeunt._
_Alarum. Enter_ SUFFOLK, _with_ MARGARET _in his hand_.
_Suf._ Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner. [aec045]
[_Gazes on her._
O fairest beauty, do not fear nor fly!
For I will touch thee but with reverent hands; [aec047]
I kiss these fingers for eternal peace, [aec048]
And lay them gently on thy tender side.
Who art thou? say, that I may honour thee. [aec050]
_Mar._ Margaret my name, and daughter to a king,
The King of Naples, whosoe’er thou art.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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