Open Source Shakespeare

History of Henry V

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Act IV, Scene 6

Another part of the field.

       

[Alarums. Enter KING HENRY and forces, EXETER, and others]

  • Henry V. Well have we done, thrice valiant countrymen:
    But all's not done; yet keep the French the field.
  • Duke of Exeter. The Duke of York commends him to your majesty.
  • Henry V. Lives he, good uncle? thrice within this hour 2480
    I saw him down; thrice up again and fighting;
    From helmet to the spur all blood he was.
  • Duke of Exeter. In which array, brave soldier, doth he lie,
    Larding the plain; and by his bloody side,
    Yoke-fellow to his honour-owing wounds, 2485
    The noble Earl of Suffolk also lies.
    Suffolk first died: and York, all haggled over,
    Comes to him, where in gore he lay insteep'd,
    And takes him by the beard; kisses the gashes
    That bloodily did spawn upon his face; 2490
    And cries aloud 'Tarry, dear cousin Suffolk!
    My soul shall thine keep company to heaven;
    Tarry, sweet soul, for mine, then fly abreast,
    As in this glorious and well-foughten field
    We kept together in our chivalry!' 2495
    Upon these words I came and cheer'd him up:
    He smiled me in the face, raught me his hand,
    And, with a feeble gripe, says 'Dear my lord,
    Commend my service to me sovereign.'
    So did he turn and over Suffolk's neck 2500
    He threw his wounded arm and kiss'd his lips;
    And so espoused to death, with blood he seal'd
    A testament of noble-ending love.
    The pretty and sweet manner of it forced
    Those waters from me which I would have stopp'd; 2505
    But I had not so much of man in me,
    And all my mother came into mine eyes
    And gave me up to tears.
  • Henry V. I blame you not;
    For, hearing this, I must perforce compound 2510
    With mistful eyes, or they will issue too.
    [Alarum]
    But, hark! what new alarum is this same?
    The French have reinforced their scatter'd men:
    Then every soldier kill his prisoners: 2515
    Give the word through.

[Exeunt]