Edward III
Act IV, Scene 1
Bretagne. The camp of the English.
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Enter Lord Mountford with a Coronet in his hand; with him
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the Earl of Salisbury.
Earl of Mountford
1 - 9
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My lord of Salisbury, since by your aide
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Mine enemy Sir Charles of Blois is slain,
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And I again am quietly possessed
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In Britain’s dukedom, know that I resolve,
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For this kind furtherance of your king and you,
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To swear allegiance to his majesty:
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In sign whereof receive this coronet,
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Bear it unto him, and, withal, mine oath,
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Never to be but Edward’s faithful friend.
Earl of Salisbury
10 - 33
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I take it, Mountford. Thus, I hope, ere long
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The whole dominions of the realm of France
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Will be surrendered to his conquering hand.
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Exit Mountford.
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Now, if I knew but safely how to pass,
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I would at Callice gladly meet his Grace,
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Whether I am by letters certified
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That he intends to have his host removed.
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It shall be so, this policy will serve:—
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Ho, who’s within? Bring Villiers to me.
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Enter Villiers.
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Villiers, thou knowest, thou art my prisoner,
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And that I might for ransom, if I would,
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Require of thee a hundred thousand francs,
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Or else retain and keep thee captive still:
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But so it is, that for a smaller charge
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Thou mayst be quit, and if thou wilt thyself.
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And this it is: procure me but a passport
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Of Charles, the Duke of Normandy, that I
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Without restraint may have recourse to Callice
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Through all the Countries where he hath to do;
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Which thou mayst easily obtain, I think,
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By reason I have often heard thee say,
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He and thou were students once together:
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And then thou shalt be set at liberty.
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How saiest thou? Wilt thou undertake to do it?
Villiers
34
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I will, my lord; but I must speak with him.
Earl of Salisbury
35 - 39
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Why, so thou shalt; take horse, and post from hence:
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Only before thou goest, swear by thy faith,
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That, if thou canst not compass my desire,
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Thou wilt return my prisoner back again;
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And that shall be sufficient warrant for me.
Villiers
40 - 41
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To that condition I agree, my lord,
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And will unfainedly perform the same.
Earl of Salisbury
42 - 43
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Farewell, Villiers.—
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Thus once I mean to try a Frenchman’s faith.
