SCENE X.
Enter [388] Anjou, with two Lords of Poland.
Anj. My lords of Poland, I must needs confess, The offer of your Prince Elector's far Beyond the reach of my deserts; For Poland is, as I have been inform'd, A martial people, worthy such a king As hath sufficient counsel in himself To lighten doubts, and frustrate subtle foes; And such a king, whom practice long hath taught To please himself with manage of the wars, The greatest wars within our Christian bounds,—10 I mean our wars against the Muscovites, And, on the other side, against the Turk, Rich princes both, and mighty emperors. Yet, by my brother Charles, our King of France, And by his grace's council, it is thought That, if I undertake to wear the crown Of Poland, it may prejudice their hope Of my inheritance to the crown of France; For, if th' Almighty take my brother hence, By due descent the regal seat is mine.20 With Poland, therefore, must I covenant thus,— That if, by death of Charles, the diadem Of France be cast on me, then, with your leaves, I may retire me to my native home. If your commission serve to warrant this, I thankfully shall undertake the charge Of you and yours, and carefully maintain The wealth and safety of your kingdom's right.
First Lord. All this, and more, your highness shall command, For Poland's crown and kingly diadem.30
Anj. Then, come, my lords, let's go. [Exeunt.
SCENE XI.
Enter [389] two Men, with the Admiral's body.
First Man. Now, sirrah, what shall we do with the Admiral?
Sec. Man. Why, let us burn him for an heretic.