LIONEL.
We should not be worse off
Than when, at Agincourt, we proved a match
For you and all the banded power of France.
BURGUNDY.
Yet much you stood in need of our alliance;
The regent purchased it at heavy cost.
TALBOT.
Most dearly, with the forfeit of our honor,
At Orleans have we paid for it to-day.
BURGUNDY.
Urge me no further, lords. Ye may repent it!
Did I forsake the banners of my king,
Draw down upon my head the traitor's name,
To be insulted thus by foreigners?
Why am I here to combat against France?
If I must needs endure ingratitude,
Let it come rather from my native king!
TALBOT.
You're in communication with the Dauphin,
We know it well, but we soon shall find means
To guard ourselves 'gainst treason.
BURGUNDY.
Death and hell!
Am I encountered thus? Chatillon, hark!
Let all my troops prepare to quit the camp.
We will retire into our own domain.
[CHATILLON goes out.
LIONEL.
God speed you there! Never did Britain's fame
More brightly shine than when she stood alone,
Confiding solely in her own good sword.
Let each one fight his battle for himself,
For 'tis eternal truth that English blood
Cannot, with honor, blend with blood of France.
SCENE II.
The same. QUEEN ISABEL, attended by a PAGE.