PRINCE EDWARD.
Methinks a woman of this valiant spirit
Should, if a coward heard her speak these words,
Infuse his breast with magnanimity
And make him, naked, foil a man at arms.
I speak not this as doubting any here;
For did I but suspect a fearful man,
He should have leave to go away betimes,
Lest in our need he might infect another
And make him of the like spirit to himself.
If any such be here, as God forbid!
Let him depart before we need his help.
OXFORD.
Women and children of so high a courage,
And warriors faint! Why, ’twere perpetual shame.
O, brave young Prince, thy famous grandfather
Doth live again in thee. Long mayst thou live
To bear his image and renew his glories!
SOMERSET.
And he that will not fight for such a hope,
Go home to bed and, like the owl by day,
If he arise, be mocked and wondered at.
QUEEN MARGARET.
Thanks, gentle Somerset. Sweet Oxford, thanks.
PRINCE EDWARD.
And take his thanks that yet hath nothing else.
Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER.
Prepare you, lords, for Edward is at hand
Ready to fight; therefore be resolute.
OXFORD.
I thought no less. It is his policy
To haste thus fast, to find us unprovided.
SOMERSET.
But he’s deceived; we are in readiness.
QUEEN MARGARET.
This cheers my heart, to see your forwardness.