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Glo. I have, my lord, and their intents is this,They humbly sue unto your excellence, To have a godly peace concluded of, Between the realms of England and of France.

K. Hen. How Joth your grace affect their motion? Glo. Well, my good lord, and as the only means To stop effusion of our Christian blood, And 'stablish quietness on every side.

K. Hen. Ay, marry, uncle; for I always thought, It was both impious and unnatural, That such immanity and bloody strife Should reign among professors of one faith.

Gl. Beside, my lord,-the sooner to effect, And surer bind, this knot of amity,— The earl of Armagnac-near knit to Charles, A man of great authority in France,— Proffers his only daughter to your grace In marriage, with a large and sumptuous dowry. K.Hen. Marriage, uncle! alas! my years are young; And fitter is my study and my books, Than wanton dalliance with a paramour. Yet, call the ambassadors; and, as you please, So let them have their answers every one: I shall be well content with any choice, Tends to God's glory, and my country's weal. Enter a Legate, and two Ambassadors, with WINCHESTER, in a Cardinal's habit.

Exe. What is my lord of Winchester install'd, And call'd unto a cardinal's degree! Then, I perceive, that will be verified, Henry the fifth did sometime prophecy,—

If once he come to be a cardinal,

He'll make his cap co-equal with the crown.

Alen. Then march to Paris, royal Charles of France, And keep not back your powers in dalliance. Puc. Peace be amongst them, if they turn to us; Else, ruin combat with their palaces!

Enter a Messenger.

[speak

Mess. Success unto our valiant general, And happiness to his accomplices! Char. What tidings send our scouts? I pry'thee. Mess. The English army, that divided was Into two parts, is now conjoin'd in one : And means to give you battle presently.

Char. Somewhat too sudden, sirs, the warning is; But we will presently provide for them.

Bur. I trust, the ghost of Talbot is not there, Now he is gone, my lord, you need not fear.

Puc. Of all base passions, fear is most accurs'd :Command the conquest, Charles, it shall be thine; Let Henry fret, and all the world repine.

Char. Then on, my lords; And France be fortunate! [Exeunt. SCENE III.--The same. Before Angiers. Alarums: Excursions. Enter LA PUCELLE. Puc. The regent conquers, and the Frenchmen fly.Now help, ye charming spells, and periapts; And ye choice spirits that admonish me, And give me signs of future accidents! You speedy helpers, that are substitutes Under the lordly monarch of the north, Appear, and aid me in this enterprize!

Enter Fiends.

This speedy quick appearance argues proot

K. Hen. My lords ambassadors, your several suits Of your accustom'd diligence to ine.
Have been consider'd and debated on.
Your purpose is both good and reasonable :
And, therefore, are we certainly resolv'd
To draw conditions of a friendly peace;
Which, by my lord of Winchester, we mean
Shall be transported presently to France.

[Thunder.

Now, ye familiar spirits, that are cull'd
Out of the powerful regions under earth,
Help me this once, that France may get the field.
[They walk about, and speak not.
O, hold me not with silence over long!
Where I was wont to feed you with my blood,
master,-I'll lop a member off, and give it you,
In earnest of a further benefit;

Glo. And for the proffer of my lord your I have inform'd his highness so at large, As-liking of the lady's virtuous gifts, Her beauty, and the value of her dower,He doth intend she shall be England's queen. K. Hen. In argument and proof of which contract, Bear her this jewel, [to the Amb.] pledge of my affecAnd so, my lord protector, see them guarded, And safely brought to Dover; where, inshipp'd, Commit them to the fortune of the sea

[tion.

[Er. K. HEN. & Train; GLO. EXE. & Ambassadors. Win. Stay, my lord legate; you shall first receive The sum of money, which I promised Should be deliver'd to his holiness

For clothing me in these grave ornaments.

Leg. I will attend upon your lordship's leisure. Win. Now, Winchester will not submit, I trow, Or be inferior to the proudest peer. Humphrey of Gloster, thou shalt well perceive, That neither in birth, or for authority, The bishop will be overborne by thee: I'll either make thee stoop, and bend thy knee, Or sack this country with a mutiny

SCENE II.-France.

[Exeunt.

Plains in Anjou.

Enter CHARLES, BURGUNDY, ALENÇON, LA PUCELLE, and Forces, marching.

Char. These news, my lords, may cheer our drooping "Tis said, the stout Parisians do revolt, [spirits: And turn again unto the warlike French.

So you do condescend to help me now.—

[They hang their heads. No hope to have redress?-My body shall Pay recompense, if you will grant my suit. [They shake their heads.

Cannot my body, nor blood-sacrifice,
Entreat you to your wonted furtherance?
Then take my soul; my body, soul, and all,
Before that England give the French the foil

[They depart.
See they forsake me.
Now the time is come,
That France must vail her lofty-plumed crest,
And let her head fall into England's lap

My ancient incantations are too weak,
And hell too strong for me to buckle with:
Now, France, thy glory droopeth to the dust. [Erit,

Alarums.

Enter French and English, fighting. LA PUCELLE and YORK fight hand to hand. LA PUCELI E is taken. The French fly.

York. Damsel of France, I think, I have you fast. Unchain your spirits now with spelling charms, And try if they can gain your liberty.— A goodly prize, fit for the devil's grace! See. how the ugly witch doth bend her brows, As if, with Circe, she would change my shape. Puc. Chang'd to a worser shape thou can'st not be: York. O, Charles the Dauphin is a proper man; No shape but his can please your dainty eye.

Puc. A plaguing mischief light on Charles, and thee! | And then I need not crave his courtesy. [Aside. And may ye both be suddenly surpriz'd

By bloody hands, in sleeping on your beds! [tongue.
York. Fell, banning hag! enchantress, hold thy
Puc. I pr'ythee, give me leave to curse a while.
York. Curse, miscreant, when thou comest to the
stake.
[Exeunt.
Alarums. Enter SUFFOLK, leading in Lady MARGARET.
Suf. Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner.
[Guzes on her.

O fairest beauty, do not fear, nor fly;
For I will touch thee but with reverent hands,
And lay them gently on thy tender side.
I kiss these fingers [kissing her hand.] for eternal peace:
Who art thou? say, that I may honour thee.

Mar. Margaret is my name; and daughter to a king.

The king of Naples, whosoe'er thou art.

Suf. An earl I am, and Suffolk am I call'd.

Be not offended, nature's miracle,

Thou art allotted to be ta'en by me:

So doth the swan her downy cygnets save,
Keeping them prisoners underneath her wings.
Yet if this servile usage once offend,
Go, and be free again, as Suffolk's friend.

[She turns away as going.
O, stay!I have no power to let her pass;
My hand would free her, but my heart says-no.
As plays the sun upon the glassy streams,
Twinkling another counterfeited beam,

So seems this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes.
Fain would I woo her, yet I dare not speak :
I'll call for pen and ink, and write my mind:
Fye, De la Poole! disable not thyself;
Hast not a tongue? is she not here thy prisoner?
Wilt thou be daunted at a woman's sight?
Ay; beauty's princely majesty is such,
Confounds the tongue, and makes the senses rough.
Mar. Say, earl of Suffolk,-if thy name be so,--
What ransome must pay before I pass ?
For, I perceive, I am thy prisoner.

Suf. How canst thou tell, she will deny thy suit, Before thou make a trial of her love? [Aside. Mar. Why speak'st thou not? what ransome must I pay?

Suf. She's beautiful; and therefore to be woo'd: She is a woman; therefore to be won. [Aside.

Mar. Wilt thou accept of ransome, yea, or no? Suf. Fond man! remember, that thou hast a wife; Then how can Margaret be thy paramour? [Aside. Mar. I were best leave him, for he will not hear. Suf. There all is marr'd; there lies a cooling card. Mar. He talks at random; sure the man is mad. Suf. And yet a dispensation may be had. Mar. And yet I would that you would answer me. Suf. I'll win this lady Margaret. For whom? Why, for my king: Tush! that's a wooden thing Mar. He talks of wood: It is some carpenter. Suf. Yet so my fancy may be satisfied, And peace established between these realms. But there remains a scruple in that too: For though her father be the king of Naples, Duke of Anjou and Maine, yet is he poor, And our nobility will scorn the match.

[Aside.

Mar. Hear ye, captain? Are you not at leisure? Suf. It shall be so, disdain they ne'er o much : Henry is youthful, and will quickly yield.— Madam, I have a secret to reveal.

[knight,

Mar. What though I be enthrall'd? he seems a And will not any way dishonour me.

[Aside.

Suf. Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say.
Mar. Perhaps, I shall be rescu'd by the French;

Suf. Sweet madam, give me hearing in a causeMur. Tush! women have been captivate ere now. [Aside.

Suf. Lady, wherefore talk you so? Mar. I cry you mercy, 'tis but quid for quo. Suf. Say, gentle princess, would you not suppose Your bondage happy, to be made a queen? Mar. To be a queen in bondage, is more vile, Than is a slave in base servility; For princes should be free. Suf.

And so shall you, If happy England's royal king be free.

To

Mar. Why, what concerns his freedom unto me? Suf. I'll undertake to make thee Henry's queen; put a golden scepter in thy hand, And set a precious crown upon thy head, If thou wilt condescend to be myMar.

Suf. His love.

What?

Mar. I am unworthy to be Henry's wife.
Suf. No, gentle madam; I unworthy am
To woo so fair a dame to be his wife,
And have no portion in the choice myself.
How say you, madam; are you so content!

Mar. An if my father please, I am content.
Suf. Then call our captains, and our colours forth:
And, madam, at your father's castle walls
We'll crave a parley, to confer with him.
[Troops come forward.

A Parley sounded. Enter REIGNIER, on the walls. Suf. See, Reignier, see, thy daughter prisoner Reig. To whom?

Suf. Reig.

To me.

Suffolk, what remedy? I am a soldier and unapt to weep, Or to exclaim on fortune's fickleness.

Suf. Yes, there is remedy enough, my lord: Consent, (and, to. thy honour give consent,) Thy daughter shall be wedded to my king; Whom I with pain have woo'd and won thereto; And this her easy-held imprisonment Hath gain'd thy daughter princely liberty. Reig. Speaks Suffolk as he thinks? Suf. Fair Margaret knows That Suffolk doth not flatter, face, or feign. Reig. Upon thy princely warrant, 1 descend, To give thee answer to thy just demand.

[Exit, from the walls. Suf. And here I will expect thy coming.

Trumpets sounded. Enter REIGNIER, below. Reig. Welcome, brave earl, into our territories; Cominand in Anjou what your honour pleases.

Suf. Thanks, Reignier, happy for so sweet a child
Fit to be made companion with a king:
What answer makes your grace unto my suit?
Reig. Since thou dost deign to woo her little worth
To be the princely bride of such a lord;
Upon condition I may quietly

Enjoy mine own, the county Maine, and Anjou,
Free from oppression, or the stroke of war,
My daughter shall be Henry's, if he please.
Suf. That is her ransome, I deliver her;
And those two counties, I will undertake,
Your grace shall well and quietly enjoy

Reig. And I again,-in Henry's royal name,
As deputy unto that gracious king,
Give thee her hand, for sign of plighted faith.

Suf. Reiguier of France, I give thee kingly thanks, Because this is in traffic of a king:

And yet, methinks, I could be well content
To be mine own attorney in this case
I'll over then to England with this news,
And make this marriage to be solemniz'd;
So, farewell, Reignier! Set this diamond safe
In golden palaces, as it becomes.

[Aside.

Reig. I do embrace thee, as I would embrace The Christian prince, king Henry, were he here. Mar. Farewell, my lord! Good wishes, praise, and prayers,

Shall Suffolk ever have of Margaret.

[ Going. Suf Farewell, sweet madam! But hark you, Mar No princely commendations to my king? [garet;

Mar. Such commendations as become a maid, A virgin, and his servant, say to him. Suf. Words sweetly plac'd, and modestly directed. But, madam, I must trouble you again,-No loving token to his majesty?

Mar. Yes, my good lord; a pure unspotted heart. Never yet taint with love, I send the king. Suf. And this withal. [Kisses her. Mar. That for thyself; I will not so presume, To send such peevish tokens to a king.

[Exeunt REIGNIER and MARGARET. Suf. O, wert thou for myself!-But, Suffolk, stay: Thou may'st not wander in that labyrinth ; There Minotaurs, and ugly treasons, lurk. Solicit Henry with her wond'rous praise: Bethink thee on her virtues that surmount; Mad, natural graces that extinguish art; Repeat their semblance often on the seas, That, when thou com'st to kneel at Henry's feet, Thou may'st bereave him of his wits with wonder.

|

York. Take her away; for she hath liv'd too long To fill the world with vicious qualities.

Puc. First, let me tell you whom you have conNot me begotten of a shepherd swain, [demn'd; But issu'd from the progeny of kings; Virtuous, and holy; chosen from above, By inspiration of celestial grace, To work exceeding miracles on earth. I never had to do with wicked spirits : But you, that are polluted with your lusts, Stain'd with the guiltless blood of innocents, Corrupt and tainted with a thousand vices,Because you want the grace that others have, You judge it straight a thing impossible To compass wonders, but by help of devils. No, misconceiv'd! Joan of Arc hath been A virgin from her tender infancy, Chaste and immaculate in very thought; Whose maiden blood, thus rigorously effus'd, Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven. York. Ay, ay;-away with her to execution. War. And hark ye, sirs; because she is a maid, Spare for no fagots, let there be enough; Place barrels of pitch upon the fatal stake, That so her torture may be shortened.

[Exit. I

SCENE IV.--Camp of the Duke of York, in Anjou.

Enter YORK, WARWICK, and others. York. Bring forth that sorceress, condemn'd to burn. Enter LA PUCELLE, guarded, and a Shepherd. Shep. Ah, Joan ! this kills thy father's heart outHave I sought every country far and near, And, now it is my chance to find thee out, Must I behold thy timeless cruel death?

[right !

Ah, Joan, sweet daughter Joan, I'll die with thee!
Puc. Decrepit miser ! base ignoble wretch !
I am descended of a gentler blood;
Thou art no father, nor no friend, of mine.
Shep. Out, out!-- My lords, an please you, 'tis not
I did beget her, all the parish knows :
Her mother liveth yet, can testify
She was the first fruit of my bachelorship.

[so;

War. Graceless! wilt thou deny thy parentage? York. This argues what her kind of life hath been; Wicked and vile; and so her death concludes.

Shep. Fye, Joan! that thou wilt be so obstacle! God knows, thou art a collop of my flesh; And for thy sake have I shed many a tear: Deny me not, I pr'ythee, gentle Joan.

Puc. Peasant, avaunt!-You have suborn'd this Of purpose to obscure my noble birth.

[man,

Shep. "Tis true, I gave a noble to the priest, The morn that I was wedded to her mother.Kneel down and take my blessing, good my girl. Wilt thou not stoop? Now cursed be the times Of thy nativity! I would, the milk

Thy mother gave thee, when thou suck'dst her breast,
Had been a little ratsbane for thy sake!
Or else, when thou didst keep my lambs a-field,
I wish some ravenous wolf had eaten thee!
Dost thou deny thy father, cursed drab?

O, burn her, burn her; hanging is too good. [Exit.

Puc. Will nothing turn your unrelenting hearts Then, Joan, discover thine infirmity; That warranteth by law to be thy privilege.--I am with child, ye bloody homicides: Murder not then the fruit within my womb, Although ye hale me to a violent death.

York. Now heaven forfend! the holy maid with childr War. The greatest miracle that e'er ye wrought: Is all your strict preciseness come to this? York. She and the Dauphin have been juggling did imagine what would be her refuge.

War. Well, go to ; we will have no bastards live ; Especially, since Charles must father it.

Puc. You are deceiv'd; my child is none of his ; It was Alençon that enjoyed my love.

York. Alençon! that notorious Machiavel ' It dies, an if it had a thousand lives.

Puc. O, give me leave, I have deluded you; 'Twas neither Charles, nor yet the duke I nam'd, But Reignier, king of Naples, that prevail'd.

War. A married man ! that's inost intolerable. York. Why, here's a girl! I think,she knows not well, There were so many, whom she may accuse.

War. It's sign, she hath been liberal and free. York. And, yet, forsooth, she is a virgin pure.Strumpet, thy words condemn thy brat, and thee: Use no entreaty, for it is in vain.

Puc. Then lead me hence ;- with whom I leave my
May never glorious sun reflex his beams [curse:
Upon the country where you make abode !
But darkness and the gloomy shade of death
Environ you; till mischief, and despair,
Drive you to break your necks, or hang yourselves!
[Elit, guarded.
York. Break thou in pieces, and consume to ashes,
Thou foul accursed minister of hell!

Enter CARDINAL BEAUFORT, attended.
Car. Lord regent, I do greet your excellence
With letters of commission from the king.
For know, my lords, the states of Christendom,
Mov'd with remorse of these outrageous broils,
Have earnestly implor'd a general peace
Betwixt our nation and the aspiring French;
And here at hand the Dauphin, and his train,
Approacheth to confer about some matter.

York. Is all our travail turn'd to this effect?

After the slaughter of so many peers,
So many captains, gentlemen, and soldiers,
That in this quarrel have been overthrown,
And sold their bodies for their country's benefit,
Shall we at last conclude effeminate peace?
Have we not lost most part of all the towns,
By treason, falsehood, and by treachery,
Our great progenitors had conquered ?—
O, Warwick, Warwick! I foresee with grief
The utter loss of all the realm of France.

War. Be patient, York: if we conclude a peace,
It shall be with such strict and severe covenants
As little shall the Frenchmen gain thereby.

Enter CHARLES, attended; ALENÇON, Bastard,
REIGNIER, and others.

Char. Since, lords of England, it is thus agreed,
That peaceful truce shall be proclaim'd in France,
We come to be informed by yourselves
What the conditions of that league must be.

York. Speak, Winchester; for boiling choler chokes The hollow passage of my poison'd voice, By sight of these our baleful enemies.

Win. Charles, and the rest, it is enacted thus:
That-in regard king Henry gives consent,
Of mere compassion, and of lenity,
To ease your country of distressful war,
And suffer you to breathe in fruitful peace,-
You shall become true liegemen to his crown:
And, Charles, upon condition thou wilt swear
To pay him tribute, and submit thyself,
Thou shalt be plac'à as viceroy under him,
And still enjoy thy regal dignity.

Alen. Must he be then as shadow of himself?
Adorn his temples with a coronet;
And yet, in substance and authority,
Retain but privilege of a private man?
This proffer is absurd and reasonless.

Char. "Tis known, already that I am possess'd
With more than half the Gallian territories,
And therein reverenc'd for their lawful king:
Shall I, for lucre of the rest unvanquish'd,
Detract so much from that prerogative,
As to be call'd but viceroy of the whole?
No, lord ambassador; I'll rather keep
That which I have, than, coveting for more,
Be cast from possibility of all.

York. Insulting Charles! hast thou by secret means
Used intercession to obtain a league;
And, now the matter grows to compromise,
Stands't thou aloof upon comparison?
Either accept the title thou usurp'st,
Of benefit proceeding from our king,
And not of any challenge of desert,
Or we will plague thee with incessant wars.
Reig. My lord, you do not well in obstinacy
To cavil in the course of this contract:
If once it be neglected, ten to one,
We shall not find like opportunity.

Alen. To say the truth, it is your policy, To save your subjects from such massacre, And ruthless slaughters, as are daily seen By our proceeding in hostility:

And therefore take this compact of a truce, Although you break it when your pleasure serves. [Aside, to CHARLES. War. How say'st thou, Charles? shall our condition Char. It shall: [stand?

Only reserv'd, you claim no interest

In any of our towns of garrison.

York. Then swear allegiance to his majesty ; As thou art knight, never to disobey,

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SCENE V.-London. A Room in the Palace. Enter KING HENRY, in conference with SUFFOLK; GLOSTER and EXETER following.

K. Hen. Your wond'rous rare description, noble earl, Of beauteous Margaret hath astonish'd me: Her virtues, graced with external gifts, Do breed love's settled passions in my heart: And like as rigour in tempestuous gusts Provokes the mightiest hulk against the tide ; So am I driven, by breath of her renown, Either to suffer shipwreck, or arrive Where I may have fruition of her love.

S. Tush! my good lord! this superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise: The chief perfections of that lovely dame, (Had I sufficient skill to utter them,) Would make a volume of enticing lines, Able to ravish any dull conceit. And, which is more, she is not so divine, So full replete with choice of all delights, But, with as humble lowliness of mind, She is content to be at your command; Command, I mean, of virtuous chaste intents To love and honour Henry as her lord.

K. Hen. And otherwise will Henry ne'er presuine. Therefore, my lord protector, give consent, That Margaret may be England's royal queen.

Glo. So should I give consent to flatter sin.
You know, my lord, your highness is betroth'd
Unto another lady of esteem;

How shall we then dispense with that contract,
And not deface your honour with reproach?

Suf. As doth a ruler with unlawful oaths;
Or one, that, at a triumph having vow'd
To try his strength, forsaketh yet the lists
By reason of his adversary's odds:

A poor earl's daughter is unequal odds,
And therefore may be broke without offence.

Glo. Why, what, I pray, is Margaret more than that?
Her father is no better than an earl,
Although in glorious titles he excel.

Suf. Yes, my good lord, her father is a king,
The king of Naples, and Jerusalem;
And of such great authority in France,
As his alliance will confirm our peace,
And keep the Frenchmen in allegiance.
Glo. And so the earl of Armagnac may do,
Because he is near kinsman unto Charles.

Exe. Beside his wealth doth warrant liberal dower; While Reignier sooner will receive, than give.

Suf. A dower, my lords! disgrace not so your king,
That he should be so abject, base, and poor,
To choose for wealth, and not for perfect love.
Henry is able to enrich his queen,

And not to seek a queen to make him rich:
So worthless peasants bargain for their wives,
As market-men for oxen, sheep, or horse.
Marriage is a matter of more worth,
Than to be dealt in by attorneyship;
Not whom we will, but whom his grace affects,
Must be companion of his nuptial bed:
And therefore, lords, since he affects her most,
It most of all these reasons bindeth us,
In our opinions she should be preferr'd.

For what is wedlock forced, but a hell,
An age of discord and continual strife?
Whereas the contrary bringeth forth bliss,
And is a pattern of celestial peace.

As I am sick with working of my thoughts.
Take, therefore, shipping; post, my lord, to France;
Agree to any covenants; and procure
That lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come

Whom should we match, with Henry, being a king, To cross the seas to England, and be crown'd

But Margaret, that is daughter to a king?
Her peerless feature, joined with her birth,
Approves her fit for none, but for a king:
Her valiant courage, and undaunted spirit,
More than in women commonly is seen,)
'Will answer our hope in issue of a king;
For Henry, son unto a conqueror,
Is likely to beget more conquerors,
If with a lady of so high resolve,

As is fair Margaret, he be link'd in love.

Then yield, my lords, and here conclude with me,
That Margaret shall be queen, and none but she.
K. Hen. Whether it be through force of your report,
My noble lord of Suffolk; or for that
My tender youth was never yet attaint
With any passion of inflaming love,
I cannot tell; but this, I am assur'd,
I feel such sharp dissention in my breast,
Such fierce alarums both of hope and fear,

King Henry's faithful and anointed queen :
For your expenses and sufficient charge,
Among the people gather up a tenth.
Be gone, I say; for, till you do return,
I rest perplexed with a thousand cares.—
And you, good uncle, banish all offence:
If you do censure me by what you were,
Not what you are, I know it will excuse
This sudden execution of my will.
And so conduct me, where from company,
I may revolve and ruminate my grief. [Em.
Glo. Ay, grief, I fear me, both at first and last.
[Exeunt GLOSTER and EXETER.
Suf. Thus Suffolk hath prevail'd: and thus he goes,
As did the youthful Paris once to Greece;
With hope to find the like event in love,
But prosper better than the Trojan did.
Margaret shall now be queen, and rule the king;
But I will rule both her, the king, and realm. [Exit.

Of this play, whoever may have been the author, it is certain that it was once extremely popular. It is evidently alluded to by Nashe, in a tract entitled Pierce Pennilesse his Supplication, &c. 1592, where he says, "How would it have joyed brave Talbot, the terror of the French, to think that after he had lain

two hundred years in his tomb, he should triumph again on the stage, and have his bones new embalmed with teares of ten thousand spectators at least, at several times, who, in the tragedian that represents his person, imagine they behold him fresh bleeding."

SECOND PART OF

KING HENRY

THIS play, which was first printed in its presem form in the folio
of 1623, was founded on an old play of Marlowe's, called The
First Part of the Contention between the two famous houses of
York and Lancaster. In what year this meagre original was
produced, is, perhaps, now impossible to be discovered. It
was published in 1594; but Shakspeare is supposed to have
amplified and improved the rude sketch of his predecessor
two or three years earlier.
Mr. Malone has been at the trouble of carefully comparing the

VI.

play of Marlowe with the drama which Shakspeare formed out of it and distinguishing by different marks the alterations made by our great poet.

The play opens with Henry's marriage, which was in the twentythird year of his reign, A. D. 1445; and closes with the first bat le fought at St. Alban's, and won by the York faction, in the thirty-third year of his reign, A. D. 1455: so that it cou prises the history and transactions of ten years.

PERSONS REPRESENTED.

KING HENRY THE SIXTH.

HUMPHREY, Duke of Gloster, his uncle.

VAUX.

HUME and SOUTHWELI, two priests. BOLINGBROKE, a conjurer.

A Spirit raised by him.

CARDINAL BEAUFORT, Bishop of Winchester, great THOMAS HORNER, an armourer.

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PETER, his man

Clerk of Chatham.

Mayor of Saint Alban's.

JACK CADE, a rebel.

GEORGE, JOHN, DICK; SMITH, the weaver ; MICHAEL, &c. his followers.

DUKE OF SUFFOLK,

SIMPCOX, an impostor. Two Murderers.

DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM,

of the King's party.

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of the York faction.

EARL OF WARWICK,

LORD SCALES, governor of the Tower.

LORD SAY.

Sir HUMPHREY STAFFORD, and his Brother.
Sir JOHN STANLEY.

A Sca-captain, Master, and Master's Mate, and
WALTER WHITMORE.

Two Gentlemen, prisoners with Suffolk.

A Herald

ALEXANDER IDEN, a Kentish Gentleman.

MARGARET, Queen to King Henry.
ELEANOR, Duchess of Gloster
MARGERY JOURDAIN, a witch.
Wife to Simpcox.

Lords, Ladies, and Attendants: Petitioners, Aldermen, a Beadle, Sheriff, and Officers; Citizens, Prez tices, Falconers, Guards, Soldiers, Messengers. de SCENE,―dispersedly in various parts of Englanin

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