Original
Modern English
My gracious prince, and honourable peers, Hearing of your arrival in this realm, I have awhile given truce unto my wars, To do my duty to my sovereign: In sign, whereof, this arm, that hath reclaim’d To your obedience fifty fortresses, Twelve cities and seven walled towns of strength, Beside five hundred prisoners of esteem, Lets fall his sword before your highness’ feet, And with submissive loyalty of heart Ascribes the glory of his conquest got First to my God and next unto your grace.
My gracious prince, and honorable lords, Hearing that you have arrived in this land, I have briefly paused my fighting, To show my duty to my king: In token of that, this arm, which has taken Fifty strongholds, twelve cities, and seven fortified towns, Plus five hundred important prisoners, Now lays down its sword at your feet, And with humble loyalty of heart Gives the glory of these victories First to God and then to your grace.
Is this the Lord Talbot, uncle Gloucester, That hath so long been resident in France?
Is this Lord Talbot, Uncle Gloucester, The man who has been in France for so long?
Yes, if it please your majesty, my liege.
Yes, if it pleases your majesty, my lord.
Welcome, brave captain and victorious lord! When I was young, as yet I am not old, I do remember how my father said A stouter champion never handled sword. Long since we were resolved of your truth, Your faithful service and your toil in war; Yet never have you tasted our reward, Or been reguerdon’d with so much as thanks, Because till now we never saw your face: Therefore, stand up; and, for these good deserts, We here create you Earl of Shrewsbury; And in our coronation take your place.
Welcome, brave captain and victorious lord! When I was young (though I am still not old), I remember my father saying That no one was a braver fighter than you. We’ve known for a long time about your loyalty, Your faithful service, and your struggles in war; Yet until now, you’ve never received our reward, Or even been thanked, Because we never saw you until today: So, stand up; and for these great deeds, We make you Earl of Shrewsbury, And you shall take your place at our coronation.
Now, sir, to you, that were so hot at sea, Disgracing of these colours that I wear In honour of my noble Lord of York: Darest thou maintain the former words thou spakest?
Now, sir, to you, who were so bold at sea, Disgracing the colours I wear In honor of my noble Lord of York: Will you stand by the words you said before?
Yes, sir; as well as you dare patronage The envious barking of your saucy tongue Against my lord the Duke of Somerset.
Yes, sir; as much as you dare defend The spiteful barking of your rude tongue Against my lord, the Duke of Somerset.
Sirrah, thy lord I honour as he is.
Sir, I respect your lord just as he is.
Why, what is he? as good a man as York.
Why, who is he? He’s just as good a man as York.
Hark ye; not so: in witness, take ye that.
Listen; not quite: here’s proof of that.
Villain, thou know’st the law of arms is such That whoso draws a sword, ’tis present death, Or else this blow should broach thy dearest blood. But I’ll unto his majesty, and crave I may have liberty to venge this wrong; When thou shalt see I’ll meet thee to thy cost.
You scoundrel, you know the rules of combat say That anyone who draws a sword deserves to die immediately, Or else this strike would spill your blood. But I’ll go to the king and ask For permission to avenge this insult; Then you’ll see, I’ll meet you and it will cost you dearly.
Well, miscreant, I’ll be there as soon as you; And, after, meet you sooner than you would.
Fine, coward, I’ll be there as fast as you; And after that, I’ll meet you even sooner than you expect.