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The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 5 of 9] cover

The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 5 of 9]

Chapter 34: aeb SCENE II. France. Plains in Anjou.
By William Shakespeare
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About This Book

The volume presents a connected sequence of historical dramas that dramatize the disintegration of centralized power and the violent struggle among rival claimants for the crown. Through scenes of political intrigue, popular unrest, pitched battles, and calculated betrayals, it shows how shifting alliances and personal ambition accelerate dynastic collapse and reshape leadership. The plays interweave public spectacle with intimate moments of downfall and remorse, exploring themes of legitimacy, governance, and the human cost of civil war. Scholarly apparatus accompanies the texts, offering prefatory and editorial commentary, variant readings, and notes on publication history.

aeb SCENE II. France. Plains in Anjou.

Enter CHARLES, BURGUNDY, ALENÇON, BASTARD, REIGNIER, LA PUCELLE, and Forces.
♦ Char. These news, my lords, may cheer our drooping spirits:
’Tis said the stout Parisians do revolt
♦ And turn again unto the warlike French.
Alen. Then march to Paris, royal Charles of France,
5 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 Scout.
Scout. Success unto our valiant general,
And happiness to his accomplices!
10 Char. What tidings send our scouts? I prithee, speak.
Scout. The English army, that divided was
♦ Into two parties, is now conjoin’d in one,
And means to give you battle presently.
Char. Somewhat too sudden, sirs, the warning is;
15 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 accursed.
Command the conquest, Charles, it shall be thine,
20 Let Henry fret and all the world repine.
Char. Then on, my lords; and France be fortunate! [Exeunt.