Tal. Well then, alone, since there's no remedy, I mean to prove this lady's courtesy. Come hither, captain. [whispers.]-You perceive my mind. Cap. I do, my lord; and mean accordingly. [Exeunt. SCENE III. Auvergne. Court of the castle. Enter COUNTESS and her Porter. Count. Porter, remember what I gave in charge; And, when you have done so, bring the keys to me. Por. Madam, I will. [Exit. Count. The plot is laid: if all things fall out right, I shall as famous be by this exploit, As Scythian Thomyris by Cyrus' death. And his achievements of no less account. Fain would mine eyes be witness with mine ears, 1 Enter MESSENGER and TALBOT. Mes. Madam, According as your ladyship desired, By message craved, so is lord Talbot come. ■ Opinion. Count. And he is welcome. What! is this the man? Mes. Madam, it is. Count. Is this the scourge of France ? Is this the Talbot, so much fear'd abroad, That with his name the mothers still their babes? I thought, I should have seen some Hercules, And large proportion of his strong-knit limbs. It cannot be, this weak and writhled1 shrimp Tal. Madam, I have been bold to trouble you; I'll sort some other time to visit you. Count. What means he now?-Go, ask him, whither he goes. Mes. Stay, my lord Talbot; for my lady craves To know the cause of your abrupt departure. Tal. Marry, for that she 's in a wrong belief, I go to certify her, Talbot's here. Re-enter PORTER, with keys. Count. If thou be he, then art thou prisoner. Count. To me, blood-thirsty lord; And for that cause I train'd thee to my house. i Wrinkled. Long time thy shadow hath been thrall to me, But now the substance shall endure the like; Count. Laughest thou, wretch? thy mirth shall turn to moan. Tal. I laugh to see your ladyship so fond,1 Count. Why, art not thou the man ? Count. Then have I substance too. I am indeed. Tal. No, no, I am but shadow of myself: I tell you, madam, were the whole frame here, Your roof were not sufficient to contain it. Count. This is a riddling merchant for the nonce : 2 He will be here, and yet he is not here. How can these contrarieties agree? Tal. That will I show you presently. He winds a horn. nance. Drums heard; then a peal of ord The gates being forced, enter Soldiers. How say you, madam? are you now persuaded, These are his substance, sinews, arms, and strength, Count. Victorious Talbot! pardon my abuse: I did not entertain thee as thou art. Tal. Be not dismay'd, fair lady; nor misconstrue The mind of Talbot, as you did mistake The outward composition of his body. What you have done hath not offended me. But only (with your patience) that we may Count. With all my heart; and think me honored To feast so great a warrior in my house. [Exeunt. 1 Reported. |