You yet are whole; but, after a few more
Retreats, we all shall know how to retreat
Better than fight.—To be plain, I think retreating 65
Too often takes away a soldier's courage.
Chand. Here comes the King himself: tell him your thoughts
Plainly, Sir Thomas.
Dagw. I've told him before, but his disorder 69
Makes him deaf.
Enter King Edward and Black Prince.
King. Good morrow, Generals; when English courage fails,
Down goes our right to France.
But we are conquerors every where; nothing 73
Can stand our soldiers; each man is worthy
Of a triumph. Such an army of heroes
Ne'er shouted to the Heav'ns, nor shook the field.
Edward, my son, thou art 77
Most happy, having such command: the man
Were base who were not fir'd to deeds
Above heroic, having such examples.
Prince. Sire, with respect and deference I look 81
Upon such noble souls, and wish myself
Worthy the high command that Heaven and you
Have given me. When I have seen the field glow,
And in each countenance the soul of war 85
Curb'd by the manliest reason, I have been wing'd
With certain victory; and 'tis my boast.
And shall be still my glory, I was inspir'd
By these brave troops. 89
Dagw. Your Grace had better make
Them all Generals.
King. Sir Thomas Dagworth, you must have your joke,
And shall, while you can fight as you did at 93
The Ford.
Dagw. I have a small petition to your Majesty.
King. What can Sir Thomas Dagworth ask that Edward
Can refuse? 97
Dagw. I hope your Majesty cannot refuse so great
A trifle; I've gilt your cause with my best blood,
And would again, were I not forbid
By him whom I am bound to obey: my hands 101
Are tied up, my courage shrunk and wither'd,
My sinews slacken'd, and my voice scarce heard;
Therefore I beg I may return to England.
King. I know not what you could have ask'd, Sir Thomas, 105
That I would not have sooner parted with
Than such a soldier as you have been, and such a friend:
Nay, I will know the most remote particulars
Of this your strange petition; that if I can 109
I still may keep you here.
