Page 215 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1
P. 215
PORT ER Exit.
Madam, I will.
COUNT ESS
The plot is laid; if all things fall out right,
I shall as famous be by this exploit [5]
As Scythian Tomyris by Cyrus’ death.
Great is the rumour of this dreadful knight,
And his achievements of no less account;
Fain would mine eyes be witness with mine ears
To give their censure of these rare reports. [10]
Enter Messenger and Talbot.
MESSENGER
Madam, according as your ladyship desired,
By message craved, so is Lord Talbot come.
COUNT ESS
And he is welcome. What! Is this the man?
MESSENGER
Madam, it is.
COUNT ESS
Is this the scourge of France?
Is this the Talbot, so much feared abroad [15]
That with his name the mothers still their babes?
I see report is fabulous and false:
I thought I should have seen some Hercules,
A second Hector, for his grim aspect
And large proportion of his strong-knit limbs. [20]
Alas, this is a child, a silly dwarf!
It cannot be this weak and writhled shrimp
Should strike such terror to his enemies.
T ALBOT
Madam, I have been bold to trouble you;
But since your ladyship is not at leisure [25]
