Page 901 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

’Twere childish weakness to lament or fear.

PRINCE EDWARD

Methinks a woman of this valiant spirit
Should, if a coward heard her speak these words, [40]
Infuse his breast with magnanimity
And make him, naked, foil a man-at-arms.
I speak not this as doubting any here;
For did I but suspect a fearful man
He should have leave to go away betimes [45]
Lest in our need he might infect another
And make him of like spirit to himself.
If any such be here, as God forbid,
Let him depart before we need his help.

OXFORD

Women and children of so high a courage [50]
And warriors faint! Why, ’twere perpetual shame.
O brave young prince, thy famous grandfather
Doth live again in thee: long mayst thou live
To bear his image and renew his glories.

SOMERSET

And he that will not fight for such a hope, [55]
Go home to bed and, like the owl by day,
If he arise, be mocked and wondered at.

MARGARET

Thanks, gentle Somerset; sweet Oxford, thanks.

PRINCE EDWARD

And take his thanks that yet hath nothing else.

Enter a Messenger.

MESSENGER

Prepare you, lords, for Edward is at hand [60]
Ready to fight; therefore be resolute.

OXFORD