Act V. scene 3

After the Battle. The PRINCESS by the Standard on the Ravelin.

Enter Gow, with the Crown of the Kingdom.

GOW. Here’s earnest of the Queen’s submission.
This by her last herald — and in haste.

PRINCESS. ’Twas ours already. Where is the woman?

GOW. ‘Fled with her horse. They broke at dawn.
Noon has not struck, and you’re Queen questionless.

PRINCESS. By you — through you. How shall I honour you?

GOW. Me? But for what?

PRINCESS. For all — all — all — Since the realm sunk beneath us! Hear him! For what?’
Your body ‘twixt my bosom and her knife.
Your lips on the cup she proffered for my death;
Your one cloak over me, that night in the snows
We held the Pass at Bargi. Every hour
New strengths, to this most unbelievable last.
‘Honour him?’ I will honour — will honour you — . . .
’Tis at your choice.

GOW. Child, mine was long ago.

(Enter FERDINAND, as from horse.)
But here’s one worthy honour. Welcome, Fox!

FERDINAND. And to you, Watchdog. This day clenches all.
We’ve made it and seen it.

GOW. Is the city held?

FERDINAND. Loyally. Oh, they’re drunk with loyalty yonder.
A virtuous mood. Your bombards helped ’em to it . . .
But here’s my word for you. The Lady Frances —

PRINCESS. I left her sick in the city. No harm, I pray.

FERDINAND. Nothing that she called harm. In truth, so little
That (to Gow) I am bidden tell you, she’ll be here
Almost as soon as I.

GOW. She says it?

FERDINAND. Writes.
This. (Gives him letter.) Yester eve. ’Twas given me by the priest — He with her in her hour.

GOW. So? (Reads) So it is.
She will be here. (To Ferdinand) And all is safe in the city?

FERDINAND. As thy long sword and my lean wits can make it.
You’ve naught to stay for. Is it the road again?

GOW. Ay. This time, not alone . . . She will be here.

PRINCESS. I am here. You have not looked at me awhile.

GOW. The rest is with you, Ferdinand . . .
Then free.

PRINCESS. And at my service more than ever. I claim —(Our wars have taught me)— being your Queen, now, claim
You wholly mine.

GOW. Then free . . . She will be here! A little while —

PRINCESS (to FERDINAND). He looks beyond, not at me.

FERDINAND. Weariness.
We are not so young as once was. ‘Two days’ fight — A worthy servitor — to be allowed
Some freedom............