About to embark for England, the Gallian King gives a rousing speech to this army, hoping for an easy victory, but promising personal assistance if the going should be more difficult. Mumford joins with a promise to restore Leir or die, to which Leir gives humble thanks. Mumford then adds his own speech, but puns on Gaul and gall, and point as the end of a sword, a place, and comment. They sail soon.
Scene 25 . . . Directory . . . Scene 27
Scene 26
Sound Drums & Trumpets: Enter the Gallian King, Leir, Mumford and the army.
KING: Thus have we brought our army to the sea,
Whereas our ships are ready to receive us:
The wind stands fair, and we in four hours sail
May easily arrive on British shore,
Where unexpected we may them surprise,
And gain a glorious victory with ease.
Wherefore, my loving Countrymen, resolve,
Since truth and justice fighteth on our sides,
That we shall march with conquest where we go.
Myself will be as forward as the first, … [26.10]
And step-by-step march with the hardiest wight:
And not the meanest soldier in our Camp
Shall be in danger, but I’ll second him.
To you, my Lord, we give the whole command
Of all the army, next unto ourself,
Not doubting of you, but you will extend
Your wonted valor in this needful case,
Encouraging the rest to do the like,
By your approved magnanimity.
MUMFORD: My Liege, tis needless to spur a willing horse, … [26.20]
That’s apt enough to run himself to death:
For here I swear by that sweet Saint’s bright eye,
Which are the stars, which guide me to good hap,
Either to see my old Lord crowned anew,
Or in his cause to bid the world adieu.
LEIR: Thanks, good Lord Mumford, tis more of your good will,
Than any merit or desert in me.
MUMFORD: And now to you, my worthy Countrymen,
Ye valiant race of Genovestan Gauls,
Surnamed Red-shanks, for your chivalry, … [26.30]
Because you fight up to the shanks in blood;
Show yourselves now to be right Gauls indeed,
And be so bitter on your enemies,
That they may say, you are as bitter as Gall.
Gall them, brave Shot, with your Artillery:
Gall them, brave Halberds, with your sharp-point Bills,
Each in their pointed place, not one, but all,
Fight for the credit of yourselves and Gaul.
KING: Then what should more persuasion need to those,
That rather wish to deal, than hear of blows? … [26.40]
Let’s to our ships, and if that God permit,
In four hours’ sail, I hope we shall be there.
MUMFORD: And in five hours more, I make no doubt,
But we shall bring our wished desires about. Exeunt.