When but in all I was six thousand strong, 20
And that the French were almost ten to one,
Before we met or that a stroke was given,
Like to a trusty squire did run away:
In which assault we lost twelve hundred men; 24
Myself, and divers gentlemen beside,
Were there surpris'd and taken prisoners.
Then judge, great lords, if I have done amiss;
Or whether that such cowards ought to wear 28
This ornament of knighthood, yea, or no?
Glo. To say the truth, this fact was infamous
And ill beseeming any common man,
Much more a knight, a captain and a leader. 32
Tal. When first this order was ordain'd, my lords,
Knights of the garter were of noble birth,
Valiant and virtuous, full of haughty courage,
Such as were grown to credit by the wars; 36
Not fearing death, nor shrinking for distress,
But always resolute in most extremes.
He then that is not furnish'd in this sort
Doth but usurp the sacred name of knight, 40
Profaning this most honourable order;
And should—if I were worthy to be judge—
Be quite degraded, like a hedge-born swain
That doth presume to boast of gentle blood. 44
King. Stain to thy countrymen! thou hear'st thy doom.
Be packing therefore, thou that wast a knight;
Henceforth we banish thee on pain of death.
And now, my Lord Protector, view the letter 48
Sent from our uncle Duke of Burgundy.
30 fact: misdeed
37 distress: physical suffering
38 most extremes: greatest extremities
39 furnish'd in this sort: so endowed
