Page:Poetical sketches reprint (1868).djvu/73

Chandos.
Distemper, Sir Thomas! what distemper?
I have not heard.

Dagworth.
Why, Chandos, you are a wise man,
I know you understand me; a distemper
The King caught here in France of running away.

Audley.
Sir Thomas, you say you have caught it too.

Dagworth.
And so will the whole army; 'tis very catching,
For when the coward runs, the brave man totters.
Perhaps the air of the country is the cause.
I feel it coming upon me, so I strive against it;
You yet are whole; but after a few more
Retreats, we all shall know how to retreat
Better than fight.—To be plain, I think retreating
Too often, takes away a soldier's courage.

Chandos.
Here comes the King himself: tell him your thoughts
Plainly, Sir Thomas.