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Count. What means he now?

whither he goes.

Go ask him

Mess. Stay, my Lord Talbot; for my lady craves To know the cause of your abrupt departure.

Tal. Marry, for that she's in a wrong belief, to certify her Talbot 's here.

I

go

Re-enter Porter with keys.

Count. If thou be he, then art thou prisoner.
Tal. Prisoner! to whom?

Count.

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To me, blood-thirsty lord;

And for that cause I train'd thee to my house.
Long time thy shadow hath been thrall to me,
For in my gallery thy picture hangs;
But now the substance shall endure the like,
And I will chain these legs and arms of thine,
That hast by tyranny these many years

Wasted our country, slain our citizens,
And sent our sons and husbands captivate.

Tal. Ha, ha, ha!

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Count. Laughest thou, wretch? thy mirth shall

turn to moan.

Tal. I laugh to see your ladyship so fond

To think that you have aught but Talbot's shadow Whereon to practise your severity.

Count. Why, art not thou the man?

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4.5

I am indeed.

Tal. No, no, I am but shadow of myself. You are deceived, my substance is not here;

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For what you see is but the smallest part
And least proportion of humanity.

I tell you, madam, were the whole frame here,
It is of such a spacious lofty pitch,

Your roof were not sufficient to contain 't.

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Count. This is a riddling merchant for the

nonce;

He will be here, and yet he is not here.
How can these contrarieties agree?

Tal. That will I show you presently.

[Winds his horn.

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Drums strike up: a peal

of ordnance. Enter Soldiers.

How say you, madam? are you now persuaded

That Talbot is but shadow of himself?

These are his substance, sinews, arms, and strength,
With which he yoketh your rebellious necks,
Razeth your cities and subverts your towns,
And in a moment makes them desolate.

Count. Victorious Talbot! pardon my abuse;
I find thou art no less than fame hath bruited,
And more than may be gather'd by thy shape.
Let my presumption not provoke thy wrath;
For I am sorry that with reverence

I did not entertain thee as thou art.

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Tal. Be not dismay'd, fair lady, nor misconstrue
The mind of Talbot, as you did mistake
The outward composition of his body.

What you have done hath not offended me;
Nor other satisfaction do I crave,

But only, with your patience, that we may

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