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HENRIE THE FIFTH'S CONQUEST. 191 |
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xv. p. 65. Percy inserted in the Reliques, ii. 26, a song on this battle. Another, quoted in Heywood's Edward Fourth, and therefore popular before 1600, is printed in Mr. Collier's preface to Shakespeare's Henry Fifth (new edition).
The story of the tennis-balls is adopted from the chronicles by Shakespeare. " It is reported by some historians," says Hume, "that the Dauphin, in derision of Henry's claims and dissolute character, sent him a box of tennis-balls, intimating that mere implements of play were better adapted to him than the instruments of war. But this story is by no means credible; the great offers made by the court of France show that they had already entertained a just idea of Henry's character, as well as of their own situation." History of England, ch. xix.
As our king lay musing on his bed, He bethought himself upon a time Of a tribute that was due from France, Had not been paid for so long a time. Down, a-down, a-down, a-down, Down, a-down, a-down.
He called on his trusty page, &
His trusty page then called he, " O you must go to the king of France,
O you must go right speedilie.
"And tell him of my tribute due, Ten ton of gold that's due to me, io
That he must send me my tribute home, Or in French land he soon will me see." |
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