Chapter 15

The English Court.

[Enter William, the Ambassador of Denmark, Demarch, and other attendants.]

WILLIAM. What news with the Denmark Embassador?

EMBASSADOR. Marry, thus: The King of Denmark and my Sovereign Doth send to know of thee what is the cause That injuriously, against the law of arms, Thou hast stolen away his only daughter Blaunch, The only stay and comfort of his life. Therefore by me He willeth thee to send his daughter Blaunch, Or else foorthwith he will levy such an host, As soon shall fetch her in dispite of thee.

WILLIAM. Embassador, this answer I return thy King. He willeth me to send his daughter Blaunch, Saying, I conveyed her from the Danish court, That never yet did once as think thereof. As for his menacing and daunting threats, I nill regard him nor his Danish power; For if he come to fetch her foorth my Realm I will provide him such a banquet here, That he shall have small cause to give me thanks.

EMBASSADOR. Is this your answer, then?

WILLIAM. It is; and so begone.

EMBASSADOR. I go; but to your cost.

[Exit Embassador.]

WILLIAM. Demarch, our subjects, earst levied in civil broils, Muster foorthwith, for to defend the Realm. In hope whereof, that we shall find you true, We freely pardon this thy late offence.

DEMARCH. Most humble thanks I render to your grace.

[Exeunt.]