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54
Läsebok. X:o 60—61.
them short of their desires. In the place of that death, by
which their glory would be consummated, let us load them
with gifts; let us put them to shame with praises; we shall
by that means deprive them of that popularity which never
fails to attend those who suffer in the cause of virtue.
King Edward. I am convinced. You have prevailed.
You have saved my honour, and are dearer to me than ever.
— Prevent the execution. Have them instantly before us.
[Sir Waiter Manny (joes out and returns with Eustace
St. Pierre and his companions.]
Queen. Natives of France, and inhabitants of Calais, you
have put us to vast expence of blood and treasure, in the
recovery of our just and natural inheritance: but you acted
according to the dictates of an erroneous judgement; and
we admire and honour in you that valour and virtue by which
we have been so long kept out of our rightful possessions.
You, noble burghers; you, excellent citizens! though you
were tenfold the enemies of our person and our throne, we
can feel nothing on our part, save respect and affection for
vou. We loose your chains: we snatch vou from the scaffold:
•/ J J
and we thank you for that lesson of humiliation, which you
teach us, when you show us, that excellence is not of blood,
or title, or station: that virtue gives a dignity superior to
that of kings; and that those whom the Almighty inspires
with sentiments like yours, are justly and eminently raised
above all human distinctions.
You are now free to depart to your kinsfolk, your
coun-trvmen; to all those whose lives and liberties vou have so
J 7 *j
nobly redeemed, provided you refuse not to carry with you
the due tokens of our esteem.
Yet we would rather bind you to ourselves by every
endearing obligation; and for this purpose, we offer to you
your choice of the gifts and honours that Edward lias to
bestow. Rivals for fame, but always friends to virtue, we
wish that England were entitled to call vou her sons.
C?
St. Pierre. Ah! my country, it is now that I tremble
for thee. Edward could only win thy cities; but Philippa
conquers hearts.
Queen. Brave St. Pierre, wherefore look you so dejected?
St. Pierre. Ah! madam, when I meet with such another
opportunity of dying, I shall not regret that I survived
this day.
Queen. The consciousness of your virtuous int.-utions
will afford a recompense equal to the glory of an illustrious
death; and your name will be transmitted to posterity with
the applause due to the most disinterested of citizens.
Return to your country and admiring friends, and serve them
as much by your counsel, as you have already done by your
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