SCENE I.
Enter Lewis solus.
Lewis.
Unhappy Princes, who a just War make,
And onely Arms, when necessary, take!
For me, yet cruell Heav'ns determine worse;
Against my own, to head a forrein Force.
By those that no Allegeance owe, obey'd,
Born to protect the Nation, I invade.
They have the Blows, yet I partake the Pain;
A Subject lost, in every Foe that's slain.
My Mind's distress'd, whilst my bold War succeeds;
My Heart, at every Wound they suffer, bleeds.
The English must my juster Cause decide,
Whilst them I in new paths of Glory guide.
How can the Continent their Shock sustain,
Whose Arms ev'n force an Empire on the Main?
But—I shall teach them thus, perhaps, a way,
That France may wish untaught another day,
In France again their fatall Banners spread.
This Heav'n avert—
I love their Vertue, but their Valour dread.
Ambition, blunted by these soft Regrets,
My Love provokes, and to fierce Action whets.
'Tis not my Crown alone that I forgoe,
But with my Crown I lose Editha too.