Before Angiers well met, brave Austria.— Arthur, that great forerunner of thy blood, Richard, that robbed the lion of his heart And fought the holy wars in Palestine, By this brave duke came early to his grave. And, for amends to his posterity, At our importance hither is he come To spread his colors, boy, in thy behalf, And to rebuke the usurpation Of thy unnatural uncle, English John. Embrace him, love him, give him welcome hither. God shall forgive you Coeur de Lion’s death The rather that you give his offspring life, Shadowing their right under your wings of war. I give you welcome with a powerless hand But with a heart full of unstainèd love. Welcome before the gates of Angiers, duke. A noble boy. Who would not do thee right?to Arthur Upon thy cheek lay I this zealous kiss As seal to
