_The most Famous_ BALLAD

_Of King_ HENRY _the 5th; his Victory over the_ French _at_ Agencourt.

[Music]

A Councel grave our King did hold,
With many a Lord and Knight:
That he might truly understand,
That _France_ did hold his Right.

Unto the King of _France_ therefore,
Embassadors he sent;
That he might truly understand,
His Mind and whole Intent.

Desiring him in friendly sort,
His lawful Right to yield;
Or else he swore by dint of Sword,
To win it in the Field.

The King of _France_ with all his Lords,
Did hear this Message plain;
And to our brave Embassador,
Did answer with Disdain.

And said our King was yet too young,
And of but tender Age;
Therefore they pass not for his Threats,
Nor fear not his Courage.

His Knowledge yet in Feats of Arms,
As yet is very small;
His tender Joints more fitter are,
To toss a Tennis-ball.

A Tun of Tennis-balls therefore,
In Pride and great Disdain;
He sent unto this Royal King,
To recompence his Pain.

Which Answer when our King did hear,
He waxed wroth in Heart;
And swore he would provide such Balls,
Should make all _France_ to smart.

An Army then our King did hold,
Which was both good and strong;
And from _Southampton_ is our King,
With all his Navy gone.

In _France_ he landed safe and sound,
Both he and all his Train;
And to the Town of _Husle_ then
He marched up amain.

Which when he had besieg'd the Town,
Against the fenced Walls;
To batter down the stately Towers,
He sent his _English_ Balls.

When this was done our King did march,
Then up and down the Land;
And not a _Frenchman_ for his Life,
Durst once his Force withstand.

Until he came to _Agencourt_,
Whereas it was his chance;
To find the King in readiness,
With all the Power of _France_.

A mighty Host he had prepar'd,
Of Armed Soldiers then;
Which were no less by just Account,
Than Forty Thousand Men.

Which sight did much amaze our King,
For he and all his Host;
Not passing Fifteen Thousand had,
Accounted with the most.

The King of _France_ who well did know,
The Number of our Men;
In vaunting Pride and great Disdain,
Did send an Herald then:

To understand what he would give,
For Ransom of his Life,
When they in Field had taken him,
Amongst the bloody strife.

And when our King with cheerful Heart,
This answer then did make;
Before that it does come to pass,
Some of your