Page 292 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Exeunt.

Scene V IT

Enter Suffolk in conference with the King, Gloucester, and Exeter.

KING HENRY

Your wondrous rare description, noble earl,
Of beauteous Margaret hath astonished me:
Her virtues gracèd with external gifts
Do breed love’s settled passions in my heart,
And, like as rigour of tempestuous gusts [5]
Provokes the mightiest hulk against the tide,
So am I driven by breath of her renown
Either to suffer shipwreck, or arrive
Where I may have fruition of her love.

SUFFOLK

Tush, my good lord, this superficial tale [10]
Is but a preface of her worthy praise:
The chief perfections of that lovely dame
(Had I sufficient skill to utter them)
Would make a volume of enticing lines,
Able to ravish any dull conceit; [15]
And, which is more, she is not so divine,
So full replete with choice of all delights,
But with as humble lowliness of mind
She is content to be at your command -
Command, I mean, of virtuous chaste intents [20]
To love and honour Henry as her lord.

KING HENRY

And otherwise will Henry ne’er presume. -
Therefore, my lord protector, give consent
That Margaret may be England’s royal queen.

GLOUCEST ER

So should I give consent to flatter sin. [25]
You know, my lord, your highness is betrothed
Unto another lady of esteem: