Page 147 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

BASTARD

Knight, knight, good mother, Basilisco-like:
What! I am dubb’d! I have it on my shoulder. [245]
But, mother, I am not Sir Robert’s son:

I have disclaim’d Sir Robert and my land;
Legitimation, name and all is gone.
Then, good my mother, let me know my father;
Some proper man, I hope: who was it, mother? [250]

LADY FAULCONBRIDGE
Hast thou denied thyself a Faulconbridge?

BASTARD
As faithfully as I deny the devil.

LADY FAULCONBRIDGE

King Richard Cœur-de-lion was thy father:
By long and vehement suit I was seduc’d
To make room for him in my husband’s bed. [255]
Heaven, lay not my transgression to my charge

That art the issue of my dear offence,
Which was so strongly urg’d past my defence!

BASTARD
Now, by this light, were I to get again,
Madam, I would not wish a better father. [260]
Some sins do bear their privilege on earth,

And so doth yours: your fault was not your folly.
Needs must you lay your heart at his dispose,
Subjected tribute to commanding love,

Against whose fury and unmatched force [265]
The aweless lion could not wage the fight,
Nor keep his princely heart from Richard’s hand.
He that perforce robs lions of their hearts
May easily win a woman’s. Ay, my mother,

With all my heart I thank thee for my father! [270]
Who lives and dares but say thou didst not well
When I was got, I’ll send his soul to hell.