Page 1669 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

CONSTABLE

Indeed, my lord, it is a most absolute and excellent horse. [25]

DAUPHIN
It is the prince of palfreys; his neigh is like the bidding of a monarch, and his
countenance enforces homage.

ORLEANS
No more, cousin.

DAUPHIN
Nay, the man hath no wit that cannot, from the [30] rising of the lark, to the

lodging of the lamb, vary deserved praise on my palfrey: it is a theme as
fluent as the sea; turn the sands into eloquent tongues, and my horse is
argument for them all. ’Tis a subject for a sovereign to reason on; and for a
sovereign’s sovereign to ride on; [35] and for the world, familiar to us and

unknown, to lay apart their particular functions and wonder at him. I once
writ a sonnet in his praise and began thus: “Wonder of nature” −

ORLEANS
I have heard a sonnet begin so to one’s mistress. [40]

DAUPHIN
Then did they imitate that which I composed to my courser; for my horse is
my mistress.

ORLEANS

Your mistress bears well.

DAUPHIN

Me well; which is the prescript praise and perfection [45] of a good and
particular mistress.

CONSTABLE
Nay, for methought yesterday your mistress shrewdly shook your back.

DAUPHIN