Page 844 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

HELENA

Look on his letter, madam: here’s my passport. [55]
(She reads the letter aloud.)
When thou canst get the ring upon my finger, which never shall come off, and

show me a child begotten of thy body that I am father to, then call me
husband; but in such a ‘then’ I write a ‘never’.
This is a dreadful sentence. [60]

COUNTESS
Brought you this letter, gentlemen?

FIRST LORD
Ay, madam, and for the contents’ sake are sorry for our pains.

COUNTESS
I prithee, lady, have a better cheer.

If thou engrossest all the griefs are thine [65]
Thou robbest me of a moiety. He was my son,
But I do wash his name out of my blood
And thou art all my child. Towards Florence is he?

SECOND LORD

Ay, madam.

COUNTESS

And to be a soldier?

SECOND LORD
Such is his noble purpose; and, believe’t, [70]
The Duke will lay upon him all the honour
That good convenience claims.

COUNTESS
Return you thither?

FIRST LORD
Ay, madam, with the swiftest wing of speed.