Page 869 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

DIANA

Ay, so you serve us
Till we serve you; but when you have our roses,
You barely leave our thorns to prick ourselves,

And mock us with our bareness.

BERTRAM

How have I sworn! [20]

DIANA
’Tis not the many oaths that makes the truth,
But the plain single vow that is vowed true.
What is not holy, that we swear not by,
But take the highest to witness. Then, pray you, tell me:

If I should swear by Love’s great attributes [25]
I loved you dearly, would you believe my oaths
When I did love you ill? This has no holding,

To swear by him whom I protest to love
That I will work against him. Therefore your oaths
Are words, and poor conditions but unsealed − [30]
At least in my opinion.

BERTRAM
Change it, change it.

Be not so holy-cruel. Love is holy,
And my integrity ne’er knew the crafts
That you do charge men with. Stand no more off,
But give thyself unto my sick desires, [35]

Who then recovers. Say thou art mine, and ever
My love as it begins shall so persever.

DIANA
I see that men make vows in such a flame
That we’ll forsake ourselves. Give me that ring.

BERTRAM
I’ll lend it thee, my dear, but have no power [40]

To give it from me.