Page 899 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Was a sweet creature; such a ring as this,
The last that e’er I took her leave at court,
I saw upon her finger.

BERTRAM
Hers it was not. [80]

KING
Now pray you let me see it; for mine eye,

While I was speaking, oft was fastened to’t.
This ring was mine, and when I gave it Helen
I bade her, if her fortunes ever stood
Necessitied to help, that by this token [85]

I would relieve her. Had you that craft to reave her
Of what should stead her most?

BERTRAM
My gracious sovereign,
Howe’er it pleases you to take it so,
The ring was never hers.

COUNTESS
Son, on my life,
I have seen her wear it, and she reckoned it [90]
At her life’s rate.

LAFEW
I am sure I saw her wear it.

BERTRAM
You are deceived, my lord, she never saw it.

In Florence was it from a casement thrown me,
Wrapped in a paper which contained the name
Of her that threw it. Noble she was, and thought [95]
I stood ingaged; but when I had subscribed

To mine own fortune, and informed her fully
I could not answer in that course of honour