Page 1081 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

MIRANDA

Miranda. − O my father,
I have broke your hest to say so!

FERDINAND
Admir’d Miranda!
Indeed the top of admiration! worth

What’s dearest to the world! Full many a lady
I have ey’d with best regard, and many a time [40]
Th’ harmony of their tongues hath into bondage
Brought my too diligent ear: for several virtues

Have I lik’d several women; never any
With so full soul, but some defect in her
Did quarrel with the noblest grace she ow’d, [45]
And put it to the foil; but you, O you,

So perfect and so peerless, are created
Of every creature’s best!

MIRANDA
I do not know
One of my sex; no woman’s face remember,
Save, from my glass, mine own; nor have I seen [50]

More that I may call men than you, good friend,
And my dear father: how features are abroad,
I am skilless of; but, by my modesty,

The jewel in my dower, I would not wish
Any companion in the world but you; [55]
Nor can imagination form a shape,
Besides yourself, to like of. But I prattle
Something too wildly, and my father’s precepts

I therein do forget.

FERDINAND
I am, in my condition,
A prince, Miranda; I do think, a King; [60]
I would not so! − and would no more endure

This wooden slavery than to suffer
The flesh-fly blow my mouth. Hear my soul speak: