Page 1299 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

As any of us three; weep ere you fail. [95]
Lend us a knee;
But touch the ground for us no longer time
Than a dove’s motion when the head’s plucked off;

Tell him, if he i’th’blood-sized field lay swollen,
Showing the sun his teeth, grinning at the moon, [100]
What you would do.

HIPPOLYTA
Poor lady, say no more;

I had as lief trace this good action with you
As that whereto, I am going, and never yet
Went I so willing way. My lord is taken
Heart-deep with your distress; let him consider. [105]
I’ll speak anon.

THIRD QUEEN
[to Emilia]
O, my petition was
Set down in ice, which by hot grief uncandied
Melts into drops; so sorrow wanting form

Is pressed with deeper matter.

EMILIA
Pray stand up;
Your grief is written in your cheek.

THIRD QUEEN
O woe, [110]
You cannot read it there; there through my tears,

Like wrinkled pebbles in a glassy stream,
You may behold ’em. Lady, lady, alack,
He that will all the treasure know o’th’earth
Must know the centre too; he that will fish [115]

For my least minnow, let him lead his line
To catch one at my heart. O, pardon me!
Extremity that sharpens sundry wits
Makes me a fool.