Page 1326 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

EMILIA

Of aft flowers
Methinks a rose is best.

WOMAN
Why, gentle madam? [190]

EMILIA
It is the very emblem of a maid;

For when the west wind courts her gently,
How modestly she blows, and paints the sun
With her chaste blushes! When the north comes near her,
Rude and impatient, then, like chastity, [195]
She locks her beauties in her bud again,

And leaves him to base briars.

WOMAN
Yet, good madam,
Sometimes her modesty will blow so far
She falls for’t; a maid,

If she have any honour, would be loath [200]
To take example by her.

EMILIA
Thou art wanton.

ARCITE
She is wondrous fair.

PALAMON
She is all the beauty extant.

EMILIA
The sun grows high, let’s walk in. Keep these flowers;

We’ll see how near art can come near their colours.
I am wondrous merry-hearted, I could laugh now. [205]