Page 165 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4
P. 165

SIMONIDES

               It’s fit it should be so, for princes are [10]
               A model which heaven makes like to itself.
               As jewels lose their glory if neglected,

               So princes their renowns if not respected.
               ’Tis now your honour, daughter, to entertain
               The labour of each knight in his device. [15]



              THAISA
               Which, to preserve mine honour, I’ll perform.


                The First Knight enters and passes by, his squire presenting his shield to

                                                         Thaisa.


              SIMONIDES

               Who is the first that doth prefer himself?



              THAISA
               A knight of Sparta, my renownèd father,
               And the device he bears upon his shield
               Is a black Ethiop reaching at the sun. [20]
               The word, Lux tua vita mihi.



              SIMONIDES

               He loves you well that holds his life of you.


                                            The Second Knight passes by.



               Who is the second that presents himself?



              THAISA
               A prince of Macedon, my royal father,
               And the device he bears upon his shield [25]
               Is an armed knight that’s conquered by a lady.

               The motto thus in Spanish, Più per dolcezza che per forza.


                                              The Third Knight passes by.
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