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.