Page 1669 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Born out of your dominions, having here
No judge indifferent, nor no more assurance
Of equal friendship and proceeding. Alas, sir,
In what have I offended you? What cause

Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure [20]
That thus you should proceed to put me off
And take your good grace from me? Heaven witness,
I have been to you a true and humble wife,

At all times to your will conformable,
Ever in fear to kindle your dislike, [25]
Yea, subject to your countenance, glad or sorry
As I saw it inclined. When was the hour

I ever contradicted your desire,
Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends
Have I not strove to love, although I knew [30]
He were mine enemy? What friend of mine

That had to him derived your anger did I
Continue in my liking, nay, gave notice
He was from thence discharged? Sir, call to mind
That I have been your wife in this obedience [35]

Upward of twenty years, and have been blessed
With many children by you. If, in the course
And process of this time, you can report,
And prove it too, against mine honour aught,

My bond to wedlock, or my love and duty [40]
Against your sacred person, in God’s name
Turn me away, and let the foul’st contempt
Shut door upon me, and so give me up

To the sharp’st kind of justice. Please you, sir,
The King your father was reputed for [45]
A prince most prudent, of an excellent
And unmatched wit and judgement. Ferdinand

My father, King of Spain, was reckoned one
The wisest prince that there had reigned, by many
A year before. It is not to be questioned [50]
That they had gathered a wise council to them

Of every realm, that did debate this business,
Who deemed our marriage lawful. Wherefore I humbly