Page 1720 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

She is young, and of a noble modest nature; [135]
I hope she will deserve well − and a little
To love her for her mother’s sake, that loved him,
Heaven knows how dearly. My next poor petition

Is that his noble grace would have some pity
Upon my wretched women, that so long [140]
Have followed both my fortunes faithfully;
Of which there is not one, I dare avow −

And now I should not lie − but will deserve,
For virtue and true beauty of the soul,
For honesty and decent carriage, [145]
A right good husband, let him be a noble;

And sure those men are happy that shall have ’em.
The last is for my men − they are the poorest,
But poverty could never draw ’em from me −
That they may have their wages duly paid ’em, [150]

And something over to remember me by.
If heaven had pleased to have given me longer life
And able means, we had not parted thus.
These are the whole contents; and, good my lord,

By that you love the dearest in this world, [155]
As you wish Christian peace to souls departed,
Stand these poor people’s friend, and urge the King
To do me this last right.

CAPUCHIUS

By heaven, I will,
Or let me lose the fashion of a man.

KATHERINE
I thank you, honest lord. Remember me [160]
In all humility unto his highness.
Say his long trouble now is passing

Out of this world. Tell him in death I blessed him,
For so I will. Mine eyes grow dim. Farewell,
My lord. Griffith, farewell. Nay, Patience, [165]
You must not leave me yet. I must to bed;

Call in more women. When I am dead, good wench,