Page 1747 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Than this pure soul shall be. All princely graces [25]
That mould up such a mighty piece as this is,
With all the virtues that attend the good,
Shall still be doubled on her. Truth shall nurse her,

Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her;
She shall be loved and feared. Her own shall bless her; [30]
Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn,
And hang their heads with sorrow. Good grows with her;

In her days every man shall eat in safety
Under his own vine what he plants, and sing
The merry songs of peace to all his neighbours. [35]
God shall be truly known, and those about her

From her shall read the perfect ways of honour,
And by those claim their greatness, not by blood.
Nor shall this peace sleep with her; but as when
The bird of wonder dies, the maiden phoenix, [40]

Her ashes new-create another heir
As great in admiration as herself,
So shall she leave her blessèdness to one −
When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness −

Who from the sacred ashes of her honour [45]
Shall star-like rise, as great in fame as she was,
And so stand fixed. Peace, plenty, love, truth, terror,
That were the servants to this chosen infant,

Shall then be his, and like a vine grow to him.
Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine, [50]
His honour and the greatness of his name
Shall be, and make new nations. He shall flourish,

And like a mountain cedar reach his branches
To all the plains about him; our children’s children
Shall see this, and bless heaven.

KING
Thou speakest wonders. [55]

CRANMER
She shall be, to the happiness of England,

An agèd princess; man days shall see her,