Page 776 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Most worthy madam,
Your honour and your goodness is so evident,
That your free undertaking cannot miss
A thriving issue: there is no lady living [45]

So meet for this great errand. Please your ladyship
To visit the next room, I’ll presently
Acquaint the queen of your most noble offer,
Who but to-day hammer’d of this design,

But durst not tempt a minister of honour, [50]
Lest she should be denied.

PAULINA
Tell her, Emilia,
I’ll use that tongue I have: if wit flow from ’t
As boldness from my bosom, let ’t not be doubted

I shall do good.

EMILIA
Now be you blest for it!
I’ll to the queen: please you, come something nearer. [55]

GAOLER
Madam, if’t please the queen to send the babe,

I know not what I shall incur to pass it,
Having no warrant.

PAULINA
You need not fear it, sir:
This child was prisoner to the womb, and is
By law and process of great nature, thence [60]

Free’d and enfranchis’d; not a party to
The anger of the king, not guilty of
(If any be) the trespass of the queen.

GAOLER
I do believe it.