Page 1918 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

VALENT INE

O, flatter me; for love delights in praises.

PROT EUS

When I was sick, you gave me bitter pills,
And I must minister the like to you.

VALENT INE

Then speak the truth by her; if not divine,
Yet let her be a principality, [150]
Sovereign to all the creatures on the earth.

PROT EUS

Except my mistress.

VALENT INE

Sweet, except not any;
Except thou wilt except against my love.

PROT EUS

Have I not reason to prefer mine own?

VALENT INE

And I will help thee to prefer her too: [155]
She shall be dignified with this high honour -
To bear my lady’s train, lest the base earth
Should from her vesture chance to steal a kiss,
And, of so great a favour growing proud,
Disdain to root the summer-swelling flower [160]
And make rough winter everlastingly.

PROT EUS

Why, Valentine, what braggardism is this?

VALENT INE

Pardon me, Proteus, all I can is nothing
To her, whose worth makes other worthies nothing;
She is alone.

PROT EUS