Page 2398 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

To know his pleasure; and in that behalf,
Bold of your worthiness, we single you
As our best-moving fair solicitor.
Tell him the daughter of the King of France, [30]
On serious business craving quick dispatch,
Importunes personal conference with his grace.
Haste, signify so much, while we attend,
Like humble-visaged suitors, his high will.

BOY ET

Proud of employment, willingly I go. [35]

PRINCESS Exit Boyet.

All pride is willing pride, and yours is so.

Who are the votaries, my loving lords,
That are vow-fellows with this virtuous Duke?

FIRST LORD

Lord Longaville is one.

PRINCESS

Know you the man?

MARIA

I know him, madam. At a marriage feast [40]
Between Lord Perigort and the beauteous heir
Of Jacques Falconbridge, solemnizèd
In Normandy, saw I this Longaville.
A man of sovereign parts he is esteemed;
Well fitted in arts, glorious in arms. [45]
Nothing becomes him ill that he would well.
The only soil of his fair virtue’s gloss -
If virtue’s gloss will stain with any soil -
Is a sharp wit matched with too blunt a will,
Whose edge hath power to cut, whose will still wills [50]
It should none spare that come within his power.

PRINCESS

Some merry mocking lord, belike - is’t so?