Page 2433 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

BEROWNE

I could put thee in comfort - not by two that I know. [50]
Thou makest the triumviry, the corner-cap of society,
The shape of Love’s Tyburn, that hangs up simplicity.

LONGAVILLE

I fear these stubborn lines lack power to move.
(Reading)

O sweet Maria, empress of my love! -
These numbers will I tear, and write in prose. [55]

He tears the paper.

BEROWNE

O, rhymes are guards on wanton Cupid’s hose;
Disfigure not his shop.

LONGAVILLE

(taking another paper)
This same shall go:

(Reading)
Did not the heavenly rhetoric of thine eye,
’Gainst whom the world cannot hold argument,
Persuade my heart to this false perjury? [60]
Vows for thee broke deserve not punishment.
A woman I forswore, but I will prove -
Thou being a goddess - I forswore not thee.
My vow was earthly, thou a heavenly love;
Thy grace, being gained, cures all disgrace in me. [65]
Vows are but breath, and breath a vapour is;
Then thou, fair sun, which on my earth dost shine,
Exhalest this vapour-vow; in thee it is.
If broken, then, it is no fault of mine;
If by me broke, what fool is not so wise [70]
To lose an oath to win a paradise?

BEROWNE

This is the liver vein, which makes flesh a deity,
A green goose a goddess. Pure, pure idolatry.
God amend us, God amend! We are much out o’th’way.

Enter Dumaine with a paper.