Page 2442 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

BEROWNE

Devils soonest tempt, resembling spirits of light. [255]
O, if in black my lady’s brows be decked,

It mourns that painting and usurping hair
Should ravish doters with a false aspect;

And therefore is she born to make black fair.
Her favour turns the fashion of the days, [260]

For native blood is counted painting now;
And therefore red, that would avoid dispraise,

Paints itself black, to imitate her brow.

DUMAINE

To look like her are chimney-sweepers black.

LONGAVILLE

And since her time are colliers counted bright. [265]

KING

And Ethiops of their sweet complexion crack.

DUMAINE

Dark needs no candles now, for dark is light.

BEROWNE

Your mistresses dare never come in rain,
For fear their colours should be washed away.

KING

’Twere good yours did; for, sir, to tell you plain, [270]
I’ll find a fairer face not washed today.

BEROWNE

I’ll prove her fair, or talk till doomsday here.

KING

No devil will fright thee then so much as she.

DUMAINE

I never knew man hold vile stuff so dear.