Page 2476 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

ROSALINE

Madam, he swore that he did hold me dear
As precious eyesight, and did value me [445]
Above this world; adding thereto, moreover,
That he would wed me or else die my lover.

PRINCESS

God give thee joy of him. The noble lord
Most honourably doth uphold his word.

KING

What mean you, madam? By my life, my troth, [450]
I never swore this lady such an oath.

ROSALINE

By heaven you did! And, to confirm it plain,
You gave me this; but take it, sir, again.

KING

My faith and this the Princess I did give.
I knew her by this jewel on her sleeve. [455]

PRINCESS

Pardon me, sir, this jewel did she wear,
And Lord Berowne, I thank him, is my dear.
What! Will you have me, or your pearl again?

BEROWNE

Neither of either; I remit both twain.
I see the trick on’t. Here was a consent, [460]
Knowing aforehand of our merriment,
To dash it like a Christmas comedy.
Some carry-tale, some please-man, some slight zany,
Some mumble-news, some trencher-knight, some Dick,
That smiles his cheek in years, and knows the trick [465]
To make my lady laugh when she’s disposed,
Told our intents before; which once disclosed,
The ladies did change favours, and then we,
Following the signs, wooed but the sign of she.
Now, to our perjury to add more terror, [470]