Page 1719 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

First, mine own service to your grace; the next, [115]
The King’s request that I would visit you,
Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me
Sends you his princely commendations,

And heartily entreats you take good comfort.

KATHERINE
O my good lord, that comfort comes too late, [120]
’Tis like a pardon after execution.
That gentle physic, given in time, had cured me,

But now I am past all comforts here but prayers.
How does his highness?

CAPUCHIUS
Madam, in good health.

KATHERINE
So may he ever do, and ever flourish, [125]
When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name
Banished the kingdom. Patience, is that letter

I caused you write yet sent away?

PATIENCE
No, madam.

KATHERINE
Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver
This to my lord the King.

CAPUCHIUS
Most willing, madam. [130]

KATHERINE

In which I have commended to his goodness
The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter −
The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her! −
Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding.