Page 1730 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Come back! What mean you?

[Enter Lovell, following her]

OLD LADY
I’ll not come back; the tidings that I bring
Will make my boldness manners. Now good angels
Fly o’er thy royal head, and shade thy person [160]

Under their blessèd wings!

KING
Now by thy looks
I guess thy message. Is the Queen delivered?
Say “Ay, and of a boy”.

OLD LADY
Ay, ay, my liege,

And of a lovely boy. The God of heaven
Both now and ever bless her! ’Tis a girl [165]
Promises boys hereafter. Sir, your Queen
Desires your visitation, and to be

Acquainted with this stranger. ’Tis as like you
As cherry is to cherry.

KING
Lovell!

LOVELL
Sir?

KING
Give her an hundred marks. I’ll to the Queen. [170]
Exit

OLD LADY
An hundred marks? By this light, I’ll ha’ more.
An ordinary groom is for such payment.