Page 451 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

IMOGEN

I would have broke mine eye-strings, crack’d them, but
To look upon him, till the diminution
Of space had pointed him sharp as my needle:

Nay, followed him, till he had melted from [20]
The smallness of a gnat, to air: and then
Have turn’d mine eye, and wept. But, good Pisanio,
When shall we hear from him?

PISANIO
Be assur’d, madam,

With his next vantage.

IMOGEN

I did not take my leave of him, but had [25]
Most pretty things to say: ere I could tell him
How I would think on him at certain hours,

Such thoughts, and such: or I could make him swear
The shes of Italy should not betray
Mine interest, and his honour; or have charg’d him, [30]
At the sixth hour of morn, at noon, at midnight,
T’ encounter me with orisons, for then

I am in heaven for him; or ere I could
Give him that parting kiss, which I had set
Betwixt two charming words, comes in my father, [35]

And like the tyrannous breathing of the north,
Shakes all our buds from growing.

Enter a lady.

LADY
The queen, madam,
Desires your highness’ company.

IMOGEN
Those things I bid you do, get them dispatch’d. −

I will attend the queen.