Page 454 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Safely, I think: ’twas a contention in public, which [50] may (without
contradiction) suffer the report. It was much like an argument that fell out
last night, where each of us fell in praise of our country mistresses; this
gentleman at that time vouching (and upon warrant of bloody affirmation) his

to be more fair, virtuous, wise, chaste, constant, qualified and less
attemptable [55] than any the rarest of our ladies in France.

IACHIMO
That lady is not now living; or this gentleman’s opinion, by this, worn out.

POSTHUMUS
She holds her virtue still, and I my mind. [60]

IACHIMO
You must not so far prefer her ’fore ours of Italy.

POSTHUMUS
Being so far provok’d as I was in France, I would abate her nothing, though I

profess myself her adorer, not her friend. [65]

IACHIMO
As fair, and as good − a kind of hand-in-hand comparison − had been
something too fair, and too good for any lady in Britany. If she went before
others I have seen, as that diamond of yours outlustres many I have beheld, I
could not believe she excelled many: but I have not seen the most precious

diamond [70] that is, nor you the lady.

POSTHUMUS
I prais’d her as I rated her: so do I my stone.

IACHIMO
What do you esteem it at?

POSTHUMUS
More than the world enjoys. [75]

IACHIMO