Philaster

To give a stronger testimony of love Than sickly promises (which commonly In princes find both birth and burial In one breath), we have drawn you, worthy sir, To make your fair endearments to our daughter, And worthy services known to our subjects, Now loved and wondered at; next, our intent To plant you deeply our immediate heir Both to our blood and kingdoms. For this lady (The best part of your life, as you confirm me, And I believe), though her few years and sex Yet teach her nothing but her fears and blushes, Desires without desire, discourse and knowledge Only of what herself is to herself, Make her feel moderate health; and, when she sleeps, In making no ill day, knows no ill dreams. Think not, dear sir, these undivided parts That must mold up a virgin, are put on To show her so, as borrowed ornaments To talk of her perfect love to you, or add An artificial shadow to her nature. No, sir; I boldly dare proclaim her yet No woman. But woo her still, and think her modesty A sweeter mistress than the offered language Of any dame, were she a queen, whose eye Speaks common loves and comforts to her servants. Last, noble son (for so I now must call you), What I have done thus public is not only To add comfort in particular To you or me, but all, and to confirm The nobles and the gentry of these kingdoms By oath to your succession, which shall be Within this month at most.