Page:Tempest (1918) Yale.djvu/57

46

Fer. O most dear mistress,

The sun will set, before I shall discharge

What I must strive to do.

Mira. If you'll sit down,

I'll bear your logs the while. Pray, give me that;

I'll carry it to the pile.

Fer. No, precious creature:

I had rather crack my sinews, break my back,

Than you should such dishonour undergo,

While I sit lazy by.

Mira. It would become me

As well as it does you: and I should do it

With much more ease; for my good will is to it,

And yours it is against.

Pro. Poor worm! thou art infected:

This visitation shows it.

Mira. You look wearily.

Fer. No, noble mistress; 'tis fresh morning with me

When you are by at night. I do beseech you—

Chiefly that I might set it in my prayers—

What is your name?

Mira. Miranda.—O my father!

I have broke your hest to say so.

Fer. Admir'd Miranda!

Indeed, the top of admiration; worth

What’s dearest to the world! Full many a lady

I have ey'd with best regard, and many a time

The harmony of their tongues hath into bondage

Brought my too diligent ear: for several virtues

Have I lik'd several women; never any

With so full soul but some defect in her

Did quarrel with the noblest grace she ow'd,

And put it to the foil: but you, O you!

 32 visitation: sudden affliction (with pun on the meaning 'visit')

42 several: various

46 put foil: defeated

