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PHILASTER
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A monologue from Act I, Scene i
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by: Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
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NOTE: Philaster, or Love Lies a-Bleeding was produced about 1609 and first printed in an imperfect quarto in 1620. It is now a public domain work and may be performed without royalties. |
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- KING: 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. [1]
- 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.
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