LADY. Sir, your king did well 'Mongst all his nobles to pick out yourself, And send you with these words: his politic grace Knew what he did, for well he might imagine None else should have been heard; they'd had their answer, Before the question had been half-way through. But, dearest sir, I owe to you a reverence, A debt which both begins and ends with life: Never till then discharg'd, 'tis so long lasting. Yet could you be more precious than a father, (Which next a husband is the richest treasure Mortality can show us) you should pardon me, And yet confess too that you found me kind To hear your words, though I withstood your mind. HEL. Say you so, daughter? Troth, I thank you kindly. I am in hope to rise well by your means, Or you to raise yourself; we're both beholding to you. Well, since I cannot win you, I commend you: I praise your constancy, and pardon you. Take Govianus to you, make the most of him, Pick out your husband there, so you'll but grant me One light request that follows. LADY. Heaven forbid else, sir! HEL. Give me the choosing of your friend, that's all. LADY. How, sir, my friend?--a light request indeed! Somewhat too light, sir, either for my wearing Or your own gravity, an' you look on't well! HEL. Pish! Talk like a woman, girl, not like a fool! Thou knowest the end of greatness, and hast wit. Above the flight of twenty feather'd mistresses, That glister in the sun of princes' favours. Thou hast discourse in thee fit for a king's fellowship, A princely carriage and astonishing presence. What should a husband do with all this goodness? Alas! one end on't is too much for him, Nor is it fit a subject should be master Of such a jewel. Tis in the king's power To take it for the forfeit; but I come To bear thee gently to his bed of honours, All force forgotten. The king commends him to thee With more than the humility of a servant, That since thou wilt not yield to be his queen, Be yet his mistress; he shall be content With that or nothing--he shall ask no more; And with what easiness that is perform'd. Most of you women know, having a husband. That kindness costs thee nothing, you've that in, All over and above to your first bargain, And that's a brave advantage for a woman, If she be wise, as I suspect not thee. And having youth and beauty, and a husband, Thou'st all the wish of woman. Take thy time, then: Make thy best market. LADY. Can you assure me, sir, Whether my father spake this, or some spirit Of evil-wishing, that has for a time Hir'd his voice of him to beguile me that way, Presuming on his power and my obedience? I'd gladly know, that I might frame an answer According to the speaker.