The Lady of Pleasure: A Comedie, as It Was Acted by Her Majesties Servants, at the Private House in Drury LaneShirley, James
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The Lady of Pleasure: A Comedie, as It Was Acted by Her Majesties Servants, at the Private House in Drury Lane
Shirley, James
Comedy plays; English drama -- 17th century
_Sent._ She in the midst. _Lo._ She's faire, I must confesse,
But does she keepe this distance out of state.
_Cel._ Though I am poore in language to expresse
How much your Lordship honors me, my heart
Is rich and proud in such a guest, I shall
Be out of love with every aire abroad,
And for his grace done my unworthy house,
Be a fond prisoner, become anchorite,
And spend my houres in prayer, to reward
The blessing, and the bounty of this presence.
_Lor._ Though you could turne each place you move in, to
A temple, rather than a wall should hide
So rich a beauty from the world, it were
Lesse want to lose our piety and your prayer,
A throne were fitter to present you to
Our wonder, whence your eyes more worth than all
They looke on, should chaine every heart a prisoner.
_Sent._ Twas pretty well come off. _Lo._ By your example
I shall know how to complement in this
You more confirme my welcome. _Cel._ I shall love
My lippes the better, if their silent language
Perswade your Lordship but to thinke so truely.
_Lo._ You make me smile Madam. _Cel._ I hope you came not
With feare that any sadnesse here should shake
One blossome from your eye, I should be miserable
To present any object should displease you.
_Lo._ You doe not Madam. _Cel._ As I should account
It no lesse sorrow, if your Lordship should
Lay too severe a censure on my freedome.
I wonot court a Prince against his justice,
Nor bribe him with a smile to thinke me honest,
Pardon my Lord this boldnesse, and the mirth
That may flow from me, I beleeve my father
Thought of no winding sheete when he begot me.
_Lor._ She has a merry soule, it will become
Me aske your pardon Madam for my rude
Approach so much a stranger to your knowledge.
_Cel._ Not my Lord so much stranger to my knowledge,
Though I have but seene your person a farre off,
I am acquainted with your character,
Which I have heard so often, I can speake it.
_Lo._ You shall doe me an honor. _Cel._ If your Lordship will
Be patient. _Lo._ And glad to heare my faults.
_Cel._ That as your conscience can agree upon em,
How ever if your Lordship give me priviledge,
Ile tell you whats the opinion of the world.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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