_King._ The extreme parts of time extremely forms All causes to the purpose of his speed; And often, at his very loose, decides 730 That which long process could not arbitrate: And though the mourning brow of progeny Forbid the smiling courtesy of love The holy suit which fain it would convince; Yet, since love’s argument was first on foot, 735 Let not the cloud of sorrow justle it From what it purposed; since, to wail friends lost Is not by much so wholesome-profitable As to rejoice at friends but newly found. _Prin._ I understand you not: my griefs are double. 740 _Biron._ Honest plain words best pierce the ear of grief; And by these badges understand the king. For your fair sakes have we neglected time, Play’d foul play with our oaths: your beauty, ladies, Hath much deform’d us, fashioning our humours 745 Even to the opposed end of our intents: And what in us hath seem’d ridiculous,— As love is full of unbefitting strains; All wanton as a child, skipping, and vain; Form’d by the eye, and therefore, like the eye, 750 Full of strange shapes, of habits and of forms, Varying in subjects as the eye doth roll To every varied object in his glance: Which parti-coated presence of loose love Put on by us, if, in your heavenly eyes, 755 Have misbecomed our oaths and gravities, Those heavenly eyes, that look into these faults, Suggested us to make. Therefore, ladies, Our love being yours, the error that love makes Is likewise yours: we to ourselves prove false, 760 By being once false for ever to be true To those that make us both,—fair ladies, you: And even that falsehood, in itself a sin, Thus purifies itself, and turns to grace. _Prin._ We have received your letters full of love: 765 Your favours, the ambassadors of love; And, in our maiden council, rated them At courtship, pleasant jest and courtesy, As bombast and as lining to the time: But more devout than this in our respects 770 Have we not been; and therefore met your loves In their own fashion, like a merriment. _Dum._ Our letters, madam, show’d much more than jest. _Long._ So did our looks. _Ros._ We did not quote them so. _King._ Now, at the latest minute of the hour, 775 Grant us your loves.