_Cham._ You bear a gentle mind, and heavenly blessings Follow such creatures. That you may, fair lady, Perceive I speak sincerely, and high note's[350] Ta'en of your many virtues, the king's majesty 60 Commends his good opinion of you, and[351] Does purpose honour to you no less flowing Than Marchioness of Pembroke; to which title A thousand pound a year, annual support,[352] Out of his grace he adds. _Anne._ I do not know 65 What kind of my obedience I should tender;[353] More than my all is nothing: nor my prayers[354] Are not words duly hallow'd, nor my wishes More worth than empty vanities; yet prayers and wishes[355] Are all I can return. Beseech your lordship, 70 Vouchsafe to speak my thanks and my obedience, As from a blushing handmaid, to his highness, Whose health and royalty I pray for. _Cham._ Lady, I shall not fail to approve the fair conceit[356] The king hath of you. [_Aside_] I have perused her well;[357] 75 Beauty and honour in her are so mingled[357] That they have caught the king: and who knows yet[357] But from this lady may proceed a gem[357] To lighten all this isle?--I'll to the king,[357] And say I spoke with you.[357] _Anne._ My honour'd lord. 80 [_Exit Lord Chamberlain._[358] _Old L._ Why, this it is; see, see! I have been begging sixteen years in court, Am yet a courtier beggarly, nor could[359] Come pat betwixt too early and too late For any suit of pounds; and you, O fate! 85 A very fresh fish here--fie, fie, fie upon[360] This compell'd fortune!--have your mouth fill'd up Before you open it. _Anne._ This is strange to me. _Old L._ How tastes it? is it bitter? forty pence, no.[361] There was a lady once, 'tis an old story,[362] 90 That would not be a queen, that would she not, For all the mud in Egypt: have you heard it? _Anne._ Come, you are pleasant. _Old L._ With your theme, I could O'ermount the lark. The Marchioness of Pembroke! A thousand pounds a year for pure respect! 95 No other obligation! By my life,[363] That promises moe thousands: honour's train[364] Is longer than his foreskirt. By this time I know your back will bear a duchess: say, Are you not stronger than you were?