Fair Em Part 17

Here, take my daughter Blanch; And after my decease the Denmark crown.

WILLIAM.

Now, sir, how stands the case with you?

MANVILLE.

I partly am persuaded as your grace is, My lord, he is best at ease that medleth least.

VALINGFORD.

Sir, may a man Be so bold as to crave a word with you?

MANVILLE.

Yea, two or three: what are they?

VALINGFORD.

I say, this maid will have thee to her husband.

MOUNTNEY.

And I say this: and thereof will I lay An hundred pound.

VALINGFORD.

And I say this: whereon I will lay as much.

MANVILLE.

And I say neither: what say you to that?

MOUNTNEY.

If that be true, then are we both deceived.

MANVILLE.

Why, it is true, and you are both deceived.

MARQUES.

In mine eyes this is the proprest wench; Might I advise thee, take her unto thy wife.

ZWENO.

It seems to me, she hath refused him.

MARQUES.

Why, theres the spite.

ZWENO.

If one refuse him, yet may he have the other.

MARQUES.

He will ask but her good will, and all her friends.

ZWENO.

Might I advise thee, let them both alone.

MANVILLE.

Yea, thats the course, and thereon will I stand.

Such idle love hencefoorth I will detest.

VALINGFORD.

The Fox will eat no grapes, and why?

MOUNTNEY.

I know full well, because they hand too high.

WILLIAM.

And may it be a Millers daughter by her birth?

I cannot think but she is better borne.

VALINGFORD.

Sir Thomas G.o.ddard hight this reverent man Famed for his vertues, and his good success: Whose fame hath been renowmed through the world.

WILLIAM.

Sir Thomas G.o.ddard, welcome to thy Prince; And, fair Em, frolic with thy good father; As glad am I to find Sir Thomas G.o.ddard, As good Sir Edmund Treford, on the plains: He like a sheepheard, and thou our country Miller.

MILLER.

And longer let not G.o.ddard live a day Then he in honour loves his soveraigne.

WILLIAM.

But say, Sir Thomas, shall I give thy daughter?

MILLER.

G.o.ddard, and all that he hath, Doth rest at the pleasure of your Majesty.

WILLIAM.

And what says Em to lovely Valingford?

It seemed he loved you well, that for your sake Durst leave his King.

EM.

Em rests at the pleasure of your highness: And would I were a wife for his desert.

WILLIAM.

Then here, Lord Valingford, receive fair Em.

Here take her, make her thy espoused wife.

Then go we in, that preparation may be made, To see these nuptials solemnly performed.

[Exeunt all. Sound drums and Trumpets.]

FINIS