Act 2 — Scene III. An ante-chamber of the Queen's apartments.[335]

Anne. Not for that neither: here's the pang that pinches: His highness having lived so long with her, and she[336] So good a lady that no tongue could ever Pronounce dishonour of her—by my life, She never knew harm-doing—O, now, after 5 So many courses of the sun enthroned, Still growing in a majesty and pomp, the which[337][338] To leave a thousand-fold more bitter than[337] 'Tis sweet at first to acquire—after this process,[337] To give her the avaunt! it is a pity 10 Would move a monster. Old L. Hearts of most hard temper Melt and lament for her. Anne. O, God's will! much better[339] She ne'er had known pomp: though 't be temporal, Yet, if that quarrel, fortune, do divorce[340] It from the bearer, 'tis a sufferance panging 15 As soul and body's severing. Old L. Alas, poor lady![341] She's a stranger now again.[342] Anne. So much the more Must pity drop upon her. Verily, I swear, 'tis better to be lowly born And range with humble livers in content 20 Than to be perk'd up in a glistering grief And wear a golden sorrow. Old L. Our content Is our best having. Anne. By my troth and maidenhead, I would not be a queen. Old L. Beshrew me, I would, And venture maidenhead for't; and so would you, 25 For all this spice of your hypocrisy: You, that have so fair parts of woman on you, Have too a woman's heart; which ever yet Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty; Which, to say sooth, are blessings; and which gifts— 30 Saving your mincing—the capacity Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive,[343] If you might please to stretch it. Anne. Nay, good troth.[344] Old L. Yes, troth, and troth; you would not be a queen? Anne. No, not for all the riches under heaven. 35 Old L. 'Tis strange: a three-pence bow'd would hire me,[345] Old as I am, to queen it: but, I pray you, What think you of a duchess? have you limbs To bear that load of title? Anne. No, in truth. Old L. Then you are weakly made: pluck off a little;[346] 40 I would not be a young count in your way, For more than blushing comes to: if your back Cannot vouchsafe this burthen, 'tis too weak Ever to get a boy. Anne. How you do talk![347] I swear again, I would not be a queen 45 For all the world. Old L. In faith, for little England You'ld venture an emballing: I myself[348] Would for Carnarvonshire, although there 'long'd[349] No more to the crown but that. Lo, who comes here?

Cham. Good morrow, ladies. What were't worth to know 50 The secret of your conference? Anne. My good lord, Not your demand; it values not your asking: Our mistress' sorrows we were pitying. Cham. It was a gentle business, and becoming The action of good women: there is hope 55 All will be well. Anne. Now, I pray God, amen! 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

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? Anne. Good lady, 100 Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy, And leave me out on't. Would I had no being, If this salute my blood a jot: it faints me,[365] To think what follows. The queen is comfortless, and we forgetful 105 In our long absence: pray, do not deliver What here you've heard to her. Old L. What do you think me?[366]