_Kath._ O, my lord, The times and titles now are alter'd strangely With me since first you knew me. But, I pray you,[713] What is your pleasure with me?
_Cap._ Noble lady, First, mine own service to your grace; the next, 115 The king's request that I would visit you; Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me Sends you his princely commendations, And heartily entreats you take good comfort.
_Kath._ O my good lord, that comfort comes too late, 120 'Tis like a pardon after execution: That gentle physic, given in time, had cured me; But now I am past all comforts here but prayers. How does his highness?
_Kath._ So may he ever do! and ever flourish, 125 When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name Banish'd the kingdom! Patience, is that letter, I caused you write, yet sent away?
_Kath._ Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver[715] This to my lord the king.
_Kath._ In which I have commended to his goodness The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter,-- The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her!-- Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding-- She is young and of a noble modest nature: 135 I hope she will deserve well--and a little To love her for her mother's sake, that loved him, Heaven knows how dearly. My next poor petition[717] Is that his noble grace would have some pity Upon my wretched women, that so long 140 Have follow'd both my fortunes faithfully: Of which there is not one, I dare avow,-- And now I should not lie--but will deserve,[718] For virtue and true beauty of the soul, For honesty and decent carriage, 145 A right good husband, let him be a noble:[719] And, sure, those men are happy that shall have 'em. The last is, for my men; they are the poorest,[720] But poverty could never draw 'em from me; That they may have their wages duly paid 'em, 150 And something over to remember me by:[721] If heaven had pleased to have given me longer life[722] And able means, we had not parted thus.[723] These are the whole contents: and, good my lord, By that you love the dearest in this world, 155 As you wish Christian peace to souls departed, Stand these poor people's friend, and urge the king To do me this last right.
_Cap._ By heaven, I will, Or let me lose the fashion of a man!