Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1888 edition. Excerpt: ...Not to be denied, for my request it is. The rhyme is that metis beards and women's breasts be cut off, ore. Lancaster. Glocester, an old said saying, --He that grants all is ask'd, Is much harder than Hercules task'd.2 Glocester aside.3 Were the king so mad as the queer, is wood,4 Here were an end of England's good. Longsh. My word is pass'd, --I am well agreed; Let men's beards milt5 and women's bosoms bleed.--Call forth my barbers! Lords, we'll first begin. Enter two Barbers. Come, sirrah, cut me close unto the chin, 230 And round me even, see'st thou, by a dish; Leave not a lock: my queen shall have her wish. Q. Elinor. What, Ned, those locks that ever pleased thy Nell, Where her desire, where her delight doth dwell! Wilt thou deface that silver labyrinth, More orient than purpled1 hyacinth? Sweet Ned, thy sacred person ought not droop, Though my command make other gallants stoop. Longsh. Madam, pardon me and pardon all; No justice but the great runs with the-small.--240 Tell me, good Glocester, art thou not afeard? Glocester. No, my lord, but resolv'd to lose my beard. Longsh. Now, madam, if you purpose to proceed To make so many guiltless ladies bleed, Here must the law begin, sweet Elinor, at thy breast, And stretch itself with violence to the rest. Else princes ought no other do, Fair lady, than they would be done unto. Q. Elinor. What logic call you this? Doth Edward mock his love? Longsh. No, Nell; he doth as best in honour doth behove. 250 And prays thee, gentle queen, --and let my prayers2 move, --Leave these ungentle thoughts, put on a milder mind; Sweet looks, not lofty, civil mood become a woman's kind:3 And live, as, being dead and buried in the ground, Thou mayst for affability and honour be renown'd. Q. Elinor. Nay, and yo
