Doth noise abroad, Navarre hath made a vow,
Till painful study shall outwear three years,
No woman may approach his silent court: 24
Therefore to's seemeth it a needful course,
Before we enter his forbidden gates,
To know his pleasure; and in that behalf,
Bold of your worthiness, we single you 28
As our best-moving fair solicitor.
Tell him, the daughter of the King of France,
On serious business, craving quick dispatch,
Importunes personal conference with his Grace. 32
Haste, signify so much; while we attend,
Like humble-visag'd suitors, his high will.
Boyet. Proud of employment, willingly I go.
Prin. All pride is willing pride, and yours is so. 36
Who are the votaries, my loving lords,
That are vow-fellows with this virtuous duke?
[A] Lord. Longaville is one.
Prin. Know you the man?
1. Lad. [Maria]. I know him, madam: at a marriage feast, 40
Between Lord Perigort and the beauteous heir
Of Jacques Falconbridge solemnized,
In Normandy saw I this Longaville.
A man of sovereign parts he is esteem'd; 44
Well fitted in the arts, glorious in arms:
Nothing becomes him ill that he would well.
The only soil of his fair virtue's gloss,—
If virtue's gloss will stain with any soil,— 48
Is a sharp wit match'd with too blunt a will;
25 to's: to us
28 Bold: confident
29 best-moving fair: persuasive and just
33 attend: await
38 duke: i.e. king (cf. I. i. 180, I. ii. 134)
41 Lord Perigort; cf. n.
46 would: i.e. would do
49 blunt: harsh
