1249Since they forsake thee like inhumane beastes,

1250Thinke they are dead, since all their kindnesse dyes,

1251And bury them, where black obliuion lyes.

1252Think not thou art the daughter of old Leir,

1253Who did vnkindly disinherit thee:

1254But think thou art the noble Gallian Queene,

1255And wife to him that dearely loueth thee:

1256Embrace the ioyes that present with thee dwell,

1257Let sorrow packe and hide her selfe in hell.

1258Cord. Not that I misse my country or my kinne,

1259My old acquaintance or my ancient friends,

1260Doth any whit distemperate my mynd,

1261Knowing you, which are more deare to me,

1262Then Country, kin and all things els can be.

1263Yet pardon me, my gracious Lord, in this:

1264For what can stop the course of natures power?

1265As easy is it for foure-footed beasts,

1266To stay themselues vpon the liquid ayre,

1267And mount aloft into the element,

1268And ouerstrip the feathered Fowles in flight:

1269As easy is it for the slimy Fish,

1270To liue and thriue without the helpe of water

1271As easy is it for the Blackamoore,

1272To wash the tawny colour from his skin,

1273Which all oppose against the course of nature,

1274As I am able to forget my father.

1275King. Myrrour of vertue, Phoenix of our age!

1276Too kind a daughter for an vnkind father,

1277Be of good comfort; for I will dispatch

1278Ambassadors immediately for Brittayne,

1279Vnto the King of Cornwalls Court, whereas

1280Your father keepeth now his residence,

1281And in the kindest maner him intreat,

1282That setting former grieuances apart,

1283He will be pleasde to come and visit vs.

1284If no intreaty will suffice the turne,

1285Ile offer him the halfe of all my Crowne:

1286If that moues not, weele furnish out a Fleet,