Peer Reviewed
The History of King Leir (Quarto, 1605)
The History of King Leir
112To dimme the glory of her mounting fame;
116She daily hath, and of the best degree?
118And haue a husband when as we haue none:
119Why then, by right, to her we must giue place,
122A husband before me,
123Ile marry one or other in his shirt:
124And yet I haue made halfe a graunt already
125Of my good will vnto the King of Cornwall.
129Hauing good newes which doth concerne you both,
130And craueth speedy expedition.
132I am with child vntill you vtter it.
134Your father in great secrecy to day,
135Told me, he meanes to marry you out of hand,
136Vnto the noble Prince of Cambria;
137You, Madam, to the King of Cornwalls Grace:
139Vpon the rich King of Hibernia:
141For hitherto she ne're could fancy him.
142If she do yeeld, why then, betweene you three,
143He will deuide his kingdome for your dowries.
144But yet there is a further mystery,
Which