Internet Shakespeare Editions

Toolbox




Jump to line
Through Line Number
Help on texts
About this text
Print this page

About this text

  • Title: The Mirror for Magistrates (Selection)
  • Editors: Michael Best, Sarah Milligan, Joey Takeda

    • Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Authors: William Baldwin, John Higgins
    Editors: Michael Best, Sarah Milligan, Joey Takeda
    Not Peer Reviewed

    The Mirror for Magistrates (Selection)

    He thought to wed us unto nobles three, or peers,
    And unto them and theirs divide and part the land.
    For both my sisters first he sent, as first their years;
    Required their minds, and love, and favor t'understand.
    40Quoth he, "All doubts of duty to aband,
    I must assay and eke your friendships prove;
    Now tell me each how much you do me love."
    Which when they answerèd they loved him well, and more
    Than they themselves did love, or any worldly wight,
    45He praised them and said he would again, therefore,
    The loving kindness they deserved in fine requite.
    So found my sisters favor in his sight;
    By flattery fair they won their father's heart,
    Which after turnèd him and me to smart.
    50But not content with this he minded me to prove,
    For why he wonted was to love me wonders well.
    "How much dost thou," quoth he, "Cordile thy father love?"
    "I will," said I, "at once my love declare and tell.
    I loved you ever as my father well,
    55No otherwise. If more to know you crave,
    We love you chiefly for the goods you have."
    Thus much I said, the more their flattery to detect,
    But he me answered thereunto again with ire,
    "Because thou dost thy father's agèd years neglect,
    60That loved thee more of late than thy deserts require,
    Thou never shalt to any part aspire
    Of this my realm among thy sisters twain,
    But ever shalt undoted aye remain."
    Then to the King of Albany for wife he gave
    65My sister Gonerell, the eldest of us all;
    And eke my sister Ragan for Hinnine to have,
    Which then was Prince of Camber and Cornwall.
    These after him should have his kingdom all
    Between them both; he gave it frank and free,
    70But nought at all he gave of dowry me.
    About
    Contact us
    Content quality
    Site guide
    © Internet Shakespeare Editions
    Copyright details
    Privacy policy
    This site is supported by:
    University of Victoria
    Friends of the ISE
    SSHRC