Volume Vi Part 99 (1/2)

ETHENWALD.

I cannot tell, but sure it pains me much.

Nor did it ever trouble me till now; For till I came to lodge within your house, My eyes were clear, and I never felt the pain.

OSRICK.

I am sorry that my house should cause your grief.

Daughter, if you have any skill at all, I pray you, use your cunning with the earl, And see if you can ease him of his pain.

ALFRIDA.

Father, such skill as I received of late, By reading many pretty-penn'd receipts, Both for the ache of head and pain of eyes, I will, if so it please the earl to accept it, Endeavour what I may to comfort him.

My lord, I have waters of approved worth, And such as are not common to be found; Any of which, if it please your honour use them, I am in hope will help you to your sight.

ETHENWALD.

No, matchless Alfrida, they will do me no good, For I am troubled only when I look.

ALFRIDA.

On what, my lord, or whom?

ETHENWALD.

I cannot tell.

ALFRIDA.

Why, let me see your eyes, my lord; look upon me.

ETHENWALD.

Then 'twill be worse.

ALFRIDA.

What, if you look on me? then, I'll be gone.

ETHENWALD.

Nay, stay, sweet love, stay, beauteous Alfrida, And give the Earl of Cornwall leave to speak.

Know, Alfrida, thy beauty hath subdued, And captivate the Earl of Cornwall's heart: Briefly, I love thee, seem I ne'er so bold, So rude and rashly to prefer my suit; And if your father give but his consent, Eased be that pain that troubles Ethenwald: And, this considered. Osrick shall prove My father and his daughter be my love.

Speak, Osrick, shall I have her, ay or no?

OSRICK.

My lord, with all my heart: you've my consent, If so my daughter please to condescend.

ETHENWALD.

But what say'th Alfrida?

ALFRIDA.

I say, my lord, that seeing my father grants, I will not gainsay what his age thinks meet: I do appoint myself, my lord, at your dispose.

ETHENWALD.

Well, Osrick, now you see your daughter's mine; But tell me when shall be the wedding-day?

OSRICK.

On Monday next; till then you are my guest.

ETHENWALD.