The Gallian King desires to go to England and attempt to marry one of Leir’s daughters. His follower Mumford wishes to go as well, so that he might woo the English girls. The king talks Mumford into going as companions disguised as pilgrims or monks.
Scene 3 . . . Directory . . . Scene 5
Scene 4
Enter the Gallian King with Mumford, and three Nobles more.
KING: Dissuade me not, my Lords, I am resolved
This next fair wind to sail for Brittany,
In some disguise, to see if flying fame
Be not too prodigal in the wondrous praise
Of these three Nymphs, the daughters of King Leir.
If present view do answer present praise,
And eyes allow of what our ears have heard,
And Venus stand auspicious to my vows,
And Fortune favor what I take in hand;
I will return seized of as rich a prize … [4.10]
As Jason, when he won the golden fleece.
MUMFORD: Heavens grant you may; the match were full of honor,
And well beseeming the young Gallian King.
I would your Grace would favor me so much,
As make me partner of your Pilgrimage.
I long to see the gallant British Dames,
And feed mine eyes upon their rare perfections:
For till I know the contrary, I’ll say,
Our Dames in France are more fair than they.
KING: Lord Mumford, you have saved me a labor, … [4.20]
In off’ring that which I did mean to ask:
And I must willingly accept your company.
Yet first I will enjoin you to observe
Some few conditions which I shall propose.
MUMFORD: So that you do not tie mine eyes for looking
After the amorous glances of fair Dames:
So that you do not tie my tongue from speaking,
My lips from kissing when occasion serves,
My hands from conges, and my knees to bow
To gallant Girls; which were a task more hard, … [4.30]
Than flesh and blood is able to endure:
Command what else you please, I rest content.
KING: To bind thee from a thing thou canst not leave,
Were but a mean to make thee seek it more:
And therefore speak, look, kiss, salute for me;
In these myself am like to second thee.
Now here thy task. I charge thee from the time
That first we set sail for the British shore,
To use no words of dignity to me,
But in the friendliest manner that thou cast, … [4.40]
Make use of me as thy companion:
For we will go disguised in Palmers’ weeds,
That no man shall mistrust us what we are.
MUMFORD: If that be all, I’ll fit your turn, I warrant you. I am
some kin to the Blunts, and I think, the bluntest of all my
kindred; therefore if I be too blunt with you, thank yourself
for praying me to be so.
KING: Thy pleasant company will make the way seem short.
It resteth now, that in my absence hence,
I do commit the government to you … [4.50]
My trusty Lords and faithful Counselors.
Time cutteth off the rest I have to say:
The wind blows fair, and I must needs away.
NOBLES: Heavens send your voyage to as good effect,
As we your land do purpose to protect. Exeunt.