Doth not Horace tell thee what
method is to be used in love?
Quaerenda pecunia primum, post nummos virtus.
Tush, Rosalynde, be not over rash: leap not before thou look: either
love such a one as may with his lands purchase thy liberty, or else
love not at all. Choose not a fair face with an empty purse, but say
as most women use to say:
Si nihil attuleris, ibis Homere foras.
Why, Rosalynde! can such base thoughts harbor in such high beauties?
can the degree of a princess, the daughter of Gerismond harbor such
servile conceits, as to prize gold more than honor, or to measure a
gentleman by his wealth, not by his virtues? No, Rosalynde, blush at
thy base resolution, and say, if thou lovest, 'either Rosader or
none!' And why? because Rosader is both beautiful and virtuous."
Smiling to herself to think of her new-entertained passions, taking up
her lute that lay by her, she warbled out this ditty:
_Rosalynde's Madrigal_
Love in my bosom like a bee
Doth suck his sweet:
Now with his wings he plays with me,
Now with his feet.
Within mine eyes he makes his nest,
His bed amidst my tender breast;
My kisses are his daily feast,
And yet he robs me of my rest.
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