“Would I might
But ever see that man!”
(g) She is a loving, faithful woman:
While Ferdinand is at work she pleads:
“Alas, now, pray you,
Work not so hard,———
Pray, set it down, and rest you: when this burns,
’Twill weep for having wearied you.”
Again:
“If you’ll sit down,
I’ll bear your logs the while.”
Later Ferdinand asks, “Wherefore weep you?” Miranda answers:
“At mine unworthiness,———
———Hence, bashful cunning!
And prompt me, plain and holy innocence!
I am your wife, if you will marry me;
If not, I’ll die your maid: to be your fellow
You may deny me; but I’ll be your servant,
Whether you will or no.”
(h) Lover and father both bestow unqualified praise upon her. Ferdinand says:
“Admired Miranda!
Indeed the top of admiration; worth
What’s dearest to the world!———
———but you, O you,
So perfect and so peerless, are created
Of every creature’s best!”