“I love and honour you beyond all limit.”
“In rank I am a Prince, Miranda,” said Ferdinand, “I think a King: would it were not so!” For he thought his father had perished with the ship. “I would not for one moment endure this slavery if it were not for you. The very instant I saw you my heart flew to your service, and for your sake I carry these logs patiently.”
“Do you love me?”
“By heaven and earth, I love, prize, and honour you beyond all limit of everything else in the world!”
Miranda’s eyes filled with tears of joy.
“I am foolish to weep for what I am glad of,” she whispered.
“Why do you weep?” said Ferdinand.
“Because I am unworthy to offer the love I desire to give,” said Miranda, “much less to take what I shall die for if I do not have. I am your wife if you will marry me; if not, I’ll die a maid. You may refuse to have me as your companion, but I’ll be your servant, whether you will or no.”
“My Queen, dearest, and I thus humble ever,” said Ferdinand, kneeling before her.
“My husband, then?”