To the argument of Polixenes, that the father of Florizel ought to know of his proceeding, the young man answers:
“Come, come, he must not.
Mark our contract.”
And then the father, discovering himself, exclaims:
“Mark your divorce, young sir.”
Here, then, as Mr. Knight remarks,[709] in the publicity of a village festival, the hand of the loved one is solemnly taken by her lover, who breathes his love before the ancient stranger who is accidentally present. The stranger is called to be a witness to the protestation, and so is the neighbor who has come with him. The maiden is called upon by her father to speak, and then the old man adds:
“Take hands, a bargain!”
The friends are to bear witness to it:
“I give my daughter to him, and will make
Her portion equal his.”
The impatient lover then again exclaims:
“Contract us ’fore these witnesses.”