Mor.
Mislike me not for my complexion,
The shadow'd livery of the burnish'd ^note sun,
To whom I am a neighbour and near bred.
Bring me ^note the fairest creature northward born,
Where Phœbus' fire scarce thaws the icicles,
And let us make incision for your love,
To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine.
I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine
Hath fear'd the valiant: by my love, I swear
The best-regarded virgins of our clime
Have ^note loved it too: I would not change this hue,
Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen.

Por.
In terms of choice I am not solely ^note led
By nice direction of a maiden's eyes;
Besides, the lottery of my destiny
Bars me the right of voluntary choosing:
But if my father had not scanted me
And hedged me by his wit ^note, to yield myself
His wife who wins me by that means I told you,
Yourself, renowned prince, then stood as fair
As any comer I have look'd on yet
For my affection.

Mor.
Even for that I thank you:
Therefore, I pray you, lead me to the caskets,

To try my fortune. By this scimitar ^note
That slew the Sophy and a Persian prince
That won three fields of Sultan Solyman,
I would outstare ^note the sternest eyes that look,
Outbrave the heart most daring on the earth,
Pluck the young sucking cubs from the she-bear,
Yea, mock the lion when he ^note roars for prey,
To win thee, lady ^note. But, alas the while!
If Hercules and Lichas play at dice
Which is the better man, the greater throw
May turn by fortune from the weaker hand:
So is Alcides beaten by his page ^note;
And so may I, blind fortune leading me,
Miss that which one unworthier may attain,
And die with grieving.

Por.
You must take your chance;
And either not attempt to choose at all,
Or swear before you choose, if you choose wrong,
Never to speak to lady afterward
In way of marriage: therefore be advised.

Mor.
Nor will not. Come, bring me unto ^{note note} my chance.

Por.
First, forward to the temple: after dinner
Your hazard shall be made.

Mor.
Good fortune then!
To make me blest ^note or cursed'st among men. [Cornets, and exeunt.

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