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Charles Gildon [1709–1710], The works of Mr. William Shakespear; in six [seven] volumes. Adorn'd with Cuts. Revis'd and Corrected, with an Account of the Life and Writings of the Author. By N. Rowe ([Vol. 7] Printed for E. Curll... and E. Sanger [etc.], London) [word count] [S11401].
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SCENE I. SCENE Belmont. Enter Morochius a Tawny-Moor all in White, and three or four Followers accordingly, with Portia, Nerissa, and her Train. Flo. Cornets.

Mor.
Mislike me not for my Complection,
The shadowed Livery of the burnish'd Sun,
To whom I am a Neighbour, and near bred.
Bring me the fairest Creature Northward born,
Where Phœbus Fire scarce thaws the Isicles,
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 lov'd 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 led
By nice Direction of a Maiden's Eyes:
Besides, the Lottery of my Destiny
Bars me the right of voluntary chusing:
But if my Father had not scanted me,
And hedg'd me by his Wit to yield my self
His Wife, who wins me by that means I told you,
Your self, 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,
That slew the Sophy, and a Persian Prince,
That won three Fields of Sultan Solyman,
I would o'er-stare the sternest Eyes that look,
Out-brave the Heart most daring on the Earth,
Pluck the young sucking Cubs from the She-Bear,
Yea, mock the Lion when he roars for Prey,

-- 539 --


To win the Lady. But alas, the while,
If Hercules and Lychas 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 Rage,
And so may I, blind Fortune leading me,
Miss that which one unworthier may attain,
And dye with grieving.

Por.
You must take your Chance,
And either not attempt to chuse at all,
Or swear before you chuse, if you chuse wrong,
Never to speak to Lady afterward
In way of Marriage; therefore be advis'd.

Mor.
Nor will not; come bring me unto my Chance.

Por.
First forward to the Temple, after Dinner
Your Hazard shall be made.

Mor.
Good Fortune then, [Cornets.
To make me blest or cursed'st among Men.
[Exeunt.

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Charles Gildon [1709–1710], The works of Mr. William Shakespear; in six [seven] volumes. Adorn'd with Cuts. Revis'd and Corrected, with an Account of the Life and Writings of the Author. By N. Rowe ([Vol. 7] Printed for E. Curll... and E. Sanger [etc.], London) [word count] [S11401].
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