Ser.
One that gives himself out prince Florizel,
Son of Polixenes, with his Princess (she
The fairest I have yet beheld) desires access
To your high presence.

Leo.
What with him? he comes not
Like to his father's greatness; his approach
So out of circumstance and sudden, tells us
'Tis not a visitation fram'd, but forc'd
By need and accident. What train?

Ser.
But few,
And those but mean.

Leo.
His princess, say you, with him?

Ser.
Yes; the most peerless piece of earth, I think,
That e'er the sun shone bright on.

Pau.
Oh Hermione,
As every present time doth boast it self
Above a better, gone; so must thy grave
Give way to what's seen now. Sir, you your self
Have said, and writ so; but your writing now
Is colder than that theme; she had not been,
Nor was she to be equall'd; thus your verse
Flow'd with her beauty once, 'tis shrewdly ebb'd,
To say you've seen a better.

Ser.
Pardon, Madam;
The one I have almost forgot, (your pardon)
The other, when she has obtain'd your eye,
Will have your tongue too. This is a creature,
Would she begin a sect, might quench the zeal
Of all professors else, make proselites

Of who she but bid follow.

Pau.
How? not women?

Ser.
Women will love her, that she is a woman
More worth than any man: men, that she is
The rarest of all women.

Leo.
Go, Cleomines;
Your self (assisted with your honour'd friends)
Bring them to our embracement. Still 'tis strange
He thus should steal upon us. [Exit Cleo.

Pau.
Had our Prince
(Jewel of children) seen this hour, he had pair'd
Well with this lord; there was not a full month
Between their births.

Leo.
Pr'ythee no more; cease; thou know'st
He dies to me again, when talk'd of: sure
When I shall see this gentleman, thy speeches
Will bring me to consider that which may
Unfurnish me of reason. They are come.

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