Alas, now, pray you,
Work not so hard: I would the lightning had
Burnt up those logs that you're enjoin'd to pile!
Pray, set it down, and rest you: when this burns,
'Twill weep for having wearied you. My father
Is hard at study; pray now, rest yourself:
He's safe for these three hours.

_Ferd._ O most dear mistress,
The Sun will set before I shall discharge
What I must strive to do.

_Mira._ If you'll sit down,
I'll bear your logs the while: pray, give me that;
I'll carry't to the pile.

_Ferd._ No, precious creature;
I'd rather crack my sinews, break my back,
Than you should such dishonour undergo,
While I sit lazy by.

_Mira._ It would become me
As well as it does you: and I should do it
With much more ease; for my good will is to it,
And yours it is against.

_Pros._ [_Aside._] Poor worm, thou art infected!
This visitation shows it.

_Mira._ You look wearily.

_Ferd._ No, noble mistress; 'tis fresh morning with me
When you are by at night. I do beseech you,--
Chiefly that I might set it in my prayers,--
What is your name?

_Mira._ Miranda--O my father,
I've broke your best to say so!

_Ferd._ Admired Miranda!
Indeed the top of admiration; worth
What's dearest to the world! Full many a lady
I've eyed with best regard; and many a time
The harmony of their tongues hath into bondage
Brought my too diligent ear: for several virtues
Have I liked several women; never any
With so full soul, but some defect in her
Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed,
And put it to the foil:[420-5] but you, O you,
So perfect and so peerless, are created
Of every creature's best!

_Mira._ I do not know
One of my sex; no woman's face remember,
Save, from my glass, mine own; nor have I seen
More that I may call men, than you, good friend,
And my dear father: how features are abroad,
I'm skilless of; but, by my modesty,--
The jewel in my dower,--I would not wish
Any companion in the world but you;
Nor can imagination form a shape,
Besides yourself, to like of. But I prattle
Something too wildly, and my father's precepts
I therein do forget.

[Illustration: PRAY YOU,