Chapter 53

_Enter_ MORGAN, _Earl of London_, LACY, _Earl of Kent, with_ MILES FORREST.

MOR. My Lord of Kent, your honour knows my mind, That ever has, and still does honour you, Accounting it my daughter's happiness (Amidst her other infelicities), That you vouchsafe to love her as you do. How gladly I would grant your lordship's suit The heavens can witness, which with ruthless ears Have often heard my yet unpitied plaints; And could I find some means for her recovery, None but yourself should have her to your wife.

LACY. My Lord of London, now long time it is, Since Lacy first was suitor to your daughter, The fairest Honorea, in whose eyes Honour itself in love's sweet bosom lies. What shall we say, or seem to strive with heaven, Who speechless sent her first into the world? In vain it is for us to think to loose That which by nature's self we see is bound. Her beauty, with her other virtues join'd, Are gifts sufficient, though she want a tongue: And some will count it virtue in a woman Still to be bound to unoffending silence; Though I could wish with half of all my lands, That she could speak: but since it may not be, 'Twere vain to imprison beauty with her speech.

FOR. Have you not heard, my lords, the wondrous fame Of holy Dunstan, Abbot of Glastonbury? What miracles he hath achiev'd of late; And how the rood of Dovercourt[433] did speak, Confirming his opinion to be true: And how the holy consistory fell, With all the monks that were assembled there, Saving one beam, whereon this Dunstan sat; And other more such miracles as these. They say he is of such religious life, That angels often use to talk with him, And tell to him the secrets of the heavens. No question, if your honours would but try, He could procure my lady for to speak.

MOR. Believe me, Forrest, thou hast well advis'd, For I have heard of late much talk of him.

LACY. Is not that Dunstan he who check'd the king About his privy dealing with the nun, And made him to do penance for the fault?

MOR. The same is he; for whom I straight will send. Miles Forrest shall in post to Glastonbury, And gently pray the abbot for my sake To come to London. Sure, I hope the heavens Have ordain'd Dunstan to do Morgan good.

LACY. Let us despatch him thither presently; For I myself will stay for his return, And see some end or other, ere I go.

MOR. Come, then, Lord Lacy: Forrest, come away.

[_Exeunt_.