AMBASSADOR

The noble King and Queen of Gallia first salutes, By me, their honourable father, my Lord Leir: Next, they commend them kindly to your Graces, As those whose welfare they entirely wish, Letters I have to deliver to my Lord Leir, And presents too, if I might speak with him. Pardon me, Madam; for I think not so, But say so only, cause he is not here. I had incharge to do it to himself. Exceeding well, and never sick one hour, Since first she set her foot upon the shore. I hope, not so, Madam. O no, her grief exceeds, until the time, That she be reconciled unto her father. What, Madam? Amen to that: but God release her grief, And send her father in a better mind, Then to continue always so unkind. Madam, I hope your Grace will do the Like. To expiate or mitigate his wrath: For he hath misconceived without a cause. 'Tis pity it should be so, would it were other wise. Then how, Madam? It shows you bear and honourable mind. There is of late news come unto the Court, That old Lord Leir remains in Cambria: I'll hie me thither presently, to impart My letters and my message unto him. I never was less welcome to a place In all my life time, then I have been hither, Especially unto the stately Queen, Who would not cast one gracious look on me, But still with lowering and suspicious eyes, Would take exceptions at each word I spoke, And fain she would have undermined me, To know what my Ambassage did import: But she is Like to hop without her hope, And in this matter for to want her will, Though (by report) sheele hau't in all things else. Well, I will post away for Cambria: Within these few days I hope to be there, All happiness unto the Cambrian King. I came from Gallia, unto Cornwall sent, With letters to your honourable father, Whom there not finding, as I did expect, I was directed hither to repair. My letters, Madam, will import the same, Which my Commission is for to deliver. I must perform my charge in such a manner, As I have strict commandment from the King. Madam, I hope, not far off. Madam, your threats no whit appall my mind, I know my conscience guiltless of this act; My King and Queen, I dare be sworn, are free From any thought of such impiety: And therefore, Madam, you have done them wrong, And ill beseeming with a sisters love, Who in mere duty tender him as much, As ever you respected him for dowry. The King your husband will not say as much. Pray God some near you have not done the Like. Never was I offered such discourtesy; God and my King, I trust, ere it be long, Will find a mean to remedy this wrong, No, Madam, I said quite contrary.