Marcelia monologue — Philip Massinger

My worthiest lord! The only object I behold with pleasure, My pride, my glory, in a word, my all! Bear witness, heaven, that I esteem myself In nothing worthy of the meanest praise You can bestow, unless it be in this, That in my heart, I love and honour you. And, but that it would smell of arrogance To speak my strong desire and zeal to serve you, I then could say, these eyes yet never saw The rising sun, but that my vows and prayers Were sent to heaven for the prosperity And safety of my lord, nor have I ever Had other study, but how to appear Worthy your favour; and that my embraces Might yield a fruitful harvest of content For all your noble travail, in the purchase Of her that’s still your servant; by these lips, Which pardon me that I presume to kiss——