QueenʼsMen Editions

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  • Title: John Higgins (Selection)
  • Editor: Andrew Griffin

  • Copyright Queen's Men Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: John Higgins
    Editor: Andrew Griffin
    Not Peer Reviewed

    John Higgins (Selection)

    But not content with this, he asked me likewise
    If I did not him love and honor well.
    "No cause," quod I, "there is I should your grace despise,
    For nature so doth bind and duty me compel,
    75To love you, as I ought my father, well.
    Yet shortly I may chance, if Fortune will,
    To find in heart to bear another more good will."
    Thus much I said of nuptial loves that ment
    Not minding once of hatred vile or ire:
    80And partly taxing them, for which intent
    They set my father's heart on wrathful fire.
    "She never shall to any part aspire
    Of this my realm," quod he, "amongst you twain,
    But shall without all dowry aye remain."
    85Then to Maglaurus Prince, with Albany, he gave
    My sister Gonerell, the eldest of us all,
    And eke my sister Ragan to Hinnine to have,
    And for her dowry Camber and Cornwall.
    These after him should have his kingdom all.
    90Between them both he gave it frank and free,
    But nought at all he gave of dowry me.
    At last it chanced a prince of France to hear my fame:
    My beauty brave, my wit was blazed abroad each where.
    My noble virtues praised me to my father's blame,
    95Who did for flattery me less friendly favour bear,
    Which when this worthy prince, I say, did hear,
    He sent ambassage liked me more than life
    And soon obtained me to be his wife.
    Prince Aganippus reaved me of my woe,
    100And that for virtue's sake, of dowries all the best.
    So I contented was to France my father fro'
    For to depart, and hoped t'enjoy some greater rest.
    Where living well beloved, my joys increased:
    I got more favour in that prince his sight
    105Than ever princess of a princely wight.