Act II, scene 4

Ah, prince do they clepe me yet! I mean but to have your daughter, sir.
'Tis said that within seven days did the Almighty furnish the land and sea, yet on the seventh His rest was broken by a lute's wanton strut,
And that when the high note was stuck did the string shatter instead.

They clepe me prince, and most great is my merriment.
For 'een may rulers find themselves to merriment drawn, once and once more.
I know this Heaven's promise, yet as I know the blasts of most foul sin.
Two sides do I have in this, my bosom, yet both be of the prince.

These two faces are much too swift for thy timing,
And would your purpose stay if you would but stay them.
Without falconet or calivers or dragonnes,
This stately muse of Terpsichore brings naught but joy.

That's when I've got you, you are but mine;
Speak you but truth, tell me what is my line?

They clepe me prince, and I be mirthful;
I be the prince, the one and only.
Harm me!

Aye, 'tis prince they clepe me,
But greatly do I fear this dread office of kingship!
For I have seen the top, and it is but bad dreams.
For treacherous women and e'en the finest cloth of furthest Araby
Can save but face, ne'er thy youthful soul.