Lodge's Rosalynde'; Being the Original of Shakespeare's 'as You Like It'

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ...I pray thee, Rosalynde, by those sweet eyes That stain the sun in shine, the morn in clear, By those sweet cheeks where Love encamped lies To kiss the roses of the springing year. I tempt thee, Rosalynde, by ruthful plaints, Not seasoned with deceit or fraudful guile, But firm in pain, far more than tongue depaints, Sweet nymph, be kind, and grace me with a smile. So may the heavens preserve from hurtful food Thy harmless flocks; so may the summer yield The pride of all her riches and her good, To fat thy sheep, the citizens of field. Oh, leave to arm thy lovely brows with scorn: The birds their beak, the lion hath his tail, And lovers nought but sighs and bitter mourn, The spotless fort of fancy to assail. O Rosalynde, then be thou pitiful, For Rosalynde is only beautiful. Rosalynde The hardened steel by fire is brought in frame, Rosader And Rosalynde, my love, than any wool more softer; And shall not sighs her tender heart inflame? Rosalynde Were lovers true, maids would believe them ofter. Rosader Truth, and regard, and honour, guide my love. Rosalynde Fain would I trust, but yet I dare not try. Rosader Oh pity me, sweet nymph, and do but prove. Rosalynde I would resist, but yet I know not why. Rosader O Rosalynde, be kind, for times will change, Thy looks ay nill be fair as now they be; Thine age from beauty may thy looks estrange: Ah, yield in time, sweet nymph, and pity me. Rosalynde O Rosalynde, thou must be pitiful, For Rosader is young and beautiful. Rosader Oh, gain more great than kingdoms or a crown! Rosalynde Oh, trust betrayed if Rosader abuse me. Rosader First let the heavens conspire to pull me down And heaven and earth as abject quite refuse me. Let sorrows stream about my hateful bower, And restless horror hatch within my...