ABSTRACT
Once upon a time, there was a heroic warrior, his wise and witty wife, an imperious queen, and her complacent husband. The warrior carried with him a magical picture of his wife, given to him with these instructions: Carry it still about you, and as oft As you desire to know how she’s affected With curious eyes peruse it. While it keeps The figure it now has, entire and perfect, She is not only innocent in fact But unattempted; but if once it vary From the true form, and what’s now white and red Incline to yellow, rest most confident She’s with all violence courted but unconquered. But if it turn all black, ’tis an assurance The fort by composition or surprise Is forced or with her free consent surrendered. (I.i. 174–85)
