Par. You had my prayers to lead them on: and to keep them on, have them still.-O, my knave-how does my old lady? Clo. So that you had her wrinkles, and I her money, I would she did as you say. Par. Why, I say nothing. Clo. Marry, you are the wiser man; for many a man's tongue shakes out his master's undoing. To say nothing, to do nothing, to know nothing, and to have nothing, is to be a great part of your title; which is within a very little of nothing. Par. Away! thou'rt a knave. Clo. You should have said, sir, before a knave thou'rt a knave; that is, before me thou'rt a knave: this had been truth, sir. Par. Go to, thou art a witty fool; I have found thee. Clo. Did you find me in yourself, sir? or were you taught to find me? The search, sir, was profitable; and much fool may you find in you, even to the world's pleasure, and the increase of laughter. Par. A good knave, i' faith, and well fed.Madam, my lord will go away to-night; A very serious business calls on him. The great prerogative and rite of love, Which, as your due, time claims, he does acknowledge; Whose want, and whose delay, is strew'd with sweets, To make the coming hour o'erflow with joy, And pleasure drown the brim. Hel. What's his will else? Par. That you will take your instant leave o' the king, And make this haste as your own good proceeding, Strengthen'd with what apology you think May make it probable need.19 Hel. What more commands he? Par. That, having this obtain'd, you presently Attend his further pleasure. Laf. But, I hope, your lordship thinks not him a soldier. Ber. Yes, my lord, and of very valiant approof. Laf. You have it from his own deliverance. Ber. And by other warranted testimony. Laf. Then my dial goes not true; I took this lark for a bunting.20 Ber. I do assure you, my lord, he is very great in knowledge, and accordingly valiant. Laf. I have then sinned against his experience, and transgressed against his valour; and my state that way is dangerous, since I cannot yet find in my heart to repent. Here he comes; I pray you, make us friends; I will pursue the amity. Laf. O, I know him well. Ay, sir; he, sir, is a good workman, a very good tailor. Ber. Is she gone to the king? Par. She is. [Aside to PAROLLES. Ber. Will she away to-night? Par. As you'll have her. Ber. I have writ my letters, casketed my treasure, Given order for our horses; and to-night, When I should take possession of the bride, End ere I do begin. Laf. A good traveller is something at the latter end of a dinner; but one that lies three-thirds, and uses a known truth to pass a thousand nothings with, should be once heard, and thrice beaten.-Save you, captain! Ber. Is there any unkindness between my lord and you, monsieur ? Par. I know not how I have deserved to run into my lord's displeasure. Laf. You have made shift to run into 't, boots and spurs and all, like him that leaped into the custard ; 21 and out of it you'll run again, rather than suffer question for your residence. Ber. It may be, you have mistaken him, my lord. Laf. And shall do so ever, though I took him at his prayers. Fare you well, my lord; and believe this of me, there can be no kernel in this light nut; the soul of this man is his clothes: trust him not in matter of heavy consequence; I have kept of them tame, and know their natures.-Farewell, monsieur: I have spoken better of you than you have or will deserve at my hand; but we must do good against evil. Par. An idle lord, I swear. Ber. I think so. Par. Why, do you not know him? [Exit. Ber. Yes, I do know him well; and common speech Gives him a worthy pass. Here comes my clog. Enter HELENA. Hel. I have, sir, as I was commanded from you, Spoke with the king, and have procur'd his leave For present parting; only, he desires Some private speech with you. Ber. I shall obey his will. You must not marvel, Helen, at my course, The ministration and required office On my particular: prepar'd I was not For such a business; therefore am I found So much unsettled. This drives me to entreat you, "Twill be two days ere I shall see you; so I leave you to your wisdom. [Giving a letter. Hel. Sir, I can nothing say, Hel. And ever shall With true observance seek to eke out that, My haste is very great. Farewell; hie home. Ber. Well, what would you say? Hel. I am not worthy of the wealth I owe ; 22 But, like a timorous thief, most fain would steal Ber. What would you have? Hel. Something; and scarce so much—nothing indeed.— Ber. I pray you, stay not, but in haste to horse. [Exit HELENA. |