ARMADO.

Sir, the king is a noble gentleman, and my familiar; I do assure you my very good friend; for what is inward between us let it pass.—I do beseech thee remember thy curtesie—I beseech thee apparel thy head—and among other importunate and most serious designs, and of great import indeed too—but let that pass:—for I must tell thee it will please his grace (by the world) some time to lean upon my shoulder, and with his royal finger thus dally with my excrement, with my mustachio; but sweetheart, let that pass. By the world, I recount no fable; some certain special honours it pleases his greatness to impart to Armado, a soldier, a man of travel, that hath seen the world—but let that pass—the very of all of all is—but sweetheart I do implore secrecy—that the king wou'd have me present the Princess (sweet chuck) with some delightful ostentation, or show, or pageant, or antic, or firework: now understanding your sweet self have great skill at such breaking out of mirth, I have acquainted you withal, to the end to crave your assistance.

PLAYER.

You do me too much honour, I assure you, Sir; my company is of that inferior kind, not worthy to be present before so august an assembly.

ARMADO.

Sir, your modesty is unparelleled.—Excuse me, but the exigence of the time will admit no plea as sufficient.

PLAYER.

What, Sir, wou'd you choose to present?

ARMADO.

Suppose, you present the nine worthies. I have engaged to congratulate the Princess at her pavilion, in the posteriors of this day, which the rude multitude call the afternoon.

PLAYER.

The posterior of the day, most generous Sir, is liable, congruent and measurable for the afternoon; the word is well cull'd, choice, sweet and apt, I do assure you, Sir, I do assure—but where shall we find men worthy enough to represent them?

ARMADO.

O, Sir, your company is every way qualified— Believe me, Sir, I am a person of great skill and judgment myself; not that I wou'd boast—in my time I have seen miracles perform'd by the veriest clowns in nature.—Your Cæsars and Alexanders, conquering whole empires, represented by men, not endued with understanding enough to govern a kingdom of asses.—Indeed, Sir, you may credit what I tell you.

PLAYER.

Well, Sir, we have been practising a new comic dance, if you please, we will exhibit it before the Princess; I had rather we should offend with our feet, than our tongues.

ARMADO.

Act your own pleasure, Sir. Now if this comic dance would but dance me into the good graces of Jaquenetta; well, I will try a little skill.

PLAYER.

You'll please to inform the Princess; and we will be ready whenever we shall be summon'd. Sir, farewell.—

ARMADO.

No, Sir, excuse me; I am a man of complement.

PLAYER.

Indeed, Sir, I cannot.—

ARMADO.

My modesty will overcome my spirits; I prithee spare my blushing—I'll follow; why now that is as great as Cæsar.—