Bertram.
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.
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
transgress'd 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.
Enter Parolles.
Par.
These things shall be done, Sir.
Laf.
I pray you, Sir, who's his taylor?
Par.
Sir?
Laf.
O, I know him well; I, Sir, he, Sir's, a
good workman, a very good taylor.
Ber.
Is she gone to the King?
[Aside to Parolles.
Par.
She is.
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—and ere I
do begin—
Laf.
A good traveller is something at the latter end
of a dinner; but one that lyes three thirds, and uses
a known truth to pass a thousand nothings with, should
be once heard, and thrice beaten—God save you,
captain.
-- 52 --
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.
7 noteYou have made shift to run into't, boots
and spurs and all, like him that leapt into the custard;
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, tho' I took him at's
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. Farewel, Monsieur,
I have spoken better of you, than you have or will
deserve at my hand, but we must do good against
evil.
[Exit.
Par.
An idle lord, I swear.—
Ber.
I think so.
Par.
Why, do you not know him?
Ber.
Yes, I know him well, and common speech
Gives him a worthy pass. Here comes my clog.
Alexander Pope [1747], The works of Shakespear in eight volumes. The Genuine Text (collated with all the former Editions, and then corrected and emended) is here settled: Being restored from the Blunders of the first Editors, and the Interpolations of the two Last: with A Comment and Notes, Critical and Explanatory. By Mr. Pope and Mr. Warburton (Printed for J. and P. Knapton, [and] S. Birt [etc.], London) [word count] [S11301].
