Thus may we see, quoth he, how the world wags: courtier ; And says, if ladies be but 6 One that hath been a young, and fair, They have the gift to know it: and in his brain, After a voyage, he hath strange places cramm'd With observation, the which he vents In mangled forms: - O, that I were a fool! I am ambitious for a motley coat. Duke S. Thou shalt have one. It is my only suit; Jag. Provided, that you weed your better judgments Of all opinion that grows rank in them, That I am wise. I must have liberty Withal, as large a charter as the wind, To blow on whom I please; for so fools have: And they that are most galled with my folly, They most must laugh: And why, sir, must they so? The why is plain as way to parish church: He, that a fool doth very wisely hit, Doth very foolishly, although he smart, Not to seem senseless of the bob: if not, The wise man's folly is anatomiz'd 6 The fool was anciently dressed in a party-coloured coat. Even by the squand'ring glances of the fool. To speak my mind, and I will through and through If they will patiently receive my medicine. Duke S. Fye on thee! I can tell what thou wouldst do. Jaq. What, for a counter, would I do, but good? Duke S. Most mischievous foul sin, in chiding sin: For thou thyself hast been a libertine. Jaq. Why, who cries out on pride, That says, his bravery is not on my cost, There then; How, what then? Let me see wherein Enter ORLANDO, with his sword drawn. Orl. Forbear, and eat no more. Jaq. Why, I have eat none yet. Orl. Nor shalt not, till necessity be serv'd. Jaq. Of what kind should this cock come of? Duke S. Art thou thus bolden'd, man, by thy distress; Or else a rude despiser of good manners, Orl. You touch'd my vein at first; the thorny point Of bare distress hath ta'en from me the show Jaq. An you will not be answered with reason, I must die. Duke S. What would you have? Your gentleness shall force, More than your force move us to gentleness. Orl. I almost die for food, and let me have it. Duke S. Sit down and feed, and welcome to our table. Orl. Speak you so gently? Pardon me, I pray you. I thought, that all things had been savage here; Of stern commandment: But whate'er you are, Under the shade of melancholy boughs, Lose and neglect the creeping hours of time; If ever been where bells have knoll'd to church; If ever from your eye-lids wip'd a tear, And take upon command what help we have, Orl. Then, but forbear your food a little while, Whiles, like a doe, I go to find my fawn, And give it food. There is an old poor man, Who after me hath many a weary step Limp'd in pure love; till he be first suffic'd,Oppress'd with two weak evils, age and hungerI will not touch a bit. Duke S. Go find him out, And we will nothing waste till you return. Orl. I thank ye; and be bless'd for your good comfort! [Exit. Duke S. Thou seest, we are not all alone un happy: This wide and universal theatre Presents more woeful pageants than the scene Made to his mistress' eye-brow: Then, a soldier; Even in the cannon's mouth: And then, the justice; 8 8 Trite, common. shifts Into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon; With spectacles on nose, and pouch on side; Is second childishness, and mere oblivion; Re-enter ORLANDO, with ADAM. Duke S. Welcome: Set down your burden, And let him feed. Orl. venerable I thank you most for him. I scarce can speak to thank you for myself. AMIENS sings SONG. I. Blow, blow, thou winter wind, Thou art not so unkind As man's ingratitude; Thy tooth is not so keen, Because thou art not seen, Although thy breath be rude. Heigh, ho! sing, heigh, ho! unto the green holly; Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly : Then, heigh, ho, the holly! This life is most jolly. |