Page 1410 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Breathe Merriman, the poor cur is emboss’d, [15]
And couple Clowder with the deep-mouth’d brach.
Saw’st thou not, boy, how Silver made it good
At the hedge corner, in the coldest fault?
I would not lose the dog for twenty pound.

FIRST HUNTER

Why, Belman is as good as he, my lord. [20]
He cried upon it at the merest loss,
And twice today pick’d out the dullest scent.
Trust me, I take him for the better dog.

LORD

Thou art a fool. If Echo were as fleet,
I would esteem him worth a dozen such. [25]
But sup them well, and look unto them all.
Tomorrow I intend to hunt again.

FIRST HUNTER

I will, my lord.

LORD

What’s here? One dead, or drunk? See, doth he breathe?

SECOND HUNTER

He breathes, my lord. Were he not warm’d with ale, [30]
This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly.

LORD

O monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies!
Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!
Sirs, I will practise on this drunken man.
What think you, if he were convey’d to bed, [35]
Wrapp’d in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers,
A most delicious banquet by his bed,
And brave attendants near him when he wakes,
Would not the beggar then forget himself?

FIRST HUNTER

Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose. [40]