Page 1411 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

SECOND HUNTER

It would seem strange unto him when he wak’d.

LORD

Even as a flatt’ring dream or worthless fancy.
Them take him up, and manage well the jest.
Carry him gently to my fairest chamber,
And hang it round with all my wanton pictures. [45]
Balm his foul head in warm distilled waters,
And burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet.
Procure me music ready when he wakes,
To make a dulcet and a heavenly sound.
And if he chance to speak, be ready straight [50]
And with a low submissive reverence
Say ‘What is it your honour will command?’
Let one attend him with a silver basin
Full of rose-water and bestrew’d with flowers,
Another bear the ewer, the third a diaper, [55]
And say ‘Will’t please your lordship cool your hands?’
Some one be ready with a costly suit,
And ask him what apparel he will wear.
Another tell him of his hounds and horse,
And that his lady mourns at his disease. [60]
Persuade him that he hath been lunatic,
And when he says he is, say that he dreams,
For he is nothing but a mighty lord.
This do, and do it kindly, gentle sirs.
It will be pastime passing excellent, [65]
If it be husbanded with modesty.

FIRST HUNTER

My lord, I warrant you we will play our part
As he shall think by our true diligence
He is no less than what we say he is.

LORD

Take him up gently, and to bed with him, [70]
And each one to his office when he wakes.

[Sly is carried off.] Sound trumpets.
Sirrah, go see what trumpet ’tis that sounds -

[Exit Servingman.]