Page 2387 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

COST ARD

I do confess much of the hearing it, but little of the marking of it.

KING

It was proclaimed a year’s imprisonment to be taken with a wench.

COST ARD

I was taken with none, sir; I was taken with a [275] damsel.

KING

Well, it was proclaimed ‘damsel’.

COST ARD

This was no damsel neither, sir; she was a virgin.

KING

It is so varied too, for it was proclaimed ‘virgin’.

COST ARD

If it were, I deny her virginity. I was taken with a [280] maid.

KING

This ‘maid’ will not serve your turn, sir.

COST ARD

This maid will serve my turn, sir.

KING

Sir, I will pronounce your sentence: you shall fast a week with bran and
water. [285]

COST ARD

I had rather pray a month with mutton and porridge.

KING

And Don Armado shall be your keeper.
My Lord Berowne, see him delivered o’er;
And go we, lords, to put in practice that [290]
Which each to other hath so strongly sworn.