Page 2391 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1
P. 2391
ARMADO
It doth amount to one more than two.
MOTE
Which the base vulgar do call three.
ARMADO
True.
MOTE
Why, sir, is this such a piece of study? Now here is [50] three studied ere
ye’ll thrice wink; and how easy it is to put ‘years’ to the word ‘three’, and
study three years in two words, the dancing horse will tell you.
ARMADO
A most fine figure!
MOTE
(aside) To prove you a cipher. [55]
ARMADO
I will hereupon confess I am in love; and as it is base for a soldier to love,
so am I in love with a base wench. If drawing my sword against the
humour of affection would deliver me from the reprobate thought of it, I
would take desire prisoner, and ransom him to [60] any French courtier for
a new-devised curtsy. I think scorn to sigh: methinks I should outswear
Cupid. Comfort me, boy. What great men have been in love?
MOTE
Hercules, master.
ARMADO
Most sweet Hercules! More authority, dear boy, [65] name more; and,
sweet my child, let them be men of good repute and carriage.
MOTE
Samson, master: he was a man of good carriage - great carriage, for he
carried the town-gates on his back like a porter - and he was in love. [70]
ARMADO
