Page 2396 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

No, sir, that were fast and loose. Thou shalt to prison.

COST ARD

Well, if ever I do see the merry days of desolation that I have seen, some
shall see -

MOTE

What shall some see? [155]

COST ARD

Nay, nothing, Master Mote, but what they look upon. It is not for prisoners
to be too silent in their words, and therefore I say nothing. I thank God I
have as little patience as another man, and therefore I can be quiet. [160]

Exeunt Mote and Costard.

ARMADO

I do affect the very ground, which is base, where her shoe, which is baser,
guided by her foot, which is basest, doth tread. I shall be forsworn, which
is a great argument of falsehood, if I love. And how can that be true love
which is falsely attempted? Love is a [165] familiar; Love is a devil; there
is no evil angel but Love. Yet was Samson so tempted, and he had an
excellent strength; yet was Solomon so seduced, and he had a very good
wit. Cupid’s butt-shaft is too hard for Hercules’ club, and therefore too
much odds for a Spaniard’s [170] rapier. The first and second cause will not
serve my turn; the passado he respects not, the duello he regards not. His
disgrace is to be called boy, but his glory is to subdue men. Adieu, valour;
rust, rapier; be still, drum; for your manager is in love; yea, he loveth.
Assist me, some [175] extemporal god of rhyme, for I am sure I shall turn
sonnet. Devise, wit; write, pen; for I am for whole volumes in folio.

Exit.