Page 2413 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1
P. 2413
The fox, the ape, and the humble-bee
Were still at odds, being but three.
There’s the moral. Now the l’envoy - [85]
MOTE
I will add the l’envoy. Say the moral again.
ARMADO
The fox, the ape, and the humble-bee
Were still at odds, being but three.
MOTE
Until the goose came out of door,
And stayed the odds by adding four. [90]
Now will I begin your moral, and do you follow with my l’envoy.
The fox, the ape, and the humble-bee
Were still at odds, being but three.
ARMADO
Until the goose came out of door, [95]
Staying the odds by adding four.
MOTE
A good l’envoy, ending in the goose. Would you desire more?
COST ARD
The boy hath sold him a bargain, a goose, that’s flat.
Sir, your pennyworth is good, an your goose be fat. [100]
To sell a bargain well is as cunning as fast and loose.
Let me see: a fat l’envoy - ay, that’s a fat goose.
ARMADO
Come hither, come hither. How did this argument begin?
MOTE
By saying that a costard was broken in a shin.
Then called you for the l’envoy. [105]
COST ARD
True, and I for a plantain - thus came your argument in; then the boy’s fat
