Page 2428 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

good in those in whom it is acute, and I am thankful for it.

NAT HANIEL

Sir, I praise the Lord for you, and so may my parishioners, for their sons
are well tutored by you, and their daughters profit very greatly under you.
You are a [75] good member of the commonwealth.

HOLOFERNES

Mehercle! If their sons be ingenious, they shall want no instruction; if their
daughters be capable, I will put it to them. But vir sapit qui pauca loquitur.
A soul feminine saluteth us. [80]

Enter Jaquenetta with a letter, and Costard.

JAQUENET T A

God give you good morrow, Master Parson.

HOLOFERNES

Master Parson - quasi pierce-one? An if one should be pierced, which is
the one?

COST ARD

Marry, Master Schoolmaster, he that is likest to a hogshead. [85]

HOLOFERNES

Piercing a hogshead! A good lustre of conceit in a turf of earth, fire enough
for a flint, pearl enough for a swine. ’Tis pretty; it is well.

JAQUENET T A

Good Master Parson, be so good as read me this letter. It was given me by
Costard, and sent me from [90] Don Armado. I beseech you, read it.

HOLOFERNES

Fauste precor gelida quando pecus omne sub umbra
Ruminat -
and so forth. Ah, good old Mantuan, I may speak of thee as the traveller
doth of Venice: [95]

Venetia, Venetia,
Chi non ti vede, non ti pretia.
Old Mantuan, old Mantuan! Who understandeth thee not, loves thee not.