Page 2430 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

HOLOFERNES

I will overglance the superscript: (reading) [130] To the snow-white hand
of the most beauteous Lady Rosaline. I will look again on the intellect of
the letter, for the nomination of the party writing to the person written
unto: Your ladyship’s, in all desired employment, Berowne . Sir Nathaniel,
this Berowne is one of the votaries with [135] the King; and here he hath
framed a letter to a sequent of the stranger Queen’s, which accidentally, or
by the way of progression, hath miscarried. Trip and go, my sweet; deliver
this paper into the royal hand of the King; it may concern much. Stay not
thy compliment; I forgive [140] thy duty. Adieu.

JAQUENET T A

Good Costard, go with me. Sir, God save your life.

COST ARD

Have with thee, my girl.

Exeunt Costard and Jaquenetta.

NAT HANIEL

Sir, you have done this in the fear of God, [145] very religiously; and as a
certain father saith -

HOLOFERNES

Sir, tell not me of the father, I do fear colourable colours. But to return to
the verses: did they please you, Sir Nathaniel?

NAT HANIEL

Marvellous well for the pen. [150]

HOLOFERNES

I do dine today at the father’s of a certain pupil of mine, where, if before
repast it shall please you to gratify the table with a grace, I will, on my
privilege I have with the parents of the foresaid child or pupil, undertake
y o u r ben venuto; where I will prove those [155] verses to be very
unlearned, neither savouring of poetry, wit, nor invention. I beseech your
society.

NAT HANIEL

And thank you too, for society - saith the text - is the happiness of life.