Page 2451 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

good friend. For what is inward between us, let it pass - I do beseech
thee, remember thy courtesy; I beseech thee, apparel thy head. And
among [90] other importunate and most serious designs, and of great
import indeed, too - but let that pass; for I must tell thee, it will please his
grace, by the world, sometime to lean upon my poor shoulder, and with his
royal finger thus dally with my excrement, with my mustachio - but, [95]
sweet heart, let that pass. By the world, I recount no fable! Some certain
special honours it pleaseth his greatness to impart to Armado, a soldier, a
man of travel, that hath seen the world - but let that pass. The very all of
all is - but, sweet heart, I do implore secrecy - that [100] the King would
have me present the Princess - sweet chuck - with some delightful
ostentation, or show, or pageant, or antic, or firework. Now, understanding
that the curate and your sweet self are good at such eruptions and sudden
breaking out of mirth, as it were, I have [105] acquainted you withal, to
the end to crave your assistance.

HOLOFERNES

Sir, you shall present before her the Nine Worthies. Sir Nathaniel, as
concerning some entertainment of time, some show in the posterior of this
day, [110] to be rendered by our assistance, the King’s command, and this
most gallant, illustrate, and learned gentleman, before the Princess - I
say, none so fit as to present the Nine Worthies.

NAT HANIEL

Where will you find men worthy enough to [115] present them?

HOLOFERNES

Joshua, yourself; this gallant gentleman, Judas Maccabaeus; this swain,
because of his great limb or joint, shall pass Pompey the Great; the page,
Hercules -

ARMADO

Pardon, sir - error! He is not quantity enough [120] for that Worthy’s
thumb; he is not so big as the end of his club.

HOLOFERNES

Shall I have audience? He shall present Hercules in minority. His enter and
exit shall be strangling a snake; and I will have an apology for that
purpose. [125]