Page 2479 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1
P. 2479
BEROWNE
We are shame-proof, my lord; and ’tis some policy [510]
To have one show worse than the King’s and his company.
KING
I say they shall not come.
PRINCESS
Nay, my good lord, let me o’errule you now.
That sport best pleases that doth least know how -
Where zeal strives to content, and the contents [515]
Dies in the zeal of that which it presents;
Their form confounded makes most form in mirth,
When great things labouring perish in their birth.
BEROWNE
A right description of our sport, my lord.
Enter Armado.
ARMADO
Anointed, I implore so much expense of thy [520] royal sweet breath as
will utter a brace of words.
Armado and the King converse apart.
PRINCESS
Doth this man serve God?
BEROWNE
Why ask you?
PRINCESS
’A speaks not like a man of God his making.
ARMADO
That is all one, my fair sweet honey monarch; [525] for, I protest, the
schoolmaster is exceeding fantastical; too, too vain; too, too vain; but we
will put it, as they say, to fortuna de la guerra.
He gives the King a paper.
I wish you the peace of mind, most royal couplement.
