Page 1624 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Linger your patience on; and we’ll digest
Th’ abuse of distance, force a play.
The sum is paid; the traitors are agreed;
The King is set from London; and the scene

Is now transported, gentles, to Southampton: [35]
There is the playhouse now, there must you sit;
And thence to France shall we convey you safe,
And bring you back, charming the narrow seas

To give you gentle pass; for if we may,
We’ll not offend one stomach with our play. [40]
But, till the king come forth and not till then,
Unto Southampton do we shift our scene.

Exit.

Scene I IT

Enter Corporal Nym and Lieutenant Bardolph.

BARDOLPH
Well met, Corporal Nym.

NYM
Good morrow, Lieutenant Bardolph.

BARDOLPH

What, are Ancient Pistol and you friends yet?

NYM

For my part, I care not: I say little; but when time shall serve there shall be
smiles − but that shall be as it [5] may. I dare not fight; but I will wink and
hold out mine iron. It is a simple one; but what though? it will toast cheese,

and it will endure cold as another man’s sword will − and there’s an end.

BARDOLPH

I will bestow a breakfast to make you friends, [10] and we’ll be all three
sworn brothers to France: let it be so, good Corporal Nym.