Page 167 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

SIMONIDES

A pretty moral,
From the dejected state wherein he is, [45]
He hopes by you his fortunes yet may flourish.

FIRST LORD
He had need mean better than his outward show

Can any way speak in his just commend,
For by his rusty outside he appears
To have practised more the whipstock than the lance. [50]

SECOND LORD
He well may be a stranger, for he comes
To an honoured triumph strangely furnishèd.

THIRD LORD

And on set purpose let his armour rust
Until this day, to scour it in the dust.

SIMONIDES
Opinion’s but a fool, that makes us scan [55]
The outward habit by the inward man.

But stay, the knights are coming.
We will withdraw into the gallery.
Exeunt.
Great shouts, and all cry ‘The mean knight!’.

Scene III IT

Enter Simonides, Thaisa, Pericles, and Knights from tilting, with lords,
ladies, Marshal, and attendants.

SIMONIDES
Knights,
To say you’re welcome were superfluous.

To place upon the volume of your deeds,
As in a title-page, your worth in arms,