Cost. Sir, the contempts thereof are as touch-
ing me.
King. A letter from the magnificent Armado.
Ber. How low soever the matter, I hope in 192
God for high words.
Long. A high hope for a low heaven: God
grant us patience!
Ber. To hear, or forbear laughing? 196
Long. To hear meekly, sir, and to laugh
moderately, or to forbear both.
Ber. Well, sir, be it as the style shall give us
cause to climb in the merriness. 200
Cost. The matter is to me, sir, as concerning
Jaquenetta. The manner of it is, I was taken
with the manner.
Ber. In what manner? 204
Cost. In manner and form following, sir; all
those three: I was seen with her in the manor-
house, sitting with her upon the form, and taken
following her into the park; which, put together, 208
is, in manner and form following. Now, sir, for
the manner,—it is the manner of a man to speak
to a woman, for the form,—in some form.
Ber. For the following, sir? 212
Cost. As it shall follow in my correction; and
God defend the right!
King. Will you hear this letter with attention?
Ber. As we would hear an oracle. 216
Cost. Such is the simplicity of man to hearken
after the flesh.
189 contempts: i.e. contents
191 magnificent: showy, vainglorious
194 low heaven: i.e. moderate pleasure
203 with the manner (mainour): in the act
207 form: bench
213 correction: punishment
