I hear your grace hath sworn out house-keeping: 104
'Tis deadly sin to keep that oath, my lord,
And sin to break it.
But pardon me, I am too sudden-bold:
To teach a teacher ill beseemeth me. 108
Vouchsafe to read the purpose of my coming,
And suddenly resolve me in my suit. [Gives a paper.]
King. Madam, I will, if suddenly I may.
Prin. You will the sooner that I were away, 112
For you'll prove perjur'd if you make me stay.
Ber. Did not I dance with you in Brabant once?
Ros. Did not I dance with you in Brabant once?
Ber. I know you did.
Ros. How needless was it then 116
To ask the question!
Ber. You must not be so quick.
Ros. 'Tis 'long of you that spur me with such questions.
Ber. Your wit's too hot, it speeds too fast, 'twill tire.
Ros. Not till it leave the rider in the mire. 120
Ber. What time o' day?
Ros. The hour that fools should ask.
Ber. Now fair befall your mask!
Ros. Fair fall the face it covers! 124
Ber. And send you many lovers!
Ros. Amen, so you be none.
Ber. Nay, then will I be gone.
King. Madam, your father here doth intimate 128
The payment of a hundred thousand crowns;
Being but the one half of an entire sum
Disbursed by my father in his wars.
But say that he, or we,—as neither have,— 132
104 sworn out house-keeping: forsworn hospitality
110 suddenly: quickly
118 'long: along, because
123 fair befall: mercy on
130 Cf. n.
