One rubb'd his elbow thus, and fleer'd, and swore
A better speech was never spoke before;
Another, with his finger and his thumb,
Cry'd 'Via! we will do 't, come what will come'; 112
The third he caper'd and cried, 'All goes well';
The fourth turn'd on the toe, and down he fell.
With that, they all did tumble on the ground,
With such a zealous laughter, so profound, 116
That in this spleen ridiculous appears,
To check their folly, passion's solemn tears.
Prin. But what, but what? come they to visit us?
Boyet. They do, they do; and are apparell'd thus, 120
Like Muscovites or Russians, as I guess.
Their purpose is to parle, to court and dance;
And every one his love-feat will advance
Unto his several mistress, which they'll know 124
By favours several which they did bestow.
Prin. And will they so? the gallaats shall be task'd:
For, ladies, we will every one be mask'd,
And not a man of them shall have the grace, 128
Despite of suit, to see a lady's face.
Hold, Rosaline, this favour thou shalt wear,
And then the king will court thee for his dear:
Hold, take thou this, my sweet, and give me thine, 132
So shall Berowne take me for Rosaline,
And change you favours too; so shall your loves
Woo contrary, deceiv'd by these removes.
Ros. Come on, then; wear the favours most in sight. 136
Kath. But in this changing what is your intent?
Prin. The effect of my intent is, to cross theirs:
109 fleer'd: grinned
117 spleen ridiculous: ridiculous merriment
118 solemn: sober
121 Like Muscovites; cf. n.
126 task'd: given a task or problem
135 removes: exchanges
