Page 1005 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

employment? Doth not the king lack [70] subjects? Do not the rebels need
soldiers? Though it be a shame to be on any side but one, it is worse shame
to beg than to be on the worst side, were it worse than the name of rebellion
can tell how to make it.

SERVANT
You mistake me, sir. [75]

FALSTAFF
Why, sir, did I say you were an honest man? Setting my knighthood and my
soldiership aside, I had lied in my throat if I had said so.

SERVANT
I pray you, sir, then set your knighthood and your soldiership aside and give
me leave to tell you you [80] lie in your throat if you say I am any other than

an honest man.

FALSTAFF

I give thee leave to tell me so! I lay aside that which grows to me! If thou
get’st any leave of me, hang me; if thou tak’st leave, thou wert better be
hanged. You [85] hunt counter. Hence! Avaunt!

SERVANT
Sir, my lord would speak with you.

CHIEF JUSTICE
Sir John Falstaff, a word with you.

FALSTAFF
My good lord! God give your lordship good time of day. I am glad to see your

lordship abroad. I [90] heard say your lordship was sick. I hope your lordship
goes abroad by advice. Your lordship, though not clean past your youth, have
yet some smack of age in you, some relish of the saltness of time in you; and

I most humbly beseech your lordship to have a reverent care of [95] your
health.

CHIEF JUSTICE