Page 416 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

GOBBO

Marry, God forbid! The boy was the very staff [65] of my age, my very prop.

LAUNCELOT
Do I look like a cudgel or a hovel-post, a staff or a prop? Do you know me,
father?

GOBBO
Alack the day, I know you not, young gentleman! But I pray you tell me, is

my boy, God rest his [70] soul, alive or dead?

LAUNCELOT

Do you know me, father?

GOBBO
Alack, sir, I am sand-blind! I know you not.

LAUNCELOT
Nay, indeed if you had your eyes you might fail of the knowing me; it is a
wise father that [75] knows his own child. Well, old man, I will tell you news
of your son. (He kneels) Give me your blessing. Truth will come to light;

murder cannot be hid long − a man’s son may, but in the end truth will out.

GOBBO

Pray you, sir, stand up; I am sure you are not [80] Launcelot my boy.

LAUNCELOT
Pray you let’s have no more fooling about it, but give me your blessing: I am
Launcelot, your boy that was, your son that is, your child that shall be. [85]

GOBBO
I cannot think you are my son.

LAUNCELOT
I know not what I shall think of that; but I am Launcelot, the Jew’s man, and

I am sure Margery your wife is my mother.