Page 1827 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

not be, though I should win your displeasure to entreat me to’t.

CORNWALL
What was th’offence you gave him?

OSWALD
I never gave him any:
It pleas’d the King his master very late [110]
To strike at me, upon his misconstruction;

When he, compact, and flattering his displeasure,
Tripp’d me behind; being down, insulted, rail’d,
And put upon him such a deal of man,
That worthied him, got praises of the King [115]

For him attempting who was self-subdu’d;
And, in the fleshment of this dread exploit,
Drew on me here again.

KENT
None of these rogues and cowards
But Ajax is their fool.

CORNWALL
Fetch forth the stocks!
You stubborn ancient knave, you reverend braggart, [120]
We’ll teach you.

KENT
Sir, I am too old to learn.

Call not your stocks for me; I serve the King,
On whose employment I was sent to you;
You shall do small respect, show too bold malice
Against the grace and person of my master, [125]
Stocking his messenger.

CORNWALL
Fetch forth the stocks!
As I have life and honour, there shall he sit till noon.