Page 243 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3
P. 243
Ay, very well, my lord.
POLONIUS
‘And in part him. But’, you may say, ‘not well;
But if’t be he I mean, he’s very wild,
Addicted so and so’ − and there put on him
What forgeries you please − marry, none so rank [20]
As may dishonour him − take heed of that −
But, sir, such wanton, wild, and usual slips
As are companions noted and most known
To youth and liberty.
REYNALDO
As gaming, my lord?
POLONIUS
Ay, or drinking, fencing, swearing, [25]
Quarrelling, drabbing − you may go so far.
REYNALDO
My lord, that would dishonour him.
POLONIUS
‘Faith no, as you may season it in the charge.
You must not put another scandal on him,
That he is open to incontinency − [30]
That’s not my meaning; but breathe his faults so quaintly
That they may seem the taints of liberty,
The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind,
A savageness in unreclaimed blood,
Of general assault. [35]
REYNALDO
But my good lord −
POLONIUS
Wherefore should you do this?
