Page 343 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3
P. 343
life. [20]
OTHER
But is this law?
GRAVE.
Ay, marry is’t, crowner’s quest law.
OTHER
Will you ha’ the truth an’t? If this had not been a gentlewoman, she should
have been buried out o’ Christian burial. [25]
GRAVE.
Why, there thou say'st. And the more pity that great folk should have
countenance in this world to drown or hang themselves more than their even-
Christen. Come, my spade. There is no ancient gentlemen but gardeners,
ditchers, and grave-makers [30] − they hold up Adam's profession.
[He digs.]
OTHER
Was he a gentleman?
GRAVE.
A was the first that ever bore arms.
OTHER
Why, he had none.
GRAVE.
What, art a heathen? How dost thou understand [35] the Scripture? The
Scripture says Adam digged. Could he dig without arms? I’ll put another
question to thee. If thou answerest me not to the purpose, confess thyself −
OTHER
Go to. [40]
GRAVE.
