Page 528 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

CLOWN

Many a good hanging prevents a bad marriage: and for turning away, let
summer bear it out.

MARIA
You are resolute then? [20]

CLOWN
Not so, neither, but I am resolved on two points.

MARIA
That if one break, the other will hold: or if both break, your gaskins fall.

CLOWN

Apt, in good faith, very apt. Well, go thy way: if Sir Toby would leave
drinking, thou wert as witty a [25] piece of Eve’s flesh as any in Illyria.

MARIA
Peace, you rouge, no more o’ that. Here comes my lady: make your excuse
wisely, you were best.
(Exit.)

Enter Lady Olivia, with Malvolio (and Attendants).

CLOWN

Wit, and’t be thy will, put me into good fooling! Those wits that think they
have thee, do very oft [30] prove fools: and I that am sure I lack thee, may
pass for a wise man. For wath says Quinapalus? ‘Better a witty fool than a
foolish wit’. God bless thee, lady!

OLIVIA
Take the fool away.

CLOWN

Do you not hear, fellows? Take away the lady. [35]

OLIVIA