Page 795 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

No, madam, ’tis not so well that I am poor, though many of the rich are
damned; but if I may have your ladyship’s good will to go to the world, Isbel
the woman and I will do as we may.

COUNTESS
Wilt thou needs be a beggar? [20]

CLOWN
I do beg your good will in this case.

COUNTESS
In what case?

CLOWN
In Isbel’s case and mine own. Service is no heritage, and I think I shall never
have the blessing of God till I have issue o’my body; for they say barnes are
blessings. [25]

COUNTESS
Tell me thy reason why thou wilt marry.

CLOWN
My poor body, madam, requires it. I am driven on by the flesh, and he must

needs go that the devil drives.

COUNTESS
Is this all your worship’s reason? [30]

CLOWN
Faith, madam, I have other holy reasons, such as they are.

COUNTESS
May the world know them?

CLOWN
I have been, madam, a wicked creature, as you and all flesh and blood are,
and indeed I do marry that I [35] may repent.