Page 833 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

PAROLLES

Away! Th’art a knave.

CLOWN
You should have said, sir, ‘Before a knave th’art a knave’; that’s ‘Before me,
th’ art a knave’. This had been truth, sir. [30]

PAROLLES
Go to, thou art a witty fool: I have found thee.

CLOWN
Did you find me in your self, sir, or were you taught to find me? The search,

sir, was profitable; and much fool may you find in you, even to the world’s
pleasure and the increase of laughter. [35]

PAROLLES
A good knave i’faith, and well fed.
Madam, my lord will go away tonight:
A very serious business calls on him.

The great prerogative and rite of love,
Which as your due time claims, he does acknowledge, [40]
But puts it off to a compelled restraint;

Whose want and whose delay is strewed with sweets,
Which they distil now in the curbèd time,
To make the coming hour o’erflow with joy
And pleasure drown the brim.

HELENA
What’s his will else? [45]

PAROLLES
That you will take your instant leave o’th’King,

And make this haste as your own good proceeding,
Strengthened with what apology you think
May make it probable need.

HELENA