Page 883 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

FIRST SOLDIER

What’s he?

PAROLLES
E’en a crow o’th’same nest; not altogether so [275] great as the first in
goodness, but greater a great deal in evil. He excels his brother for a coward,
yet his brother is reputed one of the best that is. In a retreat he outruns any

lackey; marry, in coming on he has the cramp.

FIRST SOLDIER
If your life be saved will you undertake to [280] betray the Florentine?

PAROLLES
Ay, and the captain of his horse, Count Rossillion.

FIRST SOLDIER
I’ll whisper with the General and know his pleasure. [285]

PAROLLES
I’ll no more drumming. A plague of all drums! Only to seem to deserve well,
and to beguile the supposition of that lascivious young boy, the Count, have I

run into this danger. Yet who would have suspected an ambush where I was
taken? [290]

FIRST SOLDIER
There is no remedy, sir, but you must die. The General says you that have so
traitorously discovered the secrets of your army, and made such pestiferous

reports of men very nobly held, can serve the world for no honest use;
therefore you must die. Come, headsman, [295] off with his head.

PAROLLES
O Lord, sir, let me live, or let me see my death!

FIRST SOLDIER
That shall you, and take your leave of all your friends.
He removes the blindfold.
So: look about you. Know you any here? [300]