Page 160 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

What a drunken knave was the sea to cast thee in our way!

PERICLES
A man whom both the waters and the wind,
In that vast tennis-court, hath made the ball [60]
For them to play upon entreats you pity him.
He asks of you that never used to beg.

FIRST FISHERMAN
No, friend, cannot you beg? Here’s them in our country of Greece gets more
with begging than we can do with working. [65]

SECOND FISHERMAN
Canst thou catch any fishes then?

PERICLES
I never practised it.

SECOND FISHERMAN
Nay then, thou wilt starve, sure, for here’s nothing to be got nowadays unless

thou canst fish for’t. [70]

PERICLES

What I have been I have forgot to know;
But what I am, want teaches me to think on:
A man thronged up with cold; my veins are chill,
And have no more of life than may suffice

To give my tongue that heat to ask your help; [75]
Which if you shall refuse, when I am dead,
For that I am a man, pray you see me burièd.

FIRST FISHERMAN
Die, quotha! Now gods forbid it an I have a gown here! Come, put it on, keep

thee warm. Now, afore me, a handsome fellow! Come, thou shalt go [80]
home, and we’ll have flesh for holidays, fish for fasting-days, and moreo’er
puddings and flapjacks, and thou shalt be welcome.