Page 453 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

PHILARIO

His father and I were soldiers together, to whom I have been often bound for
no less than my life. − Here comes the Briton. Let him be so entertained
amongst you as suits, with [25] gentlemen of your knowing, to a stranger of

his quality.
Enter Posthumus.
I beseech you all be better known to this gentleman, whom I commend to
you as a noble friend of mine. How worthy he is I will leave to appear
hereafter, rather than story him in his own [30] hearing.

FRENCHMAN

Sir, we have known together in Orleans.

POSTHUMUS

Since when I have been debtor to you for courtesies which I will be ever to
pay, and yet pay still.

FRENCHMAN
Sir, you o’er-rate my poor kindness: I was glad I did [35] atone my
countryman and you: it had been pity you should have been put together,

with so mortal a purpose as then each bore, upon importance of so slight and
trivial a nature.

POSTHUMUS
By your pardon, sir, I was then a young traveller, [40] rather shunn’d to go
even with what I heard than in my every action to be guided by others’
experiences: but upon my mended judgement (if I offend not to say it is

mended) my quarrel was not altogether slight.

FRENCHMAN
Faith yes, to be put to the arbitrement of swords, and [45] by such two, that
would by all likelihood have confounded one the other, or have fallen both.

IACHIMO
Can we with manners ask what was the difference?

FRENCHMAN