Page 511 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

I would adventure!

PISANIO
Well then, here’s the point:
You must forget to be a woman: change [155]
Command into obedience: fear, and niceness
(The handmaids of all women, or, more truly,

Woman it pretty self) into a waggish courage,
Ready in gibes; quick-answer’d, saucy and
As quarrelous as the weasel: nay, you must [160]

Forget that rarest treasure of your cheek,
Exposing it (but, O, the harder heart!
Alack, no remedy) to the greedy touch
Of common-kissing Titan: and forget
You laboursome and dainty trims, wherein [165]

You made great Juno angry.

IMOGEN
Nay, be brief:
I see into thy end, and am almost
A man already.

PISANIO

First, make yourself but like one.
Fore-thinking this, I have already fit
(’Tis in my cloak-bag) doublet, hat, hose, all [170]
That answer to them: would you, in their serving
(And with what imitation you can borrow

From youth of such a season) ’fore noble Lucius
Present yourself, desire his service: tell him
Wherein you’re happy; which will make him know, [175]

If that his head have ear in music, doubtless
With joy he will embrace you: for he’s honourable,
And, doubling that, most holy. Your means abroad:
You have me, rich, and I will never fail
Beginning, nor supplyment.

IMOGEN