Page 841 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

The swifter speed, the better. [660]
Exeunt (Florizel, Perdita, and Camillo).

AUTOLYCUS
I understand the business, I hear it. To have an open ear, a quick eye, and a
nimble hand, is necessary for a cut-purse; a good nose is requisite also, to
smell out work for the other senses. I see this is the time that the unjust man

doth thrive. What an exchange had this been [665] without boot! What a
boot is here, with this exchange! Sure the gods do this year connive at us,
and we may do any thing extempore. The prince himself is about a piece of

iniquity (stealing away from his father with his clog at his heels): if I thought
it were a piece of honesty to [670] acquaint the king withal, I would not do ’t:
I hold it the more knavery to conceal it; and therein am I constant to my
profession.
Enter Clown and Shepherd.

Aside, aside; here is more matter for a hot brain: every lane’s end, every
shop, church, session, hanging yields a [675] careful man work.

CLOWN
See, see; what a man you are now! There is no other way but to tell the king
she’s a changeling, and none of your flesh and blood.

SHEPHERD
Nay, but hear me. [680]

CLOWN

Nay, but hear me.

SHEPHERD

Go to, then.

CLOWN
She being none of your flesh and blood, your flesh and blood has not
offended the king; and so your flesh and blood is not to be punished by him.
Show those [685] things you found about her (those secret things, all but
what she has with her): this being done, let the law go whistle: I warrant