Page 846 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

behalfs; and if it be in man, besides the king, to [785] effect your suits, here
is man shall do it.

CLOWN
He seems to be of great authority: close with him, give him gold; and though
authority be a stubborn bear, yet he is oft led by the nose with gold: show
the inside of your purse to the outside of his hand, and no more ado. [790]

Remember ‘stoned’, and ‘flayed alive’!

SHEPHERD
And ’t please you, sir, to undertake the business for us, here is that gold I
have: I’ll make it as much more and leave this young man in pawn till I bring
it you.

AUTOLYCUS

After I have done what I promised? [795]

SHEPHERD

Ay, sir.

AUTOLYCUS
Well, give me the moiety. Are you a party in this business?

CLOWN
In some sort, sir: but though my case be a pitiful one, I hope I shall not be
flayed out of it. [800]

AUTOLYCUS
O, that’s the case of the shepherd’s son: hang him, he’ll be made an example.

CLOWN
Comfort, good comfort! We must to the king and show our strange sights: he

must know ’tis none of your daughter nor my sister; we are gone else. Sir, I
will give [805] you as much as this old man does when the business is
performed, and remain, as he says, your pawn till it be brought you.

AUTOLYCUS