BRITAIN. BEFORE CYMBELINE'S PALACE
Enter CLOTEN and two Lords
CLOTEN
Was there ever man had such luck! when I kissed the
jack, upon an up-cast to be hit away! I had a
hundred pound on't: and then a whoreson jackanapes
must take me up for swearing; as if I borrowed mine
oaths of him and might not spend them at my pleasure.
FIRST LORD
What got he by that? You have broke his pate with
your bowl.
SECOND LORD
[Aside] If his wit had been like him that broke it,
it would have run all out.
CLOTEN
When a gentleman is disposed to swear, it is not for
any standers-by to curtail his oaths, ha?
Aside
CLOTEN
Whoreson dog! I give him satisfaction?
Would he had been one of my rank!
SECOND LORD
[Aside] To have smelt like a fool.
CLOTEN
I am not vexed more at any thing in the earth: a
pox on't! I had rather not be so noble as I am;
they dare not fight with me, because of the queen my
mother: every Jack-slave hath his bellyful of
fighting, and I must go up and down like a cock that
nobody can match.
SECOND LORD
[Aside] You are cock and capon too; and you crow,
cock, with your comb on.
SECOND LORD
It is not fit your lordship should undertake every
companion that you give offence to.
CLOTEN
No, I know that: but it is fit I should commit
offence to my inferiors.
SECOND LORD
Ay, it is fit for your lordship only.
FIRST LORD
Did you hear of a stranger that's come to court to-night?
CLOTEN
A stranger, and I not know on't!
SECOND LORD
[Aside] He's a strange fellow himself, and knows it
not.
FIRST LORD
There's an Italian come; and, 'tis thought, one of
Leonatus' friends.
CLOTEN
Leonatus! a banished rascal; and he's another,
whatsoever he be. Who told you of this stranger?
FIRST LORD
One of your lordship's pages.
CLOTEN
Is it fit I went to look upon him? is there no
derogation in't?
SECOND LORD
You cannot derogate, my lord.
CLOTEN
Not easily, I think.
SECOND LORD
[Aside] You are a fool granted; therefore your
issues, being foolish, do not derogate.
CLOTEN
Come, I'll go see this Italian: what I have lost
to-day at bowls I'll win to-night of him. Come, go.
SECOND LORD
I'll attend your lordship.
Exeunt CLOTEN and First Lord
Exit