Duke. Shamount, welcome; we have mist thee long,
Though absent but two days: I hope your sports
Answer your time and wishes.
Sham. Very nobly Sir;
We found game, worthy your delight my Lord,
It was so royal.
Duke. I've enough to hear on't.
Prethee bestow't upon me in discourse.
1 Gent. What is this Gentleman, Coz? you are a Courtier,
Therefore know all their insides.
2 Gent. No farther than the Taffaty goes, good Coz.
For the most part, which is indeed the best part
Of the most general inside; marry thus far
I can with boldness speak this one mans character,
And upon honor, pass it for a true one;
He has that strength of manly merit in him,
That it exceeds his Sovereigns power of gracing;
He's faithfully true to valour, that he hates
The man from Cæsar's time, or farther off,
That ever took disgrace unreveng'd:
And if he chance to read his abject story,
He tears his memory out; and holds it virtuous,
Not to let shame have so much life amongst us;
There is not such a curious piece of courage
Amongst mans fellowship, or one so jealous
Of honors loss, or repu[t]ations glory:
There's so much perfect of his growing story.
1 Gent. 'Twould make one dote on virtue as you tell it.
2 Gent. I have told it to much loss, believe it Coz.
3 Gent. How the Duke graces him! what is he brother?
4 Gent. Do you not yet know him? a vain-glorious coxcomb,
As proud as he that fell for't:
Set but aside his valour, no virtue,
Which is indeed, not fit for any Courtier;
And we his fellows are as good as he,
Perhaps as capable of favour too,
For one thing or another, if 'twere look'd into:
Give me a man, were I a Sovereign now
Has a good stroke [a]t Tennis, and a stiff one,
Can play at Æquinoctium with the Line,
As even, as the thirteenth of September,
When day and night lie in a scale together:
Or may I thrive, as I deserve at Billiards;
No otherwise at Chesse, or at Primero:
These are the parts requir'd, why not advanc'd?
Duke. Trust me, it was no less than excellent pleasure,
And I'm right glad 'twas thine. How fares our kinsman?
Who can resolve us best?