Ferd. Who took the ring oftenest?[102]
Sil. Antonio Bologna, my lord.
Ferd. Our sister duchess' great-master of her household? give him the jewel.—When shall we leave this sportive action, and fall to action indeed?
Cast. Methinks, my lord, you should not desire to go to war in person.
Ferd. Now for some gravity:—why, my lord?
Cast. It is fitting a soldier arise to be a prince, but not necessary a prince descend to be a captain.
Ferd. No?
Cast. No, my lord; he were far better do it by a deputy.
Ferd. Why should he not as well sleep or eat by a deputy? this might take idle, offensive, and base office from him, whereas the other deprives him of honour.
Cast. Believe my experience, that realm is never long in quiet where the ruler is a soldier.