What, on your hobby?
A new story?

Escarpin.

To tell stories,
Sir, is not my forte, 'pon honour:—
Though who would n't make a hazard
When the ball is over the pocket?—

Claudius.
Well, I do not care to hear it.

Escarpin.
Ah, you know it then: Another
Let me try: A friar once . . .
Stay though, I have quite forgotten
There are no friars yet in Rome:
Well, once more: a fool . . .

Claudius.

A blockhead
Like yourself, say: cease.

Escarpin.