Pet. A suit to me? Let it alone till I am a great man, and then [Aside.] I shall answer you with the greater promise and less performance.
Lio. I hope, sir, you have that confidence I will ask nothing to your prejudice, but what shall some way recompense the deed.
Pet. What is't? Be brief: I am in that point a courtier.
Lio. Usurp, then, on the proffer'd means;
Show yourself forward in an action
May speak you noble, and make me your friend.
Pet. A friend! what's that? I know no such thing.
Lio. A faithful, not a ceremonious friend;
But one that will stick by you on occasions,
And vindicate your credit, were it sunk
Below all scorn, and interpose his life
Betwixt you and all dangers: such a friend
That, when he sees you carried by your passions
Headlong into destruction, will so follow you
That he will guide you from't, and with good counsel
Redeem you from ill courses; and, not flattering
Your idle humour to a vain expense,
Cares not to see you perish, so he may
Sustain himself awhile, and raise a fortune,
Though mean, out of your ruins, and then laugh at you.
Pet. Why, be there any such friends as these?
Lio. A world:
They walk like spirits, not to be discern'd;
Subtle and soft like air; have oily balm
Swimming o'er their words and actions;
But below it a flood of gall.
Pet. Well, to the purpose: speak to the purpose.
Lio. If I stand link'd unto you,
The Gordian knot was less dissoluble,
A rock less firm, or centre movable.