Mucedorus

by Shakespeare

AMADINE.
This is too big, I cannot wield it in my arm.

BREMO.
Is’t so? We’ll have a knotty crabtree-staff
For thee. [To Mucedorus.] But, sirrah, tell me, what say’st thou?

MUCEDORUS.
With all my heart I willing am to learn.

BREMO.
Then take my staff, and see how canst wield it.

MUCEDORUS.
First teach me how to hold it in my hand.

[Taking the staff.]

BREMO.
Thou holdst it well.
[To Amadine.] Look how he doth, thou mayst the sooner learn.

MUCEDORUS.
Next tell me how and when ’tis best to strike.

BREMO.
[Aside.] ’Tis best to strike when time doth serve,
’Tis best to lose no time.

MUCEDORUS.
[Aside.] Then now or never is my time to strike.