Sir Thomas More

by Shakespeare

ERASMUS.
I think twere best I did my duty to him
In a short Latin speech.—
Qui in celiberima patria natus est ett gloriosa, plus habet negotii ut
in lucem veniat quam qui—

RANDALL.
I prithee, good Erasmus, be covered. I have forsworn speaking of
Latin, else, as I am true counsellor, I’d tickle you with a speech.
Nay, sit, Erasmus;—sit, good my Lord of Surrey. I’ll make my lady
come to you anon, if she will, and give you entertainment.

ERASMUS.
Is this Sir Thomas More?

SURREY.
Oh good Erasmus, you must conceive his vain:
He’s ever furnished with these conceits.

RANDALL. Yes, faith, my learned poet doth not lie for that matter: I am neither more nor less than merry Sir Thomas always. Wilt sup with me? by God, I love a parlous wise fellow that smells of a politician better than a long progress.

[Enter Sir Thomas More.]

SURREY.
We are deluded; this is not his lordship.

RANDALL. I pray you, Erasmus, how long will the Holland cheese in your country keep without maggots?

MORE.
Fool, painted barbarism, retire thyself
Into thy first creation!

[Exit Randall.]