Kath. I am not (Sir) alone, nor do I starve
My appetite with any wil-full fast;
I have a banquet of sweet pleasing thoughts
That is more precious then the costliest feast.
Pem. But at your father's boord there sits a ghest
To whom the cup of Ganimede will seeme
But juice of Hemlocke, and the daintiest dish
As much unsavory as the Pomice stone,
Unlesse your presence season his delight.
Kath. I am sorry I want skill to serve his dyet; I have not bin instructed to such end.
Pem. But I will teach you (Madam) if you please.
Kath. Rather the party grieved first should shew Wherein we erre, els how can we discerne What is our fault or how we may amend?
Pem. That office he commits unto my toung.
Kath. Is he not able then to speake himselfe?
Pem. Yes, Madam, I have heard when Ferdinand,
With whom in Padua I was conversant,
So spake in the assembly of the learn'd,
With such a grace and well composed phrase,
As many thought grave Tullies eloquence
Flowed like a hony River from his lips.
Kath. He wanteth then belike sufficient courage.
Pem. Never liv'd Knight lesse prejudic'd in that
Then valiant Ferdinand, whom I have seene
Couch his stiffe[115] Launce with such dexterity
As if the god of battell had himselfe
Entered the Lists, and preassing to the midst
Of steele-composed troops like lightning fly
Till he had made a passage with his sword.