Fool. I prithee, stay thy patience but awhile, and I will tell thee: thou dost expect nought from the Fool but folly; but from a king thou wouldst a cunning speech.
Pas. And is’t not so?
Fool. Oh no! by my troth, our good sovereign hath unto my noble master betrayed great lack of policy.
Pas. How so?
Fool. Why, your wise man will tell you, the crown doth gall the wearer; but, marry, I will show myself the fool indeed; for I do say the half oft pinches more than the whole.
Pas. Thou wouldst be witty, Fool!
Fool. Marry, say not I would be, but that I am; for, let me tell you, the wit of your Fool is true wit: being solely his own, no man coveting it; whereas, that of your wise man comes from books, and from those who went before. But wherefore should I thus lose wind? My wit, being folly, is not by your wise man understood; therefore, I’ll to the purpose. My master is made half king, and sends me, his Mercury, to tell your gentle ladyship his honour’s pleasure.
Edm. Prithee, be brief, and speak thine errand quickly.
Fool. An’t please you, sweetest mistress, this he wills: that, in your best attire, you straight attend to honor him and th’ other half of the crown.
Edm. We shall be ready at command.