Sir Thomas.
“Now, Silas, hold thy peace and rest contented. He hath excused himself unto thee, throwing in a compliment far above his station, and not unworthy of Rome or Florence. I did not think him so ready. Our Warwickshire lads are fitter for football than courtesies; and, sooth to say, not only the inferior.”
His worship turned from Master Silas toward William, and said, “Brave Willy, thou hast given us our bitters; we are ready now for any thing solid. What hast left?”
William Shakspeare.
“Little or nothing, sir.”
Sir Thomas.
“Well, give us that little or nothing.”
William Shakspeare was obedient to the commands of Sir Thomas, who had spoken thus kindly unto him, and had deigned to cast at him from his lordly dish (as the Psalmist hath it) a fragment of facetiousness.
William Shakspeare.
“Alas, sir! may I repeat it without offence, it not being doctrine but admonition, and meant for me only?”