PHILARIO.
Gentlemen, enough of this. It came in too suddenly; let it die as it was born, and I pray you be better acquainted.
IACHIMO.
Would I had put my estate and my neighbour’s on th’ approbation of what I have spoke!
POSTHUMUS.
What lady would you choose to assail?
IACHIMO.
Yours, whom in constancy you think stands so safe. I will lay you ten thousand ducats to your ring that, commend me to the court where your lady is, with no more advantage than the opportunity of a second conference, and I will bring from thence that honour of hers which you imagine so reserv’d.
POSTHUMUS.
I will wage against your gold, gold to it. My ring I hold dear as my finger; ’tis part of it.
IACHIMO.
You are a friend, and therein the wiser. If you buy ladies’ flesh at a million a dram, you cannot preserve it from tainting. But I see you have some religion in you, that you fear.
POSTHUMUS.
This is but a custom in your tongue; you bear a graver purpose, I hope.
IACHIMO.
I am the master of my speeches, and would undergo what’s spoken, I swear.
POSTHUMUS.
Will you? I shall but lend my diamond till your return. Let there be covenants drawn between’s. My mistress exceeds in goodness the hugeness of your unworthy thinking. I dare you to this match: here’s my ring.
PHILARIO.
I will have it no lay.