Duke. What,[ I ]prithee, might be the cause?
Lucio. No, pardon; ’tis a secret must be locked within the teeth and the lips: but this I can let you understand, the greater file of the subject held the Duke to be wise.
130 Duke. Wise! why, no question but he was.
Lucio. A very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow.
Duke. Either this is envy in you, folly, or mistaking: the very stream of his life and the business he hath helmed must, upon a warranted need, give him a better proclamation. 135 Let him be but testimonied in his own bringings-forth, and he shall appear, to the envious, a scholar, a statesman and a soldier. Therefore you speak unskilfully; or if your knowledge be more, it is much darkened in your malice.
140 Lucio. Sir, I know him, and I love him.
Duke. Love talks with better knowledge, and knowledge with [dearer] love.
Lucio. Come, sir, I know what I know.
Duke. I can hardly believe that, since you know not 145 what you speak. But, if ever the Duke return, as our prayers are he may, let me desire you to make your answer before him. If it be honest you have spoke, you have courage to maintain it: I am bound to call upon you; and, I pray you, your name?
III. 2
150 Lucio. Sir, my name is Lucio; well known to the duke.