Duke. Bliss and goodness on you!
Escal. Of whence are you?
205 Duke. Not of this country, though my chance is now
To use it for my time: I am a brother
Of gracious order, late come from the [See]
In special business from his Holiness.
Escal. What news abroad i’ the world?
210 Duke. None, but that there is so great a fever on goodness, that the dissolution of it must cure it: novelty is only in request; [and it is as] dangerous to be aged in any kind of course, as it is virtuous to be constant in any [undertaking. There] is scarce truth enough alive to make societies 215 secure; but security enough to make fellowships accurst:— much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of the world. This news is old enough, yet it is every day’s news. I pray you, sir, of what disposition was the Duke?
Escal. One that, above all other strifes, contended 220 [especially] to know himself.
Duke. What pleasure was he given to?