COSTARD.
I do confess much of the hearing it, but little of the marking of it.
KING.
It was proclaimed a year’s imprisonment to be taken with a wench.
COSTARD.
I was taken with none, sir. I was taken with a damsel.
KING.
Well, it was proclaimed “damsel”.
COSTARD.
This was no damsel neither, sir; she was a virgin.
KING.
It is so varied too, for it was proclaimed “virgin”.
COSTARD.
If it were, I deny her virginity. I was taken with a maid.
KING.
This maid will not serve your turn, sir.
COSTARD.
This maid will serve my turn, sir.
KING.
Sir, I will pronounce your sentence: you shall fast a week with bran and water.