ARMADO.
The fox, the ape, and the humble-bee
Were still at odds, being but three.
MOTH.
Until the goose came out of door,
And stayed the odds by adding four.
Now will I begin your moral, and do you follow with my l’envoi.
The fox, the ape, and the humble-bee
Were still at odds, being but three.
ARMADO.
Until the goose came out of door,
Staying the odds by adding four.
MOTH.
A good l’envoi, ending in the goose. Would you desire more?
COSTARD.
The boy hath sold him a bargain, a goose, that’s flat.
Sir, your pennyworth is good, an your goose be fat.
To sell a bargain well is as cunning as fast and loose.
Let me see: a fat l’envoi—ay, that’s a fat goose.
ARMADO.
Come hither, come hither. How did this argument begin?
MOTH.
By saying that a costard was broken in a shin.
Then called you for the l’envoi.
COSTARD.
True, and I for a plantain. Thus came your argument in. Then the boy’s fat l’envoi, the goose that you bought; and he ended the market.
ARMADO.
But tell me, how was there a costard broken in a shin?
MOTH.
I will tell you sensibly.