[Exeunt Costard and Jaquenetta.]
NATHANIEL.
Sir, you have done this in the fear of God, very religiously; and, as a certain Father saith—
HOLOFERNES.
Sir, tell not me of the Father, I do fear colourable colours. But to return to the verses: did they please you, Sir Nathaniel?
NATHANIEL.
Marvellous well for the pen.
HOLOFERNES.
I do dine today at the father’s of a certain pupil of mine, where if, before repast, it shall please you to gratify the table with a grace, I will, on my privilege I have with the parents of the foresaid child or pupil, undertake your ben venuto; where I will prove those verses to be very unlearned, neither savouring of poetry, wit, nor invention. I beseech your society.
NATHANIEL.
And thank you too; for society, saith the text, is the happiness of life.
HOLOFERNES.
And certes, the text most infallibly concludes it. [To Dull.] Sir, I do invite you too. You shall not say me nay. Pauca verba. Away! The gentles are at their game, and we will to our recreation.
[Exeunt.]
SCENE III. The same
Enter Berowne with a paper in his hand, alone.