Touch. Truly, shepherd, in respect of itself, it is a good life; but in respect that it is a shepherd’s life, it is naught. 015 In respect that it is solitary, I like it very well; but in respect that it is private, it is a very vile life. Now, in respect it is in the fields, it pleaseth me well; but in respect it is not in the court, it is tedious. As it is a spare life, look you, it fits my humour well; but as there is no more 020 plenty in it, it goes much against my stomach. Hast any philosophy in thee, shepherd?
Cor. No more but that I know the more one sickens the worse at ease he is; and that he that wants money, means and content is without three good friends; that the property [025] of rain is to wet and fire to burn; that good pasture makes fat sheep, and that a great cause of the night is lack of the sun; that he that hath learned no wit by nature nor art may [028] complain of good breeding or comes of a very dull kindred.
Touch. Such a one is a natural philosopher. Wast ever 030 in court, shepherd?
Cor. No, truly.
Touch. Then thou art damned.
[033] Cor. Nay, I hope.
Touch. Truly, thou art damned like an ill-roasted egg, 035 all on one side.
Cor. For not being at court? Your reason.
Touch. Why, if thou never wast at court, thou never sawest good manners; if thou never sawest good manners, then thy manners must be wicked; and wickedness is sin, 040 and sin is damnation. Thou art in a parlous state, shepherd.
[041] Cor. Not a whit, Touchstone: those that are good manners at the court are as ridiculous in the country as the behaviour of the country is most mockable at the court. You told me you salute not at the court, but you kiss your hands: 045 that courtesy would be uncleanly, if courtiers were shepherds.