Jaq. Ay, sir, from one Monsieur Biron, one of the [123] strange queen’s lords.
[125] Hol. I will overglance the superscript: ‘To the snow-white hand of the most beauteous Lady Rosaline.’ I will look again on the intellect of the letter, for the nomination of [128] the party writing to the person written unto: ‘Your ladyship’s [129] in all desired employment, Biron.’ Sir Nathaniel, this 130 Biron is one of the votaries with the king; and here he hath framed a letter to a sequent of the stranger queen’s, which accidentally, or by the way of progression, hath miscarried. [133] Trip and go, my sweet; deliver this paper into the royal hand of the king: it may concern much. Stay not thy 135 compliment; I forgive thy duty: adieu.
Jaq. Good Costard, go with me. Sir, God save your life!
[137] Cost. Have with thee, my girl. [Exeunt Cost. and Jaq.
Nath. Sir, you have done this in the fear of God, very religiously; and, as a certain father saith,—
140 Hol. Sir, tell not me of the father; I do fear colourable colours. But to return to the verses: did they please you, Sir Nathaniel?
Nath. Marvellous well for the pen.
Hol. I do dine to-day at the father’s of a certain pupil [145] of mine; where, if, before repast, it shall please you to gratify the table with a grace, I will, on my privilege I [147] have with the parents of the foresaid child or pupil, undertake [148] your ben venuto; where I will prove those verses to be very unlearned, neither savouring of poetry, wit, nor 150 invention: I beseech your society.
Nath. And thank you too; for society, saith the text, is the happiness of life.
Hol. And, certes, the text most infallibly concludes it. [To Dull] Sir, I do invite you too; you shall not say 155 me nay: pauca verba. Away! the gentles are at their game, and we will to our recreation. [Exeunt.