Boy. As young as I am, I have observed these three
swashers. I am boy to them all three: but all they three,[4881]
though they would serve me, could not be man to me; for
indeed three such antics do not amount to a man. For
Bardolph, he is white-livered and red-faced; by the means30
whereof a' faces it out, but fights not. For Pistol, he hath
a killing tongue and a quiet sword; by the means whereof
a' breaks words, and keeps whole weapons. For Nym, he
hath heard that men of few words are the best men; and
therefore he scorns to say his prayers, lest a' should be35
thought a coward: but his few bad words are matched with
as few good deeds; for a' never broke any man's head but his
own, and that was against a post when he was drunk. They
will steal any thing, and call it purchase. Bardolph stole a
lute-case, bore it twelve leagues, and sold it for three half-pence.40
Nym and Bardolph are sworn brothers in filching,
and in Calais they stole a fire-shovel: I knew by that piece
of service the men would carry coals. They would have me
as familiar with men's pockets as their gloves or their hand-kerchers:
which makes much against my manhood, if I[4882]45
should take from another's pocket to put into mine; for it[4882][4883]
is plain pocketing up of wrongs. I must leave them, and
seek some better service: their villany goes against my weak
stomach, and therefore I must cast it up. [Exit.
Re-enter Fluellen, Gower following.[4884]
Gow. Captain Fluellen, you must come presently to50
the mines; the Duke of Gloucester would speak with you.
Flu. To the mines! tell you the duke, it is not so good
to come to the mines; for, look you, the mines is not according
to the disciplines of the war: the concavities of it[4885]
is not sufficient; for, look you, th' athversary, you may discuss55
unto the duke, look you, is digt himself four yard[4886]
under the countermines: by Cheshu, I think a' will plow
up all, if there is not better directions.
Gow. The Duke of Gloucester, to whom the order of
the siege is given, is altogether directed by an Irishman, a60
very valiant gentleman, i' faith.
Flu. It is Captain Macmorris, is it not?[4887]
Gow. I think it be.
Flu. By Cheshu, he is an ass, as in the world: I will[4888]
verify as much in his beard: he has no more directions in65
the true disciplines of the wars, look you, of the Roman
disciplines, than is a puppy-dog.
Enter Macmorris and Captain Jamy.[4889]
Gow. Here a' comes; and the Scots captain, Captain
Jamy, with him.