_Hippolita._ In's bos|om! We have been soldiers, and we cannot weep When our friends don their helms or put to sea, Or tell of babes broacht on the lance, or wom|en That have sod their infants in (and after eat | them) The brine they wept at killing them; then if You stay to see of us such spinsters, we Should hold you here for ever. . . . . . _Emilia._ How his long|ing Follows his friend!... Have you observëd him Since our great lord departed? _Hippolita._ With much la|bour, And I did love him for't.[33:2]... [Sidenote: Female friendship: the description has Shakspere's characteristics.] [34:1]The description of female friendship which follows is familiar to all lovers of poetry. It is disfigured by one or two strained conceits, and some obscurities arising partly from errors in the text: but the beauty of the sketch in many parts is extreme, and its character distinctly that of Shakspeare, vigorous and even quaint, thoughtful and sometimes almost metaphysical, instinct with animation, and pregnant with fancy; offering, in short, little resemblance to the manner of any poet but Shakspeare, and the most unequivocal opposition to Fletcher's. _Emilia._ Doubtless There is a best, and reason has no man|ners To say, it is not you. I was acquaint|ed Once with a time when I enjoy'd a play|fellow---- You were at wars when she the grave enrich'd, (Who made too proud the bed,) took leave o' the moon, Which then look'd pale at parting, when our count Was each eleven. _Hippolita._ 'Twas Flavina. [Sidenote: Shakspere fancy.]