PAROLLES. E’en a crow o’ the same nest; not altogether so great as the first in goodness, but greater a great deal in evil. He excels his brother for a coward, yet his brother is reputed one of the best that is. In a retreat he outruns any lackey; marry, in coming on he has the cramp. FIRST SOLDIER. If your life be saved, will you undertake to betray the Florentine? PAROLLES. Ay, and the captain of his horse, Count Rossillon. FIRST SOLDIER. I’ll whisper with the general, and know his pleasure. PAROLLES. [_Aside._] I’ll no more drumming; a plague of all drums! Only to seem to deserve well, and to beguile the supposition of that lascivious young boy the count, have I run into this danger: yet who would have suspected an ambush where I was taken? FIRST SOLDIER. There is no remedy, sir, but you must die. The general says you that have so traitorously discovered the secrets of your army, and made such pestiferous reports of men very nobly held, can serve the world for no honest use; therefore you must die. Come, headsman, off with his head. PAROLLES. O Lord! sir, let me live, or let me see my death. FIRST SOLDIER. That shall you, and take your leave of all your friends. [_Unmuffling him._] So, look about you; know you any here? BERTRAM. Good morrow, noble captain. SECOND LORD. God bless you, Captain Parolles. FIRST LORD. God save you, noble captain. SECOND LORD. Captain, what greeting will you to my Lord Lafew? I am for France. FIRST LORD. Good Captain, will you give me a copy of the sonnet you writ to Diana in behalf of the Count Rossillon? And I were not a very coward I’d compel it of you; but fare you well. [_Exeunt Bertram, Lords &c._] FIRST SOLDIER. You are undone, captain: all but your scarf; that has a knot on’t yet. PAROLLES. Who cannot be crushed with a plot? FIRST SOLDIER. If you could find out a country where but women were that had received so much shame, you might begin an impudent nation. Fare ye well, sir. I am for France too; we shall speak of you there. [_Exeunt._] PAROLLES. Yet am I thankful. If my heart were great ’Twould burst at this. Captain I’ll be no more, But I will eat, and drink, and sleep as soft As captain shall. Simply the thing I am Shall make me live. Who knows himself a braggart, Let him fear this; for it will come to pass That every braggart shall be found an ass. Rust, sword; cool, blushes; and, Parolles live Safest in shame; being fool’d, by foolery thrive. There’s place and means for every man alive. I’ll after them. [_Exit._] SCENE IV. Florence. A room in the Widow’s house. Enter Helena, Widow and Diana.