Comedy plays; Courts and courtiers -- Drama; Navarre (Kingdom) -- Drama; Princesses -- Drama
ARMADO.
I give thee thy liberty, set thee from durance, and, in lieu thereof,
impose on thee nothing but this: [_Giving him a letter_.] bear this
significant to the country maid Jaquenetta. [_Giving money_.] There is
remuneration for the best ward of mine honour is rewarding my
dependents. Moth, follow.
[_Exit._]
MOTH.
Like the sequel, I. Signior Costard, adieu.
[_Exit Moth._]
COSTARD.
My sweet ounce of man’s flesh, my incony Jew!
Now will I look to his remuneration. “Remuneration”! O, that’s the
Latin word for three farthings. Three farthings—_remuneration_. “What’s
the price of this inkle?” “One penny.” “No, I’ll give you a
remuneration.” Why, it carries it! _Remuneration_. Why, it is a fairer
name than French crown. I will never buy and sell out of this word.
Enter Berowne.
BEROWNE.
My good knave Costard, exceedingly well met.
COSTARD.
Pray you, sir, how much carnation ribbon may a man buy for a
remuneration?
BEROWNE.
What is a remuneration?
COSTARD.
Marry, sir, halfpenny farthing.
BEROWNE.
Why, then, three-farthing worth of silk.
COSTARD.
I thank your worship. God be wi’ you.
BEROWNE.
Stay, slave. I must employ thee.
As thou wilt win my favour, good my knave,
Do one thing for me that I shall entreat.
COSTARD.
When would you have it done, sir?
BEROWNE.
This afternoon.
COSTARD.
Well, I will do it, sir. Fare you well.
BEROWNE.
Thou knowest not what it is.
COSTARD.
I shall know, sir, when I have done it.
BEROWNE.
Why, villain, thou must know first.
COSTARD.
I will come to your worship tomorrow morning.
BEROWNE.
It must be done this afternoon. Hark, slave, it is but this:
The Princess comes to hunt here in the park,
And in her train there is a gentle lady;
When tongues speak sweetly, then they name her name,
And Rosaline they call her. Ask for her
And to her white hand see thou do commend
This sealed-up counsel.
[_Gives him money._]
There’s thy guerdon. Go.
COSTARD.
Gardon, O sweet gardon! Better than remuneration, a ’levenpence
farthing better. Most sweet gardon! I will do it, sir, in print.
Gardon! Remuneration!
[_Exit._]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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