_And._ Ay, and why not, sir? for the greatest clerks are not the wisest, and a fool may dance in a hood, as well as a wise man in a bare frock: besides, such as give themselves to philautia,[273] as you do, master, are so choleric of complexion that that which they burn in fire over night they seek for with fury the next morning. Ah, I take care of your worship! this commonweal should have a great loss of so good a member as you are. _Ateu._ Thou flatterest me. _And._ Is it flattery in me, sir, to speak you fair? what is it, then, in you to dally with the king? _Ateu._ Are you prating, knave? I will teach you better nurture! Is this the care you have of my wardrobe, of my accounts, and matters of trust? _And._ Why, alas, sir, in times past your garments have been so well inhabited as your tenants would give no place to a moth to mangle them; but since you are grown greater, and your garments more fine and gay, if your garments are not fit for hospitality, blame your pride and commend my cleanliness: as for your writings, I am not for them, nor they for me. _Ateu._ Villain, go, fly, find them out: if thou losest them, thou losest my credit. _And._ Alas, sir, can I lose that you never had? _Ateu._ Say you so? then hold, feel you that you never felt. [_Beats him._ _Re-enter_ JAQUES. _Jaq._ O monsieur, _ayez patience_: pardon your _pauvre valet_: me be at your commandment. _Ateu._ Signior Jaques, well met; you shall command me.--Sirrah, go cause my writings be proclaimed in the market-place; promise a great reward to them that find them; look where I supped and everywhere. _And._ I will, sir--[_aside_]. Now are two knaves well met, and three well parted: if thou conceive mine enigma, gentlemen,[274] what shall I be, then? faith, a plain harp-shilling.[275] [_Exit._ _Ateu._ Sieur Jaques, this our happy meeting rids Your friends and me of care and grievous toil; For I, that look into deserts of men, And see among the soldiers in this court A noble forward mind, and judge thereof, Cannot but seek the means to raise them up Who merit credit in the commonweal. To this intent, friend Jaques, I have found A means to make you great, and well-esteem'd Both with the king and with the best in court: For I espy in you a valiant mind, Which makes me love, admire, and honour you. To this intent, if so your trust, and faith, Your secrecy be equal with your force, I will impart a service to thyself, Which if thou dost effect, the king, myself, And what or he, or I with him, can work, Shall be employ'd in what thou wilt desire. _Jaq._ Me sweara by my ten bones, my signior, to be loyal to your lordship's intents, affairs: yea, my _monseigneur, que non ferai-je pour_ your pleasure? By my sworda, me be no _babillard_.[276]