_Boyet._ Under the cool shade of a sycamore I thought to close mine eyes some half an hour; 90 When, lo! to interrupt my purposed rest, Toward that shade I might behold addrest The king and his companions: warily I stole into a neighbour thicket by, And overheard what you shall overhear; 95 That, by and by, disguised they will be here. Their herald is a pretty knavish page, That well by heart hath conn’d his embassage: Action and accent did they teach him there; ‘Thus must thou speak,’ and ‘thus thy body bear:’ 100 And ever and anon they made a doubt Presence majestical would put him out; ‘For,’ quoth the king, ‘an angel shalt thou see; Yet fear not thou, but speak audaciously.’ The boy replied, ‘An angel is not evil; 105 I should have fear’d her, had she been a devil.’ With that, all laugh’d, and clapp’d him on the shoulder, Making the bold wag by their praises bolder: One rubb’d his elbow thus, and fleer’d and swore A better speech was never spoke before; 110 Another, with his finger and his thumb, Cried, ‘Via! we will do’t, come what will come;’ The third he caper’d, and cried, ‘All goes well;’ The fourth turn’d on the toe, and down he fell. With that, they all did tumble on the ground, 115 With such a zealous laughter, so profound, That in this spleen ridiculous appears, To check their folly, passion’s solemn tears. _Prin._ But what, but what, come they to visit us? _Boyet._ They do, they do; and are apparell’d thus, 120 Like Muscovites or Russians, as I guess. Their purpose is to parle, to court and dance; And every one his love-feat will advance Unto his several mistress, which they’ll know By favours several which they did bestow. 125 _Prin._ And will they so? the gallants shall be task’d; For, ladies, we will every one be mask’d; And not a man of them shall have the grace, Despite of suit, to see a lady’s face. Hold, Rosaline, this favour thou shalt wear, 130 And then the king will court thee for his dear; Hold, take thou this, my sweet, and give me thine, So shall Biron take me for Rosaline. And change you favours too; so shall your loves Woo contrary, deceived by these removes. 135 _Ros._ Come on, then; wear the favours most in sight. _Kath._ But in this changing what is your intent? _Prin._ The effect of my intent is to cross theirs: They do it but in mocking merriment; And mock for mock is only my intent. 140 Their several counsels they unbosom shall To loves mistook, and so be mock’d withal Upon the next occasion that we meet, With visages display’d, to talk and greet. _Ros._ But shall we dance, if they desire us to’t? 145