ACT 5. SCENE 2.
Geron. The four Rusticks.
Ger.
My Rustici amici, your Councel and
Your vertue have restor'd me. And tis true
As Wholom said the good Antisthenes
Vertue is armour 'gainst the very fates.
1. Rus.
We told you for your good, good Mr. Geron,
Fond love became you not.
2. Rus.
It sat upon your coat like burs or bryars
Stuck in the hindlocks of our fleecy sheep;
Who shake their heads; figgle, and writh their tayls,
And bleat for woe; sprinkle the ground behind'em
Sometimes I wisse: Twould make one laugh and pitty'em
And all at once, but all remediless.
Til we with helping wit and hands release'em
Gar.
A wise man then in love is like a sheep
l'th' bryars. As Whilome said
3. Rus.
But (by the way)
What was that Whilome, Sir, you speak much of him,
But what was he pray.
Ger.
An ancient Britain, whom I have affected
As idly as my love. But I'le forget it
And use that word no more. The clowns have found me.
4. Rus.
But will you now proceed upon your plot
For th'honour of Tempe plains, and Tempe swains.
Ger.
You can all dance.
2. Rus.
After our countrey guise.
3. Rus.
Like so many light horses.
1. Rus.
So can our wives
Who have follow'd us up to Court we thank'em