Act 2, Scene I

SCENE I. Britain. Before Cymbeline's palace.

Enter CLOTEN and two Lords
CLOTEN
Was there ever man had such luck! when I kissed the
jack, upon an up-cast to be hit away! I had a
hundred pound on't: and then a whoreson jackanapes
must take me up for swearing; as if I borrowed mine
oaths of him and might not spend them at my pleasure.

First Lord
What got he by that? You have broke his pate with
your bowl.

Second Lord
[Aside] If his wit had been like him that broke it,
it would have run all out.

CLOTEN
When a gentleman is disposed to swear, it is not for
any standers-by to curtail his oaths, ha?

Second Lord
No my lord;

Aside

nor crop the ears of them.

CLOTEN
Whoreson dog! I give him satisfaction?
Would he had been one of my rank!

Second Lord
[Aside] To have smelt like a fool.

CLOTEN
I am not vexed more at any thing in the earth: a
pox on't! I had rather not be so noble as I am;
they dare not fight with me, because of the queen my
mother: every Jack-slave hath his bellyful of
fighting, and I must go up and down like a cock that
nobody can match.

Second Lord
[Aside] You are cock and capon too; and you crow,
cock, with your comb on.

CLOTEN
Sayest thou?

Second Lord
It is not fit your lordship should undertake every
companion that you give offence to.

CLOTEN
No, I know that: but it is fit I should commit
offence to my inferiors.

Second Lord
Ay, it is fit for your lordship only.

CLOTEN
Why, so I say.

First Lord
Did you hear of a stranger that's come to court to-night?

CLOTEN
A stranger, and I not know on't!

Second Lord
[Aside] He's a strange fellow himself, and knows it
not.

First Lord
There's an Italian come; and, 'tis thought, one of
Leonatus' friends.

CLOTEN
Leonatus! a banished rascal; and he's another,
whatsoever he be. Who told you of this stranger?

First Lord
One of your lordship's pages.

CLOTEN
Is it fit I went to look upon him? is there no
derogation in't?

Second Lord
You cannot derogate, my lord.

CLOTEN
Not easily, I think.

Second Lord
[Aside] You are a fool granted; therefore your
issues, being foolish, do not derogate.

CLOTEN
Come, I'll go see this Italian: what I have lost
to-day at bowls I'll win to-night of him. Come, go.

Second Lord
I'll attend your lordship.

Exeunt CLOTEN and First Lord

That such a crafty devil as is his mother
Should yield the world this ass! a woman that
Bears all down with her brain; and this