Of all opinion that grows rank in them
That I am wise. I must have liberty
Withal, as large a charter as the wind, 48
To blow on whom I please; for so fools have:
And they that are most galled with my folly,
They most must laugh. And why, sir, must they so?
The 'why' is plain as way to parish church: 52
He that a fool doth very wisely hit
Doth very foolishly, although he smart,
Not to seem senseless of the bob; if not,
The wise man's folly is anatomiz'd 56
Even by the squandering glances of the fool.
Invest me in my motley; give me leave
To speak my mind, and I will through and through
Cleanse the foul body of th' infected world, 60
If they will patiently receive my medicine.
Duke S. Fie on thee! I can tell what thou wouldst do.
Jaq. What, for a counter, would I do, but good?
Duke S. Most mischievous foul sin, in chiding sin: 64
For thou thyself hast been a libertine,
As sensual as the brutish sting itself;
And all the embossed sores and headed evils,
That thou with licence of free foot hast caught, 68
Wouldst thou disgorge into the general world.
Jaq. Why, who cries out on pride,
That can therein tax any private party?
Doth it not flow as hugely as the sea, 72
Till that the weary very means do ebb?
48 large . . . charter: broad license
50 galled: made sore
55 senseless: insensible
bob: taunt
57 squandering: random
63 counter: a coin of no intrinsic value
66 sting: carnal impulse
67 embossed: swollen
headed evils: diseases come to a head
68 licence of free foot: licentious freedom
69 general: whole
71 tax: censure
73 weary very; cf. n.
