Part 18

Ser. I do but partly know, sir; it is music in parts.

Pan. Know you the musicians?

Ser. Wholly, sir.

Pan. Who play they to?

Ser. To the hearers, sir.

Pan. At whose pleasure, friend?

Ser. At mine, sir, and theirs that love music.

Pan. Command, I mean, friend.

Ser. Who shall I command, sir?

Pan. Friend, we understand not one another: I am to courtly, and thou art too cunning. At whose request do these men play?

Ser. That’s to’t, indeed, sir. Marry, sir, at the request of Paris my lord, who is there in person; with him the mortal Venus, the heart-blood of beauty, love’s invisible soul-

Pan. Who, my cousin, Creſſida?

Ser. No, sir, Helen. Could not you find out that by her attributes?

Pan. It should seem, fellow, that thou hast not seen the Lady Creſſida. I come to speak with Paris from the Prince Troylus; I will make a complimental assault upon him, for my business seethes.

Ser. Sodden business! There’s a stew’d phrase indeed!

Enter Paris and Helena.

Pan. Fair be to you, my lord, and to all this fair company! Fair desires, in all fair measure, fairly guide them- especially to you, fair queen! Fair thoughts be your fair pillow.

Hel. Dear lord, you are full of fair words.

Pan. You speak your fair pleasure, sweet queen. Fair prince, here is good broken music.

Par. You have broke it, cousin; and by my life, you shall make it whole again; you shall piece it out with a piece of your performance.

Hel. He is full of harmony.

Pan. Truly, lady, no.

Hel. O, sir-

Pan. Rude, in sooth; in good sooth, very rude.

Par. Well said, my lord. Well, you say so in fits.

Pan. I have business to my lord, dear queen. My lord, will you vouchsafe me a word?

Hel. Nay, this shall not hedge us out. We’ll hear you sing, certainly-

Pan. Well sweet queen, you are pleasant with me. But, marry, thus, my lord: my dear lord and most esteemed friend, your brother Troylus-