Remember 'stoned,' and 'flayed alive.'
Shepherd An't please you, sir, to undertake the business for
us, here is that gold I have: I'll make it as much
more and leave this young man in pawn till I bring it you.
AUTOLYCUS After I have done what I promised?
Shepherd Ay, sir.
AUTOLYCUS Well, give me the moiety. Are you a party in this business?
Clown In some sort, sir: but though my case be a pitiful
one, I hope I shall not be flayed out of it.
AUTOLYCUS O, that's the case of the shepherd's son: hang him,
he'll be made an example.
Clown Comfort, good comfort! We must to the king and show
our strange sights: he must know 'tis none of your
daughter nor my sister; we are gone else. Sir, I
will give you as much as this old man does when the
business is performed, and remain, as he says, your
pawn till it be brought you.
AUTOLYCUS I will trust you. Walk before toward the sea-side;
go on the right hand: I will but look upon the
hedge and follow you.
Clown We are blest in this man, as I may say, even blest.
Shepherd Let's before as he bids us: he was provided to do us good.
[Exeunt Shepherd and Clown]
AUTOLYCUS If I had a mind to be honest, I see Fortune would
not suffer me: she drops booties in my mouth. I am
courted now with a double occasion, gold and a means
to do the prince my master good; which who knows how
that may turn back to my advancement? I will bring
these two moles, these blind ones, aboard him: if he
think it fit to shore them again and that the
complaint they have to the king concerns him
nothing, let him call me rogue for being so far
officious; for I am proof against that title and
what shame else belongs to't.
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