KENT.
To go out of my dialect, which you discommend so much. I know,
sir, I am no flatterer: he that beguiled you in a plain accent
was a plain knave; which, for my part, I will not be, though I
should win your displeasure to entreat me to't.
CORNWALL.
What was the offence you gave him?
OSWALD.
I never gave him any:
It pleas'd the king his master very late
To strike at me, upon his misconstruction;
When he, compact, and flattering his displeasure,
Tripp'd me behind; being down, insulted, rail'd
And put upon him such a deal of man,
That worthied him, got praises of the king
For him attempting who was self-subdu'd;
And, in the fleshment of this dread exploit,
Drew on me here again.
KENT.
None of these rogues and cowards
But Ajax is their fool.
CORNWALL.
Fetch forth the stocks! —
You stubborn ancient knave, you reverent braggart,
We'll teach you, —
KENT.
Sir, I am too old to learn:
Call not your stocks for me: I serve the king;
On whose employment I was sent to you:
You shall do small respect, show too bold malice
Against the grace and person of my master,
Stocking his messenger.
CORNWALL.
Fetch forth the stocks! — As I have life and honour,
there shall he sit till noon.
REGAN.
Till noon! Till night, my lord; and all night too!
KENT.
Why, madam, if I were your father's dog,
You should not use me so.
