when I have fought with the men, I will be cruel
with the maids; I will cut off their heads.
Gre. The heads of the maids? 28
Sam. Ay, the heads of the maids, or their
maidenheads; take in what sense thou wilt.
Gre. They must take it in sense that feel it.
Sam. Me they shall feel while I am able to
stand; and 'tis known I am a pretty piece of
flesh. 34
Gre. 'Tis well thou art not fish; if thou hadst,
thou hadst been poor John. Draw thy tool; here
comes two of the house of the Montagues. 37
Enter two other serving-men [Abraham and Balthasar].
Sam. My naked weapon is out; quarrel, I
will back thee.
Gre. How! turn thy back and run? 40
Sam. Fear me not.
Gre. No, marry; I fear thee!
Sam. Let us take the law of our sides; let
them begin. 44
Gre. I will frown as I pass by, and let them
take it as they list.
Sam. Nay, as they dare. I will bite my
thumb at them; which is a disgrace to them, if
they bear it. 49
Abr. Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?
Sam. I do bite my thumb, sir.
Abr. Do you bite your thumb at us, sir? 52
Sam. [Aside to Gregory.] Is the law of our
side if I say ay?
31 sense: here, 'physical perception'
36 poor John: an inferior dried fish, hake
tool: weapon
42 marry: an oath from the name of S. Mary
43 take the law of our sides: have the law on our side
list: please
47 bite my thumb; cf. n.
