This Shepherd's Life
Corin. And how like you this shepherd’s life, Master Touchstone?
Touchstone. Truly, shepherd, in respect of itself, it is a good life; but in respect
that it is a shepherd’s life, it is naught. In respect that it is solitary, I like it very
well; but in respect that it is private, it is a very vile life. Now in respect it is
in the fields, it pleaseth me well; but in respect it is not in court, it is tedious. As
it is a spare life, look you, it fits my humour well; but as there is no more plenty
in it, it goes much against my stomach. Hast any philosophy in thee, shepherd?
Corin. No more but that I know the more one sickens the worse at ease he is;
and that he that wants money, means, and content, is without three good friends;
that the property of rain is to wet, and fire to burn; that good pasture makes fat
sheep; and that a great cause of the night is lack of the sun; that he that hath
learned no wit by nature nor art may complain of good breeding, or comes of
a very dull kindred.
-William Shakespeare
As You Like It
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