How now, what art thou?

King Lear
How now, what art thou?
Kent
A man, sir.
King Lear
What dost thou profess? What wouldst thou with us?
Kent
I do profess to be no less than I seem, to serve
him truly that will put me in trust, to love him that
is honest, to converse with him that is wise and says
little, to fear judgment, to fight when I cannot
choose, and to eat no fish.
King Lear
What art thou?
Kent
A very honest-hearted fellow, and as poor as the King.
King Lear
If thou be'st as poor for a subject as he's for a
king, thou art poor enough. What wouldst thou?
Kent
Service.
King Lear
Who wouldst thou serve?
Kent
You.
King Lear
Dost thou know me, fellow?
Kent
No, sir, but you have that in your countenance
which I would fain call master.
King Lear
What's that?
Kent
Authority.
King Lear
What services canst do?
Kent
I can keep honest counsel, ride, run, mar a
curious tale in telling it, and deliver a plain message
bluntly. That which ordinary men are fit for I
am qualified in, and the best of me is diligence.
King Lear
How old art thou?
Kent
Not so young, sir, to love a woman for singing,
nor so old to dote on her for anything. I have years
on my back forty-eight.
King Lear
Follow me. Thou shalt serve me—if I like thee
no worse after dinner. I will not part from thee yet.