And how like you this shepherd’s life, Master Touchstone?

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 the court, it is
tedious. As it is a spare life, look you, it fits my
humor well; but as there is no more plenty in it, it
goes much against my stomach. Hast any philosophy
in thee, shepherd?

Such a one is a natural philosopher.

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.
Touchstone
Such a one is a natural philosopher. Wast
ever in court, shepherd?
Corin
No, truly.
Touchstone
Then thou art damned.
Corin
Nay, I hope.
Touchstone
Truly, thou art damned, like an ill-roasted
egg, all on one side.
Corin
For not being at court? Your reason.
Touchstone
Why, if thou never wast at court, thou
never saw’st good manners; if thou never saw’st
good manners, then thy manners must be wicked,
and wickedness is sin, and sin is damnation. Thou
art in a parlous state, shepherd.
Corin
Not a whit, Touchstone. Those that are good
manners at the court are as ridiculous in the
country as the behavior of the country is most
mockable at the court.