IACHIMO

I dare thereupon pawn the moiety of my estate to
your ring; which, in my opinion, o'ervalues it
something: but I make my wager rather against your
confidence than her reputation: and, to bar your
offence herein too, I durst attempt it against any
lady in the world.

POSTHUMUS LEONATUS

You are a great deal abused in too bold a
persuasion; and I doubt not you sustain what you're
worthy of by your attempt.

IACHIMO

What's that?

POSTHUMUS LEONATUS

A repulse: though your attempt, as you call it,
deserve more; a punishment too.

PHILARIO

Gentlemen, enough of this: it came in too suddenly;
let it die as it was born, and, I pray you, be
better acquainted.

IACHIMO

Would I had put my estate and my neighbour's on the
approbation of what I have spoke!

POSTHUMUS LEONATUS

What lady would you choose to assail?

IACHIMO

Yours; whom in constancy you think stands so safe.
I will lay you ten thousand ducats to your ring,
that, commend me to the court where your lady is,
with no more advantage than the opportunity of a
second conference, and I will bring from thence
that honour of hers which you imagine so reserved.

POSTHUMUS LEONATUS

I will wage against your gold, gold to it: my ring
I hold dear as my finger; 'tis part of it.

IACHIMO

You are afraid, and therein the wiser. If you buy
ladies' flesh at a million a dram, you cannot
preserve it from tainting: but I see you have some
religion in you, that you fear.

POSTHUMUS LEONATUS

This is but a custom in your tongue; you bear a
graver purpose, I hope.

IACHIMO

I am the master of my speeches, and would undergo
what's spoken, I swear.