AUDREY

I do not know what 'poetical' is: is it honest in  deed and word? is it a true thing?

TOUCHSTONE

No, truly; for the truest poetry is the most  feigning; and lovers are given to poetry, and what
they swear in poetry may be said as lovers they do feign.

AUDREY

Do you wish then that the gods had made me poetical?

TOUCHSTONE

I do, truly; for thou swearest to me thou art  honest: now, if thou wert a poet, I might have some  hope thou didst feign.

AUDREY

Would you not have me honest?

TOUCHSTONE

No, truly, unless thou wert hard-favoured; for  honesty coupled to beauty is to have honey a sauce to sugar.

JAQUES

[Aside] A material fool!

AUDREY

Well, I am not fair; and therefore I pray the gods  make me honest.

TOUCHSTONE

Truly, and to cast away honesty upon a foul slut  were to put good meat into an unclean dish.

AUDREY

I am not a slut, though I thank the gods I am foul.

TOUCHSTONE

Well, praised be the gods for thy foulness!  sluttishness may come hereafter. But be it as it may  be, I will marry thee, and to that end I have been  with Sir Oliver Martext, the vicar of the next  village, who hath promised to meet me in this place  of the forest and to couple us.

JAQUES

[Aside] I would fain see this meeting.

AUDREY

Well, the gods give us joy!