Healthful Old Age

William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

From “As You Like It,” Act II. Sc. 2.

ADAM.—Let me be your servant;

Though I look old, yet am I strong and lusty:

For in my youth I never did apply

Hot and rebellious liquors in my blood;

Nor did not with unbashful forehead woo

The means of weakness and debility.

Therefore my age is as a lusty winter,

Frosty, but kindly: let me go with you;

I ’ll do the service of a younger man

In all your business and necessities.