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Shakespeare plays LAUNCE on stage

A view of the stage, with a sign telling us that we are in a street in Verona. Shakespeare is centre-stage, performing as Launce dressed in Elizabethan style. He stands with his arms crossed, looking down despairingly at his dog who sits on his haunches in front of him returning his gaze unabashed

[Enter Launce and his dog]

LAUNCE I am going away with Sir Protheus to the Imperial's court. I think Crab, my dog, be the sourest-natured dog that lives: my mother weeping; my father wailing; my sister crying; our maid howling; our cat wringing her hands, and all our house in a great perplexity; yet did not this cruel-hearted cur shed on tear. He is a stone, a very pebble stone, and has no more pity in him than a dog.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act 2 Scene 3

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