Yes, faith; it is my cousin's duty to make curtsy and say 'Father, as it please you.' But yet for all that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or else make another curtsy and say 'Father, as it please me.
In this excerpt from Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," a character discusses the expectations placed on family and social hierarchy. The duty to show respect, such as making a curtsy, is emphasized, illustrating the formalities involved in familial relationships. The reference to the cousin's obligation suggests that appearances hold significant weight in their interactions.
Furthermore, the statement "let him be a handsome fellow" implies that physical attractiveness can influence familial affection and respect. The notion that if the cousin is not appealing, he might need to alter his behavior shows the interplay between personal qualities and social expectations, highlighting the importance of both duty and personal appeal in relationships.
