| <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> |
| <PLAY> |
| <TITLE>All's Well That Ends Well</TITLE> |
| |
| <FM> |
| <P>ASCII text placed in the public domain by Moby Lexical Tools, 1992.</P> |
| <P>SGML markup by Jon Bosak, 1992-1994.</P> |
| <P>XML version by Jon Bosak, 1996-1999.</P> |
| <P>The XML markup in this version is Copyright © 1999 Jon Bosak. |
| This work may freely be distributed on condition that it not be |
| modified or altered in any way.</P> |
| </FM> |
| |
| <PERSONAE> |
| <TITLE>Dramatis Personae</TITLE> |
| |
| <PERSONA>KING OF FRANCE</PERSONA> |
| <PERSONA>DUKE OF FLORENCE</PERSONA> |
| <PERSONA>BERTRAM, Count of Rousillon.</PERSONA> |
| <PERSONA>LAFEU, an old lord.</PERSONA> |
| <PERSONA>PAROLLES, a follower of Bertram.</PERSONA> |
| |
| <PGROUP> |
| <PERSONA>Steward</PERSONA> |
| <PERSONA>Clown</PERSONA> |
| <GRPDESCR>servants to the Countess of Rousillon.</GRPDESCR> |
| </PGROUP> |
| |
| <PERSONA>A Page. </PERSONA> |
| <PERSONA>COUNTESS OF ROUSILLON, mother to Bertram. </PERSONA> |
| <PERSONA>HELENA, a gentlewoman protected by the Countess.</PERSONA> |
| <PERSONA>An old Widow of Florence. </PERSONA> |
| <PERSONA>DIANA, daughter to the Widow.</PERSONA> |
| |
| <PGROUP> |
| <PERSONA>VIOLENTA</PERSONA> |
| <PERSONA>MARIANA</PERSONA> |
| <GRPDESCR>neighbours and friends to the Widow.</GRPDESCR> |
| </PGROUP> |
| |
| <PERSONA>Lords, Officers, Soldiers, &c., French and Florentine.</PERSONA> |
| </PERSONAE> |
| |
| <SCNDESCR>SCENE Rousillon; Paris; Florence; Marseilles.</SCNDESCR> |
| |
| <PLAYSUBT>ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL</PLAYSUBT> |
| |
| <ACT><TITLE>ACT I</TITLE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE I. Rousillon. The COUNT's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter BERTRAM, the COUNTESS of Rousillon, HELENA, |
| and LAFEU, all in black</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>In delivering my son from me, I bury a second husband.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And I in going, madam, weep o'er my father's death</LINE> |
| <LINE>anew: but I must attend his majesty's command, to</LINE> |
| <LINE>whom I am now in ward, evermore in subjection.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You shall find of the king a husband, madam; you,</LINE> |
| <LINE>sir, a father: he that so generally is at all times</LINE> |
| <LINE>good must of necessity hold his virtue to you; whose</LINE> |
| <LINE>worthiness would stir it up where it wanted rather</LINE> |
| <LINE>than lack it where there is such abundance.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What hope is there of his majesty's amendment?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He hath abandoned his physicians, madam; under whose</LINE> |
| <LINE>practises he hath persecuted time with hope, and</LINE> |
| <LINE>finds no other advantage in the process but only the</LINE> |
| <LINE>losing of hope by time.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This young gentlewoman had a father,--O, that</LINE> |
| <LINE>'had'! how sad a passage 'tis!--whose skill was</LINE> |
| <LINE>almost as great as his honesty; had it stretched so</LINE> |
| <LINE>far, would have made nature immortal, and death</LINE> |
| <LINE>should have play for lack of work. Would, for the</LINE> |
| <LINE>king's sake, he were living! I think it would be</LINE> |
| <LINE>the death of the king's disease.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How called you the man you speak of, madam?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He was famous, sir, in his profession, and it was</LINE> |
| <LINE>his great right to be so: Gerard de Narbon.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He was excellent indeed, madam: the king very</LINE> |
| <LINE>lately spoke of him admiringly and mourningly: he</LINE> |
| <LINE>was skilful enough to have lived still, if knowledge</LINE> |
| <LINE>could be set up against mortality.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What is it, my good lord, the king languishes of?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A fistula, my lord.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I heard not of it before.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I would it were not notorious. Was this gentlewoman</LINE> |
| <LINE>the daughter of Gerard de Narbon?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>His sole child, my lord, and bequeathed to my</LINE> |
| <LINE>overlooking. I have those hopes of her good that</LINE> |
| <LINE>her education promises; her dispositions she</LINE> |
| <LINE>inherits, which makes fair gifts fairer; for where</LINE> |
| <LINE>an unclean mind carries virtuous qualities, there</LINE> |
| <LINE>commendations go with pity; they are virtues and</LINE> |
| <LINE>traitors too; in her they are the better for their</LINE> |
| <LINE>simpleness; she derives her honesty and achieves her goodness.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Your commendations, madam, get from her tears.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Tis the best brine a maiden can season her praise</LINE> |
| <LINE>in. The remembrance of her father never approaches</LINE> |
| <LINE>her heart but the tyranny of her sorrows takes all</LINE> |
| <LINE>livelihood from her cheek. No more of this, Helena;</LINE> |
| <LINE>go to, no more; lest it be rather thought you affect</LINE> |
| <LINE>a sorrow than have it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I do affect a sorrow indeed, but I have it too.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Moderate lamentation is the right of the dead,</LINE> |
| <LINE>excessive grief the enemy to the living.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If the living be enemy to the grief, the excess</LINE> |
| <LINE>makes it soon mortal.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Madam, I desire your holy wishes.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How understand we that?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Be thou blest, Bertram, and succeed thy father</LINE> |
| <LINE>In manners, as in shape! thy blood and virtue</LINE> |
| <LINE>Contend for empire in thee, and thy goodness</LINE> |
| <LINE>Share with thy birthright! Love all, trust a few,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Do wrong to none: be able for thine enemy</LINE> |
| <LINE>Rather in power than use, and keep thy friend</LINE> |
| <LINE>Under thy own life's key: be cheque'd for silence,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But never tax'd for speech. What heaven more will,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That thee may furnish and my prayers pluck down,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Fall on thy head! Farewell, my lord;</LINE> |
| <LINE>'Tis an unseason'd courtier; good my lord,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Advise him.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He cannot want the best</LINE> |
| <LINE>That shall attend his love.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Heaven bless him! Farewell, Bertram.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>To HELENA</STAGEDIR> The best wishes that can be forged in</LINE> |
| <LINE>your thoughts be servants to you! Be comfortable</LINE> |
| <LINE>to my mother, your mistress, and make much of her.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Farewell, pretty lady: you must hold the credit of</LINE> |
| <LINE>your father.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt BERTRAM and LAFEU</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O, were that all! I think not on my father;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And these great tears grace his remembrance more</LINE> |
| <LINE>Than those I shed for him. What was he like?</LINE> |
| <LINE>I have forgot him: my imagination</LINE> |
| <LINE>Carries no favour in't but Bertram's.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I am undone: there is no living, none,</LINE> |
| <LINE>If Bertram be away. 'Twere all one</LINE> |
| <LINE>That I should love a bright particular star</LINE> |
| <LINE>And think to wed it, he is so above me:</LINE> |
| <LINE>In his bright radiance and collateral light</LINE> |
| <LINE>Must I be comforted, not in his sphere.</LINE> |
| <LINE>The ambition in my love thus plagues itself:</LINE> |
| <LINE>The hind that would be mated by the lion</LINE> |
| <LINE>Must die for love. 'Twas pretty, though plague,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To see him every hour; to sit and draw</LINE> |
| <LINE>His arched brows, his hawking eye, his curls,</LINE> |
| <LINE>In our heart's table; heart too capable</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of every line and trick of his sweet favour:</LINE> |
| <LINE>But now he's gone, and my idolatrous fancy</LINE> |
| <LINE>Must sanctify his reliques. Who comes here?</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| <STAGEDIR>Aside</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>One that goes with him: I love him for his sake;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And yet I know him a notorious liar,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Think him a great way fool, solely a coward;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Yet these fixed evils sit so fit in him,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That they take place, when virtue's steely bones</LINE> |
| <LINE>Look bleak i' the cold wind: withal, full oft we see</LINE> |
| <LINE>Cold wisdom waiting on superfluous folly.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Save you, fair queen!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And you, monarch!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And no.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Are you meditating on virginity?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay. You have some stain of soldier in you: let me</LINE> |
| <LINE>ask you a question. Man is enemy to virginity; how</LINE> |
| <LINE>may we barricado it against him?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Keep him out.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But he assails; and our virginity, though valiant,</LINE> |
| <LINE>in the defence yet is weak: unfold to us some</LINE> |
| <LINE>warlike resistance.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>There is none: man, sitting down before you, will</LINE> |
| <LINE>undermine you and blow you up.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Bless our poor virginity from underminers and</LINE> |
| <LINE>blowers up! Is there no military policy, how</LINE> |
| <LINE>virgins might blow up men?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Virginity being blown down, man will quicklier be</LINE> |
| <LINE>blown up: marry, in blowing him down again, with</LINE> |
| <LINE>the breach yourselves made, you lose your city. It</LINE> |
| <LINE>is not politic in the commonwealth of nature to</LINE> |
| <LINE>preserve virginity. Loss of virginity is rational</LINE> |
| <LINE>increase and there was never virgin got till</LINE> |
| <LINE>virginity was first lost. That you were made of is</LINE> |
| <LINE>metal to make virgins. Virginity by being once lost</LINE> |
| <LINE>may be ten times found; by being ever kept, it is</LINE> |
| <LINE>ever lost: 'tis too cold a companion; away with 't!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I will stand for 't a little, though therefore I die a virgin.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>There's little can be said in 't; 'tis against the</LINE> |
| <LINE>rule of nature. To speak on the part of virginity,</LINE> |
| <LINE>is to accuse your mothers; which is most infallible</LINE> |
| <LINE>disobedience. He that hangs himself is a virgin:</LINE> |
| <LINE>virginity murders itself and should be buried in</LINE> |
| <LINE>highways out of all sanctified limit, as a desperate</LINE> |
| <LINE>offendress against nature. Virginity breeds mites,</LINE> |
| <LINE>much like a cheese; consumes itself to the very</LINE> |
| <LINE>paring, and so dies with feeding his own stomach.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Besides, virginity is peevish, proud, idle, made of</LINE> |
| <LINE>self-love, which is the most inhibited sin in the</LINE> |
| <LINE>canon. Keep it not; you cannot choose but loose</LINE> |
| <LINE>by't: out with 't! within ten year it will make</LINE> |
| <LINE>itself ten, which is a goodly increase; and the</LINE> |
| <LINE>principal itself not much the worse: away with 't!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How might one do, sir, to lose it to her own liking?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Let me see: marry, ill, to like him that ne'er it</LINE> |
| <LINE>likes. 'Tis a commodity will lose the gloss with</LINE> |
| <LINE>lying; the longer kept, the less worth: off with 't</LINE> |
| <LINE>while 'tis vendible; answer the time of request.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Virginity, like an old courtier, wears her cap out</LINE> |
| <LINE>of fashion: richly suited, but unsuitable: just</LINE> |
| <LINE>like the brooch and the tooth-pick, which wear not</LINE> |
| <LINE>now. Your date is better in your pie and your</LINE> |
| <LINE>porridge than in your cheek; and your virginity,</LINE> |
| <LINE>your old virginity, is like one of our French</LINE> |
| <LINE>withered pears, it looks ill, it eats drily; marry,</LINE> |
| <LINE>'tis a withered pear; it was formerly better;</LINE> |
| <LINE>marry, yet 'tis a withered pear: will you anything with it?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Not my virginity yet</LINE> |
| <LINE>There shall your master have a thousand loves,</LINE> |
| <LINE>A mother and a mistress and a friend,</LINE> |
| <LINE>A phoenix, captain and an enemy,</LINE> |
| <LINE>A guide, a goddess, and a sovereign,</LINE> |
| <LINE>A counsellor, a traitress, and a dear;</LINE> |
| <LINE>His humble ambition, proud humility,</LINE> |
| <LINE>His jarring concord, and his discord dulcet,</LINE> |
| <LINE>His faith, his sweet disaster; with a world</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of pretty, fond, adoptious christendoms,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That blinking Cupid gossips. Now shall he--</LINE> |
| <LINE>I know not what he shall. God send him well!</LINE> |
| <LINE>The court's a learning place, and he is one--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What one, i' faith?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That I wish well. 'Tis pity--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What's pity?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That wishing well had not a body in't,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which might be felt; that we, the poorer born,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whose baser stars do shut us up in wishes,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Might with effects of them follow our friends,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And show what we alone must think, which never</LINE> |
| <LINE>Return us thanks.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter Page</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Page</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Monsieur Parolles, my lord calls for you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Little Helen, farewell; if I can remember thee, I</LINE> |
| <LINE>will think of thee at court.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Monsieur Parolles, you were born under a charitable star.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Under Mars, I.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I especially think, under Mars.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why under Mars?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The wars have so kept you under that you must needs</LINE> |
| <LINE>be born under Mars.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>When he was predominant.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>When he was retrograde, I think, rather.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why think you so?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You go so much backward when you fight.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That's for advantage.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So is running away, when fear proposes the safety;</LINE> |
| <LINE>but the composition that your valour and fear makes</LINE> |
| <LINE>in you is a virtue of a good wing, and I like the wear well.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am so full of businesses, I cannot answer thee</LINE> |
| <LINE>acutely. I will return perfect courtier; in the</LINE> |
| <LINE>which, my instruction shall serve to naturalize</LINE> |
| <LINE>thee, so thou wilt be capable of a courtier's</LINE> |
| <LINE>counsel and understand what advice shall thrust upon</LINE> |
| <LINE>thee; else thou diest in thine unthankfulness, and</LINE> |
| <LINE>thine ignorance makes thee away: farewell. When</LINE> |
| <LINE>thou hast leisure, say thy prayers; when thou hast</LINE> |
| <LINE>none, remember thy friends; get thee a good husband,</LINE> |
| <LINE>and use him as he uses thee; so, farewell.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which we ascribe to heaven: the fated sky</LINE> |
| <LINE>Gives us free scope, only doth backward pull</LINE> |
| <LINE>Our slow designs when we ourselves are dull.</LINE> |
| <LINE>What power is it which mounts my love so high,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That makes me see, and cannot feed mine eye?</LINE> |
| <LINE>The mightiest space in fortune nature brings</LINE> |
| <LINE>To join like likes and kiss like native things.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Impossible be strange attempts to those</LINE> |
| <LINE>That weigh their pains in sense and do suppose</LINE> |
| <LINE>What hath been cannot be: who ever strove</LINE> |
| <LINE>So show her merit, that did miss her love?</LINE> |
| <LINE>The king's disease--my project may deceive me,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But my intents are fix'd and will not leave me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE II. Paris. The KING's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Flourish of cornets. Enter the KING of France, |
| with letters, and divers Attendants</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The Florentines and Senoys are by the ears;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Have fought with equal fortune and continue</LINE> |
| <LINE>A braving war.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So 'tis reported, sir.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, 'tis most credible; we here received it</LINE> |
| <LINE>A certainty, vouch'd from our cousin Austria,</LINE> |
| <LINE>With caution that the Florentine will move us</LINE> |
| <LINE>For speedy aid; wherein our dearest friend</LINE> |
| <LINE>Prejudicates the business and would seem</LINE> |
| <LINE>To have us make denial.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>His love and wisdom,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Approved so to your majesty, may plead</LINE> |
| <LINE>For amplest credence.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He hath arm'd our answer,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And Florence is denied before he comes:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Yet, for our gentlemen that mean to see</LINE> |
| <LINE>The Tuscan service, freely have they leave</LINE> |
| <LINE>To stand on either part.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It well may serve</LINE> |
| <LINE>A nursery to our gentry, who are sick</LINE> |
| <LINE>For breathing and exploit.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What's he comes here?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter BERTRAM, LAFEU, and PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It is the Count Rousillon, my good lord,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Young Bertram.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Youth, thou bear'st thy father's face;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Frank nature, rather curious than in haste,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Hath well composed thee. Thy father's moral parts</LINE> |
| <LINE>Mayst thou inherit too! Welcome to Paris.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My thanks and duty are your majesty's.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I would I had that corporal soundness now,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As when thy father and myself in friendship</LINE> |
| <LINE>First tried our soldiership! He did look far</LINE> |
| <LINE>Into the service of the time and was</LINE> |
| <LINE>Discipled of the bravest: he lasted long;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But on us both did haggish age steal on</LINE> |
| <LINE>And wore us out of act. It much repairs me</LINE> |
| <LINE>To talk of your good father. In his youth</LINE> |
| <LINE>He had the wit which I can well observe</LINE> |
| <LINE>To-day in our young lords; but they may jest</LINE> |
| <LINE>Till their own scorn return to them unnoted</LINE> |
| <LINE>Ere they can hide their levity in honour;</LINE> |
| <LINE>So like a courtier, contempt nor bitterness</LINE> |
| <LINE>Were in his pride or sharpness; if they were,</LINE> |
| <LINE>His equal had awaked them, and his honour,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Clock to itself, knew the true minute when</LINE> |
| <LINE>Exception bid him speak, and at this time</LINE> |
| <LINE>His tongue obey'd his hand: who were below him</LINE> |
| <LINE>He used as creatures of another place</LINE> |
| <LINE>And bow'd his eminent top to their low ranks,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Making them proud of his humility,</LINE> |
| <LINE>In their poor praise he humbled. Such a man</LINE> |
| <LINE>Might be a copy to these younger times;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which, follow'd well, would demonstrate them now</LINE> |
| <LINE>But goers backward.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>His good remembrance, sir,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Lies richer in your thoughts than on his tomb;</LINE> |
| <LINE>So in approof lives not his epitaph</LINE> |
| <LINE>As in your royal speech.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Would I were with him! He would always say--</LINE> |
| <LINE>Methinks I hear him now; his plausive words</LINE> |
| <LINE>He scatter'd not in ears, but grafted them,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To grow there and to bear,--'Let me not live,'--</LINE> |
| <LINE>This his good melancholy oft began,</LINE> |
| <LINE>On the catastrophe and heel of pastime,</LINE> |
| <LINE>When it was out,--'Let me not live,' quoth he,</LINE> |
| <LINE>'After my flame lacks oil, to be the snuff</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of younger spirits, whose apprehensive senses</LINE> |
| <LINE>All but new things disdain; whose judgments are</LINE> |
| <LINE>Mere fathers of their garments; whose constancies</LINE> |
| <LINE>Expire before their fashions.' This he wish'd;</LINE> |
| <LINE>I after him do after him wish too,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Since I nor wax nor honey can bring home,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I quickly were dissolved from my hive,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To give some labourers room.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You are loved, sir:</LINE> |
| <LINE>They that least lend it you shall lack you first.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I fill a place, I know't. How long is't, count,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Since the physician at your father's died?</LINE> |
| <LINE>He was much famed.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Some six months since, my lord.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If he were living, I would try him yet.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Lend me an arm; the rest have worn me out</LINE> |
| <LINE>With several applications; nature and sickness</LINE> |
| <LINE>Debate it at their leisure. Welcome, count;</LINE> |
| <LINE>My son's no dearer.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Thank your majesty.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt. Flourish</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE III. Rousillon. The COUNT's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter COUNTESS, Steward, and Clown</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I will now hear; what say you of this gentlewoman?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Steward</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Madam, the care I have had to even your content, I</LINE> |
| <LINE>wish might be found in the calendar of my past</LINE> |
| <LINE>endeavours; for then we wound our modesty and make</LINE> |
| <LINE>foul the clearness of our deservings, when of</LINE> |
| <LINE>ourselves we publish them.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What does this knave here? Get you gone, sirrah:</LINE> |
| <LINE>the complaints I have heard of you I do not all</LINE> |
| <LINE>believe: 'tis my slowness that I do not; for I know</LINE> |
| <LINE>you lack not folly to commit them, and have ability</LINE> |
| <LINE>enough to make such knaveries yours.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Tis not unknown to you, madam, I am a poor fellow.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well, sir.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No, madam, 'tis not so well that I am poor, though</LINE> |
| <LINE>many of the rich are damned: but, if I may have</LINE> |
| <LINE>your ladyship's good will to go to the world, Isbel</LINE> |
| <LINE>the woman and I will do as we may.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Wilt thou needs be a beggar?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I do beg your good will in this case.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>In what case?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>In Isbel's case and mine own. Service is no</LINE> |
| <LINE>heritage: and I think I shall never have the</LINE> |
| <LINE>blessing of God till I have issue o' my body; for</LINE> |
| <LINE>they say barnes are blessings.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Tell me thy reason why thou wilt marry.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My poor body, madam, requires it: I am driven on</LINE> |
| <LINE>by the flesh; and he must needs go that the devil drives.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Is this all your worship's reason?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Faith, madam, I have other holy reasons such as they</LINE> |
| <LINE>are.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>May the world know them?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have been, madam, a wicked creature, as you and</LINE> |
| <LINE>all flesh and blood are; and, indeed, I do marry</LINE> |
| <LINE>that I may repent.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Thy marriage, sooner than thy wickedness.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am out o' friends, madam; and I hope to have</LINE> |
| <LINE>friends for my wife's sake.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Such friends are thine enemies, knave.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You're shallow, madam, in great friends; for the</LINE> |
| <LINE>knaves come to do that for me which I am aweary of.</LINE> |
| <LINE>He that ears my land spares my team and gives me</LINE> |
| <LINE>leave to in the crop; if I be his cuckold, he's my</LINE> |
| <LINE>drudge: he that comforts my wife is the cherisher</LINE> |
| <LINE>of my flesh and blood; he that cherishes my flesh</LINE> |
| <LINE>and blood loves my flesh and blood; he that loves my</LINE> |
| <LINE>flesh and blood is my friend: ergo, he that kisses</LINE> |
| <LINE>my wife is my friend. If men could be contented to</LINE> |
| <LINE>be what they are, there were no fear in marriage;</LINE> |
| <LINE>for young Charbon the Puritan and old Poysam the</LINE> |
| <LINE>Papist, howsome'er their hearts are severed in</LINE> |
| <LINE>religion, their heads are both one; they may jowl</LINE> |
| <LINE>horns together, like any deer i' the herd.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Wilt thou ever be a foul-mouthed and calumnious knave?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A prophet I, madam; and I speak the truth the next</LINE> |
| <LINE>way:</LINE> |
| <LINE>For I the ballad will repeat,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which men full true shall find;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Your marriage comes by destiny,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Your cuckoo sings by kind.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Get you gone, sir; I'll talk with you more anon.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Steward</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>May it please you, madam, that he bid Helen come to</LINE> |
| <LINE>you: of her I am to speak.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sirrah, tell my gentlewoman I would speak with her;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Helen, I mean.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Was this fair face the cause, quoth she,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Why the Grecians sacked Troy?</LINE> |
| <LINE>Fond done, done fond,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Was this King Priam's joy?</LINE> |
| <LINE>With that she sighed as she stood,</LINE> |
| <LINE>With that she sighed as she stood,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And gave this sentence then;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Among nine bad if one be good,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Among nine bad if one be good,</LINE> |
| <LINE>There's yet one good in ten.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What, one good in ten? you corrupt the song, sirrah.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>One good woman in ten, madam; which is a purifying</LINE> |
| <LINE>o' the song: would God would serve the world so all</LINE> |
| <LINE>the year! we'ld find no fault with the tithe-woman,</LINE> |
| <LINE>if I were the parson. One in ten, quoth a'! An we</LINE> |
| <LINE>might have a good woman born but one every blazing</LINE> |
| <LINE>star, or at an earthquake, 'twould mend the lottery</LINE> |
| <LINE>well: a man may draw his heart out, ere a' pluck</LINE> |
| <LINE>one.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You'll be gone, sir knave, and do as I command you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That man should be at woman's command, and yet no</LINE> |
| <LINE>hurt done! Though honesty be no puritan, yet it</LINE> |
| <LINE>will do no hurt; it will wear the surplice of</LINE> |
| <LINE>humility over the black gown of a big heart. I am</LINE> |
| <LINE>going, forsooth: the business is for Helen to come hither.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well, now.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Steward</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I know, madam, you love your gentlewoman entirely.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Faith, I do: her father bequeathed her to me; and</LINE> |
| <LINE>she herself, without other advantage, may lawfully</LINE> |
| <LINE>make title to as much love as she finds: there is</LINE> |
| <LINE>more owing her than is paid; and more shall be paid</LINE> |
| <LINE>her than she'll demand.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Steward</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Madam, I was very late more near her than I think</LINE> |
| <LINE>she wished me: alone she was, and did communicate</LINE> |
| <LINE>to herself her own words to her own ears; she</LINE> |
| <LINE>thought, I dare vow for her, they touched not any</LINE> |
| <LINE>stranger sense. Her matter was, she loved your son:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Fortune, she said, was no goddess, that had put</LINE> |
| <LINE>such difference betwixt their two estates; Love no</LINE> |
| <LINE>god, that would not extend his might, only where</LINE> |
| <LINE>qualities were level; Dian no queen of virgins, that</LINE> |
| <LINE>would suffer her poor knight surprised, without</LINE> |
| <LINE>rescue in the first assault or ransom afterward.</LINE> |
| <LINE>This she delivered in the most bitter touch of</LINE> |
| <LINE>sorrow that e'er I heard virgin exclaim in: which I</LINE> |
| <LINE>held my duty speedily to acquaint you withal;</LINE> |
| <LINE>sithence, in the loss that may happen, it concerns</LINE> |
| <LINE>you something to know it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You have discharged this honestly; keep it to</LINE> |
| <LINE>yourself: many likelihoods informed me of this</LINE> |
| <LINE>before, which hung so tottering in the balance that</LINE> |
| <LINE>I could neither believe nor misdoubt. Pray you,</LINE> |
| <LINE>leave me: stall this in your bosom; and I thank you</LINE> |
| <LINE>for your honest care: I will speak with you further anon.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit Steward</STAGEDIR> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter HELENA</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>Even so it was with me when I was young:</LINE> |
| <LINE>If ever we are nature's, these are ours; this thorn</LINE> |
| <LINE>Doth to our rose of youth rightly belong;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Our blood to us, this to our blood is born;</LINE> |
| <LINE>It is the show and seal of nature's truth,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where love's strong passion is impress'd in youth:</LINE> |
| <LINE>By our remembrances of days foregone,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Such were our faults, or then we thought them none.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Her eye is sick on't: I observe her now.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What is your pleasure, madam?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You know, Helen,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I am a mother to you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Mine honourable mistress.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, a mother:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Why not a mother? When I said 'a mother,'</LINE> |
| <LINE>Methought you saw a serpent: what's in 'mother,'</LINE> |
| <LINE>That you start at it? I say, I am your mother;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And put you in the catalogue of those</LINE> |
| <LINE>That were enwombed mine: 'tis often seen</LINE> |
| <LINE>Adoption strives with nature and choice breeds</LINE> |
| <LINE>A native slip to us from foreign seeds:</LINE> |
| <LINE>You ne'er oppress'd me with a mother's groan,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Yet I express to you a mother's care:</LINE> |
| <LINE>God's mercy, maiden! does it curd thy blood</LINE> |
| <LINE>To say I am thy mother? What's the matter,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That this distemper'd messenger of wet,</LINE> |
| <LINE>The many-colour'd Iris, rounds thine eye?</LINE> |
| <LINE>Why? that you are my daughter?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That I am not.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I say, I am your mother.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Pardon, madam;</LINE> |
| <LINE>The Count Rousillon cannot be my brother:</LINE> |
| <LINE>I am from humble, he from honour'd name;</LINE> |
| <LINE>No note upon my parents, his all noble:</LINE> |
| <LINE>My master, my dear lord he is; and I</LINE> |
| <LINE>His servant live, and will his vassal die:</LINE> |
| <LINE>He must not be my brother.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nor I your mother?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You are my mother, madam; would you were,--</LINE> |
| <LINE>So that my lord your son were not my brother,--</LINE> |
| <LINE>Indeed my mother! or were you both our mothers,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I care no more for than I do for heaven,</LINE> |
| <LINE>So I were not his sister. Can't no other,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But, I your daughter, he must be my brother?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Yes, Helen, you might be my daughter-in-law:</LINE> |
| <LINE>God shield you mean it not! daughter and mother</LINE> |
| <LINE>So strive upon your pulse. What, pale again?</LINE> |
| <LINE>My fear hath catch'd your fondness: now I see</LINE> |
| <LINE>The mystery of your loneliness, and find</LINE> |
| <LINE>Your salt tears' head: now to all sense 'tis gross</LINE> |
| <LINE>You love my son; invention is ashamed,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Against the proclamation of thy passion,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To say thou dost not: therefore tell me true;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But tell me then, 'tis so; for, look thy cheeks</LINE> |
| <LINE>Confess it, th' one to th' other; and thine eyes</LINE> |
| <LINE>See it so grossly shown in thy behaviors</LINE> |
| <LINE>That in their kind they speak it: only sin</LINE> |
| <LINE>And hellish obstinacy tie thy tongue,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That truth should be suspected. Speak, is't so?</LINE> |
| <LINE>If it be so, you have wound a goodly clew;</LINE> |
| <LINE>If it be not, forswear't: howe'er, I charge thee,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As heaven shall work in me for thine avail,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Tell me truly.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good madam, pardon me!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Do you love my son?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Your pardon, noble mistress!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Love you my son?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Do not you love him, madam?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Go not about; my love hath in't a bond,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whereof the world takes note: come, come, disclose</LINE> |
| <LINE>The state of your affection; for your passions</LINE> |
| <LINE>Have to the full appeach'd.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Then, I confess,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Here on my knee, before high heaven and you,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That before you, and next unto high heaven,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I love your son.</LINE> |
| <LINE>My friends were poor, but honest; so's my love:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Be not offended; for it hurts not him</LINE> |
| <LINE>That he is loved of me: I follow him not</LINE> |
| <LINE>By any token of presumptuous suit;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Nor would I have him till I do deserve him;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Yet never know how that desert should be.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I know I love in vain, strive against hope;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Yet in this captious and intenible sieve</LINE> |
| <LINE>I still pour in the waters of my love</LINE> |
| <LINE>And lack not to lose still: thus, Indian-like,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Religious in mine error, I adore</LINE> |
| <LINE>The sun, that looks upon his worshipper,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But knows of him no more. My dearest madam,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Let not your hate encounter with my love</LINE> |
| <LINE>For loving where you do: but if yourself,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whose aged honour cites a virtuous youth,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Did ever in so true a flame of liking</LINE> |
| <LINE>Wish chastely and love dearly, that your Dian</LINE> |
| <LINE>Was both herself and love: O, then, give pity</LINE> |
| <LINE>To her, whose state is such that cannot choose</LINE> |
| <LINE>But lend and give where she is sure to lose;</LINE> |
| <LINE>That seeks not to find that her search implies,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But riddle-like lives sweetly where she dies!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Had you not lately an intent,--speak truly,--</LINE> |
| <LINE>To go to Paris?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Madam, I had.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Wherefore? tell true.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I will tell truth; by grace itself I swear.</LINE> |
| <LINE>You know my father left me some prescriptions</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of rare and proved effects, such as his reading</LINE> |
| <LINE>And manifest experience had collected</LINE> |
| <LINE>For general sovereignty; and that he will'd me</LINE> |
| <LINE>In heedfull'st reservation to bestow them,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As notes whose faculties inclusive were</LINE> |
| <LINE>More than they were in note: amongst the rest,</LINE> |
| <LINE>There is a remedy, approved, set down,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To cure the desperate languishings whereof</LINE> |
| <LINE>The king is render'd lost.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This was your motive</LINE> |
| <LINE>For Paris, was it? speak.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My lord your son made me to think of this;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Else Paris and the medicine and the king</LINE> |
| <LINE>Had from the conversation of my thoughts</LINE> |
| <LINE>Haply been absent then.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But think you, Helen,</LINE> |
| <LINE>If you should tender your supposed aid,</LINE> |
| <LINE>He would receive it? he and his physicians</LINE> |
| <LINE>Are of a mind; he, that they cannot help him,</LINE> |
| <LINE>They, that they cannot help: how shall they credit</LINE> |
| <LINE>A poor unlearned virgin, when the schools,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Embowell'd of their doctrine, have left off</LINE> |
| <LINE>The danger to itself?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>There's something in't,</LINE> |
| <LINE>More than my father's skill, which was the greatest</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of his profession, that his good receipt</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall for my legacy be sanctified</LINE> |
| <LINE>By the luckiest stars in heaven: and, would your honour</LINE> |
| <LINE>But give me leave to try success, I'ld venture</LINE> |
| <LINE>The well-lost life of mine on his grace's cure</LINE> |
| <LINE>By such a day and hour.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Dost thou believe't?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, madam, knowingly.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, Helen, thou shalt have my leave and love,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Means and attendants and my loving greetings</LINE> |
| <LINE>To those of mine in court: I'll stay at home</LINE> |
| <LINE>And pray God's blessing into thy attempt:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Be gone to-morrow; and be sure of this,</LINE> |
| <LINE>What I can help thee to thou shalt not miss.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| </ACT> |
| |
| <ACT><TITLE>ACT II</TITLE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE I. Paris. The KING's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Flourish of cornets. Enter the KING, attended |
| with divers young Lords taking leave for the |
| Florentine war; BERTRAM, and PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Farewell, young lords; these warlike principles</LINE> |
| <LINE>Do not throw from you: and you, my lords, farewell:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Share the advice betwixt you; if both gain, all</LINE> |
| <LINE>The gift doth stretch itself as 'tis received,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And is enough for both.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Tis our hope, sir,</LINE> |
| <LINE>After well enter'd soldiers, to return</LINE> |
| <LINE>And find your grace in health.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No, no, it cannot be; and yet my heart</LINE> |
| <LINE>Will not confess he owes the malady</LINE> |
| <LINE>That doth my life besiege. Farewell, young lords;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whether I live or die, be you the sons</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of worthy Frenchmen: let higher Italy,--</LINE> |
| <LINE>Those bated that inherit but the fall</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of the last monarchy,--see that you come</LINE> |
| <LINE>Not to woo honour, but to wed it; when</LINE> |
| <LINE>The bravest questant shrinks, find what you seek,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That fame may cry you loud: I say, farewell.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Health, at your bidding, serve your majesty!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Those girls of Italy, take heed of them:</LINE> |
| <LINE>They say, our French lack language to deny,</LINE> |
| <LINE>If they demand: beware of being captives,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Before you serve.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Both</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Our hearts receive your warnings.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Farewell. Come hither to me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit, attended</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O, my sweet lord, that you will stay behind us!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Tis not his fault, the spark.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O, 'tis brave wars!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Most admirable: I have seen those wars.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am commanded here, and kept a coil with</LINE> |
| <LINE>'Too young' and 'the next year' and ''tis too early.'</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>An thy mind stand to't, boy, steal away bravely.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I shall stay here the forehorse to a smock,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Creaking my shoes on the plain masonry,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Till honour be bought up and no sword worn</LINE> |
| <LINE>But one to dance with! By heaven, I'll steal away.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>There's honour in the theft.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Commit it, count.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am your accessary; and so, farewell.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I grow to you, and our parting is a tortured body.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Farewell, captain.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sweet Monsieur Parolles!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Noble heroes, my sword and yours are kin. Good</LINE> |
| <LINE>sparks and lustrous, a word, good metals: you shall</LINE> |
| <LINE>find in the regiment of the Spinii one Captain</LINE> |
| <LINE>Spurio, with his cicatrice, an emblem of war, here</LINE> |
| <LINE>on his sinister cheek; it was this very sword</LINE> |
| <LINE>entrenched it: say to him, I live; and observe his</LINE> |
| <LINE>reports for me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>We shall, noble captain.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt Lords</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Mars dote on you for his novices! what will ye do?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Stay: the king.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Re-enter KING. BERTRAM and PAROLLES retire</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>To BERTRAM</STAGEDIR> Use a more spacious ceremony to the</LINE> |
| <LINE>noble lords; you have restrained yourself within the</LINE> |
| <LINE>list of too cold an adieu: be more expressive to</LINE> |
| <LINE>them: for they wear themselves in the cap of the</LINE> |
| <LINE>time, there do muster true gait, eat, speak, and</LINE> |
| <LINE>move under the influence of the most received star;</LINE> |
| <LINE>and though the devil lead the measure, such are to</LINE> |
| <LINE>be followed: after them, and take a more dilated farewell.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And I will do so.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Worthy fellows; and like to prove most sinewy sword-men.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt BERTRAM and PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter LAFEU</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Kneeling</STAGEDIR> Pardon, my lord, for me and for my tidings.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I'll fee thee to stand up.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Then here's a man stands, that has brought his pardon.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I would you had kneel'd, my lord, to ask me mercy,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And that at my bidding you could so stand up.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I would I had; so I had broke thy pate,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And ask'd thee mercy for't.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good faith, across: but, my good lord 'tis thus;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Will you be cured of your infirmity?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O, will you eat no grapes, my royal fox?</LINE> |
| <LINE>Yes, but you will my noble grapes, an if</LINE> |
| <LINE>My royal fox could reach them: I have seen a medicine</LINE> |
| <LINE>That's able to breathe life into a stone,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Quicken a rock, and make you dance canary</LINE> |
| <LINE>With spritely fire and motion; whose simple touch,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is powerful to araise King Pepin, nay,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To give great Charlemain a pen in's hand,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And write to her a love-line.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What 'her' is this?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, Doctor She: my lord, there's one arrived,</LINE> |
| <LINE>If you will see her: now, by my faith and honour,</LINE> |
| <LINE>If seriously I may convey my thoughts</LINE> |
| <LINE>In this my light deliverance, I have spoke</LINE> |
| <LINE>With one that, in her sex, her years, profession,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Wisdom and constancy, hath amazed me more</LINE> |
| <LINE>Than I dare blame my weakness: will you see her</LINE> |
| <LINE>For that is her demand, and know her business?</LINE> |
| <LINE>That done, laugh well at me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Now, good Lafeu,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Bring in the admiration; that we with thee</LINE> |
| <LINE>May spend our wonder too, or take off thine</LINE> |
| <LINE>By wondering how thou took'st it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, I'll fit you,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And not be all day neither.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Thus he his special nothing ever prologues.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Re-enter LAFEU, with HELENA</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, come your ways.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This haste hath wings indeed.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, come your ways:</LINE> |
| <LINE>This is his majesty; say your mind to him:</LINE> |
| <LINE>A traitor you do look like; but such traitors</LINE> |
| <LINE>His majesty seldom fears: I am Cressid's uncle,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That dare leave two together; fare you well.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Now, fair one, does your business follow us?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, my good lord.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Gerard de Narbon was my father;</LINE> |
| <LINE>In what he did profess, well found.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I knew him.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The rather will I spare my praises towards him:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Knowing him is enough. On's bed of death</LINE> |
| <LINE>Many receipts he gave me: chiefly one.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which, as the dearest issue of his practise,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And of his old experience the oily darling,</LINE> |
| <LINE>He bade me store up, as a triple eye,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Safer than mine own two, more dear; I have so;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And hearing your high majesty is touch'd</LINE> |
| <LINE>With that malignant cause wherein the honour</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of my dear father's gift stands chief in power,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I come to tender it and my appliance</LINE> |
| <LINE>With all bound humbleness.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>We thank you, maiden;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But may not be so credulous of cure,</LINE> |
| <LINE>When our most learned doctors leave us and</LINE> |
| <LINE>The congregated college have concluded</LINE> |
| <LINE>That labouring art can never ransom nature</LINE> |
| <LINE>From her inaidible estate; I say we must not</LINE> |
| <LINE>So stain our judgment, or corrupt our hope,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To prostitute our past-cure malady</LINE> |
| <LINE>To empirics, or to dissever so</LINE> |
| <LINE>Our great self and our credit, to esteem</LINE> |
| <LINE>A senseless help when help past sense we deem.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My duty then shall pay me for my pains:</LINE> |
| <LINE>I will no more enforce mine office on you.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Humbly entreating from your royal thoughts</LINE> |
| <LINE>A modest one, to bear me back a again.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I cannot give thee less, to be call'd grateful:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thou thought'st to help me; and such thanks I give</LINE> |
| <LINE>As one near death to those that wish him live:</LINE> |
| <LINE>But what at full I know, thou know'st no part,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I knowing all my peril, thou no art.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What I can do can do no hurt to try,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Since you set up your rest 'gainst remedy.</LINE> |
| <LINE>He that of greatest works is finisher</LINE> |
| <LINE>Oft does them by the weakest minister:</LINE> |
| <LINE>So holy writ in babes hath judgment shown,</LINE> |
| <LINE>When judges have been babes; great floods have flown</LINE> |
| <LINE>From simple sources, and great seas have dried</LINE> |
| <LINE>When miracles have by the greatest been denied.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Oft expectation fails and most oft there</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where most it promises, and oft it hits</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where hope is coldest and despair most fits.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I must not hear thee; fare thee well, kind maid;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thy pains not used must by thyself be paid:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Proffers not took reap thanks for their reward.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Inspired merit so by breath is barr'd:</LINE> |
| <LINE>It is not so with Him that all things knows</LINE> |
| <LINE>As 'tis with us that square our guess by shows;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But most it is presumption in us when</LINE> |
| <LINE>The help of heaven we count the act of men.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Dear sir, to my endeavours give consent;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of heaven, not me, make an experiment.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I am not an impostor that proclaim</LINE> |
| <LINE>Myself against the level of mine aim;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But know I think and think I know most sure</LINE> |
| <LINE>My art is not past power nor you past cure.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Are thou so confident? within what space</LINE> |
| <LINE>Hopest thou my cure?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The great'st grace lending grace</LINE> |
| <LINE>Ere twice the horses of the sun shall bring</LINE> |
| <LINE>Their fiery torcher his diurnal ring,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Ere twice in murk and occidental damp</LINE> |
| <LINE>Moist Hesperus hath quench'd his sleepy lamp,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Or four and twenty times the pilot's glass</LINE> |
| <LINE>Hath told the thievish minutes how they pass,</LINE> |
| <LINE>What is infirm from your sound parts shall fly,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Health shall live free and sickness freely die.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Upon thy certainty and confidence</LINE> |
| <LINE>What darest thou venture?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Tax of impudence,</LINE> |
| <LINE>A strumpet's boldness, a divulged shame</LINE> |
| <LINE>Traduced by odious ballads: my maiden's name</LINE> |
| <LINE>Sear'd otherwise; nay, worse--if worse--extended</LINE> |
| <LINE>With vilest torture let my life be ended.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Methinks in thee some blessed spirit doth speak</LINE> |
| <LINE>His powerful sound within an organ weak:</LINE> |
| <LINE>And what impossibility would slay</LINE> |
| <LINE>In common sense, sense saves another way.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thy life is dear; for all that life can rate</LINE> |
| <LINE>Worth name of life in thee hath estimate,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Youth, beauty, wisdom, courage, all</LINE> |
| <LINE>That happiness and prime can happy call:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thou this to hazard needs must intimate</LINE> |
| <LINE>Skill infinite or monstrous desperate.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Sweet practiser, thy physic I will try,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That ministers thine own death if I die.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If I break time, or flinch in property</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of what I spoke, unpitied let me die,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And well deserved: not helping, death's my fee;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But, if I help, what do you promise me?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Make thy demand.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But will you make it even?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, by my sceptre and my hopes of heaven.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Then shalt thou give me with thy kingly hand</LINE> |
| <LINE>What husband in thy power I will command:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Exempted be from me the arrogance</LINE> |
| <LINE>To choose from forth the royal blood of France,</LINE> |
| <LINE>My low and humble name to propagate</LINE> |
| <LINE>With any branch or image of thy state;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But such a one, thy vassal, whom I know</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is free for me to ask, thee to bestow.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Here is my hand; the premises observed,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thy will by my performance shall be served:</LINE> |
| <LINE>So make the choice of thy own time, for I,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thy resolved patient, on thee still rely.</LINE> |
| <LINE>More should I question thee, and more I must,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Though more to know could not be more to trust,</LINE> |
| <LINE>From whence thou camest, how tended on: but rest</LINE> |
| <LINE>Unquestion'd welcome and undoubted blest.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Give me some help here, ho! If thou proceed</LINE> |
| <LINE>As high as word, my deed shall match thy meed.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Flourish. Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE II. Rousillon. The COUNT's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter COUNTESS and Clown</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Come on, sir; I shall now put you to the height of</LINE> |
| <LINE>your breeding.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I will show myself highly fed and lowly taught: I</LINE> |
| <LINE>know my business is but to the court.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>To the court! why, what place make you special,</LINE> |
| <LINE>when you put off that with such contempt? But to the court!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Truly, madam, if God have lent a man any manners, he</LINE> |
| <LINE>may easily put it off at court: he that cannot make</LINE> |
| <LINE>a leg, put off's cap, kiss his hand and say nothing,</LINE> |
| <LINE>has neither leg, hands, lip, nor cap; and indeed</LINE> |
| <LINE>such a fellow, to say precisely, were not for the</LINE> |
| <LINE>court; but for me, I have an answer will serve all</LINE> |
| <LINE>men.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Marry, that's a bountiful answer that fits all</LINE> |
| <LINE>questions.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It is like a barber's chair that fits all buttocks,</LINE> |
| <LINE>the pin-buttock, the quatch-buttock, the brawn</LINE> |
| <LINE>buttock, or any buttock.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Will your answer serve fit to all questions?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>As fit as ten groats is for the hand of an attorney,</LINE> |
| <LINE>as your French crown for your taffeta punk, as Tib's</LINE> |
| <LINE>rush for Tom's forefinger, as a pancake for Shrove</LINE> |
| <LINE>Tuesday, a morris for May-day, as the nail to his</LINE> |
| <LINE>hole, the cuckold to his horn, as a scolding queen</LINE> |
| <LINE>to a wrangling knave, as the nun's lip to the</LINE> |
| <LINE>friar's mouth, nay, as the pudding to his skin.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Have you, I say, an answer of such fitness for all</LINE> |
| <LINE>questions?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>From below your duke to beneath your constable, it</LINE> |
| <LINE>will fit any question.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It must be an answer of most monstrous size that</LINE> |
| <LINE>must fit all demands.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But a trifle neither, in good faith, if the learned</LINE> |
| <LINE>should speak truth of it: here it is, and all that</LINE> |
| <LINE>belongs to't. Ask me if I am a courtier: it shall</LINE> |
| <LINE>do you no harm to learn.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>To be young again, if we could: I will be a fool in</LINE> |
| <LINE>question, hoping to be the wiser by your answer. I</LINE> |
| <LINE>pray you, sir, are you a courtier?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O Lord, sir! There's a simple putting off. More,</LINE> |
| <LINE>more, a hundred of them.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sir, I am a poor friend of yours, that loves you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O Lord, sir! Thick, thick, spare not me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I think, sir, you can eat none of this homely meat.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O Lord, sir! Nay, put me to't, I warrant you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You were lately whipped, sir, as I think.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O Lord, sir! spare not me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Do you cry, 'O Lord, sir!' at your whipping, and</LINE> |
| <LINE>'spare not me?' Indeed your 'O Lord, sir!' is very</LINE> |
| <LINE>sequent to your whipping: you would answer very well</LINE> |
| <LINE>to a whipping, if you were but bound to't.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I ne'er had worse luck in my life in my 'O Lord,</LINE> |
| <LINE>sir!' I see things may serve long, but not serve ever.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I play the noble housewife with the time</LINE> |
| <LINE>To entertain't so merrily with a fool.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O Lord, sir! why, there't serves well again.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>An end, sir; to your business. Give Helen this,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And urge her to a present answer back:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Commend me to my kinsmen and my son:</LINE> |
| <LINE>This is not much.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Not much commendation to them.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Not much employment for you: you understand me?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Most fruitfully: I am there before my legs.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Haste you again.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt severally</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE III. Paris. The KING's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter BERTRAM, LAFEU, and PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>They say miracles are past; and we have our</LINE> |
| <LINE>philosophical persons, to make modern and familiar,</LINE> |
| <LINE>things supernatural and causeless. Hence is it that</LINE> |
| <LINE>we make trifles of terrors, ensconcing ourselves</LINE> |
| <LINE>into seeming knowledge, when we should submit</LINE> |
| <LINE>ourselves to an unknown fear.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, 'tis the rarest argument of wonder that hath</LINE> |
| <LINE>shot out in our latter times.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And so 'tis.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>To be relinquish'd of the artists,--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So I say.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Both of Galen and Paracelsus.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So I say.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Of all the learned and authentic fellows,--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Right; so I say.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That gave him out incurable,--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, there 'tis; so say I too.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Not to be helped,--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Right; as 'twere, a man assured of a--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Uncertain life, and sure death.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Just, you say well; so would I have said.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I may truly say, it is a novelty to the world.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It is, indeed: if you will have it in showing, you</LINE> |
| <LINE>shall read it in--what do you call there?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A showing of a heavenly effect in an earthly actor.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That's it; I would have said the very same.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, your dolphin is not lustier: 'fore me,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I speak in respect--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, 'tis strange, 'tis very strange, that is the</LINE> |
| <LINE>brief and the tedious of it; and he's of a most</LINE> |
| <LINE>facinerious spirit that will not acknowledge it to be the--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Very hand of heaven.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, so I say.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>In a most weak--</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>pausing</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>and debile minister, great power, great</LINE> |
| <LINE>transcendence: which should, indeed, give us a</LINE> |
| <LINE>further use to be made than alone the recovery of</LINE> |
| <LINE>the king, as to be--</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>pausing</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>generally thankful.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I would have said it; you say well. Here comes the king.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter KING, HELENA, and Attendants. LAFEU and |
| PAROLLES retire</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Lustig, as the Dutchman says: I'll like a maid the</LINE> |
| <LINE>better, whilst I have a tooth in my head: why, he's</LINE> |
| <LINE>able to lead her a coranto.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Mort du vinaigre! is not this Helen?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Fore God, I think so.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Go, call before me all the lords in court.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Sit, my preserver, by thy patient's side;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And with this healthful hand, whose banish'd sense</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thou hast repeal'd, a second time receive</LINE> |
| <LINE>The confirmation of my promised gift,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which but attends thy naming.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter three or four Lords</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>Fair maid, send forth thine eye: this youthful parcel</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of noble bachelors stand at my bestowing,</LINE> |
| <LINE>O'er whom both sovereign power and father's voice</LINE> |
| <LINE>I have to use: thy frank election make;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thou hast power to choose, and they none to forsake.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>To each of you one fair and virtuous mistress</LINE> |
| <LINE>Fall, when Love please! marry, to each, but one!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I'ld give bay Curtal and his furniture,</LINE> |
| <LINE>My mouth no more were broken than these boys',</LINE> |
| <LINE>And writ as little beard.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Peruse them well:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Not one of those but had a noble father.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Gentlemen,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Heaven hath through me restored the king to health.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>All</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>We understand it, and thank heaven for you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am a simple maid, and therein wealthiest,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That I protest I simply am a maid.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Please it your majesty, I have done already:</LINE> |
| <LINE>The blushes in my cheeks thus whisper me,</LINE> |
| <LINE>'We blush that thou shouldst choose; but, be refused,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Let the white death sit on thy cheek for ever;</LINE> |
| <LINE>We'll ne'er come there again.'</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Make choice; and, see,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Who shuns thy love shuns all his love in me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Now, Dian, from thy altar do I fly,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And to imperial Love, that god most high,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Do my sighs stream. Sir, will you hear my suit?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And grant it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Thanks, sir; all the rest is mute.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I had rather be in this choice than throw ames-ace</LINE> |
| <LINE>for my life.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The honour, sir, that flames in your fair eyes,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Before I speak, too threateningly replies:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Love make your fortunes twenty times above</LINE> |
| <LINE>Her that so wishes and her humble love!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No better, if you please.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My wish receive,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which great Love grant! and so, I take my leave.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Do all they deny her? An they were sons of mine,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I'd have them whipped; or I would send them to the</LINE> |
| <LINE>Turk, to make eunuchs of.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Be not afraid that I your hand should take;</LINE> |
| <LINE>I'll never do you wrong for your own sake:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Blessing upon your vows! and in your bed</LINE> |
| <LINE>Find fairer fortune, if you ever wed!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>These boys are boys of ice, they'll none have her:</LINE> |
| <LINE>sure, they are bastards to the English; the French</LINE> |
| <LINE>ne'er got 'em.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You are too young, too happy, and too good,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To make yourself a son out of my blood.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Fourth Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Fair one, I think not so.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>There's one grape yet; I am sure thy father drunk</LINE> |
| <LINE>wine: but if thou be'st not an ass, I am a youth</LINE> |
| <LINE>of fourteen; I have known thee already.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>To BERTRAM</STAGEDIR> I dare not say I take you; but I give</LINE> |
| <LINE>Me and my service, ever whilst I live,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Into your guiding power. This is the man.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, then, young Bertram, take her; she's thy wife.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My wife, my liege! I shall beseech your highness,</LINE> |
| <LINE>In such a business give me leave to use</LINE> |
| <LINE>The help of mine own eyes.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Know'st thou not, Bertram,</LINE> |
| <LINE>What she has done for me?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Yes, my good lord;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But never hope to know why I should marry her.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Thou know'st she has raised me from my sickly bed.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But follows it, my lord, to bring me down</LINE> |
| <LINE>Must answer for your raising? I know her well:</LINE> |
| <LINE>She had her breeding at my father's charge.</LINE> |
| <LINE>A poor physician's daughter my wife! Disdain</LINE> |
| <LINE>Rather corrupt me ever!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Tis only title thou disdain'st in her, the which</LINE> |
| <LINE>I can build up. Strange is it that our bloods,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of colour, weight, and heat, pour'd all together,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Would quite confound distinction, yet stand off</LINE> |
| <LINE>In differences so mighty. If she be</LINE> |
| <LINE>All that is virtuous, save what thou dislikest,</LINE> |
| <LINE>A poor physician's daughter, thou dislikest</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of virtue for the name: but do not so:</LINE> |
| <LINE>From lowest place when virtuous things proceed,</LINE> |
| <LINE>The place is dignified by the doer's deed:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where great additions swell's, and virtue none,</LINE> |
| <LINE>It is a dropsied honour. Good alone</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is good without a name. Vileness is so:</LINE> |
| <LINE>The property by what it is should go,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Not by the title. She is young, wise, fair;</LINE> |
| <LINE>In these to nature she's immediate heir,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And these breed honour: that is honour's scorn,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which challenges itself as honour's born</LINE> |
| <LINE>And is not like the sire: honours thrive,</LINE> |
| <LINE>When rather from our acts we them derive</LINE> |
| <LINE>Than our foregoers: the mere word's a slave</LINE> |
| <LINE>Debosh'd on every tomb, on every grave</LINE> |
| <LINE>A lying trophy, and as oft is dumb</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where dust and damn'd oblivion is the tomb</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of honour'd bones indeed. What should be said?</LINE> |
| <LINE>If thou canst like this creature as a maid,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I can create the rest: virtue and she</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is her own dower; honour and wealth from me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I cannot love her, nor will strive to do't.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Thou wrong'st thyself, if thou shouldst strive to choose.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That you are well restored, my lord, I'm glad:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Let the rest go.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My honour's at the stake; which to defeat,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I must produce my power. Here, take her hand,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Proud scornful boy, unworthy this good gift;</LINE> |
| <LINE>That dost in vile misprision shackle up</LINE> |
| <LINE>My love and her desert; that canst not dream,</LINE> |
| <LINE>We, poising us in her defective scale,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall weigh thee to the beam; that wilt not know,</LINE> |
| <LINE>It is in us to plant thine honour where</LINE> |
| <LINE>We please to have it grow. Cheque thy contempt:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Obey our will, which travails in thy good:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Believe not thy disdain, but presently</LINE> |
| <LINE>Do thine own fortunes that obedient right</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which both thy duty owes and our power claims;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Or I will throw thee from my care for ever</LINE> |
| <LINE>Into the staggers and the careless lapse</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of youth and ignorance; both my revenge and hate</LINE> |
| <LINE>Loosing upon thee, in the name of justice,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Without all terms of pity. Speak; thine answer.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Pardon, my gracious lord; for I submit</LINE> |
| <LINE>My fancy to your eyes: when I consider</LINE> |
| <LINE>What great creation and what dole of honour</LINE> |
| <LINE>Flies where you bid it, I find that she, which late</LINE> |
| <LINE>Was in my nobler thoughts most base, is now</LINE> |
| <LINE>The praised of the king; who, so ennobled,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is as 'twere born so.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Take her by the hand,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And tell her she is thine: to whom I promise</LINE> |
| <LINE>A counterpoise, if not to thy estate</LINE> |
| <LINE>A balance more replete.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I take her hand.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good fortune and the favour of the king</LINE> |
| <LINE>Smile upon this contract; whose ceremony</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall seem expedient on the now-born brief,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And be perform'd to-night: the solemn feast</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall more attend upon the coming space,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Expecting absent friends. As thou lovest her,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thy love's to me religious; else, does err.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt all but LAFEU and PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Advancing</STAGEDIR> Do you hear, monsieur? a word with you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Your pleasure, sir?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Your lord and master did well to make his</LINE> |
| <LINE>recantation.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Recantation! My lord! my master!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay; is it not a language I speak?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A most harsh one, and not to be understood without</LINE> |
| <LINE>bloody succeeding. My master!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Are you companion to the Count Rousillon?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>To any count, to all counts, to what is man.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>To what is count's man: count's master is of</LINE> |
| <LINE>another style.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You are too old, sir; let it satisfy you, you are too old.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I must tell thee, sirrah, I write man; to which</LINE> |
| <LINE>title age cannot bring thee.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What I dare too well do, I dare not do.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I did think thee, for two ordinaries, to be a pretty</LINE> |
| <LINE>wise fellow; thou didst make tolerable vent of thy</LINE> |
| <LINE>travel; it might pass: yet the scarfs and the</LINE> |
| <LINE>bannerets about thee did manifoldly dissuade me from</LINE> |
| <LINE>believing thee a vessel of too great a burthen. I</LINE> |
| <LINE>have now found thee; when I lose thee again, I care</LINE> |
| <LINE>not: yet art thou good for nothing but taking up; and</LINE> |
| <LINE>that thou't scarce worth.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Hadst thou not the privilege of antiquity upon thee,--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Do not plunge thyself too far in anger, lest thou</LINE> |
| <LINE>hasten thy trial; which if--Lord have mercy on thee</LINE> |
| <LINE>for a hen! So, my good window of lattice, fare thee</LINE> |
| <LINE>well: thy casement I need not open, for I look</LINE> |
| <LINE>through thee. Give me thy hand.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My lord, you give me most egregious indignity.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, with all my heart; and thou art worthy of it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have not, my lord, deserved it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Yes, good faith, every dram of it; and I will not</LINE> |
| <LINE>bate thee a scruple.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well, I shall be wiser.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Even as soon as thou canst, for thou hast to pull at</LINE> |
| <LINE>a smack o' the contrary. If ever thou be'st bound</LINE> |
| <LINE>in thy scarf and beaten, thou shalt find what it is</LINE> |
| <LINE>to be proud of thy bondage. I have a desire to hold</LINE> |
| <LINE>my acquaintance with thee, or rather my knowledge,</LINE> |
| <LINE>that I may say in the default, he is a man I know.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My lord, you do me most insupportable vexation.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I would it were hell-pains for thy sake, and my poor</LINE> |
| <LINE>doing eternal: for doing I am past: as I will by</LINE> |
| <LINE>thee, in what motion age will give me leave.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well, thou hast a son shall take this disgrace off</LINE> |
| <LINE>me; scurvy, old, filthy, scurvy lord! Well, I must</LINE> |
| <LINE>be patient; there is no fettering of authority.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I'll beat him, by my life, if I can meet him with</LINE> |
| <LINE>any convenience, an he were double and double a</LINE> |
| <LINE>lord. I'll have no more pity of his age than I</LINE> |
| <LINE>would of--I'll beat him, an if I could but meet him again.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Re-enter LAFEU</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sirrah, your lord and master's married; there's news</LINE> |
| <LINE>for you: you have a new mistress.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I most unfeignedly beseech your lordship to make</LINE> |
| <LINE>some reservation of your wrongs: he is my good</LINE> |
| <LINE>lord: whom I serve above is my master.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Who? God?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, sir.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The devil it is that's thy master. Why dost thou</LINE> |
| <LINE>garter up thy arms o' this fashion? dost make hose of</LINE> |
| <LINE>sleeves? do other servants so? Thou wert best set</LINE> |
| <LINE>thy lower part where thy nose stands. By mine</LINE> |
| <LINE>honour, if I were but two hours younger, I'ld beat</LINE> |
| <LINE>thee: methinks, thou art a general offence, and</LINE> |
| <LINE>every man should beat thee: I think thou wast</LINE> |
| <LINE>created for men to breathe themselves upon thee.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This is hard and undeserved measure, my lord.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Go to, sir; you were beaten in Italy for picking a</LINE> |
| <LINE>kernel out of a pomegranate; you are a vagabond and</LINE> |
| <LINE>no true traveller: you are more saucy with lords</LINE> |
| <LINE>and honourable personages than the commission of your</LINE> |
| <LINE>birth and virtue gives you heraldry. You are not</LINE> |
| <LINE>worth another word, else I'ld call you knave. I leave you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good, very good; it is so then: good, very good;</LINE> |
| <LINE>let it be concealed awhile.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Re-enter BERTRAM</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Undone, and forfeited to cares for ever!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What's the matter, sweet-heart?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Although before the solemn priest I have sworn,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I will not bed her.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What, what, sweet-heart?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O my Parolles, they have married me!</LINE> |
| <LINE>I'll to the Tuscan wars, and never bed her.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>France is a dog-hole, and it no more merits</LINE> |
| <LINE>The tread of a man's foot: to the wars!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>There's letters from my mother: what the import is,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I know not yet.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, that would be known. To the wars, my boy, to the wars!</LINE> |
| <LINE>He wears his honour in a box unseen,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That hugs his kicky-wicky here at home,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Spending his manly marrow in her arms,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which should sustain the bound and high curvet</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of Mars's fiery steed. To other regions</LINE> |
| <LINE>France is a stable; we that dwell in't jades;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Therefore, to the war!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It shall be so: I'll send her to my house,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Acquaint my mother with my hate to her,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And wherefore I am fled; write to the king</LINE> |
| <LINE>That which I durst not speak; his present gift</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall furnish me to those Italian fields,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where noble fellows strike: war is no strife</LINE> |
| <LINE>To the dark house and the detested wife.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Will this capriccio hold in thee? art sure?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Go with me to my chamber, and advise me.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I'll send her straight away: to-morrow</LINE> |
| <LINE>I'll to the wars, she to her single sorrow.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, these balls bound; there's noise in it. 'Tis hard:</LINE> |
| <LINE>A young man married is a man that's marr'd:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Therefore away, and leave her bravely; go:</LINE> |
| <LINE>The king has done you wrong: but, hush, 'tis so.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE IV. Paris. The KING's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter HELENA and Clown</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My mother greets me kindly; is she well?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>She is not well; but yet she has her health: she's</LINE> |
| <LINE>very merry; but yet she is not well: but thanks be</LINE> |
| <LINE>given, she's very well and wants nothing i', the</LINE> |
| <LINE>world; but yet she is not well.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If she be very well, what does she ail, that she's</LINE> |
| <LINE>not very well?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Truly, she's very well indeed, but for two things.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What two things?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>One, that she's not in heaven, whither God send her</LINE> |
| <LINE>quickly! the other that she's in earth, from whence</LINE> |
| <LINE>God send her quickly!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Bless you, my fortunate lady!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I hope, sir, I have your good will to have mine own</LINE> |
| <LINE>good fortunes.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You had my prayers to lead them on; and to keep them</LINE> |
| <LINE>on, have them still. O, my knave, how does my old lady?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So that you had her wrinkles and I her money,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I would she did as you say.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, I say nothing.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Marry, you are the wiser man; for many a man's</LINE> |
| <LINE>tongue shakes out his master's undoing: to say</LINE> |
| <LINE>nothing, to do nothing, to know nothing, and to have</LINE> |
| <LINE>nothing, is to be a great part of your title; which</LINE> |
| <LINE>is within a very little of nothing.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Away! thou'rt a knave.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You should have said, sir, before a knave thou'rt a</LINE> |
| <LINE>knave; that's, before me thou'rt a knave: this had</LINE> |
| <LINE>been truth, sir.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Go to, thou art a witty fool; I have found thee.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Did you find me in yourself, sir? or were you</LINE> |
| <LINE>taught to find me? The search, sir, was profitable;</LINE> |
| <LINE>and much fool may you find in you, even to the</LINE> |
| <LINE>world's pleasure and the increase of laughter.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A good knave, i' faith, and well fed.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Madam, my lord will go away to-night;</LINE> |
| <LINE>A very serious business calls on him.</LINE> |
| <LINE>The great prerogative and rite of love,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which, as your due, time claims, he does acknowledge;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But puts it off to a compell'd restraint;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whose want, and whose delay, is strew'd with sweets,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which they distil now in the curbed time,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To make the coming hour o'erflow with joy</LINE> |
| <LINE>And pleasure drown the brim.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What's his will else?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That you will take your instant leave o' the king</LINE> |
| <LINE>And make this haste as your own good proceeding,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Strengthen'd with what apology you think</LINE> |
| <LINE>May make it probable need.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What more commands he?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That, having this obtain'd, you presently</LINE> |
| <LINE>Attend his further pleasure.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>In every thing I wait upon his will.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I shall report it so.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I pray you.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>Come, sirrah.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE V. Paris. The KING's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter LAFEU and BERTRAM</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But I hope your lordship thinks not him a soldier.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Yes, my lord, and of very valiant approof.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You have it from his own deliverance.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And by other warranted testimony.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Then my dial goes not true: I took this lark for a bunting.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I do assure you, my lord, he is very great in</LINE> |
| <LINE>knowledge and accordingly valiant.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have then sinned against his experience and</LINE> |
| <LINE>transgressed against his valour; and my state that</LINE> |
| <LINE>way is dangerous, since I cannot yet find in my</LINE> |
| <LINE>heart to repent. Here he comes: I pray you, make</LINE> |
| <LINE>us friends; I will pursue the amity.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>To BERTRAM</STAGEDIR> These things shall be done, sir.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Pray you, sir, who's his tailor?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sir?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O, I know him well, I, sir; he, sir, 's a good</LINE> |
| <LINE>workman, a very good tailor.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Aside to PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> Is she gone to the king?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>She is.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Will she away to-night?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>As you'll have her.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have writ my letters, casketed my treasure,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Given order for our horses; and to-night,</LINE> |
| <LINE>When I should take possession of the bride,</LINE> |
| <LINE>End ere I do begin.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A good traveller is something at the latter end of a</LINE> |
| <LINE>dinner; but one that lies three thirds and uses a</LINE> |
| <LINE>known truth to pass a thousand nothings with, should</LINE> |
| <LINE>be once heard and thrice beaten. God save you, captain.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Is there any unkindness between my lord and you, monsieur?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I know not how I have deserved to run into my lord's</LINE> |
| <LINE>displeasure.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You have made shift to run into 't, boots and spurs</LINE> |
| <LINE>and all, like him that leaped into the custard; and</LINE> |
| <LINE>out of it you'll run again, rather than suffer</LINE> |
| <LINE>question for your residence.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It may be you have mistaken him, my lord.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And shall do so ever, though I took him at 's</LINE> |
| <LINE>prayers. Fare you well, my lord; and believe this</LINE> |
| <LINE>of me, there can be no kernel in this light nut; the</LINE> |
| <LINE>soul of this man is his clothes. Trust him not in</LINE> |
| <LINE>matter of heavy consequence; I have kept of them</LINE> |
| <LINE>tame, and know their natures. Farewell, monsieur:</LINE> |
| <LINE>I have spoken better of you than you have or will to</LINE> |
| <LINE>deserve at my hand; but we must do good against evil.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>An idle lord. I swear.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I think so.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, do you not know him?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Yes, I do know him well, and common speech</LINE> |
| <LINE>Gives him a worthy pass. Here comes my clog.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter HELENA</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have, sir, as I was commanded from you,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Spoke with the king and have procured his leave</LINE> |
| <LINE>For present parting; only he desires</LINE> |
| <LINE>Some private speech with you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I shall obey his will.</LINE> |
| <LINE>You must not marvel, Helen, at my course,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which holds not colour with the time, nor does</LINE> |
| <LINE>The ministration and required office</LINE> |
| <LINE>On my particular. Prepared I was not</LINE> |
| <LINE>For such a business; therefore am I found</LINE> |
| <LINE>So much unsettled: this drives me to entreat you</LINE> |
| <LINE>That presently you take our way for home;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And rather muse than ask why I entreat you,</LINE> |
| <LINE>For my respects are better than they seem</LINE> |
| <LINE>And my appointments have in them a need</LINE> |
| <LINE>Greater than shows itself at the first view</LINE> |
| <LINE>To you that know them not. This to my mother:</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Giving a letter</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>'Twill be two days ere I shall see you, so</LINE> |
| <LINE>I leave you to your wisdom.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sir, I can nothing say,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But that I am your most obedient servant.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Come, come, no more of that.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And ever shall</LINE> |
| <LINE>With true observance seek to eke out that</LINE> |
| <LINE>Wherein toward me my homely stars have fail'd</LINE> |
| <LINE>To equal my great fortune.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Let that go:</LINE> |
| <LINE>My haste is very great: farewell; hie home.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Pray, sir, your pardon.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well, what would you say?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am not worthy of the wealth I owe,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Nor dare I say 'tis mine, and yet it is;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But, like a timorous thief, most fain would steal</LINE> |
| <LINE>What law does vouch mine own.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What would you have?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Something; and scarce so much: nothing, indeed.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I would not tell you what I would, my lord:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Faith yes;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Strangers and foes do sunder, and not kiss.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I pray you, stay not, but in haste to horse.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I shall not break your bidding, good my lord.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Where are my other men, monsieur? Farewell.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit HELENA</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>Go thou toward home; where I will never come</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whilst I can shake my sword or hear the drum.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Away, and for our flight.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Bravely, coragio!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| </ACT> |
| |
| <ACT><TITLE>ACT III</TITLE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE I. Florence. The DUKE's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Flourish. Enter the DUKE of Florence attended; |
| the two Frenchmen, with a troop of soldiers.</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DUKE</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So that from point to point now have you heard</LINE> |
| <LINE>The fundamental reasons of this war,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whose great decision hath much blood let forth</LINE> |
| <LINE>And more thirsts after.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Holy seems the quarrel</LINE> |
| <LINE>Upon your grace's part; black and fearful</LINE> |
| <LINE>On the opposer.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DUKE</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Therefore we marvel much our cousin France</LINE> |
| <LINE>Would in so just a business shut his bosom</LINE> |
| <LINE>Against our borrowing prayers.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good my lord,</LINE> |
| <LINE>The reasons of our state I cannot yield,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But like a common and an outward man,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That the great figure of a council frames</LINE> |
| <LINE>By self-unable motion: therefore dare not</LINE> |
| <LINE>Say what I think of it, since I have found</LINE> |
| <LINE>Myself in my incertain grounds to fail</LINE> |
| <LINE>As often as I guess'd.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DUKE</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Be it his pleasure.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But I am sure the younger of our nature,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That surfeit on their ease, will day by day</LINE> |
| <LINE>Come here for physic.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DUKE</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Welcome shall they be;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And all the honours that can fly from us</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall on them settle. You know your places well;</LINE> |
| <LINE>When better fall, for your avails they fell:</LINE> |
| <LINE>To-morrow to the field.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Flourish. Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE II. Rousillon. The COUNT's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter COUNTESS and Clown</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It hath happened all as I would have had it, save</LINE> |
| <LINE>that he comes not along with her.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>By my troth, I take my young lord to be a very</LINE> |
| <LINE>melancholy man.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>By what observance, I pray you?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, he will look upon his boot and sing; mend the</LINE> |
| <LINE>ruff and sing; ask questions and sing; pick his</LINE> |
| <LINE>teeth and sing. I know a man that had this trick of</LINE> |
| <LINE>melancholy sold a goodly manor for a song.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Let me see what he writes, and when he means to come.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Opening a letter</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have no mind to Isbel since I was at court: our</LINE> |
| <LINE>old ling and our Isbels o' the country are nothing</LINE> |
| <LINE>like your old ling and your Isbels o' the court:</LINE> |
| <LINE>the brains of my Cupid's knocked out, and I begin to</LINE> |
| <LINE>love, as an old man loves money, with no stomach.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What have we here?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>E'en that you have there.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Reads</STAGEDIR> I have sent you a daughter-in-law: she hath</LINE> |
| <LINE>recovered the king, and undone me. I have wedded</LINE> |
| <LINE>her, not bedded her; and sworn to make the 'not'</LINE> |
| <LINE>eternal. You shall hear I am run away: know it</LINE> |
| <LINE>before the report come. If there be breadth enough</LINE> |
| <LINE>in the world, I will hold a long distance. My duty</LINE> |
| <LINE>to you. Your unfortunate son,</LINE> |
| <LINE>BERTRAM.</LINE> |
| <LINE>This is not well, rash and unbridled boy.</LINE> |
| <LINE>To fly the favours of so good a king;</LINE> |
| <LINE>To pluck his indignation on thy head</LINE> |
| <LINE>By the misprising of a maid too virtuous</LINE> |
| <LINE>For the contempt of empire.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Re-enter Clown</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O madam, yonder is heavy news within between two</LINE> |
| <LINE>soldiers and my young lady!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What is the matter?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, there is some comfort in the news, some</LINE> |
| <LINE>comfort; your son will not be killed so soon as I</LINE> |
| <LINE>thought he would.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why should he be killed?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So say I, madam, if he run away, as I hear he does:</LINE> |
| <LINE>the danger is in standing to't; that's the loss of</LINE> |
| <LINE>men, though it be the getting of children. Here</LINE> |
| <LINE>they come will tell you more: for my part, I only</LINE> |
| <LINE>hear your son was run away.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter HELENA, and two Gentlemen</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Save you, good madam.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Madam, my lord is gone, for ever gone.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Do not say so.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Think upon patience. Pray you, gentlemen,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I have felt so many quirks of joy and grief,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That the first face of neither, on the start,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Can woman me unto't: where is my son, I pray you?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Madam, he's gone to serve the duke of Florence:</LINE> |
| <LINE>We met him thitherward; for thence we came,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And, after some dispatch in hand at court,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thither we bend again.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Look on his letter, madam; here's my passport.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Reads</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>When thou canst get the ring upon my finger which</LINE> |
| <LINE>never shall come off, and show me a child begotten</LINE> |
| <LINE>of thy body that I am father to, then call me</LINE> |
| <LINE>husband: but in such a 'then' I write a 'never.'</LINE> |
| <LINE>This is a dreadful sentence.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Brought you this letter, gentlemen?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, madam;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And for the contents' sake are sorry for our pain.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I prithee, lady, have a better cheer;</LINE> |
| <LINE>If thou engrossest all the griefs are thine,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thou robb'st me of a moiety: he was my son;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But I do wash his name out of my blood,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And thou art all my child. Towards Florence is he?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, madam.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And to be a soldier?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Such is his noble purpose; and believe 't,</LINE> |
| <LINE>The duke will lay upon him all the honour</LINE> |
| <LINE>That good convenience claims.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Return you thither?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, madam, with the swiftest wing of speed.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Reads</STAGEDIR> Till I have no wife I have nothing in France.</LINE> |
| <LINE>'Tis bitter.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Find you that there?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, madam.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Tis but the boldness of his hand, haply, which his</LINE> |
| <LINE>heart was not consenting to.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nothing in France, until he have no wife!</LINE> |
| <LINE>There's nothing here that is too good for him</LINE> |
| <LINE>But only she; and she deserves a lord</LINE> |
| <LINE>That twenty such rude boys might tend upon</LINE> |
| <LINE>And call her hourly mistress. Who was with him?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A servant only, and a gentleman</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which I have sometime known.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Parolles, was it not?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, my good lady, he.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A very tainted fellow, and full of wickedness.</LINE> |
| <LINE>My son corrupts a well-derived nature</LINE> |
| <LINE>With his inducement.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Indeed, good lady,</LINE> |
| <LINE>The fellow has a deal of that too much,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which holds him much to have.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You're welcome, gentlemen.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I will entreat you, when you see my son,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To tell him that his sword can never win</LINE> |
| <LINE>The honour that he loses: more I'll entreat you</LINE> |
| <LINE>Written to bear along.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>We serve you, madam,</LINE> |
| <LINE>In that and all your worthiest affairs.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Not so, but as we change our courtesies.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Will you draw near!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt COUNTESS and Gentlemen</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Till I have no wife, I have nothing in France.'</LINE> |
| <LINE>Nothing in France, until he has no wife!</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thou shalt have none, Rousillon, none in France;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Then hast thou all again. Poor lord! is't I</LINE> |
| <LINE>That chase thee from thy country and expose</LINE> |
| <LINE>Those tender limbs of thine to the event</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of the none-sparing war? and is it I</LINE> |
| <LINE>That drive thee from the sportive court, where thou</LINE> |
| <LINE>Wast shot at with fair eyes, to be the mark</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of smoky muskets? O you leaden messengers,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That ride upon the violent speed of fire,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Fly with false aim; move the still-peering air,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That sings with piercing; do not touch my lord.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whoever shoots at him, I set him there;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whoever charges on his forward breast,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I am the caitiff that do hold him to't;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And, though I kill him not, I am the cause</LINE> |
| <LINE>His death was so effected: better 'twere</LINE> |
| <LINE>I met the ravin lion when he roar'd</LINE> |
| <LINE>With sharp constraint of hunger; better 'twere</LINE> |
| <LINE>That all the miseries which nature owes</LINE> |
| <LINE>Were mine at once. No, come thou home, Rousillon,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whence honour but of danger wins a scar,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As oft it loses all: I will be gone;</LINE> |
| <LINE>My being here it is that holds thee hence:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall I stay here to do't? no, no, although</LINE> |
| <LINE>The air of paradise did fan the house</LINE> |
| <LINE>And angels officed all: I will be gone,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That pitiful rumour may report my flight,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To consolate thine ear. Come, night; end, day!</LINE> |
| <LINE>For with the dark, poor thief, I'll steal away.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE III. Florence. Before the DUKE's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Flourish. Enter the DUKE of Florence, BERTRAM, |
| PAROLLES, Soldiers, Drum, and Trumpets</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DUKE</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The general of our horse thou art; and we,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Great in our hope, lay our best love and credence</LINE> |
| <LINE>Upon thy promising fortune.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sir, it is</LINE> |
| <LINE>A charge too heavy for my strength, but yet</LINE> |
| <LINE>We'll strive to bear it for your worthy sake</LINE> |
| <LINE>To the extreme edge of hazard.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DUKE</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Then go thou forth;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And fortune play upon thy prosperous helm,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As thy auspicious mistress!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This very day,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Great Mars, I put myself into thy file:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Make me but like my thoughts, and I shall prove</LINE> |
| <LINE>A lover of thy drum, hater of love.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE IV. Rousillon. The COUNT's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter COUNTESS and Steward</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Alas! and would you take the letter of her?</LINE> |
| <LINE>Might you not know she would do as she has done,</LINE> |
| <LINE>By sending me a letter? Read it again.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Steward</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Reads</STAGEDIR></LINE> |
| <LINE>I am Saint Jaques' pilgrim, thither gone:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Ambitious love hath so in me offended,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That barefoot plod I the cold ground upon,</LINE> |
| <LINE>With sainted vow my faults to have amended.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Write, write, that from the bloody course of war</LINE> |
| <LINE>My dearest master, your dear son, may hie:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Bless him at home in peace, whilst I from far</LINE> |
| <LINE>His name with zealous fervor sanctify:</LINE> |
| <LINE>His taken labours bid him me forgive;</LINE> |
| <LINE>I, his despiteful Juno, sent him forth</LINE> |
| <LINE>From courtly friends, with camping foes to live,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where death and danger dogs the heels of worth:</LINE> |
| <LINE>He is too good and fair for death and me:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whom I myself embrace, to set him free.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ah, what sharp stings are in her mildest words!</LINE> |
| <LINE>Rinaldo, you did never lack advice so much,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As letting her pass so: had I spoke with her,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I could have well diverted her intents,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which thus she hath prevented.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Steward</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Pardon me, madam:</LINE> |
| <LINE>If I had given you this at over-night,</LINE> |
| <LINE>She might have been o'erta'en; and yet she writes,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Pursuit would be but vain.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What angel shall</LINE> |
| <LINE>Bless this unworthy husband? he cannot thrive,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Unless her prayers, whom heaven delights to hear</LINE> |
| <LINE>And loves to grant, reprieve him from the wrath</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of greatest justice. Write, write, Rinaldo,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To this unworthy husband of his wife;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Let every word weigh heavy of her worth</LINE> |
| <LINE>That he does weigh too light: my greatest grief.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Though little he do feel it, set down sharply.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Dispatch the most convenient messenger:</LINE> |
| <LINE>When haply he shall hear that she is gone,</LINE> |
| <LINE>He will return; and hope I may that she,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Hearing so much, will speed her foot again,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Led hither by pure love: which of them both</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is dearest to me. I have no skill in sense</LINE> |
| <LINE>To make distinction: provide this messenger:</LINE> |
| <LINE>My heart is heavy and mine age is weak;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Grief would have tears, and sorrow bids me speak.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE V. Florence. Without the walls. A tucket afar off.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter an old Widow of Florence, DIANA, VIOLENTA, |
| and MARIANA, with other Citizens</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, come; for if they do approach the city, we</LINE> |
| <LINE>shall lose all the sight.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>They say the French count has done most honourable service.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It is reported that he has taken their greatest</LINE> |
| <LINE>commander; and that with his own hand he slew the</LINE> |
| <LINE>duke's brother.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Tucket</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>We have lost our labour; they are gone a contrary</LINE> |
| <LINE>way: hark! you may know by their trumpets.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>MARIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Come, let's return again, and suffice ourselves with</LINE> |
| <LINE>the report of it. Well, Diana, take heed of this</LINE> |
| <LINE>French earl: the honour of a maid is her name; and</LINE> |
| <LINE>no legacy is so rich as honesty.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have told my neighbour how you have been solicited</LINE> |
| <LINE>by a gentleman his companion.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>MARIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I know that knave; hang him! one Parolles: a</LINE> |
| <LINE>filthy officer he is in those suggestions for the</LINE> |
| <LINE>young earl. Beware of them, Diana; their promises,</LINE> |
| <LINE>enticements, oaths, tokens, and all these engines of</LINE> |
| <LINE>lust, are not the things they go under: many a maid</LINE> |
| <LINE>hath been seduced by them; and the misery is,</LINE> |
| <LINE>example, that so terrible shows in the wreck of</LINE> |
| <LINE>maidenhood, cannot for all that dissuade succession,</LINE> |
| <LINE>but that they are limed with the twigs that threaten</LINE> |
| <LINE>them. I hope I need not to advise you further; but</LINE> |
| <LINE>I hope your own grace will keep you where you are,</LINE> |
| <LINE>though there were no further danger known but the</LINE> |
| <LINE>modesty which is so lost.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You shall not need to fear me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I hope so.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter HELENA, disguised like a Pilgrim</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>Look, here comes a pilgrim: I know she will lie at</LINE> |
| <LINE>my house; thither they send one another: I'll</LINE> |
| <LINE>question her. God save you, pilgrim! whither are you bound?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>To Saint Jaques le Grand.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where do the palmers lodge, I do beseech you?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>At the Saint Francis here beside the port.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Is this the way?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, marry, is't.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>A march afar</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>Hark you! they come this way.</LINE> |
| <LINE>If you will tarry, holy pilgrim,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But till the troops come by,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I will conduct you where you shall be lodged;</LINE> |
| <LINE>The rather, for I think I know your hostess</LINE> |
| <LINE>As ample as myself.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Is it yourself?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If you shall please so, pilgrim.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I thank you, and will stay upon your leisure.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You came, I think, from France?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I did so.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Here you shall see a countryman of yours</LINE> |
| <LINE>That has done worthy service.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>His name, I pray you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The Count Rousillon: know you such a one?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But by the ear, that hears most nobly of him:</LINE> |
| <LINE>His face I know not.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Whatsome'er he is,</LINE> |
| <LINE>He's bravely taken here. He stole from France,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As 'tis reported, for the king had married him</LINE> |
| <LINE>Against his liking: think you it is so?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, surely, mere the truth: I know his lady.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>There is a gentleman that serves the count</LINE> |
| <LINE>Reports but coarsely of her.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What's his name?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Monsieur Parolles.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O, I believe with him,</LINE> |
| <LINE>In argument of praise, or to the worth</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of the great count himself, she is too mean</LINE> |
| <LINE>To have her name repeated: all her deserving</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is a reserved honesty, and that</LINE> |
| <LINE>I have not heard examined.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Alas, poor lady!</LINE> |
| <LINE>'Tis a hard bondage to become the wife</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of a detesting lord.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I warrant, good creature, wheresoe'er she is,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Her heart weighs sadly: this young maid might do her</LINE> |
| <LINE>A shrewd turn, if she pleased.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How do you mean?</LINE> |
| <LINE>May be the amorous count solicits her</LINE> |
| <LINE>In the unlawful purpose.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He does indeed;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And brokes with all that can in such a suit</LINE> |
| <LINE>Corrupt the tender honour of a maid:</LINE> |
| <LINE>But she is arm'd for him and keeps her guard</LINE> |
| <LINE>In honestest defence.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>MARIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The gods forbid else!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So, now they come:</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Drum and Colours</STAGEDIR> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter BERTRAM, PAROLLES, and the whole army</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>That is Antonio, the duke's eldest son;</LINE> |
| <LINE>That, Escalus.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Which is the Frenchman?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He;</LINE> |
| <LINE>That with the plume: 'tis a most gallant fellow.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I would he loved his wife: if he were honester</LINE> |
| <LINE>He were much goodlier: is't not a handsome gentleman?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I like him well.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Tis pity he is not honest: yond's that same knave</LINE> |
| <LINE>That leads him to these places: were I his lady,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I would Poison that vile rascal.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Which is he?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That jack-an-apes with scarfs: why is he melancholy?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Perchance he's hurt i' the battle.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Lose our drum! well.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>MARIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He's shrewdly vexed at something: look, he has spied us.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Marry, hang you!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>MARIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And your courtesy, for a ring-carrier!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt BERTRAM, PAROLLES, and army</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The troop is past. Come, pilgrim, I will bring you</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where you shall host: of enjoin'd penitents</LINE> |
| <LINE>There's four or five, to great Saint Jaques bound,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Already at my house.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I humbly thank you:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Please it this matron and this gentle maid</LINE> |
| <LINE>To eat with us to-night, the charge and thanking</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall be for me; and, to requite you further,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I will bestow some precepts of this virgin</LINE> |
| <LINE>Worthy the note.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BOTH</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>We'll take your offer kindly.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE VI. Camp before Florence.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter BERTRAM and the two French Lords</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, good my lord, put him to't; let him have his</LINE> |
| <LINE>way.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If your lordship find him not a hilding, hold me no</LINE> |
| <LINE>more in your respect.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>On my life, my lord, a bubble.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Do you think I am so far deceived in him?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Believe it, my lord, in mine own direct knowledge,</LINE> |
| <LINE>without any malice, but to speak of him as my</LINE> |
| <LINE>kinsman, he's a most notable coward, an infinite and</LINE> |
| <LINE>endless liar, an hourly promise-breaker, the owner</LINE> |
| <LINE>of no one good quality worthy your lordship's</LINE> |
| <LINE>entertainment.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It were fit you knew him; lest, reposing too far in</LINE> |
| <LINE>his virtue, which he hath not, he might at some</LINE> |
| <LINE>great and trusty business in a main danger fail you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I would I knew in what particular action to try him.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>None better than to let him fetch off his drum,</LINE> |
| <LINE>which you hear him so confidently undertake to do.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I, with a troop of Florentines, will suddenly</LINE> |
| <LINE>surprise him; such I will have, whom I am sure he</LINE> |
| <LINE>knows not from the enemy: we will bind and hoodwink</LINE> |
| <LINE>him so, that he shall suppose no other but that he</LINE> |
| <LINE>is carried into the leaguer of the adversaries, when</LINE> |
| <LINE>we bring him to our own tents. Be but your lordship</LINE> |
| <LINE>present at his examination: if he do not, for the</LINE> |
| <LINE>promise of his life and in the highest compulsion of</LINE> |
| <LINE>base fear, offer to betray you and deliver all the</LINE> |
| <LINE>intelligence in his power against you, and that with</LINE> |
| <LINE>the divine forfeit of his soul upon oath, never</LINE> |
| <LINE>trust my judgment in any thing.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O, for the love of laughter, let him fetch his drum;</LINE> |
| <LINE>he says he has a stratagem for't: when your</LINE> |
| <LINE>lordship sees the bottom of his success in't, and to</LINE> |
| <LINE>what metal this counterfeit lump of ore will be</LINE> |
| <LINE>melted, if you give him not John Drum's</LINE> |
| <LINE>entertainment, your inclining cannot be removed.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Here he comes.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Aside to BERTRAM</STAGEDIR> O, for the love of laughter,</LINE> |
| <LINE>hinder not the honour of his design: let him fetch</LINE> |
| <LINE>off his drum in any hand.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How now, monsieur! this drum sticks sorely in your</LINE> |
| <LINE>disposition.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A pox on't, let it go; 'tis but a drum.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'But a drum'! is't 'but a drum'? A drum so lost!</LINE> |
| <LINE>There was excellent command,--to charge in with our</LINE> |
| <LINE>horse upon our own wings, and to rend our own soldiers!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That was not to be blamed in the command of the</LINE> |
| <LINE>service: it was a disaster of war that Caesar</LINE> |
| <LINE>himself could not have prevented, if he had been</LINE> |
| <LINE>there to command.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well, we cannot greatly condemn our success: some</LINE> |
| <LINE>dishonour we had in the loss of that drum; but it is</LINE> |
| <LINE>not to be recovered.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It might have been recovered.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It might; but it is not now.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It is to be recovered: but that the merit of</LINE> |
| <LINE>service is seldom attributed to the true and exact</LINE> |
| <LINE>performer, I would have that drum or another, or</LINE> |
| <LINE>'hic jacet.'</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, if you have a stomach, to't, monsieur: if you</LINE> |
| <LINE>think your mystery in stratagem can bring this</LINE> |
| <LINE>instrument of honour again into his native quarter,</LINE> |
| <LINE>be magnanimous in the enterprise and go on; I will</LINE> |
| <LINE>grace the attempt for a worthy exploit: if you</LINE> |
| <LINE>speed well in it, the duke shall both speak of it.</LINE> |
| <LINE>and extend to you what further becomes his</LINE> |
| <LINE>greatness, even to the utmost syllable of your</LINE> |
| <LINE>worthiness.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>By the hand of a soldier, I will undertake it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But you must not now slumber in it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I'll about it this evening: and I will presently</LINE> |
| <LINE>pen down my dilemmas, encourage myself in my</LINE> |
| <LINE>certainty, put myself into my mortal preparation;</LINE> |
| <LINE>and by midnight look to hear further from me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>May I be bold to acquaint his grace you are gone about it?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I know not what the success will be, my lord; but</LINE> |
| <LINE>the attempt I vow.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I know thou'rt valiant; and, to the possibility of</LINE> |
| <LINE>thy soldiership, will subscribe for thee. Farewell.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I love not many words.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No more than a fish loves water. Is not this a</LINE> |
| <LINE>strange fellow, my lord, that so confidently seems</LINE> |
| <LINE>to undertake this business, which he knows is not to</LINE> |
| <LINE>be done; damns himself to do and dares better be</LINE> |
| <LINE>damned than to do't?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You do not know him, my lord, as we do: certain it</LINE> |
| <LINE>is that he will steal himself into a man's favour and</LINE> |
| <LINE>for a week escape a great deal of discoveries; but</LINE> |
| <LINE>when you find him out, you have him ever after.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, do you think he will make no deed at all of</LINE> |
| <LINE>this that so seriously he does address himself unto?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>None in the world; but return with an invention and</LINE> |
| <LINE>clap upon you two or three probable lies: but we</LINE> |
| <LINE>have almost embossed him; you shall see his fall</LINE> |
| <LINE>to-night; for indeed he is not for your lordship's respect.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>We'll make you some sport with the fox ere we case</LINE> |
| <LINE>him. He was first smoked by the old lord Lafeu:</LINE> |
| <LINE>when his disguise and he is parted, tell me what a</LINE> |
| <LINE>sprat you shall find him; which you shall see this</LINE> |
| <LINE>very night.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I must go look my twigs: he shall be caught.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Your brother he shall go along with me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>As't please your lordship: I'll leave you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Now will I lead you to the house, and show you</LINE> |
| <LINE>The lass I spoke of.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But you say she's honest.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That's all the fault: I spoke with her but once</LINE> |
| <LINE>And found her wondrous cold; but I sent to her,</LINE> |
| <LINE>By this same coxcomb that we have i' the wind,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Tokens and letters which she did re-send;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And this is all I have done. She's a fair creature:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Will you go see her?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>With all my heart, my lord.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE VII. Florence. The Widow's house.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter HELENA and Widow</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If you misdoubt me that I am not she,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I know not how I shall assure you further,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But I shall lose the grounds I work upon.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Though my estate be fallen, I was well born,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Nothing acquainted with these businesses;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And would not put my reputation now</LINE> |
| <LINE>In any staining act.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nor would I wish you.</LINE> |
| <LINE>First, give me trust, the count he is my husband,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And what to your sworn counsel I have spoken</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is so from word to word; and then you cannot,</LINE> |
| <LINE>By the good aid that I of you shall borrow,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Err in bestowing it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I should believe you:</LINE> |
| <LINE>For you have show'd me that which well approves</LINE> |
| <LINE>You're great in fortune.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Take this purse of gold,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And let me buy your friendly help thus far,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which I will over-pay and pay again</LINE> |
| <LINE>When I have found it. The count he wooes your daughter,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Lays down his wanton siege before her beauty,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Resolved to carry her: let her in fine consent,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As we'll direct her how 'tis best to bear it.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Now his important blood will nought deny</LINE> |
| <LINE>That she'll demand: a ring the county wears,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That downward hath succeeded in his house</LINE> |
| <LINE>From son to son, some four or five descents</LINE> |
| <LINE>Since the first father wore it: this ring he holds</LINE> |
| <LINE>In most rich choice; yet in his idle fire,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To buy his will, it would not seem too dear,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Howe'er repented after.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Now I see</LINE> |
| <LINE>The bottom of your purpose.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You see it lawful, then: it is no more,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But that your daughter, ere she seems as won,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Desires this ring; appoints him an encounter;</LINE> |
| <LINE>In fine, delivers me to fill the time,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Herself most chastely absent: after this,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To marry her, I'll add three thousand crowns</LINE> |
| <LINE>To what is passed already.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have yielded:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Instruct my daughter how she shall persever,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That time and place with this deceit so lawful</LINE> |
| <LINE>May prove coherent. Every night he comes</LINE> |
| <LINE>With musics of all sorts and songs composed</LINE> |
| <LINE>To her unworthiness: it nothing steads us</LINE> |
| <LINE>To chide him from our eaves; for he persists</LINE> |
| <LINE>As if his life lay on't.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why then to-night</LINE> |
| <LINE>Let us assay our plot; which, if it speed,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is wicked meaning in a lawful deed</LINE> |
| <LINE>And lawful meaning in a lawful act,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where both not sin, and yet a sinful fact:</LINE> |
| <LINE>But let's about it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| </ACT> |
| |
| <ACT><TITLE>ACT IV</TITLE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE I. Without the Florentine camp.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter Second French Lord, with five or six other |
| Soldiers in ambush</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He can come no other way but by this hedge-corner.</LINE> |
| <LINE>When you sally upon him, speak what terrible</LINE> |
| <LINE>language you will: though you understand it not</LINE> |
| <LINE>yourselves, no matter; for we must not seem to</LINE> |
| <LINE>understand him, unless some one among us whom we</LINE> |
| <LINE>must produce for an interpreter.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good captain, let me be the interpreter.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Art not acquainted with him? knows he not thy voice?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No, sir, I warrant you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But what linsey-woolsey hast thou to speak to us again?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>E'en such as you speak to me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He must think us some band of strangers i' the</LINE> |
| <LINE>adversary's entertainment. Now he hath a smack of</LINE> |
| <LINE>all neighbouring languages; therefore we must every</LINE> |
| <LINE>one be a man of his own fancy, not to know what we</LINE> |
| <LINE>speak one to another; so we seem to know, is to</LINE> |
| <LINE>know straight our purpose: choughs' language,</LINE> |
| <LINE>gabble enough, and good enough. As for you,</LINE> |
| <LINE>interpreter, you must seem very politic. But couch,</LINE> |
| <LINE>ho! here he comes, to beguile two hours in a sleep,</LINE> |
| <LINE>and then to return and swear the lies he forges.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ten o'clock: within these three hours 'twill be</LINE> |
| <LINE>time enough to go home. What shall I say I have</LINE> |
| <LINE>done? It must be a very plausive invention that</LINE> |
| <LINE>carries it: they begin to smoke me; and disgraces</LINE> |
| <LINE>have of late knocked too often at my door. I find</LINE> |
| <LINE>my tongue is too foolhardy; but my heart hath the</LINE> |
| <LINE>fear of Mars before it and of his creatures, not</LINE> |
| <LINE>daring the reports of my tongue.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This is the first truth that e'er thine own tongue</LINE> |
| <LINE>was guilty of.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What the devil should move me to undertake the</LINE> |
| <LINE>recovery of this drum, being not ignorant of the</LINE> |
| <LINE>impossibility, and knowing I had no such purpose? I</LINE> |
| <LINE>must give myself some hurts, and say I got them in</LINE> |
| <LINE>exploit: yet slight ones will not carry it; they</LINE> |
| <LINE>will say, 'Came you off with so little?' and great</LINE> |
| <LINE>ones I dare not give. Wherefore, what's the</LINE> |
| <LINE>instance? Tongue, I must put you into a</LINE> |
| <LINE>butter-woman's mouth and buy myself another of</LINE> |
| <LINE>Bajazet's mule, if you prattle me into these perils.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Is it possible he should know what he is, and be</LINE> |
| <LINE>that he is?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I would the cutting of my garments would serve the</LINE> |
| <LINE>turn, or the breaking of my Spanish sword.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>We cannot afford you so.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Or the baring of my beard; and to say it was in</LINE> |
| <LINE>stratagem.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Twould not do.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Or to drown my clothes, and say I was stripped.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Hardly serve.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Though I swore I leaped from the window of the citadel.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How deep?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Thirty fathom.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Three great oaths would scarce make that be believed.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I would I had any drum of the enemy's: I would swear</LINE> |
| <LINE>I recovered it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You shall hear one anon.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A drum now of the enemy's,--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Alarum within</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Throca movousus, cargo, cargo, cargo.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>All</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Cargo, cargo, cargo, villiando par corbo, cargo.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O, ransom, ransom! do not hide mine eyes.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>They seize and blindfold him</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Boskos thromuldo boskos.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I know you are the Muskos' regiment:</LINE> |
| <LINE>And I shall lose my life for want of language;</LINE> |
| <LINE>If there be here German, or Dane, low Dutch,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Italian, or French, let him speak to me; I'll</LINE> |
| <LINE>Discover that which shall undo the Florentine.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Boskos vauvado: I understand thee, and can speak</LINE> |
| <LINE>thy tongue. Kerely bonto, sir, betake thee to thy</LINE> |
| <LINE>faith, for seventeen poniards are at thy bosom.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O, pray, pray, pray! Manka revania dulche.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Oscorbidulchos volivorco.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The general is content to spare thee yet;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And, hoodwink'd as thou art, will lead thee on</LINE> |
| <LINE>To gather from thee: haply thou mayst inform</LINE> |
| <LINE>Something to save thy life.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O, let me live!</LINE> |
| <LINE>And all the secrets of our camp I'll show,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Their force, their purposes; nay, I'll speak that</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which you will wonder at.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But wilt thou faithfully?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If I do not, damn me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Acordo linta.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Come on; thou art granted space.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit, with PAROLLES guarded. A short alarum within</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Go, tell the Count Rousillon, and my brother,</LINE> |
| <LINE>We have caught the woodcock, and will keep him muffled</LINE> |
| <LINE>Till we do hear from them.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Captain, I will.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A' will betray us all unto ourselves:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Inform on that.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So I will, sir.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Till then I'll keep him dark and safely lock'd.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE II. Florence. The Widow's house.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter BERTRAM and DIANA</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>They told me that your name was Fontibell.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No, my good lord, Diana.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Titled goddess;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And worth it, with addition! But, fair soul,</LINE> |
| <LINE>In your fine frame hath love no quality?</LINE> |
| <LINE>If quick fire of youth light not your mind,</LINE> |
| <LINE>You are no maiden, but a monument:</LINE> |
| <LINE>When you are dead, you should be such a one</LINE> |
| <LINE>As you are now, for you are cold and stem;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And now you should be as your mother was</LINE> |
| <LINE>When your sweet self was got.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>She then was honest.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So should you be.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No:</LINE> |
| <LINE>My mother did but duty; such, my lord,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As you owe to your wife.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No more o' that;</LINE> |
| <LINE>I prithee, do not strive against my vows:</LINE> |
| <LINE>I was compell'd to her; but I love thee</LINE> |
| <LINE>By love's own sweet constraint, and will for ever</LINE> |
| <LINE>Do thee all rights of service.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, so you serve us</LINE> |
| <LINE>Till we serve you; but when you have our roses,</LINE> |
| <LINE>You barely leave our thorns to prick ourselves</LINE> |
| <LINE>And mock us with our bareness.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How have I sworn!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Tis not the many oaths that makes the truth,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But the plain single vow that is vow'd true.</LINE> |
| <LINE>What is not holy, that we swear not by,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But take the High'st to witness: then, pray you, tell me,</LINE> |
| <LINE>If I should swear by God's great attributes,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I loved you dearly, would you believe my oaths,</LINE> |
| <LINE>When I did love you ill? This has no holding,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To swear by him whom I protest to love,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That I will work against him: therefore your oaths</LINE> |
| <LINE>Are words and poor conditions, but unseal'd,</LINE> |
| <LINE>At least in my opinion.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Change it, change it;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Be not so holy-cruel: love is holy;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And my integrity ne'er knew the crafts</LINE> |
| <LINE>That you do charge men with. Stand no more off,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But give thyself unto my sick desires,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Who then recover: say thou art mine, and ever</LINE> |
| <LINE>My love as it begins shall so persever.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I see that men make ropes in such a scarre</LINE> |
| <LINE>That we'll forsake ourselves. Give me that ring.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I'll lend it thee, my dear; but have no power</LINE> |
| <LINE>To give it from me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Will you not, my lord?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It is an honour 'longing to our house,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Bequeathed down from many ancestors;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which were the greatest obloquy i' the world</LINE> |
| <LINE>In me to lose.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Mine honour's such a ring:</LINE> |
| <LINE>My chastity's the jewel of our house,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Bequeathed down from many ancestors;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which were the greatest obloquy i' the world</LINE> |
| <LINE>In me to lose: thus your own proper wisdom</LINE> |
| <LINE>Brings in the champion Honour on my part,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Against your vain assault.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Here, take my ring:</LINE> |
| <LINE>My house, mine honour, yea, my life, be thine,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And I'll be bid by thee.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>When midnight comes, knock at my chamber-window:</LINE> |
| <LINE>I'll order take my mother shall not hear.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Now will I charge you in the band of truth,</LINE> |
| <LINE>When you have conquer'd my yet maiden bed,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Remain there but an hour, nor speak to me:</LINE> |
| <LINE>My reasons are most strong; and you shall know them</LINE> |
| <LINE>When back again this ring shall be deliver'd:</LINE> |
| <LINE>And on your finger in the night I'll put</LINE> |
| <LINE>Another ring, that what in time proceeds</LINE> |
| <LINE>May token to the future our past deeds.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Adieu, till then; then, fail not. You have won</LINE> |
| <LINE>A wife of me, though there my hope be done.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A heaven on earth I have won by wooing thee.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>For which live long to thank both heaven and me!</LINE> |
| <LINE>You may so in the end.</LINE> |
| <LINE>My mother told me just how he would woo,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As if she sat in 's heart; she says all men</LINE> |
| <LINE>Have the like oaths: he had sworn to marry me</LINE> |
| <LINE>When his wife's dead; therefore I'll lie with him</LINE> |
| <LINE>When I am buried. Since Frenchmen are so braid,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Marry that will, I live and die a maid:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Only in this disguise I think't no sin</LINE> |
| <LINE>To cozen him that would unjustly win.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE III. The Florentine camp.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter the two French Lords and some two or three Soldiers</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You have not given him his mother's letter?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have delivered it an hour since: there is</LINE> |
| <LINE>something in't that stings his nature; for on the</LINE> |
| <LINE>reading it he changed almost into another man.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He has much worthy blame laid upon him for shaking</LINE> |
| <LINE>off so good a wife and so sweet a lady.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Especially he hath incurred the everlasting</LINE> |
| <LINE>displeasure of the king, who had even tuned his</LINE> |
| <LINE>bounty to sing happiness to him. I will tell you a</LINE> |
| <LINE>thing, but you shall let it dwell darkly with you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>When you have spoken it, 'tis dead, and I am the</LINE> |
| <LINE>grave of it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He hath perverted a young gentlewoman here in</LINE> |
| <LINE>Florence, of a most chaste renown; and this night he</LINE> |
| <LINE>fleshes his will in the spoil of her honour: he hath</LINE> |
| <LINE>given her his monumental ring, and thinks himself</LINE> |
| <LINE>made in the unchaste composition.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Now, God delay our rebellion! as we are ourselves,</LINE> |
| <LINE>what things are we!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Merely our own traitors. And as in the common course</LINE> |
| <LINE>of all treasons, we still see them reveal</LINE> |
| <LINE>themselves, till they attain to their abhorred ends,</LINE> |
| <LINE>so he that in this action contrives against his own</LINE> |
| <LINE>nobility, in his proper stream o'erflows himself.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Is it not meant damnable in us, to be trumpeters of</LINE> |
| <LINE>our unlawful intents? We shall not then have his</LINE> |
| <LINE>company to-night?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Not till after midnight; for he is dieted to his hour.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That approaches apace; I would gladly have him see</LINE> |
| <LINE>his company anatomized, that he might take a measure</LINE> |
| <LINE>of his own judgments, wherein so curiously he had</LINE> |
| <LINE>set this counterfeit.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>We will not meddle with him till he come; for his</LINE> |
| <LINE>presence must be the whip of the other.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>In the mean time, what hear you of these wars?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I hear there is an overture of peace.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, I assure you, a peace concluded.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What will Count Rousillon do then? will he travel</LINE> |
| <LINE>higher, or return again into France?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I perceive, by this demand, you are not altogether</LINE> |
| <LINE>of his council.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Let it be forbid, sir; so should I be a great deal</LINE> |
| <LINE>of his act.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sir, his wife some two months since fled from his</LINE> |
| <LINE>house: her pretence is a pilgrimage to Saint Jaques</LINE> |
| <LINE>le Grand; which holy undertaking with most austere</LINE> |
| <LINE>sanctimony she accomplished; and, there residing the</LINE> |
| <LINE>tenderness of her nature became as a prey to her</LINE> |
| <LINE>grief; in fine, made a groan of her last breath, and</LINE> |
| <LINE>now she sings in heaven.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How is this justified?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The stronger part of it by her own letters, which</LINE> |
| <LINE>makes her story true, even to the point of her</LINE> |
| <LINE>death: her death itself, which could not be her</LINE> |
| <LINE>office to say is come, was faithfully confirmed by</LINE> |
| <LINE>the rector of the place.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Hath the count all this intelligence?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, and the particular confirmations, point from</LINE> |
| <LINE>point, so to the full arming of the verity.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am heartily sorry that he'll be glad of this.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How mightily sometimes we make us comforts of our losses!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And how mightily some other times we drown our gain</LINE> |
| <LINE>in tears! The great dignity that his valour hath</LINE> |
| <LINE>here acquired for him shall at home be encountered</LINE> |
| <LINE>with a shame as ample.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and</LINE> |
| <LINE>ill together: our virtues would be proud, if our</LINE> |
| <LINE>faults whipped them not; and our crimes would</LINE> |
| <LINE>despair, if they were not cherished by our virtues.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter a Messenger</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>How now! where's your master?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Servant</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He met the duke in the street, sir, of whom he hath</LINE> |
| <LINE>taken a solemn leave: his lordship will next</LINE> |
| <LINE>morning for France. The duke hath offered him</LINE> |
| <LINE>letters of commendations to the king.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>They shall be no more than needful there, if they</LINE> |
| <LINE>were more than they can commend.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>They cannot be too sweet for the king's tartness.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Here's his lordship now.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter BERTRAM</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>How now, my lord! is't not after midnight?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have to-night dispatched sixteen businesses, a</LINE> |
| <LINE>month's length a-piece, by an abstract of success:</LINE> |
| <LINE>I have congied with the duke, done my adieu with his</LINE> |
| <LINE>nearest; buried a wife, mourned for her; writ to my</LINE> |
| <LINE>lady mother I am returning; entertained my convoy;</LINE> |
| <LINE>and between these main parcels of dispatch effected</LINE> |
| <LINE>many nicer needs; the last was the greatest, but</LINE> |
| <LINE>that I have not ended yet.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If the business be of any difficulty, and this</LINE> |
| <LINE>morning your departure hence, it requires haste of</LINE> |
| <LINE>your lordship.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I mean, the business is not ended, as fearing to</LINE> |
| <LINE>hear of it hereafter. But shall we have this</LINE> |
| <LINE>dialogue between the fool and the soldier? Come,</LINE> |
| <LINE>bring forth this counterfeit module, he has deceived</LINE> |
| <LINE>me, like a double-meaning prophesier.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Bring him forth: has sat i' the stocks all night,</LINE> |
| <LINE>poor gallant knave.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No matter: his heels have deserved it, in usurping</LINE> |
| <LINE>his spurs so long. How does he carry himself?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have told your lordship already, the stocks carry</LINE> |
| <LINE>him. But to answer you as you would be understood;</LINE> |
| <LINE>he weeps like a wench that had shed her milk: he</LINE> |
| <LINE>hath confessed himself to Morgan, whom he supposes</LINE> |
| <LINE>to be a friar, from the time of his remembrance to</LINE> |
| <LINE>this very instant disaster of his setting i' the</LINE> |
| <LINE>stocks: and what think you he hath confessed?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nothing of me, has a'?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>His confession is taken, and it shall be read to his</LINE> |
| <LINE>face: if your lordship be in't, as I believe you</LINE> |
| <LINE>are, you must have the patience to hear it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter PAROLLES guarded, and First Soldier</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A plague upon him! muffled! he can say nothing of</LINE> |
| <LINE>me: hush, hush!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Hoodman comes! Portotartarosa</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He calls for the tortures: what will you say</LINE> |
| <LINE>without 'em?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I will confess what I know without constraint: if</LINE> |
| <LINE>ye pinch me like a pasty, I can say no more.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Bosko chimurcho.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Boblibindo chicurmurco.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You are a merciful general. Our general bids you</LINE> |
| <LINE>answer to what I shall ask you out of a note.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And truly, as I hope to live.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Reads</STAGEDIR> 'First demand of him how many horse the</LINE> |
| <LINE>duke is strong.' What say you to that?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Five or six thousand; but very weak and</LINE> |
| <LINE>unserviceable: the troops are all scattered, and</LINE> |
| <LINE>the commanders very poor rogues, upon my reputation</LINE> |
| <LINE>and credit and as I hope to live.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Shall I set down your answer so?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Do: I'll take the sacrament on't, how and which way you will.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>All's one to him. What a past-saving slave is this!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You're deceived, my lord: this is Monsieur</LINE> |
| <LINE>Parolles, the gallant militarist,--that was his own</LINE> |
| <LINE>phrase,--that had the whole theoric of war in the</LINE> |
| <LINE>knot of his scarf, and the practise in the chape of</LINE> |
| <LINE>his dagger.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I will never trust a man again for keeping his sword</LINE> |
| <LINE>clean. nor believe he can have every thing in him</LINE> |
| <LINE>by wearing his apparel neatly.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well, that's set down.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Five or six thousand horse, I said,-- I will say</LINE> |
| <LINE>true,--or thereabouts, set down, for I'll speak truth.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He's very near the truth in this.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But I con him no thanks for't, in the nature he</LINE> |
| <LINE>delivers it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Poor rogues, I pray you, say.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well, that's set down.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I humbly thank you, sir: a truth's a truth, the</LINE> |
| <LINE>rogues are marvellous poor.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Reads</STAGEDIR> 'Demand of him, of what strength they are</LINE> |
| <LINE>a-foot.' What say you to that?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>By my troth, sir, if I were to live this present</LINE> |
| <LINE>hour, I will tell true. Let me see: Spurio, a</LINE> |
| <LINE>hundred and fifty; Sebastian, so many; Corambus, so</LINE> |
| <LINE>many; Jaques, so many; Guiltian, Cosmo, Lodowick,</LINE> |
| <LINE>and Gratii, two hundred and fifty each; mine own</LINE> |
| <LINE>company, Chitopher, Vaumond, Bentii, two hundred and</LINE> |
| <LINE>fifty each: so that the muster-file, rotten and</LINE> |
| <LINE>sound, upon my life, amounts not to fifteen thousand</LINE> |
| <LINE>poll; half of the which dare not shake snow from off</LINE> |
| <LINE>their cassocks, lest they shake themselves to pieces.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What shall be done to him?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nothing, but let him have thanks. Demand of him my</LINE> |
| <LINE>condition, and what credit I have with the duke.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well, that's set down.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Reads</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>'You shall demand of him, whether one Captain Dumain</LINE> |
| <LINE>be i' the camp, a Frenchman; what his reputation is</LINE> |
| <LINE>with the duke; what his valour, honesty, and</LINE> |
| <LINE>expertness in wars; or whether he thinks it were not</LINE> |
| <LINE>possible, with well-weighing sums of gold, to</LINE> |
| <LINE>corrupt him to revolt.' What say you to this? what</LINE> |
| <LINE>do you know of it?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I beseech you, let me answer to the particular of</LINE> |
| <LINE>the inter'gatories: demand them singly.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Do you know this Captain Dumain?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I know him: a' was a botcher's 'prentice in Paris,</LINE> |
| <LINE>from whence he was whipped for getting the shrieve's</LINE> |
| <LINE>fool with child,--a dumb innocent, that could not</LINE> |
| <LINE>say him nay.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, by your leave, hold your hands; though I know</LINE> |
| <LINE>his brains are forfeit to the next tile that falls.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well, is this captain in the duke of Florence's camp?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Upon my knowledge, he is, and lousy.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay look not so upon me; we shall hear of your</LINE> |
| <LINE>lordship anon.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What is his reputation with the duke?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The duke knows him for no other but a poor officer</LINE> |
| <LINE>of mine; and writ to me this other day to turn him</LINE> |
| <LINE>out o' the band: I think I have his letter in my pocket.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Marry, we'll search.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>In good sadness, I do not know; either it is there,</LINE> |
| <LINE>or it is upon a file with the duke's other letters</LINE> |
| <LINE>in my tent.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Here 'tis; here's a paper: shall I read it to you?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I do not know if it be it or no.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Our interpreter does it well.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Excellently.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Reads</STAGEDIR> 'Dian, the count's a fool, and full of gold,'--</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That is not the duke's letter, sir; that is an</LINE> |
| <LINE>advertisement to a proper maid in Florence, one</LINE> |
| <LINE>Diana, to take heed of the allurement of one Count</LINE> |
| <LINE>Rousillon, a foolish idle boy, but for all that very</LINE> |
| <LINE>ruttish: I pray you, sir, put it up again.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, I'll read it first, by your favour.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My meaning in't, I protest, was very honest in the</LINE> |
| <LINE>behalf of the maid; for I knew the young count to be</LINE> |
| <LINE>a dangerous and lascivious boy, who is a whale to</LINE> |
| <LINE>virginity and devours up all the fry it finds.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Damnable both-sides rogue!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Reads</STAGEDIR> 'When he swears oaths, bid him drop gold, and take it;</LINE> |
| <LINE>After he scores, he never pays the score:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Half won is match well made; match, and well make it;</LINE> |
| <LINE>He ne'er pays after-debts, take it before;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And say a soldier, Dian, told thee this,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Men are to mell with, boys are not to kiss:</LINE> |
| <LINE>For count of this, the count's a fool, I know it,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Who pays before, but not when he does owe it.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thine, as he vowed to thee in thine ear,</LINE> |
| <LINE>PAROLLES.'</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He shall be whipped through the army with this rhyme</LINE> |
| <LINE>in's forehead.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This is your devoted friend, sir, the manifold</LINE> |
| <LINE>linguist and the armipotent soldier.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I could endure any thing before but a cat, and now</LINE> |
| <LINE>he's a cat to me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I perceive, sir, by the general's looks, we shall be</LINE> |
| <LINE>fain to hang you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My life, sir, in any case: not that I am afraid to</LINE> |
| <LINE>die; but that, my offences being many, I would</LINE> |
| <LINE>repent out the remainder of nature: let me live,</LINE> |
| <LINE>sir, in a dungeon, i' the stocks, or any where, so I may live.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>We'll see what may be done, so you confess freely;</LINE> |
| <LINE>therefore, once more to this Captain Dumain: you</LINE> |
| <LINE>have answered to his reputation with the duke and to</LINE> |
| <LINE>his valour: what is his honesty?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He will steal, sir, an egg out of a cloister: for</LINE> |
| <LINE>rapes and ravishments he parallels Nessus: he</LINE> |
| <LINE>professes not keeping of oaths; in breaking 'em he</LINE> |
| <LINE>is stronger than Hercules: he will lie, sir, with</LINE> |
| <LINE>such volubility, that you would think truth were a</LINE> |
| <LINE>fool: drunkenness is his best virtue, for he will</LINE> |
| <LINE>be swine-drunk; and in his sleep he does little</LINE> |
| <LINE>harm, save to his bed-clothes about him; but they</LINE> |
| <LINE>know his conditions and lay him in straw. I have but</LINE> |
| <LINE>little more to say, sir, of his honesty: he has</LINE> |
| <LINE>every thing that an honest man should not have; what</LINE> |
| <LINE>an honest man should have, he has nothing.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I begin to love him for this.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>For this description of thine honesty? A pox upon</LINE> |
| <LINE>him for me, he's more and more a cat.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What say you to his expertness in war?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Faith, sir, he has led the drum before the English</LINE> |
| <LINE>tragedians; to belie him, I will not, and more of</LINE> |
| <LINE>his soldiership I know not; except, in that country</LINE> |
| <LINE>he had the honour to be the officer at a place there</LINE> |
| <LINE>called Mile-end, to instruct for the doubling of</LINE> |
| <LINE>files: I would do the man what honour I can, but of</LINE> |
| <LINE>this I am not certain.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He hath out-villained villany so far, that the</LINE> |
| <LINE>rarity redeems him.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A pox on him, he's a cat still.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>His qualities being at this poor price, I need not</LINE> |
| <LINE>to ask you if gold will corrupt him to revolt.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sir, for a quart d'ecu he will sell the fee-simple</LINE> |
| <LINE>of his salvation, the inheritance of it; and cut the</LINE> |
| <LINE>entail from all remainders, and a perpetual</LINE> |
| <LINE>succession for it perpetually.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What's his brother, the other Captain Dumain?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why does be ask him of me?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What's he?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>E'en a crow o' the same nest; not altogether so</LINE> |
| <LINE>great as the first in goodness, but greater a great</LINE> |
| <LINE>deal in evil: he excels his brother for a coward,</LINE> |
| <LINE>yet his brother is reputed one of the best that is:</LINE> |
| <LINE>in a retreat he outruns any lackey; marry, in coming</LINE> |
| <LINE>on he has the cramp.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If your life be saved, will you undertake to betray</LINE> |
| <LINE>the Florentine?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, and the captain of his horse, Count Rousillon.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I'll whisper with the general, and know his pleasure.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Aside</STAGEDIR> I'll no more drumming; a plague of all</LINE> |
| <LINE>drums! Only to seem to deserve well, and to</LINE> |
| <LINE>beguile the supposition of that lascivious young boy</LINE> |
| <LINE>the count, have I run into this danger. Yet who</LINE> |
| <LINE>would have suspected an ambush where I was taken?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>There is no remedy, sir, but you must die: the</LINE> |
| <LINE>general says, you that have so traitorously</LINE> |
| <LINE>discovered the secrets of your army and made such</LINE> |
| <LINE>pestiferous reports of men very nobly held, can</LINE> |
| <LINE>serve the world for no honest use; therefore you</LINE> |
| <LINE>must die. Come, headsman, off with his head.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O Lord, sir, let me live, or let me see my death!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That shall you, and take your leave of all your friends.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Unblinding him</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>So, look about you: know you any here?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good morrow, noble captain.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>God bless you, Captain Parolles.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>God save you, noble captain.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Second Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Captain, what greeting will you to my Lord Lafeu?</LINE> |
| <LINE>I am for France.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Lord</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good captain, will you give me a copy of the sonnet</LINE> |
| <LINE>you writ to Diana in behalf of the Count Rousillon?</LINE> |
| <LINE>an I were not a very coward, I'ld compel it of you:</LINE> |
| <LINE>but fare you well.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt BERTRAM and Lords</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You are undone, captain, all but your scarf; that</LINE> |
| <LINE>has a knot on't yet</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Who cannot be crushed with a plot?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>First Soldier</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If you could find out a country where but women were</LINE> |
| <LINE>that had received so much shame, you might begin an</LINE> |
| <LINE>impudent nation. Fare ye well, sir; I am for France</LINE> |
| <LINE>too: we shall speak of you there.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit with Soldiers</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Yet am I thankful: if my heart were great,</LINE> |
| <LINE>'Twould burst at this. Captain I'll be no more;</LINE> |
| <LINE>But I will eat and drink, and sleep as soft</LINE> |
| <LINE>As captain shall: simply the thing I am</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall make me live. Who knows himself a braggart,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Let him fear this, for it will come to pass</LINE> |
| <LINE>that every braggart shall be found an ass.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Rust, sword? cool, blushes! and, Parolles, live</LINE> |
| <LINE>Safest in shame! being fool'd, by foolery thrive!</LINE> |
| <LINE>There's place and means for every man alive.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I'll after them.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE IV. Florence. The Widow's house.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter HELENA, Widow, and DIANA</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That you may well perceive I have not wrong'd you,</LINE> |
| <LINE>One of the greatest in the Christian world</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall be my surety; 'fore whose throne 'tis needful,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Ere I can perfect mine intents, to kneel:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Time was, I did him a desired office,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Dear almost as his life; which gratitude</LINE> |
| <LINE>Through flinty Tartar's bosom would peep forth,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And answer, thanks: I duly am inform'd</LINE> |
| <LINE>His grace is at Marseilles; to which place</LINE> |
| <LINE>We have convenient convoy. You must know</LINE> |
| <LINE>I am supposed dead: the army breaking,</LINE> |
| <LINE>My husband hies him home; where, heaven aiding,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And by the leave of my good lord the king,</LINE> |
| <LINE>We'll be before our welcome.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Gentle madam,</LINE> |
| <LINE>You never had a servant to whose trust</LINE> |
| <LINE>Your business was more welcome.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nor you, mistress,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Ever a friend whose thoughts more truly labour</LINE> |
| <LINE>To recompense your love: doubt not but heaven</LINE> |
| <LINE>Hath brought me up to be your daughter's dower,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As it hath fated her to be my motive</LINE> |
| <LINE>And helper to a husband. But, O strange men!</LINE> |
| <LINE>That can such sweet use make of what they hate,</LINE> |
| <LINE>When saucy trusting of the cozen'd thoughts</LINE> |
| <LINE>Defiles the pitchy night: so lust doth play</LINE> |
| <LINE>With what it loathes for that which is away.</LINE> |
| <LINE>But more of this hereafter. You, Diana,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Under my poor instructions yet must suffer</LINE> |
| <LINE>Something in my behalf.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Let death and honesty</LINE> |
| <LINE>Go with your impositions, I am yours</LINE> |
| <LINE>Upon your will to suffer.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Yet, I pray you:</LINE> |
| <LINE>But with the word the time will bring on summer,</LINE> |
| <LINE>When briers shall have leaves as well as thorns,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And be as sweet as sharp. We must away;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Our wagon is prepared, and time revives us:</LINE> |
| <LINE>All's well that ends well; still the fine's the crown;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whate'er the course, the end is the renown.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE V. Rousillon. The COUNT's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter COUNTESS, LAFEU, and Clown</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No, no, no, your son was misled with a snipt-taffeta</LINE> |
| <LINE>fellow there, whose villanous saffron would have</LINE> |
| <LINE>made all the unbaked and doughy youth of a nation in</LINE> |
| <LINE>his colour: your daughter-in-law had been alive at</LINE> |
| <LINE>this hour, and your son here at home, more advanced</LINE> |
| <LINE>by the king than by that red-tailed humble-bee I speak of.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I would I had not known him; it was the death of the</LINE> |
| <LINE>most virtuous gentlewoman that ever nature had</LINE> |
| <LINE>praise for creating. If she had partaken of my</LINE> |
| <LINE>flesh, and cost me the dearest groans of a mother, I</LINE> |
| <LINE>could not have owed her a more rooted love.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Twas a good lady, 'twas a good lady: we may pick a</LINE> |
| <LINE>thousand salads ere we light on such another herb.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Indeed, sir, she was the sweet marjoram of the</LINE> |
| <LINE>salad, or rather, the herb of grace.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>They are not herbs, you knave; they are nose-herbs.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am no great Nebuchadnezzar, sir; I have not much</LINE> |
| <LINE>skill in grass.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Whether dost thou profess thyself, a knave or a fool?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A fool, sir, at a woman's service, and a knave at a man's.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Your distinction?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I would cozen the man of his wife and do his service.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So you were a knave at his service, indeed.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And I would give his wife my bauble, sir, to do her service.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I will subscribe for thee, thou art both knave and fool.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>At your service.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No, no, no.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why, sir, if I cannot serve you, I can serve as</LINE> |
| <LINE>great a prince as you are.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Who's that? a Frenchman?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Faith, sir, a' has an English name; but his fisnomy</LINE> |
| <LINE>is more hotter in France than there.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What prince is that?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The black prince, sir; alias, the prince of</LINE> |
| <LINE>darkness; alias, the devil.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Hold thee, there's my purse: I give thee not this</LINE> |
| <LINE>to suggest thee from thy master thou talkest of;</LINE> |
| <LINE>serve him still.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am a woodland fellow, sir, that always loved a</LINE> |
| <LINE>great fire; and the master I speak of ever keeps a</LINE> |
| <LINE>good fire. But, sure, he is the prince of the</LINE> |
| <LINE>world; let his nobility remain in's court. I am for</LINE> |
| <LINE>the house with the narrow gate, which I take to be</LINE> |
| <LINE>too little for pomp to enter: some that humble</LINE> |
| <LINE>themselves may; but the many will be too chill and</LINE> |
| <LINE>tender, and they'll be for the flowery way that</LINE> |
| <LINE>leads to the broad gate and the great fire.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Go thy ways, I begin to be aweary of thee; and I</LINE> |
| <LINE>tell thee so before, because I would not fall out</LINE> |
| <LINE>with thee. Go thy ways: let my horses be well</LINE> |
| <LINE>looked to, without any tricks.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If I put any tricks upon 'em, sir, they shall be</LINE> |
| <LINE>jades' tricks; which are their own right by the law of nature.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A shrewd knave and an unhappy.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So he is. My lord that's gone made himself much</LINE> |
| <LINE>sport out of him: by his authority he remains here,</LINE> |
| <LINE>which he thinks is a patent for his sauciness; and,</LINE> |
| <LINE>indeed, he has no pace, but runs where he will.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I like him well; 'tis not amiss. And I was about to</LINE> |
| <LINE>tell you, since I heard of the good lady's death and</LINE> |
| <LINE>that my lord your son was upon his return home, I</LINE> |
| <LINE>moved the king my master to speak in the behalf of</LINE> |
| <LINE>my daughter; which, in the minority of them both,</LINE> |
| <LINE>his majesty, out of a self-gracious remembrance, did</LINE> |
| <LINE>first propose: his highness hath promised me to do</LINE> |
| <LINE>it: and, to stop up the displeasure he hath</LINE> |
| <LINE>conceived against your son, there is no fitter</LINE> |
| <LINE>matter. How does your ladyship like it?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>With very much content, my lord; and I wish it</LINE> |
| <LINE>happily effected.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>His highness comes post from Marseilles, of as able</LINE> |
| <LINE>body as when he numbered thirty: he will be here</LINE> |
| <LINE>to-morrow, or I am deceived by him that in such</LINE> |
| <LINE>intelligence hath seldom failed.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It rejoices me, that I hope I shall see him ere I</LINE> |
| <LINE>die. I have letters that my son will be here</LINE> |
| <LINE>to-night: I shall beseech your lordship to remain</LINE> |
| <LINE>with me till they meet together.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Madam, I was thinking with what manners I might</LINE> |
| <LINE>safely be admitted.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You need but plead your honourable privilege.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Lady, of that I have made a bold charter; but I</LINE> |
| <LINE>thank my God it holds yet.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Re-enter Clown</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O madam, yonder's my lord your son with a patch of</LINE> |
| <LINE>velvet on's face: whether there be a scar under't</LINE> |
| <LINE>or no, the velvet knows; but 'tis a goodly patch of</LINE> |
| <LINE>velvet: his left cheek is a cheek of two pile and a</LINE> |
| <LINE>half, but his right cheek is worn bare.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>A scar nobly got, or a noble scar, is a good livery</LINE> |
| <LINE>of honour; so belike is that.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But it is your carbonadoed face.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Let us go see your son, I pray you: I long to talk</LINE> |
| <LINE>with the young noble soldier.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Faith there's a dozen of 'em, with delicate fine</LINE> |
| <LINE>hats and most courteous feathers, which bow the head</LINE> |
| <LINE>and nod at every man.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| </ACT> |
| |
| <ACT><TITLE>ACT V</TITLE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE I. Marseilles. A street.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter HELENA, Widow, and DIANA, with two |
| Attendants</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But this exceeding posting day and night</LINE> |
| <LINE>Must wear your spirits low; we cannot help it:</LINE> |
| <LINE>But since you have made the days and nights as one,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Be bold you do so grow in my requital</LINE> |
| <LINE>As nothing can unroot you. In happy time;</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter a Gentleman</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>This man may help me to his majesty's ear,</LINE> |
| <LINE>If he would spend his power. God save you, sir.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have been sometimes there.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I do presume, sir, that you are not fallen</LINE> |
| <LINE>From the report that goes upon your goodness;</LINE> |
| <LINE>An therefore, goaded with most sharp occasions,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which lay nice manners by, I put you to</LINE> |
| <LINE>The use of your own virtues, for the which</LINE> |
| <LINE>I shall continue thankful.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What's your will?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>That it will please you</LINE> |
| <LINE>To give this poor petition to the king,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And aid me with that store of power you have</LINE> |
| <LINE>To come into his presence.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The king's not here.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Not here, sir!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Not, indeed:</LINE> |
| <LINE>He hence removed last night and with more haste</LINE> |
| <LINE>Than is his use.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Lord, how we lose our pains!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>All's well that ends well yet,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Though time seem so adverse and means unfit.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I do beseech you, whither is he gone?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Marry, as I take it, to Rousillon;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whither I am going.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I do beseech you, sir,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Since you are like to see the king before me,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Commend the paper to his gracious hand,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which I presume shall render you no blame</LINE> |
| <LINE>But rather make you thank your pains for it.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I will come after you with what good speed</LINE> |
| <LINE>Our means will make us means.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This I'll do for you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And you shall find yourself to be well thank'd,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whate'er falls more. We must to horse again.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Go, go, provide.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE II. Rousillon. Before the COUNT's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter Clown, and PAROLLES, following</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good Monsieur Lavache, give my Lord Lafeu this</LINE> |
| <LINE>letter: I have ere now, sir, been better known to</LINE> |
| <LINE>you, when I have held familiarity with fresher</LINE> |
| <LINE>clothes; but I am now, sir, muddied in fortune's</LINE> |
| <LINE>mood, and smell somewhat strong of her strong</LINE> |
| <LINE>displeasure.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Truly, fortune's displeasure is but sluttish, if it</LINE> |
| <LINE>smell so strongly as thou speakest of: I will</LINE> |
| <LINE>henceforth eat no fish of fortune's buttering.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Prithee, allow the wind.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Nay, you need not to stop your nose, sir; I spake</LINE> |
| <LINE>but by a metaphor.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Indeed, sir, if your metaphor stink, I will stop my</LINE> |
| <LINE>nose; or against any man's metaphor. Prithee, get</LINE> |
| <LINE>thee further.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Pray you, sir, deliver me this paper.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Clown</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Foh! prithee, stand away: a paper from fortune's</LINE> |
| <LINE>close-stool to give to a nobleman! Look, here he</LINE> |
| <LINE>comes himself.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter LAFEU</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>Here is a purr of fortune's, sir, or of fortune's</LINE> |
| <LINE>cat,--but not a musk-cat,--that has fallen into the</LINE> |
| <LINE>unclean fishpond of her displeasure, and, as he</LINE> |
| <LINE>says, is muddied withal: pray you, sir, use the</LINE> |
| <LINE>carp as you may; for he looks like a poor, decayed,</LINE> |
| <LINE>ingenious, foolish, rascally knave. I do pity his</LINE> |
| <LINE>distress in my similes of comfort and leave him to</LINE> |
| <LINE>your lordship.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My lord, I am a man whom fortune hath cruelly</LINE> |
| <LINE>scratched.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And what would you have me to do? 'Tis too late to</LINE> |
| <LINE>pare her nails now. Wherein have you played the</LINE> |
| <LINE>knave with fortune, that she should scratch you, who</LINE> |
| <LINE>of herself is a good lady and would not have knaves</LINE> |
| <LINE>thrive long under her? There's a quart d'ecu for</LINE> |
| <LINE>you: let the justices make you and fortune friends:</LINE> |
| <LINE>I am for other business.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I beseech your honour to hear me one single word.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You beg a single penny more: come, you shall ha't;</LINE> |
| <LINE>save your word.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My name, my good lord, is Parolles.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You beg more than 'word,' then. Cox my passion!</LINE> |
| <LINE>give me your hand. How does your drum?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O my good lord, you were the first that found me!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Was I, in sooth? and I was the first that lost thee.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It lies in you, my lord, to bring me in some grace,</LINE> |
| <LINE>for you did bring me out.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Out upon thee, knave! dost thou put upon me at once</LINE> |
| <LINE>both the office of God and the devil? One brings</LINE> |
| <LINE>thee in grace and the other brings thee out.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Trumpets sound</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>The king's coming; I know by his trumpets. Sirrah,</LINE> |
| <LINE>inquire further after me; I had talk of you last</LINE> |
| <LINE>night: though you are a fool and a knave, you shall</LINE> |
| <LINE>eat; go to, follow.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I praise God for you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <SCENE><TITLE>SCENE III. Rousillon. The COUNT's palace.</TITLE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Flourish. Enter KING, COUNTESS, LAFEU, the two |
| French Lords, with Attendants</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>We lost a jewel of her; and our esteem</LINE> |
| <LINE>Was made much poorer by it: but your son,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As mad in folly, lack'd the sense to know</LINE> |
| <LINE>Her estimation home.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>'Tis past, my liege;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And I beseech your majesty to make it</LINE> |
| <LINE>Natural rebellion, done i' the blaze of youth;</LINE> |
| <LINE>When oil and fire, too strong for reason's force,</LINE> |
| <LINE>O'erbears it and burns on.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My honour'd lady,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I have forgiven and forgotten all;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Though my revenges were high bent upon him,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And watch'd the time to shoot.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This I must say,</LINE> |
| <LINE>But first I beg my pardon, the young lord</LINE> |
| <LINE>Did to his majesty, his mother and his lady</LINE> |
| <LINE>Offence of mighty note; but to himself</LINE> |
| <LINE>The greatest wrong of all. He lost a wife</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whose beauty did astonish the survey</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of richest eyes, whose words all ears took captive,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whose dear perfection hearts that scorn'd to serve</LINE> |
| <LINE>Humbly call'd mistress.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Praising what is lost</LINE> |
| <LINE>Makes the remembrance dear. Well, call him hither;</LINE> |
| <LINE>We are reconciled, and the first view shall kill</LINE> |
| <LINE>All repetition: let him not ask our pardon;</LINE> |
| <LINE>The nature of his great offence is dead,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And deeper than oblivion we do bury</LINE> |
| <LINE>The incensing relics of it: let him approach,</LINE> |
| <LINE>A stranger, no offender; and inform him</LINE> |
| <LINE>So 'tis our will he should.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I shall, my liege.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What says he to your daughter? have you spoke?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>All that he is hath reference to your highness.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Then shall we have a match. I have letters sent me</LINE> |
| <LINE>That set him high in fame.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter BERTRAM</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He looks well on't.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am not a day of season,</LINE> |
| <LINE>For thou mayst see a sunshine and a hail</LINE> |
| <LINE>In me at once: but to the brightest beams</LINE> |
| <LINE>Distracted clouds give way; so stand thou forth;</LINE> |
| <LINE>The time is fair again.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My high-repented blames,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Dear sovereign, pardon to me.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>All is whole;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Not one word more of the consumed time.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Let's take the instant by the forward top;</LINE> |
| <LINE>For we are old, and on our quick'st decrees</LINE> |
| <LINE>The inaudible and noiseless foot of Time</LINE> |
| <LINE>Steals ere we can effect them. You remember</LINE> |
| <LINE>The daughter of this lord?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Admiringly, my liege, at first</LINE> |
| <LINE>I stuck my choice upon her, ere my heart</LINE> |
| <LINE>Durst make too bold a herald of my tongue</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where the impression of mine eye infixing,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Contempt his scornful perspective did lend me,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which warp'd the line of every other favour;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Scorn'd a fair colour, or express'd it stolen;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Extended or contracted all proportions</LINE> |
| <LINE>To a most hideous object: thence it came</LINE> |
| <LINE>That she whom all men praised and whom myself,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Since I have lost, have loved, was in mine eye</LINE> |
| <LINE>The dust that did offend it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Well excused:</LINE> |
| <LINE>That thou didst love her, strikes some scores away</LINE> |
| <LINE>From the great compt: but love that comes too late,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Like a remorseful pardon slowly carried,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To the great sender turns a sour offence,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Crying, 'That's good that's gone.' Our rash faults</LINE> |
| <LINE>Make trivial price of serious things we have,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Not knowing them until we know their grave:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Oft our displeasures, to ourselves unjust,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Destroy our friends and after weep their dust</LINE> |
| <LINE>Our own love waking cries to see what's done,</LINE> |
| <LINE>While shame full late sleeps out the afternoon.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Be this sweet Helen's knell, and now forget her.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Send forth your amorous token for fair Maudlin:</LINE> |
| <LINE>The main consents are had; and here we'll stay</LINE> |
| <LINE>To see our widower's second marriage-day.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Which better than the first, O dear heaven, bless!</LINE> |
| <LINE>Or, ere they meet, in me, O nature, cesse!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Come on, my son, in whom my house's name</LINE> |
| <LINE>Must be digested, give a favour from you</LINE> |
| <LINE>To sparkle in the spirits of my daughter,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That she may quickly come.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>BERTRAM gives a ring</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>By my old beard,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And every hair that's on't, Helen, that's dead,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Was a sweet creature: such a ring as this,</LINE> |
| <LINE>The last that e'er I took her at court,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I saw upon her finger.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Hers it was not.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Now, pray you, let me see it; for mine eye,</LINE> |
| <LINE>While I was speaking, oft was fasten'd to't.</LINE> |
| <LINE>This ring was mine; and, when I gave it Helen,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I bade her, if her fortunes ever stood</LINE> |
| <LINE>Necessitied to help, that by this token</LINE> |
| <LINE>I would relieve her. Had you that craft, to reave</LINE> |
| <LINE>her</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of what should stead her most?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My gracious sovereign,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Howe'er it pleases you to take it so,</LINE> |
| <LINE>The ring was never hers.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Son, on my life,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I have seen her wear it; and she reckon'd it</LINE> |
| <LINE>At her life's rate.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am sure I saw her wear it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You are deceived, my lord; she never saw it:</LINE> |
| <LINE>In Florence was it from a casement thrown me,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Wrapp'd in a paper, which contain'd the name</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of her that threw it: noble she was, and thought</LINE> |
| <LINE>I stood engaged: but when I had subscribed</LINE> |
| <LINE>To mine own fortune and inform'd her fully</LINE> |
| <LINE>I could not answer in that course of honour</LINE> |
| <LINE>As she had made the overture, she ceased</LINE> |
| <LINE>In heavy satisfaction and would never</LINE> |
| <LINE>Receive the ring again.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Plutus himself,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That knows the tinct and multiplying medicine,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Hath not in nature's mystery more science</LINE> |
| <LINE>Than I have in this ring: 'twas mine, 'twas Helen's,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whoever gave it you. Then, if you know</LINE> |
| <LINE>That you are well acquainted with yourself,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Confess 'twas hers, and by what rough enforcement</LINE> |
| <LINE>You got it from her: she call'd the saints to surety</LINE> |
| <LINE>That she would never put it from her finger,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Unless she gave it to yourself in bed,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where you have never come, or sent it us</LINE> |
| <LINE>Upon her great disaster.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>She never saw it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Thou speak'st it falsely, as I love mine honour;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And makest conjectural fears to come into me</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which I would fain shut out. If it should prove</LINE> |
| <LINE>That thou art so inhuman,--'twill not prove so;--</LINE> |
| <LINE>And yet I know not: thou didst hate her deadly,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And she is dead; which nothing, but to close</LINE> |
| <LINE>Her eyes myself, could win me to believe,</LINE> |
| <LINE>More than to see this ring. Take him away.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Guards seize BERTRAM</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>My fore-past proofs, howe'er the matter fall,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Shall tax my fears of little vanity,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Having vainly fear'd too little. Away with him!</LINE> |
| <LINE>We'll sift this matter further.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If you shall prove</LINE> |
| <LINE>This ring was ever hers, you shall as easy</LINE> |
| <LINE>Prove that I husbanded her bed in Florence,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Where yet she never was.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit, guarded</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am wrapp'd in dismal thinkings.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter a Gentleman</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Gentleman</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Gracious sovereign,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whether I have been to blame or no, I know not:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Here's a petition from a Florentine,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Who hath for four or five removes come short</LINE> |
| <LINE>To tender it herself. I undertook it,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Vanquish'd thereto by the fair grace and speech</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of the poor suppliant, who by this I know</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is here attending: her business looks in her</LINE> |
| <LINE>With an importing visage; and she told me,</LINE> |
| <LINE>In a sweet verbal brief, it did concern</LINE> |
| <LINE>Your highness with herself.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE><STAGEDIR>Reads</STAGEDIR> Upon his many protestations to marry me</LINE> |
| <LINE>when his wife was dead, I blush to say it, he won</LINE> |
| <LINE>me. Now is the Count Rousillon a widower: his vows</LINE> |
| <LINE>are forfeited to me, and my honour's paid to him. He</LINE> |
| <LINE>stole from Florence, taking no leave, and I follow</LINE> |
| <LINE>him to his country for justice: grant it me, O</LINE> |
| <LINE>king! in you it best lies; otherwise a seducer</LINE> |
| <LINE>flourishes, and a poor maid is undone.</LINE> |
| <LINE>DIANA CAPILET.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I will buy me a son-in-law in a fair, and toll for</LINE> |
| <LINE>this: I'll none of him.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The heavens have thought well on thee Lafeu,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To bring forth this discovery. Seek these suitors:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Go speedily and bring again the count.</LINE> |
| <LINE>I am afeard the life of Helen, lady,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Was foully snatch'd.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Now, justice on the doers!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Re-enter BERTRAM, guarded</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I wonder, sir, sith wives are monsters to you,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And that you fly them as you swear them lordship,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Yet you desire to marry.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter Widow and DIANA</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>What woman's that?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am, my lord, a wretched Florentine,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Derived from the ancient Capilet:</LINE> |
| <LINE>My suit, as I do understand, you know,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And therefore know how far I may be pitied.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>Widow</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am her mother, sir, whose age and honour</LINE> |
| <LINE>Both suffer under this complaint we bring,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And both shall cease, without your remedy.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Come hither, count; do you know these women?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My lord, I neither can nor will deny</LINE> |
| <LINE>But that I know them: do they charge me further?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Why do you look so strange upon your wife?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>She's none of mine, my lord.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If you shall marry,</LINE> |
| <LINE>You give away this hand, and that is mine;</LINE> |
| <LINE>You give away heaven's vows, and those are mine;</LINE> |
| <LINE>You give away myself, which is known mine;</LINE> |
| <LINE>For I by vow am so embodied yours,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That she which marries you must marry me,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Either both or none.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Your reputation comes too short for my daughter; you</LINE> |
| <LINE>are no husband for her.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My lord, this is a fond and desperate creature,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whom sometime I have laugh'd with: let your highness</LINE> |
| <LINE>Lay a more noble thought upon mine honour</LINE> |
| <LINE>Than for to think that I would sink it here.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sir, for my thoughts, you have them ill to friend</LINE> |
| <LINE>Till your deeds gain them: fairer prove your honour</LINE> |
| <LINE>Than in my thought it lies.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good my lord,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Ask him upon his oath, if he does think</LINE> |
| <LINE>He had not my virginity.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What say'st thou to her?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>She's impudent, my lord,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And was a common gamester to the camp.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He does me wrong, my lord; if I were so,</LINE> |
| <LINE>He might have bought me at a common price:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Do not believe him. O, behold this ring,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whose high respect and rich validity</LINE> |
| <LINE>Did lack a parallel; yet for all that</LINE> |
| <LINE>He gave it to a commoner o' the camp,</LINE> |
| <LINE>If I be one.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>COUNTESS</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He blushes, and 'tis it:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of six preceding ancestors, that gem,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Conferr'd by testament to the sequent issue,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Hath it been owed and worn. This is his wife;</LINE> |
| <LINE>That ring's a thousand proofs.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Methought you said</LINE> |
| <LINE>You saw one here in court could witness it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I did, my lord, but loath am to produce</LINE> |
| <LINE>So bad an instrument: his name's Parolles.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I saw the man to-day, if man he be.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Find him, and bring him hither.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit an Attendant</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What of him?</LINE> |
| <LINE>He's quoted for a most perfidious slave,</LINE> |
| <LINE>With all the spots o' the world tax'd and debosh'd;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Whose nature sickens but to speak a truth.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Am I or that or this for what he'll utter,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That will speak any thing?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>She hath that ring of yours.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I think she has: certain it is I liked her,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And boarded her i' the wanton way of youth:</LINE> |
| <LINE>She knew her distance and did angle for me,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Madding my eagerness with her restraint,</LINE> |
| <LINE>As all impediments in fancy's course</LINE> |
| <LINE>Are motives of more fancy; and, in fine,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Her infinite cunning, with her modern grace,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Subdued me to her rate: she got the ring;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And I had that which any inferior might</LINE> |
| <LINE>At market-price have bought.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I must be patient:</LINE> |
| <LINE>You, that have turn'd off a first so noble wife,</LINE> |
| <LINE>May justly diet me. I pray you yet;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Since you lack virtue, I will lose a husband;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Send for your ring, I will return it home,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And give me mine again.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have it not.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>What ring was yours, I pray you?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Sir, much like</LINE> |
| <LINE>The same upon your finger.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Know you this ring? this ring was his of late.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>And this was it I gave him, being abed.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The story then goes false, you threw it him</LINE> |
| <LINE>Out of a casement.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I have spoke the truth.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Enter PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>My lord, I do confess the ring was hers.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>You boggle shrewdly, every feather stars you.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is this the man you speak of?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, my lord.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Tell me, sirrah, but tell me true, I charge you,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Not fearing the displeasure of your master,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Which on your just proceeding I'll keep off,</LINE> |
| <LINE>By him and by this woman here what know you?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>So please your majesty, my master hath been an</LINE> |
| <LINE>honourable gentleman: tricks he hath had in him,</LINE> |
| <LINE>which gentlemen have.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Come, come, to the purpose: did he love this woman?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Faith, sir, he did love her; but how?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How, I pray you?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He did love her, sir, as a gentleman loves a woman.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>How is that?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He loved her, sir, and loved her not.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>As thou art a knave, and no knave. What an</LINE> |
| <LINE>equivocal companion is this!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I am a poor man, and at your majesty's command.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>He's a good drum, my lord, but a naughty orator.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Do you know he promised me marriage?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Faith, I know more than I'll speak.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>But wilt thou not speak all thou knowest?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>PAROLLES</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Yes, so please your majesty. I did go between them,</LINE> |
| <LINE>as I said; but more than that, he loved her: for</LINE> |
| <LINE>indeed he was mad for her, and talked of Satan and</LINE> |
| <LINE>of Limbo and of Furies and I know not what: yet I</LINE> |
| <LINE>was in that credit with them at that time that I</LINE> |
| <LINE>knew of their going to bed, and of other motions,</LINE> |
| <LINE>as promising her marriage, and things which would</LINE> |
| <LINE>derive me ill will to speak of; therefore I will not</LINE> |
| <LINE>speak what I know.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Thou hast spoken all already, unless thou canst say</LINE> |
| <LINE>they are married: but thou art too fine in thy</LINE> |
| <LINE>evidence; therefore stand aside.</LINE> |
| <LINE>This ring, you say, was yours?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Ay, my good lord.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Where did you buy it? or who gave it you?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It was not given me, nor I did not buy it.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Who lent it you?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It was not lent me neither.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Where did you find it, then?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I found it not.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If it were yours by none of all these ways,</LINE> |
| <LINE>How could you give it him?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I never gave it him.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This woman's an easy glove, my lord; she goes off</LINE> |
| <LINE>and on at pleasure.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>This ring was mine; I gave it his first wife.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>It might be yours or hers, for aught I know.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Take her away; I do not like her now;</LINE> |
| <LINE>To prison with her: and away with him.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Unless thou tell'st me where thou hadst this ring,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thou diest within this hour.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I'll never tell you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Take her away.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I'll put in bail, my liege.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>I think thee now some common customer.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>By Jove, if ever I knew man, 'twas you.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Wherefore hast thou accused him all this while?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Because he's guilty, and he is not guilty:</LINE> |
| <LINE>He knows I am no maid, and he'll swear to't;</LINE> |
| <LINE>I'll swear I am a maid, and he knows not.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Great king, I am no strumpet, by my life;</LINE> |
| <LINE>I am either maid, or else this old man's wife.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>She does abuse our ears: to prison with her.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>DIANA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Good mother, fetch my bail. Stay, royal sir:</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>Exit Widow</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>The jeweller that owes the ring is sent for,</LINE> |
| <LINE>And he shall surety me. But for this lord,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Who hath abused me, as he knows himself,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Though yet he never harm'd me, here I quit him:</LINE> |
| <LINE>He knows himself my bed he hath defiled;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And at that time he got his wife with child:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Dead though she be, she feels her young one kick:</LINE> |
| <LINE>So there's my riddle: one that's dead is quick:</LINE> |
| <LINE>And now behold the meaning.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Re-enter Widow, with HELENA</STAGEDIR> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Is there no exorcist</LINE> |
| <LINE>Beguiles the truer office of mine eyes?</LINE> |
| <LINE>Is't real that I see?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>No, my good lord;</LINE> |
| <LINE>'Tis but the shadow of a wife you see,</LINE> |
| <LINE>The name and not the thing.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Both, both. O, pardon!</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>O my good lord, when I was like this maid,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I found you wondrous kind. There is your ring;</LINE> |
| <LINE>And, look you, here's your letter; this it says:</LINE> |
| <LINE>'When from my finger you can get this ring</LINE> |
| <LINE>And are by me with child,' &c. This is done:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Will you be mine, now you are doubly won?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>BERTRAM</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If she, my liege, can make me know this clearly,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I'll love her dearly, ever, ever dearly.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>HELENA</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>If it appear not plain and prove untrue,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Deadly divorce step between me and you!</LINE> |
| <LINE>O my dear mother, do I see you living?</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>LAFEU</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Mine eyes smell onions; I shall weep anon:</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>To PAROLLES</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>Good Tom Drum, lend me a handkercher: so,</LINE> |
| <LINE>I thank thee: wait on me home, I'll make sport with thee:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Let thy courtesies alone, they are scurvy ones.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>Let us from point to point this story know,</LINE> |
| <LINE>To make the even truth in pleasure flow.</LINE> |
| <STAGEDIR>To DIANA</STAGEDIR> |
| <LINE>If thou be'st yet a fresh uncropped flower,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Choose thou thy husband, and I'll pay thy dower;</LINE> |
| <LINE>For I can guess that by thy honest aid</LINE> |
| <LINE>Thou keep'st a wife herself, thyself a maid.</LINE> |
| <LINE>Of that and all the progress, more or less,</LINE> |
| <LINE>Resolvedly more leisure shall express:</LINE> |
| <LINE>All yet seems well; and if it end so meet,</LINE> |
| <LINE>The bitter past, more welcome is the sweet.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| <STAGEDIR>Flourish</STAGEDIR> |
| </SCENE> |
| |
| <EPILOGUE><TITLE>EPILOGUE</TITLE> |
| <SPEECH> |
| <SPEAKER>KING</SPEAKER> |
| <LINE>The king's a beggar, now the play is done:</LINE> |
| <LINE>All is well ended, if this suit be won,</LINE> |
| <LINE>That you express content; which we will pay,</LINE> |
| <LINE>With strife to please you, day exceeding day:</LINE> |
| <LINE>Ours be your patience then, and yours our parts;</LINE> |
| <LINE>Your gentle hands lend us, and take our hearts.</LINE> |
| </SPEECH> |
| |
| <STAGEDIR>Exeunt</STAGEDIR> |
| </EPILOGUE> |
| </ACT> |
| </PLAY> |