Mariana, with other Citizens.
Wid.
Nay, come. For if they do approach the
city, we shall lose all the sight.
Dia.
They say, the French Count has done most
honourable service.
Wid.
It is reported, that he has ta'en their greatest
commander; and that with his own hand he slew the
Duke's brother. We have lost our labour, they are
gone a contrary way: hark, you may know by their
trumpets.
Mar.
Come, let's return again, and suffice ourselves
with the report of it. Well, Diana, take heed of this
French Earl; the honour of a maid is her name, and
no legacy is so rich as honesty.
Wid.
I have told my neighbour, how you have been
solicited by a gentleman his companion.
Mar.
I know that knave, (hang him!) one Parolles;
a filthy officer he is in those suggestions for the
young Earl; beware of them, Diana; their promises,
-- 345 --
enticements, oaths, tokens, and all these engines of
lust, 4 note
are not the things they go under; many a maid
hath been seduced by them; and the misery is, example,
that so terrible shews in the wreck of maidenhood,
cannot for all that dissuade succession, but that
they are limed with the twigs that threaten them. I
hope, I need not to advise you further; but, I hope,
your own grace will keep you where you are, tho'
there were no further danger known, but the modesty
which is so lost.
Dia.
You shall not need to fear me.
Enter Helena, disguis'd like a Pilgrim.
Wid.
I hope so—Look, here comes a pilgrim;
I know, she will lie at my house; thither they send
one another; I'll question her: God save you, pilgrim!
whither are you bound?
Hel.
To St. Jaques le Grand. Where do the palmers
lodge, I do beseech you?
Wid.
At the St. Francis, beside the port.
Hel.
Is this the way?
[A march afar off.
Wid.
Ay, marry, is't. Hark you, they come this way.
-- 346 --
If you will tarry, holy pilgrim, but 'till the troops come by,
I will conduct you where you shall be lodg'd;
The rather, for, I think, I know your hostess
As ample as myself.
Hel.
Is it yourself?
Wid.
If you shall please so, pilgrim.
Hel.
I thank you, and will stay upon your leisure.
Wid.
You came, I think, from France.
Hel.
I did so.
Wid.
Here you shall see a countryman of yours,
That has done worthy service.
Hel.
His name, I pray you?
Dia.
The Count Rousillon: know you such a one?
Hel.
But by the ear, that hears most nobly of him;
His face I know not.
Dia.
Whatsoe'er he is,
He's bravely taken here. He stole from France,
As 'tis reported; for the King had married him
Against his liking. Think you, it is so?
Hel.
Ay, surely, meer the truth; I know his lady.
Dia.
There is a gentleman, that serves the Count,
Reports but coarsely of her.
Hel.
What's his name?
Dia.
Monsieur Parolles.
Hel.
Oh, I believe with him,
In argument of praise, or to the worth
Of the great Count himself, she is too mean
To have her name repeated; all her deserving
Is a reserved honesty, and that
I have not heard examin'd.5 note
Dia.
Alas, poor lady!
'Tis a hard bondage, to become the wife
Of a detesting lord.
Wid.
Ah! right; good creature! wheresoe'er she is
-- 347 --
Her heart weighs sadly; this young maid might do her
A shrewd turn, if she pleas'd.
Hel.
How do you mean?
May be, the am'rous Count solicits her
In the unlawful purpose.
Wid.
He does, indeed;
And brokes6 note with all, that can in such a suit
Corrupt the tender honour of a maid:
But she is arm'd for him, and keeps her guard
In honestest defence.
Samuel Johnson [1765], The plays of William Shakespeare, in eight volumes, with the corrections and illustrations of Various Commentators; To which are added notes by Sam. Johnson (Printed for J. and R. Tonson [and] C. Corbet [etc.], London) [word count] [S11001].
