Lafeu, all in black.
Count. note
In delivering note my son from me, note I bury a second
husband.
Ber.
And I in going, madam note, weep o'er my father's
death anew: but I must attend his majesty's command, to
whom I am now in ward, evermore in subjection.
Laf.
You shall find of the king a husband, madam;
you, sir, a father: he that so generally is at all times good,
must of necessity hold his virtue to you; whose worthiness
would stir it up where it wanted, rather than lack note it where
there is such abundance.
Count.
What hope is there of his majesty's amendment?
Laf.
He hath abandoned his physicians, madam; under
whose practices he hath persecuted note time with hope, and
-- 110 --
finds no other advantage in the process but only the losing
of hope by time.
Count.
This young gentlewoman had a father,—O, that
‘had’! how sad a passage note 'tis!—whose skill was note almost as
great as his honesty; had it stretched so far, would note have
made nature immortal, and death should have note play note for lack
of work. Would, for the king's sake, he were living! I
think it would be the death of the king's disease.
Laf.
How called you the man you speak of, madam?
Count.
He was famous, sir, in his profession, and it was
his great right to be so,—Gerard de Narbon.
Laf.
He was excellent indeed madam: the king very
lately spoke of him admiringly and mourningly: he was
skilful enough to have lived still, if knowledge could be set
up against mortality.
Ber. note
What is it, my good lord, the king languishes of?
Laf.
A fistula, my lord.
Ber. note
I heard not of it before.
Laf.
I would it were not notorious. Was this gentlewoman
the daughter of Gerard de Narbon?
Count.
His sole child, my lord; and bequeathed to my
overlooking. I have those hopes of her good that her note education
promises; her note dispositions note note she inherits, which makes
fair gifts fairer; for where an unclean mind carries virtuous
qualities, there commendations go with pity; they are virtues
and traitors too: in her they are the better for their note simpleness;
she derives her honesty and achieves her goodness.
Laf.
Your commendations, madam, get from her tears note.
Count.
'Tis the best brine a maiden can season her praise
in. The remembrance of her father never approaches her
heart but the tyranny of her sorrows takes all livelihood from
-- 111 --
her cheek. No more of this, Helena, go to, no more; lest
it be rather thought you note affect a sorrow than to have— note
Hel.
I do affect a sorrow, indeed, but I have it too.
Laf.
Moderate lamentation note is the right of the dead;
excessive grief the enemy to the living.
Count. note
If the living be note enemy to the grief, the excess
makes it soon mortal.
Ber. note
Madam, I desire your holy wishes.
Laf.
How note understand we that?
Count.
Be thou blest, Bertram, and succeed thy father
In manners, as in shape! thy blood and virtue
Contend for empire in thee, and thy goodness
Share with thy birthright! Love all, trust a few,
Do wrong to none: be able for thine enemy
Rather in power than use; and keep thy friend
Under thy own life's key: be check'd for silence,
But never tax'd for speech. What heaven more will,
That thee may furnish, and my prayers pluck down,
Fall on thy head note! Farewell, my lord; note
'Tis an unseason'd courtier; good my lord,
Advise him. note
Laf.
He cannot want the best
That shall attend his love.
Count.
Heaven note bless him! Farewell, Bertram. note
[Exit.
Ber. [To Helena note]
The best wishes that can be forged in
your thoughts be servants to you! Be comfortable to my
mother, your mistress, and make much of her.
-- 112 --
Laf.
Farewell, pretty lady: you must hold note the credit
of your father.
[Exeunt note Bertram and Lafeu.
note
Hel.
O, were that all! I think not on my father;
And these great tears grace his remembrance more
Than those I note shed for him. What was he like?
I have forgot him: my imagination
Carries no favour in 't but Bertram's note.
I am undone: there is no living, none,
If Bertram be away. 'Twere note all one
That I should love a bright particular note star
And think to wed it, he is so above me: note
In his bright radiance and collateral light
Must I be comforted, not in his sphere.
The note ambition in my love thus plagues itself:
The hind that would be mated by the lion
Must die for love. 'Twas pretty, though a plague,
To see him every hour; to sit and draw note
His arched brows note, his hawking eye, his curls,
In our note heart's table; heart too capable
Of every line and trick note of his sweet favour:
But now he's gone, and my idolatrous fancy
Must sanctify his reliques note. Who comes here?
Enter Parolles. note
[Aside note]
One that goes with him: I love him for his sake;
And yet I know him a notorious liar,
Think him a great way fool, solely note a coward;
Yet these fix'd evils sit so fit in him,
That they take place, when virtue's steely note bones
-- 113 --
Look note bleak i' the note cold wind: withal note, full oft we see
Cold note wisdom waiting on superfluous folly note.
note
Par.
Save note you, fair queen!
Hel.
And you, monarch!
Par.
No.
Hel.
And no.
Par.
Are you meditating on virginity?
Hel.
Ay. You have some stain note of soldier in you: let
me ask you a question. Man is enemy to virginity; how
may we barricado note it against him?
Par.
Keep him out.
Hel.
But note he assails note; and our virginity, though valiant,
in the defence yet note is weak: unfold to us note some warlike
resistance.
Par.
There is none: man, sitting note down before you, will
undermine you and blow you up.
Hel.
Bless note our poor virginity from underminers and
blowers up! Is there no military policy, how virgins
might blow up men?
Par.
Virginity being blown down, man will quicklier
be blown up: marry, in blowing him down again, with the
breach yourselves made, you lose your city. It is not
politic in the commonwealth of nature to preserve virginity.
Loss of virginity is rational note increase and there was never
virgin got note till virginity was first lost. That you were made
of is metal to make virgins. Virginity by being once lost
may be ten times found; by being ever kept, it is ever lost:
'tis too cold a companion; away with 't!
-- 114 --
Hel.
I will stand for 't a little, though therefore I die a
virgin.
Par.
There's little can be said in 't; 'tis against the rule
of nature. To speak on the part of virginity, is to accuse
your mothers note; which is most infallible disobedience. He
that hangs himself is note a virgin: virginity murders itself; and
should be buried in highways out of all sanctified limit, as a
desperate offendress against nature. Virginity breeds mites,
much like a cheese; consumes itself to the very paring, and
so dies with feeding his note own stomach. Besides, virginity is
peevish, proud, idle, made of self-love, which is the most inhibited note
sin in the canon. Keep it not; you cannot choose
but lose by 't: out with 't! within ten year it will make
itself ten note, which is a goodly increase; and the principal
itself not much the worse: away with 't!
Hel.
How might one do, sir, to lose it to her own liking?
Par.
Let me see: marry, ill, to like him that ne'er it
likes note. 'Tis note a commodity will lose the gloss with lying; the
longer kept, the less worth: off with 't while 'tis vendible;
answer the time of request. Virginity, like an old courtier,
wears her cap out of fashion; richly suited, but unsuitable:
just like the brooch and the tooth-pick, which wear note not now.
Your date is better in your pie and your porridge than in
your cheek: and your virginity, your old virginity, is like
one of our French withered pears, it looks ill, it eats drily;
marry, 'tis a withered pear; it was formerly better; marry,
yet note 'tis a withered pear: will you note any thing with it? note
-- 115 --
Hel.
Not note my virginity yet. note.....
There shall note your note master have a thousand loves,
A mother note and a mistress and a friend,
A phœnix, captain note and an enemy,
A guide, a goddess, and a sovereign,
A counsellor, a traitress, and a dear;
His humble note ambition, proud humility,
His jarring concord, and his discord dulcet,
His faith, his sweet disaster; with a world
Of pretty note, fond, adoptious note christendoms,
That blinking Cupid gossips. Now shall he note— note
I know not what he shall. God send him well!
The court's a learning place note, and he is one— note
Par.
What one, i' faith?
Hel.
That I wish well. 'Tis pity— note
Par.
What's pity? note
Hel.
That wishing well had not a body in't,
Which might be felt; that we, the note poorer born,
Whose baser stars do shut us up in wishes,
Might with effects of them follow our friends,
And show what we alone must think, which never
Returns us thanks.
Enter Page.
Page.
Monsieur Parolles, my lord calls for you.
[Exit. note
Par.
Little Helen, farewell: if I can remember thee, I
will think of thee at court.
-- 116 --
Hel.
Monsieur Parolles, you were born under a charitable
star.
Par.
Under Mars, I.
Hel.
I especially think, under Mars.
Par.
Why under Mars?
Hel.
The wars have note so kept you under, that you must
needs be born under Mars.
Par.
When he was predominant.
Hel.
When he was retrograde, I think, rather.
Par.
Why think you so?
Hel.
You go so much backward when you fight.
Par.
That's for advantage.
Hel.
So is running away, when fear proposes the safety note note:
but the composition that your valour and fear makes note in you
is a virtue of a good wing note, and I like the wear note well.
Par.
I am so full of businesses note, I cannot answer thee
acutely. I will return perfect courtier; in the which, my
instruction note shall serve to naturalize thee, so thou wilt be
capable of a note courtier's counsel, and understand what advice
shall thrust upon thee; else thou diest in thine unthankfulness,
and thine ignorance makes thee away: farewell. When
thou hast leisure, say thy prayers; when thou hast none,
remember thy friends: get thee a good husband, and use
him as he uses thee: so, farewell.
[Exit.
note
Hel.
Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie,
Which we ascribe to heaven: the fated sky
Gives us free scope; only doth backward pull
Our slow designs when we ourselves are dull.
What power is it which mounts my love so high;
That note makes me see, and cannot feed mine eye?
-- 117 --
The mightiest space note in fortune nature note brings note
To join like likes note and kiss like native things.
Impossible be strange attempts to those
That weigh their pains in sense, and do suppose
What hath been cannot be note: who ever strove
To show her merit, that did miss her love?
The king's disease— notemy project may deceive me,
But my intents are fix'd, and will not leave me.
[Exit.
note
Scene II. [Footnote:
Paris. The King's palace.
Flourish of cornets. note Enter the King of France with letters, and divers Attendants.
King.
The Florentines and Senoys note are by the ears note;
Have fought with equal fortune, and continue
A braving war.
First Lord. note
So 'tis reported, sir.
King.
Nay, 'tis most credible; we here receive it
A certainty, vouch'd from our cousin Austria,
With caution, that the Florentine will move us
For speedy aid; wherein our dearest friend
Prejudicates the business, and would seem
To have us make denial.
First Lord. note
His love and wisdom,
Approved so to your majesty, may plead
For amplest credence.
King.
He hath arm'd our answer,
And Florence is denied before he comes:
-- 118 --
Yet, for our gentlemen that mean to see
The Tuscan service, freely have they leave
To stand on either part.
Sec. Lord. note
It well may note serve
A nursery to our gentry, who are sick
For breathing and exploit.
King.
What's he comes here?
Enter Bertram, Lafeu, and Parolles.
First Lord. note
It is note the Count Rousillon note, my good lord,
Young Bertram.
King.
Youth, thou bear'st thy father's face;
Frank nature, rather curious than in haste,
Hath well composed thee note. Thy father's moral parts
Mayst thou inherit too! Welcome to Paris.
Ber.
My thanks and duty are your majesty's.
King.
I would I had that corporal soundness now,
As when thy father and myself in friendship
First tried our soldiership! He did look far
Into the service of the time, and was
Discipled of the bravest note: he lasted long;
But on us both did haggish age steal on,
And wore us out of act. It much repairs me
To talk of your good father. In his youth
He had the wit, which I can well note observe
To-day in our young lords; but they may jest
Till their own scorn return to them unnoted
Ere they can hide their levity in honour note:
So like a courtier, note contempt nor note bitterness
Were in his pride or sharpness; note if they were note,
-- 119 --
His equal had awaked them; and his honour,
Clock note to itself, knew the true minute when
Exception note bid him speak, and at this note time
His tongue obey'd his hand note: who were below him
He used as creatures of another place note;
And bow'd his eminent top to their low ranks,
Making them proud of note his humility,
In their poor praise he humbled note note. Such a man
Might be a copy to these younger times;
Which, follow'd well, would demonstrate them now note
But goers backward.
Ber.
His good remembrance, sir,
Lies richer in your thoughts than on his tomb;
So in approof lives not his note epitaph
As in your royal speech.
King.
Would I were with him! He would always say—
Methinks I hear him now; his plausive words
He scatter'd not in ears, but grafted them,
To grow there and to bear,—‘Let me not live,’—
This note his good melancholy oft began,
On the catastrophe and heel of pastime,
When it note was out,—‘Let me not live,’ quoth he,
‘After my flame lacks oil, to be the snuff
Of younger spirits, whose apprehensive senses
All but new things disdain; whose judgements are
Mere fathers note of their garments; whose constancies
Expire before their fashions. This he wish'd:
-- 120 --
I after him do after him wish too,
Since I nor wax nor honey can bring home,
I quickly were dissolved from my hive,
To give some labourers note room.
Sec. Lord. note
You are note loved, sir;
They that least lend it you shall lack you first.
King.
I fill a place, I know't. How long is't, count,
Since the physician at your father's died?
He was much famed.
Ber.
Some six months since, my lord.
King.
If he were living, I would try him yet.
Lend me an arm; the rest have worn me out
With several applications: nature and sickness
Debate it at their leisure. Welcome, count;
My son's no dearer.
Ber.
Thank note your majesty.
[Exeunt. note Flourish.
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
Rousillon. The Count's palace.
Enter Countess, Steward, and Clown.
Count.
I will now hear; what say you note of this gentlewoman? note
Stew.
Madam, the care I have had to even note your content,
I wish might be found in the calendar of my past
endeavours; for then we wound our modesty and make
foul note the clearness of our deservings, when of ourselves we
publish them.
Count.
What does this knave here? Get you gone,
sirrah: the complaints I have heard of you I do not all
believe: 'tis note my slowness that I do not; for I know you
-- 121 --
lack not folly to commit them, and have ability enough to
make such knaveries yours note.
Clo.
'Tis not unknown to you, madam, I am note a poor
fellow.
Count.
Well, sir.
Clo.
No, madam, 'tis not so well that I am poor,
though many of the rich are damned: but, if I may have note
your ladyship's good will to go to note the world, Isbel the
woman note and I will note do as we may.
Count.
Wilt thou needs be a beggar?
Clo.
I do beg your good will in this case.
Count.
In what case?
Clo.
In Isbel's case and mine own. Service is no
heritage: and I think I shall never have the blessing of
God till I have issue o' note my body; for they say barnes note are
blessings.
Count.
Tell me thy reason why thou wilt marry.
Clo.
My poor body, madam, requires it: I am driven on
by the flesh; and he must needs go that the devil drives.
Count.
Is this all your worship's reason?
Clo.
Faith, madam, I have other holy reasons, such as
they are.
Count.
May the world know them?
Clo.
I have been, madam, a wicked creature, as you
and all flesh and blood are; and, indeed, I do marry that
I may repent.
Count.
Thy marriage, sooner than thy wickedness.
Clo.
I am out o' note friends, madam; and I hope to have
friends for my wife's sake.
Count.
Such friends are thine enemies, knave.
Clo.
You're note shallow, madam, in note great friends; for the
-- 122 --
knaves come to do that for me, which I am aweary note of. He
that ears my land spares my team, and gives me leave to in note
the crop; if I be his cuckold, he's my drudge: he that comforts
my wife is the cherisher of my flesh and blood; he
that cherishes note my flesh and blood loves my flesh and blood;
he that loves my flesh and blood is my friend: ergo, he that
kisses my wife is my friend. If men could be contented to
be what they are, there were no fear in marriage; for young
Charbon the puritan and old Poysam note the papist, howsome'er note
their hearts are severed in religion, their heads are both one;
they may joul horns together, like any deer i' the herd.
Count.
Wilt thou ever be a foul-mouthed and calumnious
knave?
Clo.
A prophet I, madam; and I speak the truth the
next way:
For I the ballad will repeat,
Which men full true shall find;
Your marriage comes by destiny,
Your cuckoo sings by kind note.
Count.
Get you gone, sir; I'll talk with you more anon.
Stew.
May it please you, madam, that he bid Helen
come to you: of her I am to speak.
Count.
Sirrah, tell my gentlewoman I would speak with
her; Helen I mean.
Clo.
Was this fair face the cause, quoth she note,
Why the Grecians sacked Troy?
Fond done, done fond note,
Was this King Priam's joy? note
-- 123 --
With that she sighed as she stood,
note
With that she sighed as she stood note,
And gave this sentence then;
Among nine bad if one note be good,
note
Among nine bad if one note be good,
There's yet one good in ten note.
Count.
What, one good in ten? you corrupt the song,
sirrah.
Clo.
One good woman in ten, madam; which is a note purifying
o' the note song note: would God would serve the world so all
the year! we'd find no fault with the tithe-woman, if I were
the parson: one in ten, quoth a'! an we might have a good
woman born but one note every blazing star, or at an earthquake,
'twould mend the lottery well note: a man may draw note his
heart out, ere a' note pluck one.
Count.
You'll be gone, sir knave, and do as I command
you. note
Clo.
That man should be at woman's note command, and
yet note no hurt done! Though honesty be no puritan note, yet it
will do no hurt note; it will wear the surplice of humility over
the black gown of a big heart. I am going, forsooth: the
business is for Helen to come hither.
[Exit.
Count.
Well, now.
Stew.
I know, madam, you love your gentlewoman
entirely.
Count.
Faith, I do: her father bequeathed her to me;
and she herself, without other advantage note, may lawfully make
-- 124 --
title to as much love as she finds: there is more owing her
than is paid; and more shall be paid her than she'll demand.
Stew.
Madam, I was very late more near her than I
think she wished me: alone she was, and did communicate
to herself her own words to her own ears; she thought, I
dare vow for her, they touched not any stranger sense. Her
matter was, she loved your son: Fortune, she said, was no
goddess, that had put such difference betwixt their two
estates; Love no god, that would note not note extend his might,
only note where qualities were level; .... queen note of virgins, that
would suffer her poor knight note surprised note, without rescue in
the first assault, note or ransom afterward. This she delivered
in the most bitter touch of sorrow that e'er I heard virgin note
exclaim in: which I held note my duty speedily to acquaint you
withal; sithence, in the loss that may happen, it concerns
you something to know it.
Count.
You have discharged this honestly note; keep it to
yourself: many likelihoods informed me of this before,
which hung so tottering in the balance, that I could neither note
believe nor misdoubt. Pray you, leave me: stall this in
your bosom; and I thank you for your honest care: I will
speak with you further anon.
[Exit Steward.
Enter Helena. note
note
Even note so it was with me when I was young:
If ever note we are nature's, these are ours; this thorn
Doth to our rose of youth rightly belong;
Our blood to us, this to our blood is born;
-- 125 --
It is the show and seal of nature's truth,
Where love's strong passion is impress'd in youth:
By our remembrances of days foregone,
Such were our faults, or note then we thought them note none.
Her eye is sick on't: I observe her now.
Hel.
What is your pleasure, madam?
Count.
You know, Helen note,
I am a mother to you.
Hel.
Mine honourable mistress.
Count.
Nay, a mother:
Why not a mother? When I said ‘a mother,’ note note
Methought you saw a serpent: what's in ‘mother,’
That you start at it? I say, I am note your mother;
And put you in the catalogue of those
That were enwombed mine: 'tis often seen
Adoption strives with nature; and choice breeds
A native slip to us from foreign seeds note:
You ne'er oppress'd me with a mother's groan,
Yet I express to you a mother's care:
God's mercy, maiden! does it curd thy blood
To say I am thy mother? What's the matter,
That this distemper'd messenger of wet,
The note many-colour'd Iris, rounds thine eye note?
Why? note that you are note my daughter?
Hel.
That I am not.
Count.
I say, I am your mother.
Hel.
Pardon, madam;
The Count Rousillon cannot be my brother:
I am from humble, he from honour'd name;
No note upon my parents, his all noble:
My master, my dear lord he is; and I
-- 126 --
His servant live, and will his vassal die:
He must not be my brother.
Count.
Nor I your mother? note
Hel.
You are my mother, madam; would you were,—
So that my lord your son were not my brother,—
Indeed my mother! or were you both our mothers,
I care no more for than I do for heaven note,
So I were not his sister. Can't no other,
But I your daughter, he must be my brother? note
Count.
Yes, Helen, you might be my daughter-in-law:
God shield you mean it not! daughter and mother
So strive upon your pulse. What, pale again?
My fear hath catch'd your fondness: now I see
The mystery of your loneliness note, and find
Your salt tears' head: now to all sense 'tis gross
You love my son; invention is ashamed,
Against the proclamation of thy passion,
To say thou dost not: therefore tell me true;
But tell me then, 'tis so; for, look, thy cheeks
Confess it, th' one to th' note other; and thine eyes
See it note so grossly shown in thy behaviours note,
That in their kind they speak it: only sin
And hellish obstinacy tie thy tongue,
That truth should be suspected. Speak, is't so?
If it be so, you have note wound a goodly clew;
If it be not, forswear't: howe'er, I charge thee,
As heaven shall work in me for thine note avail,
-- 127 --
To tell me truly note.
Hel.
Good madam, pardon me!
Count.
Do you love my son?
Hel.
Your pardon, noble mistress!
Count.
Love you my son?
Hel.
Do not you love him, madam?
Count.
Go not about; my love hath in't a bond,
Whereof the world takes note: come, come, disclose note
The state of your affection; for your passions
Have to the full appeach'd.
Hel.
Then, I confess,
Here on my knee, before high heaven and you,
That before you, and next unto high heaven note,
I love your son note.
My friends were poor, but honest; so's my love:
Be not offended; for it hurts not him
That he is loved of me: I follow him not
By any token of presumptuous suit;
Nor would I have him till I do deserve him;
Yet never know how that desert should be.
I know I love in vain, strive against hope;
Yet, in this captious note and intenible note sieve,
I still pour in the waters note of my love,
And lack not to lose note still: thus, Indian-like,
Religious in mine error, I adore
The sun, that looks upon his worshipper,
But knows of him no more. My dearest madam,
Let not your hate encounter with my love
For loving where you do: but if yourself,
Whose aged honour cites a virtuous youth,
Did ever in so true a flame of liking note
Wish chastely and love dearly note, that your Dian
-- 128 --
Was both herself and love; O, then, give pity
To her, whose state is such, that note cannot choose
But lend and give where she is sure to lose;
That seeks not to find that her note search implies,
But riddle-like lives sweetly where she dies!
Count.
Had you not lately an intent,—speak truly,—
To go to Paris?
Hel.
Madam, I had.
Count.
Wherefore? tell true note.
Hel.
I will tell truth note; by grace itself I swear.
You know my father left me some prescriptions
Of rare and proved effects, such as his reading
And manifest note experience had collected
For general sovereignty; and that he will'd me
In heedfull'st reservation to bestow them,
As notes, whose faculties inclusive were,
More than they were in note: amongst the rest,
There is a remedy, approved, set down,
To cure the desperate languishings note whereof
The king is render'd lost.
Count.
This was your motive
For Paris, was it? speak.
Hel.
My lord your son made me to think of this;
Else Paris, and the medicine, and the king,
Had from the conversation of my thoughts
Haply note been absent then.
Count.
But think you, Helen,
If you should tender your supposed aid,
He would receive it? he and his physicians
Are of a mind; he, that they cannot help him note,
They, that they cannot help note: how shall they credit
-- 129 --
A poor unlearned virgin, when the schools,
Embowell'd of their doctrine, have left off
The danger to itself?
Hel.
There's something in't note,
More than my father's skill, which was the greatest
Of his profession, that his good receipt
Shall for my legacy be sanctified
By the note luckiest stars in heaven: and, would your honour
But give me leave to try note success, I'd venture
The note well-lost life of mine on his note Grace's cure
By such a day and note hour.
Count.
Dost thou believe 't?
Hel.
Ay, madam, knowingly.
Count.
Why, Helen, thou shalt have my leave and love,
Means and attendants note and my loving greetings
To those of mine in court: I'll stay at home
And pray God's blessing into note thy attempt:
Be gone note to-morrow; and be sure of this,
What I can help thee to, thou shalt not miss.
[Exeunt.
-- 130 --
note
ACT II. [Footnote:
Scene I.
Paris. The King's palace.
Flourish of cornets. Enter the King, attended note with divers note young
Lords taking leave for the Florentine war; Bertram, and Parolles.
King.
Farewell, young lords; these warlike principles
Do not throw from you: and you note, my lords note, farewell:
Share the advice betwixt you; if both gain, all note
The gift doth stretch itself as 'tis received,
And is enough for both.
First Lord. note
'Tis note our hope, sir,
After well-enter'd soldiers, to return
And find your Grace in health.
King.
No, no, it cannot be; and yet my heart
Will not confess he owes note the malady
That doth my life besiege. Farewell, young lords;
Whether I live or die, be you the sons
Of worthy Frenchmen: let higher note Italy,—
Those bated note that inherit but the fall
Of the last monarchy,—see that you come
Not to woo honour, but to wed it; when
The bravest questant note shrinks, note find what you seek,
That fame may cry you loud: I say, farewell.
Sec. Lord. note
Health, at your bidding, serve your majesty!
-- 131 --
King.
Those girls of Italy, take heed of them:
They say, our French lack language to deny,
If they demand: beware of being captives,
Before you serve.
Both. note
Our hearts receive your warnings.
King.
Farewell. Come hither to me note.
[Exit. note
First Lord. note
O my sweet lord, that you will stay behind us!
Par.
'Tis not his fault, the spark. note
Sec. Lord. note
O, 'tis brave wars!
Par.
Most admirable: I have seen those wars.
Ber.
I am commanded here, and kept a coil note with
‘Too young,’ note and ‘the next year,’ and ‘'tis too early.’
Par.
An thy mind stand to't, boy, steal away bravely note.
Ber.
I shall stay note here the forehorse to a smock,
Creaking my shoes on the plain masonry,
Till honour be bought up, and no sword worn
But one to dance with! By heaven, I'll steal away.
First Lord. note
There's honour in the theft.
Par.
Commit it, count.
Sec. Lord. note
I am your accessary; and so, farewell.
Ber.
I grow to you note, and our parting is a tortured body note.
First Lord. note
Farewell, captain note.
Sec. Lord. note
Sweet Monsieur Parolles!
-- 132 --
Par.
Noble heroes, my sword and yours note are kin. Good
sparks and lustrous, a word note, good metals: you shall find
in the regiment of the Spinii one Captain Spurio, with his
cicatrice, an emblem note of war, here on his sinister cheek; it
was this very sword entrenched it: say to him, I live; and
observe his reports for note me.
First Lord. note
We shall, noble captain.
[Exeunt Lords.
Par.
Mars dote on you for his novices! what will ye note do? note
Ber.
Stay: the king. note
Re-enter King. note
Par. [Aside to Ber.]
Use a more spacious ceremony to
the noble lords; you have restrained yourself within the list
of too cold an adieu: be more expressive to them: for they
wear themselves in the cap of the time, there do muster note true
gait note note, eat note, speak, and move note under the influence of the most received
star; and though the devil lead the measure, such are
to be followed: after them, and take a more dilated farewell.
Ber.
And I will do so.
Par.
Worthy fellows; and like to prove most sinewy
sword-men.
[Exeunt Bertram and Parolles. note
noteEnter Lafeu. note
Laf. [Kneeling note]
Pardon, my lord, for me and for my tidings.
-- 133 --
King.
I'll fee note thee to stand up.
Laf.
Then here's a man stands, that has note brought note his pardon.
I would you had kneel'd, my lord, to ask me mercy;
And that at my bidding you could so stand up. note
King.
I would I had; so I had broke thy pate,
And ask'd thee mercy for't note.
Laf.
Good faith, across note: but, my good lord, 'tis thus;
Will you be cured of your infirmity?
King.
No.
Laf.
O, will you eat no grapes, my royal fox?
Yes, but you will my noble grapes note, an if
My royal fox could reach them: I have seen a medicine note note note
That's able to breathe life into a stone,
Quicken a rock, and make you dance canary
With spritely fire and motion; whose simple touch
Is powerful to araise note King Pepin note, nay,
To give note great Charlemain a pen in's note hand,
And write note to her a love-line note.
King.
What ‘her’ is this?
Laf.
Why, Doctor She note: my lord, there's one arrived,
If you will see her: now, by my faith and honour,
If seriously I may convey note my thoughts
In this my light deliverance, I have spoke
With one that, in her sex, her years, profession,
-- 134 --
Wisdom and constancy, hath amazed me more
Than I dare blame note my weakness note: will you see her,
For that is her demand, and know her business?
That done, laugh well at me.
King.
Now, good Lafeu,
Bring in the admiration; that we with thee
May spend our wonder too, or take off thine
By wondering how thou took'st it.
Laf.
Nay, I'll fit you,
And not be all day neither.
[Exit note.
King.
Thus he his special nothing note ever prologues.
Re-enter Lafeu, with Helena. note
Laf.
Nay, come your ways note.
King.
This haste hath wings indeed.
Laf.
Nay, come your ways;
This is his majesty, say your mind to him:
A traitor you do look like; but such traitors
His majesty seldom fears: I am note Cressid's uncle,
That dare leave two together; fare you well.
[Exit. note
note
King.
Now, fair one, does your business follow us?
Hel.
Ay, my good lord.
Gerard de Narbon note was my father;
In note what he did profess, well found.
King.
I knew him note.
Hel.
The rather will I spare my praises note towards him;
Knowing him is enough. On's note bed of death
Many receipts note he gave me; chiefly one,
-- 135 --
Which, as the dearest issue of his practice,
And of his old experience the note only darling,
He bade me store up, as a triple eye,
Safer than mine own two, more dear note; I have so:
And, hearing your high majesty is touch'd
With that malignant cause, wherein the honour
Of my dear father's gift stands chief in power note,
I come to tender it and my appliance,
With all bound humbleness.
King.
We thank you, maiden;
But may not be so credulous of cure,
When our most learned doctors leave us, and
The congregated college have concluded
That labouring art can never ransom note nature
From her inaidible note estate note; I say note we must not
So stain note our judgement, or corrupt our hope,
To prostitute our past-cure malady
To empirics, or to dissever so
Our great self and our credit, to esteem
A senseless help, when help past sense we deem.
Hel.
My duty, then, shall pay me for my pains:
I will no more enforce mine note office on you;
Humbly entreating from your royal thoughts
A modest one, to bear me back again.
King.
I cannot give thee less, to be call'd grateful:
Thou thought'st to help me; and such thanks I give
As one near death to those that wish him live:
But, what at full I know, thou know'st no part;
I knowing all my peril, thou no art.
Hel.
What I can do can do no hurt to try,
Since you set up your rest 'gainst remedy
He that of greatest works is finisher,
Oft does them by the weakest minister:
-- 136 --
So holy writ in babes hath judgement shown,
When judges have been babes; great floods have flown
From simple sources; and great seas have dried,
When miracles have by the greatest note been denied.
Oft expectation fails, and most oft there
Where most it promises; and oft it hits
Where hope is coldest, and despair most fits note.
King.
I must not hear thee; fare thee well, kind maid;
Thy pains not used must by thyself be paid:
Proffers not took reap thanks for their reward.
Hel.
Inspired merit so by breath is barr'd:
It is not so with Him that all things knows,
As 'tis with us that square our guess by shows;
But most it is presumption in us when
The help of heaven we count the act of men.
Dear sir, to my endeavours give consent;
Of heaven, not me, make an experiment.
I am not an impostor note, that proclaim
Myself against the level of mine aim;
But know I think, and think I know most sure,
My art is not past power, nor you past cure.
King.
Art thou so confident? within what space
Hopest thou my cure?
Hel.
The great'st grace lending note grace,
Ere twice the horses of the sun shall bring
Their fiery torcher his diurnal ring;
Ere twice in murk and occidental damp
Moist Hesperus hath quench'd his note sleepy lamp;
Or four and twenty times the pilot's glass
Hath told the thievish minutes how they pass;
What is infirm from your sound parts shall fly,
Health shall live free, and sickness freely die.
King.
Upon thy certainty and confidence
-- 137 --
What darest thou venture?
Hel.
Tax of impudence,
A strumpet's boldness, a divulged shame
Traduced by odious ballads: my maiden's note name note
Sear'd otherwise, ne worse of note worst extended note,
With vilest torture let my life be ended.
King.
Methinks in thee some blessed spirit doth speak
His powerful sound note within note an organ weak:
And what impossibility would slay
In common sense, sense saves another way.
Thy life is dear; for all, that life can rate
Worth name of life, in thee hath estimate,
Youth, beauty, wisdom, courage note, all
That happiness and prime note can happy call:
Thou this to hazard needs must intimate
Skill infinite or monstrous desperate.
Sweet practiser, thy physic I will try,
That ministers thine own death if I die.
Hel.
If I break time, or flinch in property
Of what I spoke, unpitied let me die,
And well deserved: not helping, death's my fee;
-- 138 --
But, if I help, what do you promise me?
King.
Make thy demand.
Hel.
But will you make it even?
King.
Ay, by my sceptre and my hopes of heaven note.
Hel.
Then shalt thou give me with thy kingly hand
What husband in thy power I will command:
Exempted be from me the arrogance
To choose from forth the royal blood of France,
My low and humble name to propagate
With any branch or image note of thy state;
But such a one, thy vassal, whom I know
Is free for me to ask, thee to bestow.
King.
Here is my hand; the premises observed,
Thy will by my performance shall be served:
So make the note choice of thy note own time; for I,
Thy resolved patient, on thee still rely.
More should I question thee, and more I must,
Though more to know could not be more to trust,
From whence thou camest, how tended on: but rest
Unquestion'd welcome, and undoubted blest.
Give me some help here, ho! If thou proceed
As high as word, my deed shall match thy deed note.
[Flourish. Exeunt. note
note
Scene II. [Footnote:
Rousillon. The Count's palace.
Enter Countess and Clown.
Count. note
Come on, sir; I shall now put you to the height
of your breeding.
Clo.
I will show myself highly fed and lowly taught: I
know my business is but to the court.
-- 139 --
Count.
To the court note! why, what place make you special,
when you put off that with such contempt? But to the court! note
Clo.
Truly, madam, if God have lent a man any manners,
he may easily put it off at court: he that cannot make
a leg, put off's cap, kiss his hand, and say nothing, has
neither leg, hands, lip, nor cap; and, indeed, such a fellow,
to say precisely, were not for the court; but for me, note I have
an answer will serve all men.
Count.
Marry, that's a bountiful answer that fits all
questions.
Clo.
It is like a barber's chair, that fits all buttocks, the
pin-buttock, the quatch-buttock, the brawn-buttock, or any
buttock.
Count.
Will your answer serve fit note to all questions?
Clo.
As fit as ten groats is for the hand of an attorney,
as your French crown for your taffeta punk, as Tib's rush
for Tom's note forefinger, as a pancake for Shrove Tuesday, a
morris for May-day, as the nail to his hole, the cuckold to his
horn, as a scolding quean to a wrangling knave, as the nun's
lip to the friar's mouth, nay, as the pudding to his skin.
Count.
Have you, I say, an answer of such fitness for
all questions?
Clo.
From below your duke to beneath your constable,
it will fit any question.
Count.
It must be an answer of most monstrous size
that must fit all demands.
Clo.
But a trifle neither, in good faith, if the learned
should speak truth of it: here it is, and all that belongs to't.
Ask me if I am a courtier: it shall do you no harm to learn.
Count.
To be young again, if we could: I will be a
fool in question, hoping to be the wiser by your answer.
I pray note you, sir, are you a courtier?
-- 140 --
Clo.
O Lord, sir! There's a simple putting off. More,
more, a hundred of them.
Count.
Sir, I am a poor friend of yours, that loves you.
Clo.
O Lord, sir! Thick, thick, spare not me.
Count.
I think, sir, you can eat none of this homely meat.
Clo.
O Lord, sir! Nay, put me to't, I warrant you.
Count.
You were lately whipped, sir, as I think.
Clo.
O Lord, sir! spare not me.
Count.
Do you cry, ‘O Lord, sir!’ at your whipping,
and ‘spare not me’? Indeed your ‘O Lord, sir!’ is very
sequent to your whipping: you would answer very well to
a whipping, if you were but bound to't.
Clo.
I ne'er had worse luck in my life in my ‘O Lord,
sir!’ I see things may serve long, but note not serve ever.
note
Count.
I play the noble housewife note with the time,
To entertain 't note so merrily with a fool.
Clo.
O Lord, sir! why, there't serves well again.
Count.
An end, sir; to note your business. Give Helen this,
And urge her to a present answer back:
Commend me to my kinsmen and my son:
This is not note much.
Clo.
Not much commendation to them.
Count.
Not much employment for you: you understand
me?
Clo.
Most fruitfully: I am there before my legs.
Count.
Haste you again.
[Exeunt severally note.
-- 141 --
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
Paris. The King's palace.
Enter Bertram, Lafeu, and Parolles.
Laf. note
They say miracles are past; and note we have our philosophical
persons note, to make modern and familiar, things note supernatural
and causeless. Hence is it that we make trifles
of terrors; ensconcing ourselves into seeming knowledge,
when we should submit ourselves to an unknown fear.
Par. note
Why, 'tis the rarest argument of wonder that
hath shot out in our latter note times.
Ber. note
And so 'tis.
Laf.
To be relinquished of the artists,—
Par.
So I say; both of Galen and Paracelsus.
Laf. note note
Of all the learned and authentic fellows,—
Par.
Right; so I say.
Laf.
That gave him out incurable,—
Par.
Why, there 'tis; so say I too.
Laf.
Not to be helped,—
Par.
Right; as 'twere, a man assured of a— note
Laf.
Uncertain life, and sure death.
Par.
Just, you say well; so would I have said.
Laf.
I may truly say, it is a novelty to the world.
Par.
It is, indeed: if you will have it in showing note, you
shall read it in—what do ye call there?
Laf.
A showing of a heavenly effect in an earthly actor.
Par.
That's it; I would have said the note very same.
-- 142 --
Laf.
Why, your dolphin note is not lustier: 'fore note me, I
speak in respect—
Par.
Nay, 'tis strange, 'tis very strange, that is the brief
and the tedious of it; and he's of a most facinerious note spirit
that will not acknowledge it to be the—
Laf.
Very hand of heaven.
Par.
Ay, so I say.
Laf.
In a most weak—
Par.
And debile minister, great power, great transcendence:
which should, indeed, give us a further note use to be
made than alone note the recovery of the king, as to be— note
Laf.
Generally thankful.
note
Par.
I would have said it; you say note well. Here comes
the king.
Enter note King, Helena, and Attendants.
Laf.
Lustig note, as the Dutchman says: I'll like a maid
the better, whilst note I have a tooth in my head: why, he's
able to lead her a coranto note.
Par.
Mort du vinaigre note! is not this Helen?
Laf.
'Fore God, I think so.
note
King.
Go, call before me all the lords in court.
Sit, my preserver, by thy patient's side;
And with this healthful hand, whose banish'd sense
Thou hast repeal'd, a second time receive
The confirmation of my promised gift,
Which but attends thy naming.
-- 143 --
Enter three or four Lords.
Fair maid, send forth thine eye: this youthful parcel
Of noble bachelors stand at my bestowing,
O'er whom both sovereign note power and father's voice
I have to use: thy frank election make;
Thou hast power to choose, and they none to forsake.
note
Hel.
To each of you one fair and virtuous mistress
Fall note, when Love please! marry, to each, but one! note
Laf.
I'd give bay Curtal and his furniture,
My mouth no more were broken than these boys',
And writ note as little beard.
King.
Peruse them well:
Not one of those but had a noble father.
note
Hel.
Gentlemen,
Heaven hath through me restored the king to health note.
All.
We understand it, and thank heaven for you.
Hel.
I am a simple maid; and therein wealthiest,
That I protest I simply am a maid.
Please it your majesty, I have done already:
The blushes in my cheeks thus whisper me,
‘We blush that thou shouldst choose; but, be refused, note
Let the note white death note sit on thy cheek note for ever;
We'll ne'er come there again note.’
King. note
Make choice; and, see,
Who shuns thy love shuns all his love in me.
Hel.
Now, Dian, from thy altar do I fly;
And to imperial Love note, that god most high,
-- 144 --
Do my sighs stream note. Sir, will you hear my suit?
First Lord.
And grant it.
Hel.
Thanks, sir; all the rest is mute note.
Laf. note
I had rather be in this choice than throw
Ames-ace note for my life.
Hel.
The honour, sir, that flames in your fair eyes,
Before I speak, too threateningly note replies:
Love make your fortunes twenty times above
Her that so wishes and her humble love!
Sec. Lord.
No better, if you please.
Hel.
My wish receive,
Which great Love note grant! and so, I take my leave.
Laf.
Do all they note deny her? An note they were sons of
mine, I'd have them whipped; or I would send them to
the note Turk, to make eunuchs of.
Hel.
Be not afraid that I your hand should take;
I'll never do you wrong for your own sake:
Blessing upon your vows! and in your bed
Find fairer note fortune, if you ever note wed!
Laf.
These boys are boys of ice, they'll none have
her note: sure, they are bastards to the English; the French
ne'er got 'em. note note
Hel. note
You are too young, too happy, and too good,
To make yourself a son out of my blood.
Fourth Lord.
Fair one, I think not so.
Laf.
There's one grape yet; I am sure thy note father
drunk wine: but if thou be'st not an ass, I am a youth of
fourteen; I have known thee already note.
Hel. [To Bertram note]
I dare not say I take you; but I give
-- 145 --
Me and my service, ever whilst I live,
Into your guiding power. This is the man.
King.
Why, then, young Bertram, take her; she's thy wife.
Ber.
My wife, my liege! I shall beseech your highness,
In such a business give me leave to use
The help of mine own eyes.
King.
Know'st thou not, Bertram,
What she has note done for me?
Ber.
Yes, my good lord;
But never hope to know why I should marry her note.
King.
Thou know'st she has raised me from my sickly bed.
Ber.
But follows it, my lord, to bring me down
Must answer for your raising? I know her well:
She had her breeding at my father's charge.
A poor physician's daughter my wife! Disdain
Rather note corrupt me ever!
King.
'Tis only title note thou disdain'st in her, the which
I can build up. Strange is it, that our bloods,
Of colour note, weight, and heat, pour'd all together,
Would quite confound distinction, yet stand note off
In differences so note mighty. If she be
All that is virtuous, save what thou dislikest,
A poor physician's daughter, thou dislikest
Of virtue for the name note: but do not so:
From lowest place when note virtuous things proceed,
The place is dignified by the note doer's deed:
Where great additions swell's note, and virtue none,
It is a dropsied honour. note Good alone
-- 146 --
Is good without a name. Vileness is so: note
The property by what it is note should go,
Not by the title. She is young note, wise, fair;
In these to nature she's immediate heir,
And these breed honour: that is honour's scorn,
Which challenges itself as honour's born note,
And is not like the sire: honours thrive note,
When rather from our acts we them derive
Than our foregoers: the mere word's note a slave
Debosh'd on every tomb, on every grave note
A lying trophy; and as oft is dumb
Where dust and damn'd oblivion is the tomb
Of honour'd bones indeed. note What should be said?
If thou canst like this creature as a maid,
I can create the rest: virtue and she
Is her own dower; honour and wealth from me.
Ber.
I cannot love her, nor will strive to do't.
King.
Thou wrong'st thyself, if thou shouldst strive to choose.
Hel.
That you are well restored, my lord, I'm glad:
Let the rest go.
King.
My honour's at the stake; which to defeat, note
I must produce my power. Here, take her hand,
Proud scornful boy, unworthy this good gift;
That dost in vile misprision shackle up
My love and her desert; that canst not dream,
We, poising us in her defective scale,
-- 147 --
Shall weigh thee to the beam; that wilt not know,
It is in us to plant thine honour where
We please to have it grow. Check thy contempt:
Obey our will, which travails note in thy good:
Believe not thy disdain, but presently
Do thine own fortunes that obedient right
Which both thy duty owes and our power claims;
Or I will throw note thee from my care note for ever
Into the staggers and the note careless note lapse
Of youth and ignorance; both note my revenge and hate
Loosing note upon thee, in the name of justice,
Without all terms of pity. Speak; thine note answer.
Ber.
Pardon, my gracious lord; for I submit
My fancy to your eyes: when I consider
What great creation and what dole of honour
Flies where you bid it note, I find that she, which late
Was in my nobler thoughts most base, is now
The praised note of the king; who, so note ennobled,
Is as 't were born so.
King.
Take her by the hand,
And tell her she is thine: to whom I promise
A counterpoise; if not to note thy estate,
A balance more replete.
Ber.
I take her hand.
King.
Good fortune and the favour of the king
Smile upon this note contract; whose ceremony
Shall seem expedient on the now-born note brief,
And be note perform'd to-night: the solemn feast
Shall more attend upon the coming space,
Expecting absent friends. As thou lovest her,
-- 148 --
Thy love's to me religious; else, does err.
[Exeunt note all but Lafeu and Parolles.
note
Laf.
Do you hear, monsieur? a word with you.
Par.
Your pleasure, sir?
Laf.
Your lord and master did well to make his recantation.
Par.
Recantation! My lord! my master!
Laf.
Ay; is it not a language I speak?
Par.
A most harsh one, and not to be understood
without bloody succeeding. My master!
Laf.
Are you companion to the Count Rousillon?
Par.
To any count, to all counts, to what is man.
Laf.
To what is count's man: count's master is of
another style.
Par.
You are too old, sir; let it satisfy you, you are
too old.
Laf.
I must tell thee, sirrah, I write man; to which
title age cannot bring thee.
Par.
What I dare too well do, I dare not do.
Laf.
I did think thee, for two ordinaries, to be a pretty
wise fellow; thou note didst make tolerable vent of thy travel;
it might pass: yet the scarfs and the bannerets note about thee
did manifoldly dissuade me from believing thee a vessel of
too great a burthen. I have now found thee; when I lose
thee again, I care not: yet art thou good for nothing but
taking up; and that thou'rt scarce worth.
Par.
Hadst thou not the privilege of antiquity upon
thee,—
Laf.
Do not plunge thyself too far in anger, lest thou
hasten thy trial; which if— noteLord have mercy on thee for
a hen! So, my good window of lattice note, fare thee well:
thy casement I need not open, for note I look through thee.
Give me thy hand.
Par.
My lord, you give me most egregious indignity.
-- 149 --
Laf.
Ay, with all my heart; and thou art worthy of it.
Par.
I have not, my lord, deserved it.
Laf.
Yes, good faith, every dram of it; and I will not
bate thee a scruple.
Par.
Well, I shall be wiser. note
Laf.
Ev'n as soon as thou canst, for thou hast to pull at
a smack o' the note contrary. If ever thou be'st bound in thy
scarf and beaten, thou shalt note find what it is to be proud of
thy bondage. I have a desire to hold my acquaintance
with thee, or rather my knowledge, that I may say in the
default note, he is a man I know.
Par.
My lord, you do me most insupportable vexation.
Laf.
I would it were hell-pains for thy sake, and my
poor doing eternal: for doing I am past; as I will note by thee,
in what motion age will give me leave note.
[Exit.
Par.
Well, thou hast a son shall take this disgrace off
me; scurvy, old, filthy, scurvy lord note! Well, I must be patient;
there is no fettering of authority. I'll beat him, by
my life, if I can meet him with any convenience, an he were
double and double a lord. I'll have no more pity of his
age than I would have of—I'll beat him, an if I could but
meet him again.
Re-enter Lafeu.
Laf.
Sirrah, your lord and master's married; there's
news for you: you have a new mistress.
Par.
I most unfeignedly beseech your lordship to make
some reservation of your wrongs: he is my good lord:
whom note note I serve above is my master.
Laf.
Who? God?
Par.
Ay, sir.
-- 150 --
Laf.
The devil it is that's thy master. Why dost thou
garter up thy arms o' note this fashion? dost make hose of thy
sleeves? do other servants so? Thou wert best set thy lower
part where thy nose stands. By mine honour, if I were but
two hours younger, I'd beat thee: methinks't note, thou art a
general offence, and every man should beat thee: I think
thou wast created for men to breathe themselves upon thee.
Par.
This is hard and undeserved measure, my lord.
Laf.
Go to, sir; you were beaten in Italy for picking a
kernel out of a pomegranate; you are a vagabond, and no
true traveller: you are more saucy with lords and honourable
personages than the commission of your birth and
virtue gives you heraldry note. You are not worth another
word, else I'd call you knave. I leave you.
[Exit.
note
Par.
Good, very good; it is so then: good, very
good; let it be concealed awhile.
Re-enter Bertram. note
Ber.
Undone, and forfeited to cares for ever!
Par.
What's note the matter, sweet-heart?
Ber.
Although before the solemn priest I have sworn,
I will not bed her note.
Par.
What, what, sweet-heart?
Ber.
O my Parolles, they have married me!
I'll to the Tuscan wars, and never bed her.
Par.
France is a dog-hole, and it no more merits
The tread of a man's foot: to the wars note! note
Ber.
There's letters from my mother: what the import
is, I know not yet.
Par.
Ay, that would be known. To the wars, my boy, to the wars!
-- 151 --
He wears his honour in a box unseen,
That hugs his kicky-wicky note here at home,
Spending his manly marrow in her arms,
Which should sustain the bound and high curvet
Of Mars's fiery steed. To other regions
France note is a stable; we that dwell in't jades;
Therefore, to the war!
Ber.
It shall be so: I'll send her to my house,
Acquaint my mother with my hate to her,
And wherefore I am fled; write to the king
That which I durst not speak: his present gift
Shall furnish me to those Italian fields,
Where noble fellows strike: war note is no strife
To the dark house and the detested note wife.
Par.
Will this capriccio hold in thee, art sure?
Ber.
Go with me to my chamber, and advise me.
I'll send her straight away: to-morrow note
I'll to the wars, she to her single sorrow.
Par.
Why, these balls bound; there's noise in it. 'Tis hard:
A young man married is a man that's marr'd:
Therefore away, and leave her bravely; go note:
The king has done you wrong: but, hush, 'tis so.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
Paris. The King's Palace. note
Enter Helena and Clown.
Hel.
My mother greets me kindly: is she well?
Clo.
She is not well; but yet she has her health: she's
-- 152 --
very merry; but yet she is not well: but thanks note be given,
she's very well and wants nothing i' the world; but yet
she is not well. note
Hel.
If she be very well, what does she ail, that she's
not very well?
Clo.
Truly, she's very well indeed, but for two things.
Hel.
What two things?
Clo.
One, that she's note not in heaven, whither God send
her quickly! the other, that she's in earth note, from whence note
God send her quickly!
Enter Parolles.
Par.
Bless you, my fortunate lady!
Hel.
I hope, sir, I have your good will to have mine
own good fortunes note.
Par.
You had my prayers to lead them on; and to
keep them on, have them still. O, my knave, how does
my old lady?
Clo.
So that you had her wrinkles, and I her money, I
would she did as you say.
Par.
Why, I say nothing.
Clo.
Marry, you are the wiser man; for many a man's
tongue shakes out note his master's undoing: to say nothing, to
do nothing, to know nothing, and to have nothing, is to be
a great part of your title; which is within a very little of
nothing.
Par.
Away! thou'rt note a knave.
Clo.
You should have said, sir, before a knave thou'rt note
a knave; that's, before me thou'rt note a knave: this had been
truth, sir.
Par.
Go to, thou art a witty fool; I have found thee.
-- 153 --
Clo.
Did you find me in yourself, sir? or were you
taught to find me? The search note, sir, was profitable; and
much fool may you find in you, even to the world's pleasure
and the increase of laughter.
Par.
A good knave, i' faith, and well fed.
Madam, my lord will go away to-night;
A very serious business calls on him.
The great prerogative and rite note of love,
Which, as your due, time claims note, he does acknowledge;
But puts it off to note a compell'd restraint;
Whose want, and whose delay, is note strew'd with sweets,
Which they distil now in the curbed note time,
To make the coming hour o'erflow with joy,
And pleasure drown the brim.
Hel.
What's his will else?
Par.
That you will take your instant leave o' note the king,
And make this haste as your own good proceeding,
Strengthen'd with what apology you think
May make it probable need.
Hel.
What more commands he?
Par.
That, having this obtain'd, you presently
Attend his further pleasure.
Hel.
In every thing I wait upon his will.
Par.
I shall report it so.
Hel.
I pray you.
[Exit Parolles. note]
Come note, sirrah.
[Exeunt. note
-- 154 --
note
Scene V. [Footnote:
Paris. The King's Palace. note
Enter Lafeu and Bertram.
Laf.
But I hope your lordship thinks not him a soldier.
Ber.
Yes, my lord, and of very valiant approof.
Laf.
You have it from his own deliverance.
Ber.
And by other warranted testimony.
Laf.
Then my dial goes not true: I took this lark for
a bunting.
Ber.
I do assure you, my lord, he is very great in
knowledge, and accordingly valiant.
Laf.
I have then sinned against his experience and
transgressed against his valour; and my state that way is
dangerous, since I cannot yet note find in my heart to repent.
Here he comes: I pray you, make us friends; I will pursue
the amity.
Enter Parolles.
Par.
These things shall be done, sir.
[To Bertram. note
Laf.
Pray you note, sir, who's note his tailor?
Par.
Sir?
Laf.
O, I know him well, I, sir; he, sir, 's note a good
workman, a very good tailor.
Ber.
Is she gone to the king?
[Aside note to Parolles.
Par.
She is.
Ber.
Will she away to-night?
Par.
As you'll have her.
Ber.
I have writ my letters, casketed my treasure,
Given order for our horses note; and to-night,
-- 155 --
When I should take possession of the bride,
End ere I do begin note. note
Laf.
A good traveller is something at the latter end of
a dinner; but one that note lies three thirds, and uses a known
truth to pass a thousand nothings with, should be once
heard note, and thrice beaten. God save you note, captain.
Ber.
Is there any unkindness between my lord and
you, monsieur?
Par.
I know not how I have deserved to run into my
lord's displeasure.
Laf.
You have made shift to run into't, boots and spurs
and all, like him that leaped note into the custard note; and out of
it you'll run again, rather than suffer question for your
residence.
Ber.
It may be you have mistaken him, my lord.
Laf.
And shall do so ever, though I took him at's
prayers. Fare you well, my lord; and believe this of me,
there can be no kernel in this light nut; the soul of this
man is his clothes. Trust him not in matter of heavy consequence;
I have kept of them tame, and know their natures.
Farewell, monsieur: I have spoken better of you
than you have or will note to note deserve at my hand note; but we must
do good against evil.
[Exit. note
Par.
An idle lord, I swear.
Ber.
I think so note.
Par.
Why, do you not know him?
Ber.
Yes, I do know him well, and common speech
Gives him a worthy pass. Here comes my clog note.
noteEnter Helena.
Hel.
I have, sir, as I was commanded from you,
-- 156 --
Spoke with the king, and have procured his leave
For present parting; only he desires
Some private speech with you.
Ber.
I shall obey his will.
You must note not marvel, Helen, at my course,
Which holds not colour with the time, nor does
The ministration and required office
On my particular. Prepared I was not
For such a business; therefore am I found
So much unsettled: this drives me to entreat you,
That presently you take your way for home,
And rather muse than ask why I note entreat you note;
For my respects are better than they seem,
And my appointments have in them a need
Greater than shows itself at the first view
To you that know them not. This to my mother:
[Giving a letter. note
'Twill be two days ere I shall see you; so,
I leave you to your wisdom.
Hel.
Sir, I can nothing say,
But that I am your most obedient servant.
Ber.
Come, come, no more of that.
Hel.
And ever shall
With true observance seek to eke out that
Wherein toward me my homely stars have fail'd
To equal my great fortune.
Ber.
Let that go:
My haste is very great: farewell; hie home note.
Hel.
Pray, sir, your pardon.
Ber.
Well, what would you say?
Hel.
I am not worthy of the wealth I owe;
Nor dare I say 'tis mine, and yet it is;
But, like a timorous thief, most fain would steal
What law does vouch mine own.
Ber.
What would you have?
-- 157 --
Hel.
Something; and scarce so much: nothing, indeed.
I would not tell you what I would, my lord note: faith, yes;
Strangers and foes do sunder, and not kiss note.
Ber.
I pray you, stay not, but in haste to horse.
Hel.
I shall not break your bidding, good my lord.
Ber.
Where are my other men, monsieur? note Farewell note.
[Exit Helena. note
Go thou toward home; where I will never come,
Whilst I can shake my sword, or hear the drum.
Away, and for our flight.
Par.
Bravely, coragio!
[Exeunt. note
ACT III.
Scene I.
Florence. The Duke's palace.
Flourish. Enter the Duke of Florence, attended note; the two Frenchmen with a troop of soldiers.
Duke.
So that from point to point now have you heard
The fundamental reasons of this war,
Whose great decision hath much blood let forth
And more thirsts after.
First Lord.
Holy seems the quarrel
Upon your Grace's part note; black note and fearful
On the opposer note.
Duke.
Therefore we marvel much our cousin France
Would in so just a business shut his bosom
Against our borrowing prayers.
-- 158 --
Sec. Lord note.
Good my lord,
The reasons of our state I cannot yield,
But like a common and an outward man,
That the great figure of a council frames
By note self-unable motion note: therefore dare not
Say what I think of it, since I have found
Myself in my incertain grounds to fail
As often as I guess'd.
Duke.
Be it his pleasure.
First Lord note.
But I am sure the younger of our nature note,
That surfeit on their ease, will day by day
Come here for physic.
Duke.
Welcome shall they be;
And all the honours that can fly from us
Shall on them settle. You know your places well;
When better fall, for your avails they fell note:
To-morrow to note the field.
[Flourish. Exeunt. note
Scene II.
Rousillon. The Count's Palace.
Enter Countess and Clown.
Count.
It hath happened all as I would have had it,
save that he comes not along with her.
Clo.
By my troth, I take my young lord to be a very
melancholy man.
Count.
By what observance, I pray you?
Clo.
Why, he will look upon his boot and sing; mend
the ruff note and sing; ask questions and sing; pick his teeth
-- 159 --
and sing. I know note a man that had this trick of melancholy
sold note a goodly manor for note a song.
Count.
Let me see what he writes, and when he means
noteto come.
[Opening a letter.
Clo.
I have no mind to Isbel since I was at court: our
old ling note and our Isbels o' the country are nothing like
your old ling note and your Isbels o' the court: the brains note of
my Cupid's knocked out, and I begin to love, as an old
man loves money, with no stomach.
Count.
What have we here?
Clo.
E'en note that you have there.
[Exit.
Count. [reads note]
I have sent you a daughter-in-law: she hath
recovered the king, and undone me. I have wedded her, not bedded
her; and sworn to make the ‘not’ eternal. You shall hear I am
run away: know it before the report come. If there be breadth
enough in the world, I will hold a long distance. My duty to you.
Your unfortunate son,
Bertram.
This is not well, rash and unbridled boy,
To fly the favours of so good a king;
To pluck his indignation on thy head
By the misprising of a maid too virtuous
For the contempt note of empire.
Re-enter Clown.
Clo.
O madam, yonder is heavy news within between
two soldiers and my young lady!
Count.
What is the matter?
Clo.
Nay, there is some comfort in the news, some
comfort; your son will not be killed so soon as I thought
he would.
Count.
Why should he be killed?
Clo.
So say I, madam, if he run away, as I hear he does:
the danger is in standing to't; that's the loss of men, though
-- 160 --
it be the getting of children. Here they come will tell you
more: for my part, I only hear note your son was run away.
[Exit.
noteEnter Helena and two Gentlemen.
First Gent. note
Save you, good madam.
Hel.
Madam, my lord is gone, for ever gone.
Sec. Gent. note
Do not say so.
Count.
Think upon patience. Pray you, note gentlemen,
I have note felt so many quirks of joy and grief,
That the first face of neither, on the start,
Can woman me unto't: where is my son, I pray you note?
Sec. Gent.
Madam, he's gone to serve the duke of Florence:
We met him thitherward; for note thence we came,
And, after some dispatch in hand at court,
Thither we bend again.
Hel.
Look on his note letter, madam; here's my passport.
[reads note]
When thou canst get the ring upon my finger which
never shall come off note, and show me a child begotten of thy body that
I am father to, then call me husband: but in such a ‘then’ I write
a ‘never.’
This is a dreadful sentence.
Count.
Brought you this letter, gentlemen?
First Gent. note
Ay, madam;
And for the contents' sake are sorry for our pains note.
Count.
I prithee, lady, have a better cheer;
If thou engrossest all the griefs are note thine,
Thou robb'st me of a moiety: he was my son;
-- 161 --
But I do wash his name out of my blood,
And thou art all my child. Towards Florence is he?
Sec. Gent.
Ay, madam.
Count.
And to be a soldier?
Sec. Gent.
Such is his noble purpose; and, believe 't,
The Duke will lay upon him all the honour
That good convenience claims.
Count.
Return you thither?
First Gent.
Ay, madam, with the swiftest wing of speed.
Hel. [reads note]
Till I have no wife, I have nothing in France.
'Tis bitter note.
Count.
Find you that there?
Hel.
Ay note, madam.
First Gent.
'Tis but the boldness of his hand, haply note,
which his heart was not consenting to.
Count.
Nothing in France, until he have no wife!
There's nothing here that is too good for him
But only she; and she deserves a lord
That twenty such rude boys might tend upon
And call her hourly mistress. Who was with him?
First Gent.
A servant only, and a gentleman
Which I have sometime note known note.
Count.
Parolles, was it note not?
Ay, my good lady, he.
A very note tainted fellow, and note full of wickedness.
My son corrupts a well-derived nature
With his inducement note.
First Gent.
Indeed note, good lady,
The fellow has a deal of that too note much,
Which holds him much to have note.
-- 162 --
Count.
Y' are welcome, gentlemen.
I will entreat you, when you see my son,
To tell him that his sword can never win
The honour that he loses: more I'll entreat you
Written to bear along.
Sec. Gent.
We serve you, madam,
In that and all your worthiest affairs note.
Count.
Not so, but as we change our courtesies. note
Will you draw near?
[Exeunt Countess and Gentlemen. note
note
Hel.
‘Till I have no wife, I have nothing in France.’
Nothing in France, until he has no wife!
Thou shalt have none, Rousillon, none in France;
Then hast thou all again. Poor lord! is 't I
That chase thee from thy country and expose
Those tender limbs of thine to the event
Of the none-sparing war? and is it I
That drive thee from the sportive court, where thou
Wast shot at with fair eyes, to be the mark
Of smoky muskets? O you leaden messengers,
That ride upon the violent note speed of fire,
Fly with false aim; move the still-peering note air,
That sings note with piercing; do not touch my lord.
Whoever shoots at him, I set him there;
Whoever charges on his forward breast,
I am the caitiff that do hold him to 't note;
And, though I kill him not, I am the cause
His death was so effected: better 'twere
I met the ravin note lion when he roar'd
-- 163 --
With sharp constraint of hunger; better 'twere
That all the miseries which nature owes
Were mine at once. No, come thou home, Rousillon,
Whence honour but of danger wins a scar,
As oft it loses all: I will be gone;
My being here it is that holds thee hence:
Shall I stay here to do 't? no, no, although
The air of paradise did fan the house,
And angels note officed all: I will be gone,
That pitiful rumour may report my flight,
To consolate note thine ear. Come, night; end, day!
For with the dark, poor thief, I'll steal away.
[Exit.
note
Scene III. [Footnote:
Florence. Before the Duke's palace. note
Flourish. Enter the Duke of Florence, Bertram, Parolles note, Soldiers, Drum, and Trumpets.
Duke.
The general of our horse thou art; and we,
Great in our hope, lay our best love and credence
Upon thy promising fortune.
Ber.
Sir, it is note
A charge too heavy for my strength; but yet note
We'll strive to bear it for your worthy sake
To the note extreme edge of hazard.
Duke.
Then go thou note forth;
And fortune play upon thy prosperous helm,
As thy auspicious mistress!
Ber.
This very day,
Great Mars, I put myself into thy file:
Make me but like my thoughts, and I shall prove
A lover of thy drum, hater of love.
[Exit.
-- 164 --
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
Rousillon. The Count's palace.
Enter Countess and Steward.
Count.
Alas! and would you take the letter of her?
Might you not know she would do as she has done,
By sending me a letter? Read it again.
Stew. [reads note]
I am Saint note Jaques' pilgrim, thither gone:
Ambitious love hath so in me offended,
That barefoot plod I the cold ground upon,
With sainted vow my faults to have note amended.
Write, write, that from the bloody course of war
My dearest master, your dear son, may hie:
Bless note him at home in peace, whilst note I from far
His name with zealous fervour sanctify:
His taken note labours bid him me forgive;
I, his despiteful Juno, sent him forth
From courtly friends with camping foes to live,
Where death and danger dogs note the heels of worth:
He is too good and fair for death and me;
Whom I myself embrace to set him free.
Count. note
Ah, what sharp stings are in her mildest words!
Rinaldo note, you did never lack note advice so much,
As letting her pass so: had I spoke with her,
I could have well diverted her intents,
Which thus she hath prevented.
Stew.
Pardon me note, madam:
If I had given you this at over-night,
She might have been o'erta'en; and yet she writes,
Pursuit would be but vain.
Count.
What angel shall
-- 165 --
Bless this unworthy husband? he cannot note thrive,
Unless her prayers, whom note heaven delights to hear
And loves to grant, reprieve him from the wrath
Of greatest justice. Write, write note, Rinaldo,
To this unworthy husband of his wife;
Let every word weigh heavy of her worth
That he does weigh too light: my greatest grief,
Though little he do note feel it, set down sharply.
Dispatch the most convenient messenger:
When haply he shall hear that she is gone,
He will return; and hope I may that she,
Hearing so much, will speed her foot again,
Led hither by pure love: which of them both
Is dearest to me, I have note no skill in sense note
To make distinction: provide this messenger:
My heart is heavy and mine age is weak;
Grief would have tears, and note sorrow bids me speak.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene V. [Footnote:
Florence. Without the walls. note A tucket note afar off.
Enter an old Widow of Florence, Diana note, Violenta note, and Mariana, and Mariana, with other Citizens.
Wid.
Nay, come; for if they do approach the city, we
shall lose all the sight.
-- 166 --
Dia. note
They say the French count has done most honourable
service.
Wid.
It is reported that he has taken note their greatest note
commander; and that with his own hand he slew the Duke's
brother. [Tucket. note] 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. note
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, enticements, oaths,
tokens, and all these engines of lust, are not note the things they
go under: many a maid hath been seduced by them; and
the misery is, example note, that so terrible shows in the wreck
of maidenhood, cannot for all that dissuade succession, but
that they are limed with the twigs that threaten note them. I
hope I need not to advise you further; but I hope your own
grace will keep you where you are, though there were no
further danger known note but the modesty note which is so lost.
Dia.
You shall not need to fear me.
Wid.
I hope so.
Enter note Helena, disguised like a Pilgrim.
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 Saint Jaques le note Grand.
Where do the palmers lodge, I do beseech you?
-- 167 --
Wid.
At the Saint Francis here note beside the port.
Hel.
Is this the way?
Wid.
Ay, marry, is't note. [A march afar. note] Hark you! they come this way.
If you will tarry, holy note pilgrim,
But till the note troops come by, note
I will conduct you where you shall be lodged;
The rather, for I think I know your hostess
As ample note as myself.
Hel.
Is it yourself?
Wid.
If you shall please so, pilgrim note.
Hel.
I thank you, and will stay upon your leisure.
Wid.
You came, I think, from France?
Hel.
I did note 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.
Whatsome'er he is note,
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, mere the note truth: I know his lady.
Dia.
There is a gentleman that serves the count
Reports but coarsely note of her.
Hel.
What's his name?
Dia.
Monsieur Parolles.
Hel.
O, I believe with him,
-- 168 --
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 examined.
Dia.
Alas note, poor lady!
'Tis a hard bondage to become the wife
Of a detesting lord.
Wid.
I write good creature, note wheresoe'er she is,
Her heart weighs sadly: this young maid might do her
A shrewd turn, if she pleased.
Hel.
How do you mean?
May be the amorous count solicits her
In the unlawful purpose.
Wid.
He does indeed;
And brokes 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.
note
Mar.
The gods forbid else!
Wid.
So, now they come:
Drum and Colours.
Enter Bertram note, Parolles, and the whole army.
That is Antonio, the Duke's eldest son;
That, Escalus.
Hel.
Which is the Frenchman?
Dia.
He;
That with the plume: 'tis a most gallant fellow.
I would he loved his wife: if he were honester
He were much goodlier: is't not a note handsome gentleman?
Hel.
I like him well.
-- 169 --
Dia.
'Tis pity he is note not honest: yond's that same knave
That leads him to these places note: were I his lady,
I would note poison that vile rascal.
Hel.
Which is he?
Dia.
That jack-an-apes with scarfs: why is he melancholy?
Hel.
Perchance he's hurt i' the battle.
Par.
Lose our drum! well note note.
Mar.
He's shrewdly vexed at something: look, he has
spied us.
note
Wid.
Marry, hang you!
Mar.
And your courtesy, for a ring-carrier!
[Exeunt note Bertram, Parolles, and army.
Wid.
The troop is past. Come, pilgrim, I will bring you note
Where you shall host: of enjoin'd penitents
There's four or five, to great Saint Jaques bound,
Already at my house.
Hel.
I humbly thank you:
Please it this matron and this gentle maid
To eat with us to-night, the charge and thanking
Shall be for me; and, to requite you further,
I will bestow some precepts of note this virgin
Worthy the note.
Both.
We'll take your offer kindly.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene VI. [Footnote:
Camp before Florence. note
Enter note Bertram and the two French Lords.
Sec. Lord. note
Nay, good my lord, put him to't; let him
have his way.
-- 170 --
First Lord. note
If your lordship find him not a hilding,
hold me no more in your respect.
Sec. Lord.
On my life, my lord, a bubble.
Ber.
Do you think I am so far deceived in him?
Sec. Lord.
Believe it, my lord, in mine own direct
knowledge, without any malice, but to speak of him as my
kinsman, he's a most notable coward, an infinite and endless
liar, an hourly promise-breaker, the owner of no one
good quality worthy your lordship's entertainment.
First Lord.
It were fit you knew him; lest, reposing
too far in his virtue, which he hath not, he might at some
great and trusty business in a main danger fail you.
Ber.
I would I knew in what particular action to try him.
First Lord.
None better than to let him fetch off his
drum, which you hear him so confidently undertake to do.
Sec. Lord. note
I, with a troop of Florentines, will suddenly
surprise him; such I will have, whom I am sure he knows
not from the enemy: we will bind and hoodwink him so,
that he shall suppose no other but that he is carried into
the leaguer note of the adversaries note, when we bring him to our
own tents. Be but your lordship present at his examination:
if he do not, for the promise of his life and in the
highest compulsion of base fear, offer to betray you and
deliver all the intelligence in his power against you, and
that with the divine forfeit of his soul upon oath, never
trust my judgement in any thing.
First Lord.
O, for the love of laughter, let him fetch note
his drum note; he says he has a stratagem for't: when your
lordship sees the bottom of his note success in't, and to what
metal this counterfeit lump of ore note will be melted, if you
-- 171 --
give him not John note Drum's entertainment, your inclining note
cannot be removed. Here he comes.
noteEnter Parolles. note
Sec. Lord. [Aside to Ber.]
O, for the love of laughter,
hinder not the honour note of his design: let him fetch off his
drum in any hand. note
Ber.
How now, monsieur! this drum sticks sorely in
your disposition.
First Lord.
A pox on't, let it go; 'tis but a drum.
Par.
‘But a drum’! is't ‘but a drum’? A drum so lost!
There was excellent command,—to charge in note with our
horse upon our own wings, and to rend our own soldiers!
First Lord.
That was not to be blamed in the command note
of the service: it was a disaster of war that Cæsar
himself could not have prevented, if he had been there to
command.
Ber.
Well, we cannot greatly condemn our success:
some dishonour we had in the loss of that drum; but it is
not to be recovered.
Par.
It might have been recovered.
Ber.
It might; but it is not now.
Par.
It is to be recovered: but that the merit of service
is seldom attributed to the true and exact performer,
I would have that drum or another, or ‘hic jacet.’ note
Ber.
Why, if you have a stomach, to't, monsieur: if you
think your mystery note in stratagem can bring this instrument
of honour again into his native quarter, be magnanimous in
the enterprise and go on; I will grace the attempt for a
worthy exploit: if you speed well in it, the Duke shall both
speak of it, and extend to you what further becomes his
greatness, even to the utmost syllable of your worthiness.
-- 172 --
Par.
By the hand of a soldier, I will undertake it.
Ber.
But you must not now slumber in it.
Par.
I'll about it this evening: and I will presently
pen down my dilemmas, encourage myself in my certainty,
put myself into my mortal preparation; and by midnight
look to hear further from me.
Ber.
May I be bold to acquaint his Grace you are gone
about it?
Par.
I know not what the success will be, my lord;
but the attempt I vow.
note
Ber.
I know thou'rt note valiant; and, to the possibility of
thy note soldiership, will subscribe for thee. Farewell.
Par.
I love not many words.
[Exit.
note
Sec. Lord.
No more than a fish loves water. Is not
this a strange fellow, my lord, that so confidently seems to
undertake this business, which he knows is not to be done;
damns himself to do note and dares better be damned than to
do't note?
First Lord.
You do not know him, my lord, as we do:
certain it is, that he will steal himself into a man's favour
and for a week escape a great deal of discoveries note; but when
you find him out, you have him ever after.
Ber.
Why, do you think he will make no deed at all of
this that so seriously he does address himself unto?
Sec. Lord.
None in the world; but return with an invention
and clap upon you two or three probable note lies: but
we have almost embossed him; you shall see his fall tonight;
for indeed he is not for your lordship's respect.
First Lord.
We'll make you some sport with the fox
ere we case note him. He was first smoked by the old lord
Lafeu: when his disguise and he is parted note, tell me note what a
sprat you shall find him; which you shall see this very night.
-- 173 --
Sec. Lord.
I must go look note my twigs: he shall be caught note.
Ber.
Your brother he shall go along with me.
Sec. Lord. note
As't please your lordship: I'll leave you note.
[Exit.
Ber.
Now will I lead you to the house, and show you
The lass I spoke of.
First Lord. note
But you say she's honest.
Ber.
That's all the fault: I spoke with her but once
And found her wondrous cold; but I sent to her,
By this same coxcomb that we have i' the wind,
Tokens and letters which she did re-send;
And this is all I have note done. She's a fair creature:
Will you go see her?
First Lord. note
With all my heart, my lord.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene VII. [Footnote:
Florence. The Widow's house.
Enter Helena and Widow.
Hel.
If you misdoubt me that I am not she,
I know not how I shall assure you further,
But I shall lose the grounds I work upon.
Wid.
Though my estate be fallen, I was well born,
Nothing acquainted with these businesses note;
And would not put my reputation now
In any staining act.
Hel.
Nor would I wish you.
First, give me trust, the count he note is note my husband,
And what to your sworn counsel I have spoken
Is so from word to word; and then you cannot,
-- 174 --
By the good aid that I of you shall borrow,
Err in bestowing it.
Wid.
I should believe you;
For you have show'd me that which well approves
You're note great in fortune.
Hel.
Take this purse of gold,
And let me buy your friendly help thus far,
Which I will over-pay and pay again
When I have found it. The count he note note wooes your daughter,
Lays down his wanton siege before her beauty,
Resolved note to carry her: let her in fine note consent,
As we'll direct her how 'tis note best to bear it.
Now his important note blood will nought deny
That she'll demand: a ring the county wears note,
That downward hath succeeded in his house
From son to son, some four or five descents
Since the first father wore it: this ring he holds
In most rich choice; yet in his idle fire,
To buy his will, it would not seem too dear,
Howe'er repented after.
Wid.
Now I see
The bottom of your purpose note.
Hel.
You see it lawful, then: it is no more,
But that your daughter, ere she seems as won,
Desires this ring; appoints him an encounter;
In fine, delivers me to fill the time,
Herself most chastely absent: after this note,
To marry her, I'll add three thousand crowns
To what is past note already.
-- 175 --
Wid.
I have yielded:
Instruct my daughter how she shall persever,
That time and place with this deceit so lawful
May prove coherent. Every night he comes
With musics note of all sorts and songs composed
To her unworthiness: it nothing steads note us
To chide him from our eaves note; for he persists
As if his life lay on't.
Hel.
Why then to-night
Let us assay our plot; which, if it speed,
Is wicked meaning in a lawful deed,
And lawful note meaning in a lawful act note,
Where both not sin, and yet a sinful fact:
But let's about it.
[Exeunt.
ACT IV.
Scene I.
Without note the Florentine camp.
Enter Second French Lord note, with five or six other Soldiers in ambush.
Sec. Lord. note
He can come no other way but by this
hedge-corner. When you sally upon him, speak what terrible
language you will: though you understand it not
yourselves, no matter; for we must not seem to understand
him, unless some one among note us whom we must produce
for an interpreter.
First Sold.
Good captain note, let me be the interpreter.
Sec. Lord.
Art not acquainted with him? knows he not
thy voice?
First Sold.
No, sir, I warrant you.
-- 176 --
Sec. Lord.
But what linsey-woolsey hast thou to speak
to us again?
First Sold.
E'en such as you speak to me.
Sec. Lord.
He must think us some band of strangers i'
the adversary's note entertainment. Now he hath a smack of
all neighbouring languages; therefore we must every one be
a man of his own fancy, not to know what we speak one to
another; so we seem to know, is to know straight note our purpose:
choughs' note language, gabble enough, and good enough.
As for you, interpreter, you must seem very politic. But
couch, ho! here he comes, to beguile two hours in a sleep,
and then to return and swear the lies he forges.
Enter Parolles.
Par.
Ten o' noteclock: within these three hours 'twill be
time enough to go home. What shall I say I have done?
It must be a very plausive invention that carries it: they
begin to smoke me; and disgraces have of late knocked too
often at my door. I find my tongue is too foolhardy; but
my heart hath the fear of Mars before it and of his creatures,
not daring the reports of my note tongue.
Sec. Lord.
This is the first truth that e'er thine own
tongue was guilty of.
Par.
What the devil should move me to undertake the
recovery of this drum, being not ignorant of the impossibility,
and knowing I had no such purpose? I must give
myself some hurts, and say I got them in exploit: yet
slight ones will not carry it; they will say, ‘Came you off
with so little?’ and great ones I dare not give. Wherefore,
what's the instance? Tongue, I must put you into a butter-woman's
mouth, and buy myself note another of Bajazet's note
mule note, if you prattle me into these perils.
-- 177 --
Sec. Lord.
Is it possible he should know what he is,
and be that he is?
Par.
I would the cutting of my garments would serve
the turn, or the breaking of my Spanish sword.
Sec. Lord.
We cannot afford you so.
Par.
Or the baring of my beard; and to say it was in
stratagem.
Sec. Lord.
'Twould not do.
Par.
Or to drown my clothes, and say I was stripped.
Sec. Lord.
Hardly serve.
Par.
Though I swore I leaped from the window of the
citadel—
Sec. Lord.
How deep?
Par.
Thirty fathom.
Sec. Lord.
Three great oaths would scarce make that
be believed.
Par.
I would I had any drum of the enemy's note: I would
swear I recovered it.
Sec. Lord.
You shall hear one anon.
Par.
A drum now of the enemy's,— note
[Alarum within.
Sec. Lord.
Throca movousus, cargo, cargo, cargo.
All.
Cargo, cargo, cargo note, villianda par corbo, cargo.
Par.
O, ransom, ransom! do not hide mine eyes.
[They seize and blindfold him. note
First Sold.
Boskos thromuldo boskos. note
Par.
I know you are the Muskos' note regiment;
And I shall lose my life for want of language:
If there be here German, or Dane, low Dutch,
note
Italian, or note French, let him speak to me; I'll
Discover that which shall undo the Florentine.
First Sold.
Boskos vauvado: I understand thee, and
-- 178 --
can speak thy tongue. Kerelybonto, sir, betake thee to
thy faith, for seventeen poniards are at thy bosom.
Par.
O!
First Sold.
O, pray note, pray, pray! note Manka revania note
dulche.
Sec. Lord.
Oscorbidulchos note volivorco.
First Sold.
The general is content to spare thee yet;
And, hoodwink'd as thou art, will lead thee on
To gather from thee: haply thou mayst inform
Something to save thy life.
Par.
O, let me live!
And all the secrets of our camp I'll show,
Their force, their purposes; nay, I'll speak that
Which you will wonder at.
First Sold.
But wilt thou faithfully?
Par.
If I do not, damn me.
First Sold.
Acordo linta.
Come on; thou art granted space.
[Exit note, with Parolles guarded. A short alarum within. note
Sec. Lord.
Go, tell the Count Rousillon, and my brother,
We have note caught the woodcock, and will keep him muffled
Till we do hear from them.
Sec. Sold.
Captain, I will.
Sec. Lord.
A' note will betray us all unto ourselves:
Inform on that note.
Sec. Sold.
So I will, sir.
Sec. Lord.
Till then I'll keep him dark and safely lock'd.
[Exeunt.
-- 179 --
Scene II.
Florence. The Widow's house.
Enter note Bertram and Diana.
Ber.
They told me that your name was Fontibell.
Dia.
No, my good lord, Diana.
Ber.
Titled goddess note;
And worth it, with addition! But, fair soul,
In your fine frame hath love no quality?
If the quick fire of youth light not your mind,
You are no maiden, but a monument:
When you are dead, you should be such a one
As you are now, for you are cold and stern note;
And now you should be as your mother was
When your sweet self was got.
Dia.
She then was honest.
Ber.
So should you be.
Dia.
No:
Mother did but duty; such, my lord,
As you owe to your wife.
Ber.
No more o' note that;
I prithee, do not strive against my vows: note
I was compell'd to her; but I love thee
By love's own sweet constraint, and will for ever
Do thee all rights of service.
Dia.
Ay, so you serve us
Till we serve you; but when you have our roses,
You barely note leave our thorns to prick ourselves,
And mock us with our bareness.
Ber.
How have I sworn!
Dia.
'Tis not the many oaths that makes note the truth,
-- 180 --
But the plain single vow that is vow'd true.
What is not holy, that we swear not by, note
But take the High'st to witness: then, pray note you note, tell me, note
If I should swear by Jove's note great attributes note,
I loved you dearly, would you believe my oaths,
When I did love you ill? This has no holding,
To swear by note him whom note I protest to love,
That I will work against him note note: therefore your oaths
Are words and poor conditions, but unseal'd,
At least in my opinion note.
Ber.
Change it, change it;
Be not so holy-cruel note: love note is holy;
And my integrity ne'er knew the crafts
That you do charge men with. Stand no more off,
But give thyself unto my sick desires,
Who then recover note: say thou art mine, and ever
My love as it begins shall so persever.
Dia.
I see that men make rope's in such a scarre note
That we'll forsake ourselves. Give me that ring.
Ber.
I'll lend it thee, my dear; but have no power
To give it from me.
Dia.
Will you not, my lord?
-- 181 --
Ber.
It is an honour 'longing to our house,
Bequeathed down from many ancestors;
Which were note the greatest obloquy i' the world
In me to lose.
Dia.
Mine honour's such a ring:
My chastity's the jewel of our house,
Bequeathed down from many ancestors;
Which were the greatest obloquy i' the world
In me to lose: thus your own proper wisdom
Brings in the champion Honour on my part,
Against your vain assault.
Ber.
Here, take my ring:
My house, mine honour, yea, my life, be thine,
And I'll note be bid by thee.
Dia.
When midnight comes, knock at my chamber-window:
I'll order take my mother shall not hear.
Now will I charge you in the band of truth,
When you have conquer'd my yet maiden bed,
Remain there but an hour, nor speak to me:
My reasons are most strong; and you shall know them
When back again this ring shall be deliver'd:
And on your finger in the night I'll put
Another ring, that what in time proceeds
May token to the future our past deeds.
Adieu, till then; then, fail not. You have won
A wife of me, though there my hope be done note.
Ber.
A heaven on earth I have note won by wooing thee.
[Exit.
Dia.
For which live long to thank both heaven and me!
You may so in the end.
My mother told me just how he would woo,
As if she sat in's heart; she says all men
Have the like oaths: he had note sworn to marry me
When his wife's dead; therefore I'll lie with him
-- 182 --
When I am buried. Since Frenchmen note are so braid,
Marry note that will, I note live and die a maid:
Only in this disguise I think't no sin
To cozen him that would unjustly win.
[Exit.
Scene III.
The Florentine camp.
Enter the two French Lords note and some two or three Soldiers.
First Lord. note
You have not given him his mother's letter?
Sec. Lord. note
I have delivered it an hour since: there is
something in't that stings his nature; for on the reading it
he changed almost into another man.
First Lord.
He has much worthy blame laid upon him
for shaking off so good a wife and so sweet a lady.
Sec. Lord.
Especially he hath incurred the everlasting
displeasure of the king, who had even tuned his bounty to
sing happiness to him. I will tell you a thing, but you
shall let it dwell darkly with you.
First Lord.
When you have spoken it, 'tis dead, and I
am the grave of it.
Sec. Lord.
He hath perverted a young gentlewoman
here in Florence, of a most chaste renown; and this night
he fleshes his will in the spoil of her honour: he hath given
her his monumental ring, and thinks himself made note in the
unchaste composition.
First Lord.
Now, God delay note our rebellion! as we are
ourselves, what things are we!
Sec. Lord.
Merely our own traitors. And as in the
common course of all treasons, we still see them reveal
themselves, till note they attain to their abhorred ends, so he
-- 183 --
that in this action contrives against his own nobility, in his
proper stream note o'erflows himself.
First Lord.
Is it not meant note damnable in us, to be
trumpeters note of our unlawful intents? We shall not then
have his company to-night?
Sec. Lord.
Not till after midnight; for he is dieted to
his hour.
First Lord.
That approaches apace note: I would gladly
have him see his company note anatomized note, that he might take
a measure of his own judgements note, wherein so curiously note note
he had set this note counterfeit.
Sec. Lord.
We will not meddle with him till he come;
for his presence must be the whip of the other.
First Lord.
In the mean time, what hear you of these note
wars?
Sec. Lord.
I hear there is an overture of peace.
First Lord.
Nay, I assure you, a peace concluded note.
Sec. Lord.
What will Count Rousillon do then? will
he travel higher, or return again into France?
First Lord.
I perceive, by this demand, you are not
altogether of his council.
Sec. Lord.
Let it be forbid, sir; so should I be a great
deal of his act.
First Lord.
Sir, his wife some two months since fled
from his house: her pretence is note a pilgrimage to Saint Jaques
le Grand; which holy undertaking with most note austere sanctimony
she accomplished; and, there residing, the note tenderness
of her nature became as note a prey to her grief; in fine, made a
groan of her last breath, and now she sings in heaven.
-- 184 --
Sec. Lord.
How is this justified?
First Lord.
The stronger note part of it by her own letters,
which makes note her story true, even to the point of her death:
her death itself note, which could not be her office to say is come,
was note faithfully confirmed by the rector of the place.
Sec. Lord.
Hath the count all this intelligence?
First Lord.
Ay, and the particular confirmations, point
from point note, to the full arming of the verity.
Sec. Lord.
I am heartily sorry that he'll be glad of this.
First Lord.
How mightily sometimes we make us comforts
of our losses!
Sec. Lord.
And how mightily some other times we
drown our gain note in tears! The great dignity that his valour
hath here acquired for him shall at home be encountered
with a shame as ample.
First Lord.
The web of our life is of a mingled yarn,
good and ill together: our virtues would be proud, if our
faults whipped them not; and our crimes would despair, if
they were not cherished by our virtues.
Enter a Messenger. note
How now! where's your master?
Serv.
He met the Duke in the street, sir, of whom he
hath taken a solemn leave: his lordship will next morning
for France. The Duke hath offered him letters of commendations note
to the king.
Sec. Lord.
They shall be no more than needful there,
if they were more than they can commend.
note
First Lord. note
They cannot be too sweet for the king's
tartness. Here's his lordship now.
-- 185 --
Enter Bertram. note
How now, my lord! is't not after midnight?
Ber.
I have to-night dispatched sixteen businesses, a
month's length a-piece, by an abstract of success: I have
congied note with the Duke; done my adieu with his nearest;
buried a wife, mourned for her; writ to my lady mother I
am returning; entertained my convoy; and between these
main parcels of dispatch effected note many nicer needs: the
last was the greatest, but that I have not ended yet.
Sec. Lord.
If the business be of any difficulty, and this
morning your departure hence, it requires haste of your
lordship.
Ber.
I mean, the business is not ended, as fearing to
hear of it hereafter. But shall we have this dialogue between
the fool and the soldier? Come, bring forth this
counterfeit module note, has note deceived me, like a double-meaning
prophesier.
Sec. Lord.
Bring him forth note: he has note sat i' the note stocks all
night, poor gallant knave.
Ber.
No matter; his heels have deserved it, in usurping
his spurs so long. How does he carry himself?
Sec. Lord. note
I have told your lordship already, the stocks
carry him. But to answer you as you would be understood;
he weeps like a wench that had shed her milk: he
hath confessed himself to Morgan, whom he supposes to be
a friar, from the time of his remembrance to this very instant
disaster of his setting i' the note stocks: and what think
you he hath confessed?
Ber.
Nothing of me, has a' note?
Sec. Lord.
His confession is taken, and it shall be read
-- 186 --
to his face: if your lordship be in't, as I believe you are,
you must have the patience to hear note it.
Enter note Parolles guarded, and First Soldier.
note
Ber.
A plague upon him! muffled! he can say nothing
of me: hush, hush! note
First Lord.
Hoodman note note comes! Portotartarosa.
First Sold. note
He calls for the tortures: what will you
say without 'em?
Par.
I will confess what I know without constraint: if
ye pinch me like a pasty, I can say no more note.
First Sold.
Bosko chimurcho.
First Lord.
Boblibindo chicurmurco.
First Sold.
You are a merciful general. Our general
bids you answer to what I shall ask you out of a note.
Par.
And truly, as I hope to live.
First Sold. [reads]
First demand of him how many horse the
Duke is strong. What say you to that?
Par.
Five or six thousand; but very weak and unserviceable:
the troops are all scattered, and the commanders
very poor rogues, upon my reputation and credit and as I
hope to live.
First Sold.
Shall I set down your answer so?
Par.
Do: I'll take the sacrament on 't, how and which
way you will.
note
Ber.
All's one to him. What note a past-saving slave is this!
First Lord.
You're note deceived, my lord: this is Monsieur
Parolles, the gallant militarist,—that was his own phrase,—
-- 187 --
that had the whole theoric note of war in the knot of his scarf,
and the practice in the chape of his dagger.
Sec. Lord.
I will never trust a man again for keeping
his sword clean, nor believe he can have every thing in
him by wearing his apparel neatly.
First Sold.
Well, that's set down.
Par.
Five or six thousand horse, I said,—I will say
true,—or thereabouts, set down, for I'll speak truth.
First Lord.
He's very near the truth in this.
Ber.
But I con him no thanks for't, in the nature he
delivers it.
Par.
Poor rogues, I pray you, say.
First Sold.
Well, that's set down.
Par.
I humbly thank you, sir: a truth's a truth, the
rogues are marvellous poor.
First Sold. [reads]
Demand of him, of what strength they are
a-foot. What say you to that?
Par.
By my troth, sir, if I were to live note this note present hour,
I will tell true. Let me see: Spurio, a hundred and fifty;
Sebastian, so many; Corambus, so many; Jaques, so many;
Guiltian note, Cosmo, Lodowick, and Gratii, two hundred and
fifty note each; mine own company, Chitopher, Vaumond, Bentii,
two hundred and fifty note each: so that the muster-file, rotten
and sound, upon my life, amounts not to fifteen thousand
poll; half of the which dare not shake the snow from off
their cassocks, lest they shake themselves to pieces.
Ber.
What shall be done to him?
First Lord.
Nothing, but let him have thanks. Demand
of him my condition note, and what credit I have with the Duke.
First Sold.
Well, that's set down. [Reads] You shall demand
of him, whether one Captain Dumain be i' the note camp, a Frenchman;
what his reputation is with the Duke; what his valour, honesty,
and expertness in wars note; or whether he thinks it were not possible,
-- 188 --
with well-weighing sums of gold, to corrupt him to a revolt. What
say you to this? what do you know of it?
Par.
I beseech you, let me answer to the particular note of
the inter'gatories note: demand them singly.
First Sold.
Do you know this Captain Dumain?
Par.
I know him: a' note was a botcher's 'prentice in Paris,
from whence he was whipped for getting the shrieve's note fool
notewith child,—a dumb innocent, that could not say him nay.
Ber.
Nay, by your leave, hold your hands; though I
know his brains are forfeit to the next tile that falls.
First Sold.
Well, is this captain in the Duke of Florence's camp?
Par.
Upon my knowledge, he is, and lousy.
First Lord.
Nay, look not so upon me; we shall hear
of your lordship note anon.
First Sold.
What is his reputation with the Duke?
Par.
The Duke knows him for no other but a poor
officer of mine; and writ to me this note other day to turn him
out o' the note band: I think I have his letter in my pocket.
First Sold.
Marry, we'll search.
Par.
In good sadness, I do not know; either it is there,
or it is upon a file note with the Duke's other letters in my tent.
First Sold.
Here 'tis; here's a paper: shall I read it to
you?
Par.
I do not know if it be it or no.
Ber.
Our interpreter does it well.
First Sold.
Excellently.
note
First Sold. [reads]
Dian, the count's a fool, and full of gold note,—
Par.
That is not the Duke's letter, sir; that is an advertisement
to a proper maid in Florence, one Diana, to
take heed of the allurement of one Count Rousillon, a
-- 189 --
foolish idle boy, but for all that very ruttish: I pray you,
sir, put it up again.
First Sold.
Nay, I'll read it first, by your favour.
Par.
My meaning in't, I protest, was very honest in
the behalf of the maid; for I knew the young count to be
a dangerous and lascivious boy, who is a whale to virginity
and devours up all the fry it finds.
Ber.
Damnable both-sides rogue!
First Sold. [reads note]
When he swears oaths, bid him drop gold, and take it;
After he scores, he never pays the score:
Half won is match well made note; match, and well note note make it;
He ne'er pays after-debts, take it before;
And say a soldier, Dian, told thee this,
Men are to mell with, boys are not note to kiss:
For count of this, the count's note a fool, I know it,
Who pays before, but not when note he does owe it.
Thine, as he vowed to thee in thine ear,
Parolles.
Ber.
He shall be whipped through the army with this
rhyme in's note forehead.
Sec. Lord.
This is your devoted friend, sir, the manifold
linguist and the armipotent soldier.
Ber.
I could endure any thing before but a cat, and
now note he's a cat to me.
First Sold.
I perceive, sir, by the note general's looks, we
shall be fain to hang you.
Par.
My life, sir, in any case: not that I am afraid to
die; but that, my offences being many, I would repent out
-- 190 --
the remainder of nature: let me live, sir, in a dungeon, i' the note
stocks, or note any where, so I may live.
First Sold.
We'll see what may be done, so you confess
freely; therefore, once more to this Captain Dumain:
you have answered to his reputation with the Duke and to
his valour: what is his honesty?
Par.
He will steal, sir, an egg note out of a cloister: for
rapes and ravishments he parallels Nessus: he professes
not keeping of oaths; in breaking note 'em note he is stronger than
Hercules: he will lie, sir, with such volubility, that you
would think truth were a fool: drunkenness is his best virtue,
for he will be swine-drunk; and in his sleep he does
little harm, save to his bed-clothes about him; but they
know his conditions and lay him in straw. I have but
little more to say, sir, of his honesty: he has every thing
that an honest man should not have; what an honest man
should have, he has nothing.
First Lord.
I begin to love him for this.
Ber.
For this description of thine honesty? A pox
upon him for me, he's note more and more a cat.
First Sold.
What say you to his expertness in war?
Par.
Faith, sir, has note led the drum before the English
tragedians; to belie him, I will not, and more of his soldiership
I know not; except, in that country he had the
honour to be the officer at a place there called Mile-end,
to instruct for the doubling of files: I would do the man
what honour I can, but of this I am not certain.
First Lord.
He hath out-villained note villany so far, that
the rarity redeems him.
Ber.
A pox on him, he's a cat still.
First Sold.
His qualities being at this poor price, I
need not to ask you if gold will corrupt him to revolt.
Par.
Sir, for a quart d'écu note he will sell the fee-simple of
-- 191 --
his salvation, the inheritance of it; and cut the entail from
all remainders, and a perpetual succession for it note perpetually.
First Sold.
What's his brother, the other Captain Dumain?
Sec. Lord.
Why does he ask him of me?
First Sold.
What's he?
Par.
E'en a crow o' the note same nest; not altogether so
great as the first in goodness, but greater a great deal in
evil: he excels his brother for a coward, yet his brother is
reputed one of the best that is: in a retreat he outruns any
lackey; marry, in coming on he has note. the cramp.
First Sold.
If your life be saved, will you undertake to
betray the Florentine?
Par.
Ay, and the captain of his horse, Count Rousillon.
First Sold.
I'll whisper with the general, and know his
pleasure.
Par. [Aside note]
I'll no more drumming; a plague of all
drums! Only to seem to deserve well, and to beguile the
supposition of that lascivious young boy the count, have I
run into this danger note. Yet who would have suspected an
ambush where I was taken?
First Sold.
There is no remedy, sir, but you must die:
the general says, you that have so traitorously discovered the
secrets of your army and made such pestiferous reports of
men very nobly held, can serve the world for no honest use;
therefore you must die. Come, headsman, off with his head.
Par.
O Lord, sir, let me live, or let me see my death!
First Sold.
That shall you, and take your leave of all
your friends.
[Unblinding him. note
So, look about you: know you any here?
Ber.
Good morrow, noble captain.
Sec. Lord. note
God bless you, Captain Parolles.
First Lord.
God save you, noble captain.
Sec. Lord. note
Captain, what greeting will you to my Lord
Lafeu? I am for France.
-- 192 --
First Lord.
Good captain, will you give me a copy of
the sonnet note you writ to Diana in behalf of the Count Rousillon?
an note I were not a very coward, I'ld compel it of you:
but fare you well.
[Exeunt Bertram and Lords. note
First Sold.
You are undone, captain, all but your
scarf; that has a knot on't yet.
Par.
Who cannot be crushed with a plot?
First Sold.
If you could find out a country where but
women were that had received so much shame, you might
begin an impudent nation. Fare ye well, sir; I am for
France too: we shall speak of you there.
[Exit note, with Soldiers.
note
Par.
Yet am I note thankful: if my heart were great,
'Twould burst at this. Captain I'll be no more;
But I will eat and drink, and sleep as soft
As captain shall: simply the thing I am
Shall make me live. Who knows himself a braggart,
Let him fear this, for it will come to pass
note
That every braggart shall be found an ass.
Rust, sword! cool, blushes! and, Parolles, live
Safest in shame! being fool'd, by foolery thrive!
There's place and means for every man alive.
I'll after them.
[Exit.
note
Scene IV. [Footnote:
Florence. The Widow's house.
Enter Helena, Widow, and Diana.
Hel.
That you may well perceive I have not wrong'd you,
One of the greatest in the Christian world
Shall be my surety; 'fore note whose throne 'tis needful,
Ere I can perfect mine intents, to kneel:
-- 193 --
Time was, I did him a desired office,
Dear almost as his life; which note gratitude
Through flinty Tartar's bosom would peep forth,
And answer, thanks: I duly am inform'd
His Grace is at note Marseilles note; to which place
We have convenient convoy. You must know,
I am supposed dead: the army breaking,
My husband hies him home; where, heaven aiding,
And by the leave of my good lord the king,
We'll be before our welcome.
Wid.
Gentle madam,
You never had a servant to whose trust
Your business was more welcome.
Hel.
Nor you note, mistress,
Ever a friend whose thoughts more truly labour
To recompense your love: doubt not' but heaven
Hath brought me up to be your daughter's dower,
As it hath fated her to be my motive
And helper to a husband. But, O strange men!
That can such sweet use make of what they hate,
When saucy trusting of note the cozen'd thoughts
Defiles the pitchy night: so lust doth play
With what it loathes for that which is away.
But more of this hereafter. You, Diana,
Under my poor instructions yet must suffer
Something in my behalf.
Dia.
Let death and honesty
Go with your impositions, I am yours
Upon your will to suffer.
Hel.
Yet, I pray you:
-- 194 --
But with the word note the time will bring on summer,
When briers shall have leaves as well as thorns,
And be as sweet as sharp. We must away note;
Our waggon is prepared, and time revives note us:
All's well that ends well: still the fine's note the crown;
Whate'er the course note, the end is the renown.
[Exeunt.
note
Scene V. [Footnote:
Rousillon. The Count's palace.
Enter Countess, note Lafeu, and Clown.
Laf.
No, no, no, your son was misled with a snipt-taffeta
fellow there, whose villanous saffron would have
made all the unbaked and doughy youth of a nation in his
colour: your daughter-in-law had been alive at this hour,
and your son here at home, more advanced note by the king
than by that note red-tailed humble-bee I speak of.
Count.
I would I had note not known him; it was the death
of the most virtuous gentlewoman that ever nature had
praise for creating. If she had partaken of my flesh, and
cost me the dearest groans of a mother, I could not have
owed her a more rooted love.
Laf.
'Twas a good lady, 'twas a good lady: we may
pick a thousand salads note ere we light on such another herb.
Clo.
Indeed, sir, she was the sweet-marjoram of the
salad note, or rather, the herb of grace.
Laf.
They are not herbs note, you knave; they are nose-herbs.
-- 195 --
Clo.
I am no great Nebuchadnezzar, sir; I have not
much skill in grass note.
Laf.
Whether dost thou profess thyself, a knave or a fool?
Clo.
A fool, sir, at a woman's service, and a knave at a
man's.
Laf.
Your distinction?
Clo.
I would cozen the man of his wife note and do his service.
Laf.
So you were a knave at his service, indeed.
Clo.
And I would give his wife my bauble note, sir, to do
her service.
Laf.
I will subscribe for thee, thou art both knave and
fool.
Clo.
At your service.
Laf.
No, no, no.
Clo.
Why, sir, if I cannot serve you, I can serve as
great a prince as you are.
Laf.
Who's note that? a Frenchman?
Clo.
Faith, sir, a' note has an English name note; but his fisnomy
is more hotter note in France than there note.
Laf.
What prince is that?
Clo.
The black prince, sir; alias, the prince of darkness;
alias, the devil.
Laf.
Hold thee, there's my purse: I give thee not this to
suggest note thee from thy master thou talkest of; serve him still.
Clo.
I am note a woodland fellow, sir, that always loved a
great fire; and the master I speak of ever keeps a good fire.
But, sure, he is the prince of the world note; let his note nobility remain
But, sure, he is the prince of the world note; let his note nobility remain
in's court. I am for the house with the narrow gate,
which I take to be too little for pomp to enter: some that
humble themselves may; but the many will be too chill
-- 196 --
and tender, and they'll be for the flowery way that leads
to the broad gate and the great fire.
Laf.
Go thy ways, I begin to be aweary of thee; and
I tell thee so before, because I would not fall out with thee.
Go thy ways: let my horses be well looked to, without any
tricks.
Clo.
If I put any tricks upon 'em, sir note, they shall be jades'
tricks; which are their own right by the law of nature.
[Exit.
Laf.
A shrewd knave and an unhappy.
Count.
So he note is. My lord that's gone made himself
much sport out of him: by his authority he remains here,
which he thinks is a patent for his sauciness; and, indeed,
he has no pace note, but runs note where he will.
Laf.
I like him well; 'tis not amiss. And I was about
to tell you, since I heard of the good lady's death and that
my lord your son was upon his return home, I moved the
king my master to speak in the behalf of my daughter;
which, in the minority of them both, his majesty, out of a
self-gracious remembrance, did first propose: his highness
hath promised me to do it: and, to stop up the displeasure
he hath conceived against your son, there is no fitter matter.
How does your ladyship like it?
Count.
With very much content, my lord; and I wish
it happily effected.
Laf.
His highness comes post from Marseilles note, of as
able body as when he note numbered thirty: he will be here tomorrow,
or I am deceived by him that in such intelligence
hath seldom failed.
Count.
It note rejoices me, that I hope I note shall see him ere
I die. I have letters that my son will be here to-night: I
shall beseech your lordship to remain with me till they
meet together.
-- 197 --
Laf.
Madam, I was thinking with what manners I
might safely be admitted.
Count.
You need but plead your honourable privilege.
Laf.
Lady, of that I have made a bold charter; but I
thank my God it holds yet.
Re-enter Clown.
Clo.
O madam, yonder's my lord your son with a
patch of velvet on's face: whether there be a scar under't
or no, the velvet knows; but 'tis a goodly patch of velvet:
his left cheek is a cheek of two pile and a half, but his right
cheek is worn bare.
Laf. note
A scar nobly got, or a noble scar, is a good livery
of honour; so belike is that note.
Clo.
But it is your carbonadoed note face.
Laf. note
Let us go see your son, I pray you: I long to
talk with the young noble soldier note.
Clo.
Faith, there's a dozen of 'em, with delicate fine
hats and most courteous feathers, which bow the head and
nod at every man.
[Exeunt.
ACT V.
Scene I.
Marseilles. A street. note
Enter Helena, Widow, and Diana, with two Attendants.
Hel.
But this exceeding posting day and night
Must wear your spirits low; we cannot help it:
But since you have note made the days and nights as one,
-- 198 --
To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs,
Be bold you do so grow in my requital
As nothing can unroot you. In happy time;
Enter a Gentleman. note
This man may help me to his majesty's ear,
If he would spend his power. God save you, sir.
Gent.
And you.
Hel.
Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.
Gent.
I have been sometimes there.
Hel.
I do presume, sir, that you are not fallen
From the report that goes upon your goodness;
And therefore, goaded with most sharp occasions,
Which lay nice manners by, I put you to
The use of your own virtues note, for the which
I shall continue thankful.
Gent.
What's your will?
Hel.
That it will please you
To give this poor petition to the king,
And aid me with that store of power you have
To come into his presence.
Gent.
The king's not here.
Hel.
Not here, sir!
Gent.
Not, indeed:
He hence removed last night and with more haste
Than is his use.
Wid.
Lord, how we lose our pains!
Hel.
All's well that ends well yet,
Though time seem so adverse and means unfit.
I do beseech you, whither is he gone?
Gent.
Marry, as I take it, to Rousillon;
Whither I am going.
Hel.
I do note beseech you, sir,
Since you are like to see the king before me,
Commend the paper to his gracious hand,
-- 199 --
Which I presume shall render you no blame
But rather make you thank your pains for it.
I will come after you with what good speed
Our means will make us means. note
Gent.
This I'll do for you.
Hel.
And you shall find yourself to be well thank'd,
Whate'er falls more. We must to horse again.
Go, go, provide. note
[Exeunt.
note
Scene II. [Footnote:
Rousillon. Before the Count's palace.
Enter Clown, and Parolles, following. note
Par.
Good Monsieur note Lavache note give my Lord Lafeu this
letter: I have ere now, sir, been better known to you, when
I have held familiarity with fresher clothes; but I am now,
sir, muddied in fortune's mood note, and smell somewhat strong
of her strong displeasure.
Clo.
Truly, fortune's displeasure is but sluttish, if it
smell so strongly as thou speakest of: I will henceforth eat
no fish of fortune's buttering. Prithee, allow the wind.
Par.
Nay, you need not to stop your nose, sir; I
spake note but by a metaphor.
Clo.
Indeed, sir, if your metaphor stink, I will stop my
nose; or against note my man's metaphor. Prithee, get thee
further.
Par.
Pray you, sir, deliver me this paper.
Clo.
Foh! prithee, stand away: a paper from fortune's
close-stool to give to a nobleman! Look, here he comes
himself.
-- 200 --
Enter Lafeu.
Here note is a purr note of fortune's, sir, or of note fortune's cat,—but not
a musk-cat note,—that has note fallen into the unclean fishpond of
her displeasure, and, as he says, is muddied withal: pray
you, sir, use the carp as you may; for he looks like a poor,
decayed, ingenious note, foolish, rascally knave. I do pity his
distress in my similes note of comfort and leave him to your
lordship.
[Exit.
Par.
My lord, I am a man whom fortune hath cruelly
scratched.
Laf.
And what would you have me to do? 'Tis too
late to pare her nails now. Wherein have you played the
knave with fortune, that she should scratch you, who of
herself is a good lady and would not have knaves thrive
long under her? note There's a quart d'écu note for you: let the
justices make you and fortune friends: I am for other
business.
Par.
I beseech your honour to hear me one single
word.
Laf.
You note beg a single penny more: come, you shall
ha't; save your word.
Par.
My name, my good lord, is Parolles.
Laf.
You beg more than ‘word,’ note then. Cox my passion!
give me your hand. How does your drum?
Par.
O my good lord, you were the first that found
me!
Laf.
Was I, in sooth? and I was the first that lost
thee.
Par.
It lies in you note, my lord, to bring me in some grace,
for you did bring me out.
-- 201 --
Laf.
Out upon thee, knave! dost thou put upon me at
once both the office of God and the devil? One brings thee
in grace and the other brings thee out. [Trumpets sound. note]
The king's coming; I know by his trumpets. Sirrah, inquire
further after me; I had talk of you last night: though
you are a fool and a knave, you shall eat; go to, follow.
Par.
I praise God for you.
[Exeunt.
Scene III.
Rousillon. The Count's palace. note
Flourish. Enter King, Countess note, Lafeu, the two French Lords, with Attendants.
King.
We lost a jewel of her note; and our esteem note
Was made much poorer by it: but your son,
As mad in folly, lack'd the sense to know
Her estimation home.
Count.
'Tis past, my liege;
And I beseech your majesty to make it
Natural rebellion, done i' the blaze note of youth;
When oil and fire, too strong for reason's force,
O'erbears it and burns note on.
King.
My honour'd lady,
I have forgiven and forgotten all;
Though my revenges were high bent upon him,
And watch'd the time to shoot.
Laf.
This I must say,
But first I beg my pardon, the young lord
Did to his majesty, his mother and his lady note
Offence of mighty note; but to himself
The greatest wrong of all. He lost a wife
Whose beauty did astonish the survey
Of richest eyes, whose words all ears took captive,
Whose dear perfection hearts that scorn'd to serve
-- 202 --
Humbly call'd mistress.
King.
Praising what is lost
Makes the remembrance dear. Well, call him hither;
We are note reconciled, and the first view shall kill
All repetition: let him not ask our pardon;
The nature note of his great offence is dead,
And deeper than oblivion we do note bury
The incensing relics of it: let him approach,
A stranger, no offender; and inform him
So 'tis our will he should.
Gent.
I shall, my liege.
[Exit.
King.
What says he to your daughter? have you spoke? note
Laf.
All that he is hath reference to your highness.
note
King.
Then shall we have a match. I have letters sent me
That set note him high in fame.
Enter Bertram. note
Laf.
He looks well on't.
note
King.
I am note not a day of season,
For thou mayst see a sunshine and a hail
In me at once: but to the brightest beams
Distracted clouds give way; so stand thou forth;
The time is fair again.
Ber.
My high-repented blames,
Dear sovereign, pardon to me.
King.
All is whole;
Not one word more of the consumed time.
Let's take the instant by the forward note top;
For we are old, and on our quick'st decrees
The inaudible and noiseless foot of Time
Steals ere we can effect them. You remember
The daughter of this lord?
-- 203 --
Ber.
Admiringly, my liege, at first note
I stuck my choice upon her, ere my heart
Durst make too bold a herald of my tongue:
Where the impression of mine eye infixing,
Contempt his scornful perspective did lend me,
Which warp'd note the line of every other favour;
Scorn'd note a fair colour, or express'd it stolen;
Extended or contracted all proportions
To a most hideous object: thence it came
That she whom all men praised and whom myself,
Since I have lost, have loved, was in mine eye
The dust that did offend it.
King.
Well excused:
That thou didst love her, strikes some scores away
From the great compt: but love that comes too late,
Like a remorseful pardon slowly carried,
To the great sender note turns a sour note offence, note
Crying ‘That's good that's gone note.’ Our note rash faults note
Make trivial note price of serious things we have,
Not knowing them until we know their grave:
Oft our displeasures, to ourselves unjust,
Destroy our friends and after weep their dust:
Our own note love waking cries to see what's done,
While shameful hate note sleeps note out the afternoon note.
Be this sweet Helen's knell, and now forget her.
Send forth your amorous token for fair Maudlin note:
-- 204 --
The main consents are had; and here we'll stay
To see our widower's second marriage-day.
Count. note
Which better than the first, O dear note heaven, bless!
Or, ere they meet, note in me note, O nature, cesse note!
Laf.
Come on, my son, in whom my house's name
Must be digested note, give a favour from you
To sparkle in the spirits of my daughter,
That she may quickly come. [Bertram gives a ring. note] By my old beard,
And every hair that's on't, Helen, that's dead,
Was a sweet creature: such a ring as this,
The last that e'er I note took her leave note at court,
I saw upon her finger.
Ber.
Hers it was not.
King.
Now, pray you, let me see it; for mine eye,
While I was speaking, oft was fasten'd to't.
This ring was mine; and, when I gave it Helen,
I bade her, if her fortunes ever stood
Necessitied note to help, that by this token
I would relieve her. Had you that craft, to reave her
Of what should stead her most?
Ber.
My gracious sovereign,
Howe'er it pleases you to take it so,
The ring was never hers.
Count.
Son, on my life,
I have note seen her wear it; and she reckon'd it
At her life's note rate.
Laf.
I am note sure I saw her wear it.
Ber.
You are deceived, my lord; she never saw it:
In Florence was it from a casement thrown me,
-- 205 --
Wrapp'd in a paper, which contain'd the name
Of her that threw it; noble she was, and thought
I stood engaged note: but when I had subscribed
To mine own fortune and inform'd her fully
I could not answer in that course of honour
As she had made the overture, she ceased
In heavy satisfaction and would never
Receive the ring again.
King.
Plutus note himself,
That knows the tinct and multiplying medicine,
Hath not in nature's mystery more science
Than I have in this ring: 'twas mine, 'twas Helen's,
Whoever gave it you. Then, if you know
That you are well acquainted with yourself,
Confess 'twas hers, and by what rough enforcement
You got it from her: she call'd the saints to surety
That she would never put it from her finger,
Unless she gave it to yourself note in bed,
Where you have never come, or sent it us
Upon her great disaster.
Ber.
She never saw it.
King.
Thou speak'st it falsely, as I love mine honour;
And makest conjectural note fears to come into me,
Which I would fain note shut out. note If it should prove
That thou art so inhuman,—'twill not prove so;—
And yet I know not: thou didst hate her deadly,
And she is dead; which nothing, but to close
Her eyes myself, could win me to believe,
More than to see this ring. Take him away.
[Guards seize Bertram. note
My fore-past proofs, howe'er the matter fall,
Shall tax note my fears of little vanity,
Having vainly fear'd too little. Away with him!
-- 206 --
We'll sift this matter further.
Ber.
If you shall prove
This ring was ever hers, you shall as easy
Prove that I husbanded her bed in Florence,
Where yet she never was.
[Exit, guarded. note
note
King.
I am note wrapp'd in dismal thinkings note.
Enter note a Gentleman.
Gent.
Gracious sovereign,
Whether I have note been to blame note or no, I know not:
Here's a petition from a Florentine,
Who hath note for four note or five removes come short
To tender it herself. I undertook it,
Vanquish'd thereto by the fair grace and speech
Of the poor suppliant, who by this I know
Is here attending: her business looks in her
With an importing note visage; and she told me,
In a sweet verbal brief, it did concern
Your highness with herself.
King. [reads note]
Upon his many protestations to marry me
when his wife was dead, I blush to say it, he won me. Now is the
Count Rousillon a widower: his vows are forfeited to me, and my
honour's paid to him. He stole from Florence, taking no leave, and
I follow him to his note country for justice: grant it me, O king! in
you it best note lies; otherwise a seducer flourishes, and a poor maid is
undone.
Diana Capilet note.
Laf.
I will buy me a son-in-law in a fair note, and toll note for
this: I'll note none of him note.
-- 207 --
King.
The heavens have thought well on thee, Lafeu,
To bring forth this discovery. Seek these suitors:
note
Go speedily and bring again the count.
I am afeard note the life of Helen, lady,
Was foully snatch'd.
Count.
Now, justice on the doers!
Re-enter Bertram, guarded. note
King.
I wonder, sir, sith wives are monsters note to you,
And that you fly them as you swear them lordship note,
Yet you desire to marry note.
Enter Widow and Diana. note
What woman's that?
Dia.
I am, my lord, a wretched Florentine,
Derived from the ancient Capilet note note:
My suit, as I do understand, you know,
And therefore know how far I may be pitied.
Wid.
I am her mother, sir, whose age and honour
Both suffer under this complaint we bring,
And both shall cease, without your remedy.
King.
Come hither note, count; do you note know these women?
Ber.
My lord, I neither can nor will deny
But that I know them: do they charge me further?
Dia.
Why do you look so strange upon your wife?
-- 208 --
Ber.
She's none of mine, my lord.
Dia.
If you shall marry,
You give away this hand, and that is note mine;
You give away heaven's vows, and those are mine;
You give away myself note, which is known mine;
For I by vow am so embodied yours,
That she which marries you must marry me,
Either both or none.
note
Laf.
Your reputation comes too note short for my daughter;
you are no husband for her.
Ber.
My lord, this a fond and desperate creature,
Whom sometime I have laugh'd with: let your highness
Lay a more noble thought upon mine honour
Than for note to think that I would sink it here.
King.
Sir, for my thoughts, you have them ill to friend
Till your deeds gain them: fairer note prove your honour
Than in my thought it lies.
Dia.
Good note my lord,
Ask him upon his oath, if he does think
He had not my virginity.
King.
What say'st thou to her?
Ber.
She's impudent, my lord,
And was a common gamester to the camp.
Dia.
He does me wrong, my lord; if I were so,
He might have bought me at a common price:
Do not believe him. O, behold this ring,
Whose high respect and rich validity
Did lack a parallel; yet for all that
He gave it to a commoner o' note the camp,
If I be one.
Count. note
He blushes, and 'tis it note:
-- 209 --
Of six preceding ancestors, that gem,
Conferr'd by testament to the sequent note issue,
Hath it note been owed and worn. This is his wife;
That ring's a thousand proofs.
King.
Methought you said
You saw one here in court could witness it.
Dia.
I did, my lord, but loath am to produce
So bad an instrument: his name's Parolles.
Laf.
I saw the man to-day, if man he be.
King.
Find him, and bring him hither.
[Exit an Attendant. note
Ber.
What of him? note
He's quoted for a most perfidious slave,
With all the spots o' note the world tax'd and debosh'd;
Whose nature sickens but to speak a truth. note
Am I or that or this for what he'll utter,
That will speak any thing?
King.
She hath that ring of yours.
Ber.
I think she has: certain it is I liked her,
And boarded her i' the wanton way of youth:
She knew her distance, and did angle for me note,
Madding my eagerness with her restraint,
As all impediments in fancy's course
Are motives of more fancy; and, in fine,
Her infinite cunning note, with her modern note grace note,
Subdued me to her rate: she got the ring;
And I had that which any note inferior might
At market-price have bought.
Dia.
I must be patient:
-- 210 --
You, that have turn'd off note a first so noble wife,
May justly diet note me. I pray you yet,
Since you lack virtue I will lose a husband,
Send for your ring, I will return it note home,
And give me mine again.
Ber.
I have it not.
King.
What ring was yours, I pray you?
Dia.
Sir, much like
The same upon your finger note.
King.
Know you this ring? this ring was his of late.
Dia.
And this was it I gave him, being abed.
King.
The story then goes false, you threw it him
Out of a casement.
Dia.
I have spoke the truth note.
Enter Parolles. note
note
Ber.
My lord, I do confess the ring was hers.
King.
You boggle shrewdly, every feather starts you.
Is this the man you speak of?
Dia.
Ay note, my lord.
King.
Tell me, sirrah note, but tell me true note, I charge you,
Not fearing the displeasure of your master,
Which on your just proceeding I'll keep off,
By him and by this woman here what know you?
Par.
So please your majesty, my master hath been
an honourable gentleman note: tricks he hath had in him, which
gentlemen have.
King.
Come, come, to the purpose: did he love this
woman?
-- 211 --
Par.
Faith, sir, he did love her; but how?
King.
How, note I pray you?
Par.
He did love her, sir, as a gentleman note loves a woman.
King.
How is that?
Par.
He loved her, sir, and loved her not.
King.
As thou art a knave, and no knave. note What an
equivocal companion is this!
Par.
I am a poor man, and at your majesty's command.
Laf.
He's a good drum, my lord, but a naughty orator.
Dia.
Do you know he promised me marriage?
Par.
Faith, I know more than I'll speak.
King.
But note wilt thou not speak all thou knowest?
Par.
Yes, so please your majesty. I did go between
them, as I said; but more than that, he note loved her: note for indeed
he was mad for her, and talked of Satan, and of Limbo,
and of Furies, and I know not what: yet I was in that
credit with them at that time, that I knew of their going to
bed, and of other motions, as promising her marriage, and
things which note would derive me ill will to speak of; therefore
I will not speak what I know.
King.
Thou hast spoken all already, unless thou canst
say they are married: but thou art too fine in thy evidence;
therefore stand aside. note
This ring, you say, was yours?
Dia.
Ay, my good lord.
King.
Where did you buy it? or who gave it you?
Dia.
It was not given me, nor I did not note buy it.
King.
Who lent it you?
Dia.
It was not lent me neither.
King.
Where did you find it, then?
Dia.
I found it not.
King.
If it were yours by none of all these ways,
-- 212 --
How could you give it note him?
Dia.
I never gave it him.
Laf.
This woman's an easy glove, my lord; she goes
off and on at pleasure.
King.
This ring was mine; I gave it his first wife.
Dia.
It might be yours or hers, for aught I know.
King.
Take her away; I do not like her now;
To prison with her: and away with him.
Unless thou tell'st me where thou hadst this ring,
Thou diest within this hour.
Dia.
I'll never tell you.
King.
Take her away.
Dia.
I'll put in bail, my liege.
King.
I think thee now some common customer.
note
Dia.
By Jove note, if ever I knew man, 'twas you.
King.
Wherefore hast thou accused him all this while?
Dia.
Because he's guilty, and he is not guilty:
He knows I am no maid, and he'll swear to't;
I'll swear I am a maid, and he knows not.
Great king, I am no strumpet, by my life;
note
I am note either maid, or else this old note man's wife.
King.
She does abuse our ears: to prison with her.
Dia.
Good mother, fetch my bail. Stay, royal sir:
[Exit Widow. note
The jeweller that owes the ring is sent for,
And he shall surety me. But for this lord,
Who hath abused me, as he knows himself,
Though yet he never harm'd me, here I quit him:
He knows himself my bed he hath defiled;
And at that time he got his wife with child:
Dead though she be, she feels her young one kick:
So there's my riddle,—One that's dead is quick:
And now behold the meaning.
-- 213 --
Re-enter note Widow, with Helena.
King.
Is there no exorcist
Beguiles the truer office of mine eyes?
Is't real that I see?
Hel.
No, my good lord;
'Tis but the shadow of a wife you see,
The name and not the thing.
Ber.
Both, both. O, pardon!
Hel.
O my good lord, when I was like this maid,
I found you wondrous kind. There is your ring;
And, look you, here's your letter; this it says:
‘When from my finger you can get this ring
And are note by me with child,’ &c. This is done note:
Will you be mine, now you are doubly won?
Ber.
If she, my liege, can make me know this clearly,
I'll love her dearly, ever, ever dearly.
Hel.
If it appear not plain and prove untrue,
Deadly divorce step between me and you!
O my dear mother, do I see you living?
Laf.
Mine eyes smell onions; I shall weep anon:
[To Parolles note]
Good Tom Drum, lend me a handkercher note note: so,
I thank note thee: wait on me home, I'll make sport with thee:
Let thy courtesies alone, they are scurvy ones. note
King.
Let us from point to point this story know,
To make the even truth in pleasure flow.
[To Diana note]
If thou be'st yet a fresh uncropped flower,
Choose thou thy husband, and I'll pay thy dower;
For I can guess that by thy honest aid
Thou kept'st note note a wife herself, thyself a maid.
-- 214 --
Of that and all the progress, more or note less,
Resolvedly note more leisure shall express:
All yet seems well; and if it end so meet,
The bitter past, more welcome is the sweet.
[Flourish. note
note
EPILOGUE. [Footnote:
King.
The king's a beggar, now the play is done:
All is well ended, if this suit be won,
That you express content; which we will pay,
With strife note to please you, day exceeding note day:
Ours be your patience then, and yours our parts;
Your gentle hands lend us, and take our hearts.
[Exeunt.
