Previous Next
 

Continue reading with a SparkNotes PLUS trial

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter COUNT BERTRAM, LAFEW, and PAROLLES.
Enter COUNT BERTRAM, LAFEW, and PAROLLES.
LAFEW
They say miracles are past, and we have our
philosophical persons to make modern and familiar
things supernatural and causeless. Hence is it
that we make trifles of terrors, ensconcing ourselves
5
into seeming knowledge when we should
submit ourselves to an unknown fear.
LAFEW
They say miracles are past, and we have our
philosophical persons to make modern and familiar
things 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.
PAROLLES
Why, ’tis the rarest argument of wonder that
hath shot out in our latter times.
PAROLLES
Why, ’tis the rarest argument of wonder that
hath shot out in our latter times.
BERTRAM
And so ’tis.
BERTRAM
And so ’tis.
LAFEW
10
To be relinquished of the artists—
LAFEW
To be relinquished of the artists—
PAROLLES
So I say, both of Galen and Paracelsus.
PAROLLES
So I say, both of Galen and Paracelsus.
LAFEW
Of all the learned and authentic fellows—
LAFEW
Of all the learned and authentic fellows—
PAROLLES
Right, so I say.
PAROLLES
Right, so I say.
LAFEW
That gave him out incurable—
LAFEW
That gave him out incurable—
PAROLLES
15
Why, there ’tis. So say I too.
PAROLLES
Why, there ’tis. So say I too.
LAFEW
Not to be helped.
LAFEW
Not to be helped.
PAROLLES
Right, as ’twere a man assured of a—
PAROLLES
Right, as ’twere a man assured of a—
LAFEW
Uncertain life and sure death.
LAFEW
Uncertain life and sure death.
PAROLLES
Just. You say well. So would I have said.
PAROLLES
Just. You say well. So would I have said.
LAFEW
20
I may truly say it is a novelty to the world.
LAFEW
I may truly say it is a novelty to the world.
PAROLLES
It is indeed. If you will have it in showing,
you shall read it in what-do-you-call there.
PAROLLES
It is indeed. If you will have it in showing,
you shall read it in what-do-you-call there.
He points to a paper in LAFEW’s hand.
He points to a paper in LAFEW’s hand.
LAFEW, reads
A showing of a heavenly effect in an earthly
actor.
LAFEW, reads
A showing of a heavenly effect in an earthly
actor.
PAROLLES
25
That’s it. I would have said the very same.
PAROLLES
That’s it. I would have said the very same.
LAFEW
Why, your dolphin is not lustier. ’Fore me, I
speak in respect—
LAFEW
Why, your dolphin is not lustier. ’Fore me, I
speak in respect—
PAROLLES
Nay, ’tis strange, ’tis very strange; that is the
brief and the tedious of it; and he’s of a most facinorous
30
spirit that will not acknowledge it to be
the—
PAROLLES
Nay, ’tis strange, ’tis very strange; that is the
brief and the tedious of it; and he’s of a most facinorous
spirit that will not acknowledge it to be
the—
LAFEW
Very hand of heaven.
LAFEW
Very hand of heaven.
PAROLLES
Ay, so I say.
PAROLLES
Ay, so I say.
LAFEW
In a most weak—
LAFEW
In a most weak—
PAROLLES
35
And debile minister. Great power, great
transcendence, which should indeed give us a further
use to be made than alone the recov’ry of the
King, as to be—
PAROLLES
And debile minister. Great power, great
transcendence, which should indeed give us a further
use to be made than alone the recov’ry of the
King, as to be—
LAFEW
Generally thankful.
LAFEW
Generally thankful.
Enter KING, HELEN, and ATTENDANTS.
Enter KING, HELEN, and ATTENDANTS.
PAROLLES
40
I would have said it. You say well. Here
comes the King.
PAROLLES
I would have said it. You say well. Here
comes the King.
LAFEW
Lustig, as the Dutchman says. I’ll like a maid
the better whilst I have a tooth in my head. Why,
he’s able to lead her a coranto.
LAFEW
Lustig, as the Dutchman says. I’ll like a maid
the better whilst I have a tooth in my head. Why,
he’s able to lead her a coranto.
PAROLLES
45
Mort du vinaigre! Is not this Helen?
PAROLLES
Mort du vinaigre! Is not this Helen?
LAFEW
’Fore God, I think so.
LAFEW
’Fore God, I think so.
KING
Go, call before me all the lords in court.
An ATTENDANT exits.
Sit, my preserver, by thy patient’s side,
And with this healthful hand, whose banished sense
50
Thou hast repealed, a second time receive
The confirmation of my promised gift,
Which but attends thy naming.
Enter three or four COURT LORDS.
Fair maid, send forth thine eye. This youthful parcel
Of noble bachelors stand at my bestowing,
55
O’er whom both sovereign power and father’s voice
I have to use. Thy frank election make.
Thou hast power to choose, and they none to forsake.
KING
Go, call before me all the lords in court.
An ATTENDANT exits.
Sit, my preserver, by thy patient’s side,
And with this healthful hand, whose banished sense
Thou hast repealed, a second time receive
The confirmation of my promised gift,
Which but attends thy naming.
Enter three or four COURT LORDS.
Fair maid, send forth thine eye. This youthful parcel
Of noble bachelors stand at my bestowing,
O’er whom both sovereign power and father’s voice
I have to use. Thy frank election make.
Thou hast power to choose, and they none to forsake.
HELEN
To each of you one fair and virtuous mistress
Fall when Love please! Marry, to each but one.
HELEN
To each of you one fair and virtuous mistress
Fall when Love please! Marry, to each but one.
LAFEW, aside
60
I’d give bay Curtal and his furniture
My mouth no more were broken than these boys’
And writ as little beard.
LAFEW, aside
I’d give bay Curtal and his furniture
My mouth no more were broken than these boys’
And writ as little beard.
KING
Peruse them well.
   Not one of those but had a noble father.
KING
Peruse them well.
   Not one of those but had a noble father.
HELEN
65
Gentlemen,
   Heaven hath through me restored the King to health.
HELEN
Gentlemen,
   Heaven hath through me restored the King to health.
ALL
We understand it and thank heaven for you.
ALL
We understand it and thank heaven for you.
HELEN
I am a simple maid, and therein wealthiest
That I protest I simply am a maid.—
70
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,
Let the white death sit on thy cheek forever;
75
We’ll ne’er come there again.”
HELEN
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,
Let the white death sit on thy cheek forever;
We’ll ne’er come there again.”
KING
Make choice and see.
   Who shuns thy love shuns all his love in me.
KING
Make choice and see.
   Who shuns thy love shuns all his love in me.
HELEN  
Now, Dian, from thy altar do I fly,
And to imperial Love, that god most high,
80
Do my sighs stream.
She addresses her to a LORD.
   Sir, will you hear my suit?
HELEN  
Now, Dian, from thy altar do I fly,
And to imperial Love, that god most high,
Do my sighs stream.
She addresses her to a LORD.
   Sir, will you hear my suit?
FIRST COURT LORD
And grant it.
FIRST COURT LORD
And grant it.
HELEN
Thanks, sir. All the
rest is mute.
HELEN
Thanks, sir. All the
rest is mute.
LAFEW, aside
85
I had rather be in this choice than
throw ambs-ace for my life.
LAFEW, aside
I had rather be in this choice than
throw ambs-ace for my life.
HELEN, to another LORD
The honor, sir, that flames in your fair eyes
Before I speak too threat’ningly replies.
Love make your fortunes twenty times above
90
Her that so wishes, and her humble love.
HELEN, to another LORD
The honor, sir, that flames in your fair eyes
Before I speak too threat’ningly replies.
Love make your fortunes twenty times above
Her that so wishes, and her humble love.
SECOND COURT LORD
No better, if you please.
SECOND COURT LORD
No better, if you please.
HELEN
My wish receive,
Which great Love grant, and so I take my leave.
HELEN
My wish receive,
Which great Love grant, and so I take my leave.
LAFEW, aside
Do all they deny her? An they were sons
95
of mine, I’d have them whipped, or I would send
them to th’ Turk to make eunuchs of.
LAFEW, aside
Do all they deny her? An they were sons
of mine, I’d have them whipped, or I would send
them to th’ Turk to make eunuchs of.
HELEN, to another LORD
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
100
Find fairer fortune if you ever wed.
HELEN, to another LORD
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 fortune if you ever wed.
LAFEW, aside
These boys are boys of ice; they’ll none
have her. Sure they are bastards to the English;
the French ne’er got ’em.
LAFEW, aside
These boys are boys of ice; they’ll none
have her. Sure they are bastards to the English;
the French ne’er got ’em.
HELEN, to another LORD
You are too young, too happy, and too good
105
To make yourself a son out of my blood.
HELEN, to another LORD
You are too young, too happy, and too good
To make yourself a son out of my blood.
FOURTH COURT LORD
Fair one, I think not so.
FOURTH COURT LORD
Fair one, I think not so.
LAFEW, aside
There’s one grape yet. I am sure thy
father drunk wine. But if thou be’st not an ass, I
am a youth of fourteen; I have known thee already.
LAFEW, aside
There’s one grape yet. I am sure thy
father drunk wine. But if thou be’st not an ass, I
am a youth of fourteen; I have known thee already.
HELEN, to BERTRAM
110
I dare not say I take you, but I give
Me and my service ever whilst I live
Into your guiding power.—This is the man.
HELEN, to BERTRAM
I dare not say I take you, but I give
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.
KING  
Why then, young Bertram, take her. She’s thy wife.
BERTRAM  
My wife, my liege? I shall beseech your Highness
115
In such a business give me leave to use
The help of mine own eyes.
BERTRAM  
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 done for me?
KING
Know’st thou not,
Bertram,
What she has done for me?
BERTRAM
120
Yes, my good lord,
But never hope to know why I should marry her.
BERTRAM
Yes, my good lord,
But never hope to know why I should marry her.
KING  
Thou know’st she has raised me from my sickly bed.
KING  
Thou know’st she has raised me from my sickly bed.
BERTRAM  
But follows it, my lord, to bring me down
Must answer for your raising? I know her well;
125
She had her breeding at my father’s charge.
A poor physician’s daughter my wife? Disdain
Rather corrupt me ever!
BERTRAM  
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 corrupt me ever!
KING  
’Tis only title thou disdain’st in her, the which
I can build up. Strange is it that our bloods,
130
Of color, weight, and heat, poured all together,
Would quite confound distinction, yet stands off
In differences so mighty. If she be
All that is virtuous, save what thou dislik’st—
“A poor physician’s daughter”—thou dislik’st
135
Of virtue for the name. But do not so.
From lowest place whence virtuous things proceed,
The place is dignified by th’ doer’s deed.
Where great additions swell ’s, and virtue none,
It is a dropsied honor. Good alone
140
Is good, without a name; vileness is so;
The property by what it is should go,
Not by the title. She is young, wise, fair;
In these to nature she’s immediate heir,
And these breed honor. That is honor’s scorn
145
Which challenges itself as honor’s born
And is not like the sire. Honors thrive
When rather from our acts we them derive
Than our foregoers. The mere word’s a slave
Debauched on every tomb, on every grave
150
A lying trophy, and as oft is dumb
Where dust and damned oblivion is the tomb
Of honored bones indeed. What should be said?
If thou canst like this creature as a maid,
I can create the rest. Virtue and she
155
Is her own dower, honor and wealth from me.
KING  
’Tis only title thou disdain’st in her, the which
I can build up. Strange is it that our bloods,
Of color, weight, and heat, poured all together,
Would quite confound distinction, yet stands off
In differences so mighty. If she be
All that is virtuous, save what thou dislik’st—
“A poor physician’s daughter”—thou dislik’st
Of virtue for the name. But do not so.
From lowest place whence virtuous things proceed,
The place is dignified by th’ doer’s deed.
Where great additions swell ’s, and virtue none,
It is a dropsied honor. Good alone
Is good, without a name; vileness is so;
The property by what it is should go,
Not by the title. She is young, wise, fair;
In these to nature she’s immediate heir,
And these breed honor. That is honor’s scorn
Which challenges itself as honor’s born
And is not like the sire. Honors thrive
When rather from our acts we them derive
Than our foregoers. The mere word’s a slave
Debauched on every tomb, on every grave
A lying trophy, and as oft is dumb
Where dust and damned oblivion is the tomb
Of honored bones indeed. 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, honor and wealth from me.
BERTRAM  
I cannot love her, nor will strive to do ’t.
BERTRAM  
I cannot love her, nor will strive to do ’t.
KING  
Thou wrong’st thyself if thou shouldst strive to
choose.
KING  
Thou wrong’st thyself if thou shouldst strive to
choose.
HELEN  
That you are well restored, my lord, I’m glad.
160
Let the rest go.
HELEN  
That you are well restored, my lord, I’m glad.
Let the rest go.
KING  
My honor’s at the stake, which to defeat
I must produce my power.—Here, take her hand,
Proud, scornful boy, unworthy this good gift,
That dost in vile misprision shackle up
165
My love and her desert; that canst not dream
We, poising us in her defective scale,
Shall weigh thee to the beam; that wilt not know
It is in us to plant thine honor where
We please to have it grow. Check thy contempt;
170
Obey our will, which travails 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 thee from my care forever
175
Into the staggers and the careless lapse
Of youth and ignorance, both my revenge and hate
Loosing upon thee in the name of justice
Without all terms of pity. Speak. Thine answer.
KING  
My honor’s at the stake, which to defeat
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,
Shall weigh thee to the beam; that wilt not know
It is in us to plant thine honor where
We please to have it grow. Check thy contempt;
Obey our will, which travails 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 thee from my care forever
Into the staggers and the careless lapse
Of youth and ignorance, both my revenge and hate
Loosing upon thee in the name of justice
Without all terms of pity. Speak. Thine answer.
BERTRAM  
Pardon, my gracious lord, for I submit
180
My fancy to your eyes. When I consider
What great creation and what dole of honor
Flies where you bid it, I find that she which late
Was in my nobler thoughts most base is now
The praisèd of the King, who, so ennobled,
185
Is as ’twere born so.
BERTRAM  
Pardon, my gracious lord, for I submit
My fancy to your eyes. When I consider
What great creation and what dole of honor
Flies where you bid it, I find that she which late
Was in my nobler thoughts most base is now
The praisèd of the King, who, so ennobled,
Is as ’twere born so.
KING
Take her by the hand,
And tell her she is thine, to whom I promise
A counterpoise, if not to thy estate,
A balance more replete.
KING
Take her by the hand,
And tell her she is thine, to whom I promise
A counterpoise, if not to thy estate,
A balance more replete.
BERTRAM
190
I take her hand.
BERTRAM
I take her hand.
KING  
Good fortune and the favor of the King
Smile upon this contract, whose ceremony
Shall seem expedient on the now-born brief
And be performed tonight. The solemn feast
195
Shall more attend upon the coming space,
Expecting absent friends. As thou lov’st her
Thy love’s to me religious; else, does err.
KING  
Good fortune and the favor of the King
Smile upon this contract, whose ceremony
Shall seem expedient on the now-born brief
And be performed tonight. The solemn feast
Shall more attend upon the coming space,
Expecting absent friends. As thou lov’st her
Thy love’s to me religious; else, does err.
They exit. PAROLLES and LAFEW stay behind,
commenting of this wedding.
They exit. PAROLLES and LAFEW stay behind,
commenting of this wedding.
LAFEW
Do you hear, monsieur? A word with you.
LAFEW
Do you hear, monsieur? A word with you.
PAROLLES
Your pleasure, sir.
PAROLLES
Your pleasure, sir.
LAFEW
200
Your lord and master did well to make his
   recantation.
LAFEW
Your lord and master did well to make his
   recantation.
PAROLLES
“Recantation”? My “lord”? My “master”?
PAROLLES
“Recantation”? My “lord”? My “master”?
LAFEW
Ay. Is it not a language I speak?
LAFEW
Ay. Is it not a language I speak?
PAROLLES
A most harsh one, and not to be understood
205
without bloody succeeding. My “master”?
PAROLLES
A most harsh one, and not to be understood
without bloody succeeding. My “master”?
LAFEW
Are you companion to the Count Rossillion?
LAFEW
Are you companion to the Count Rossillion?
PAROLLES
To any count, to all counts, to what is man.
PAROLLES
To any count, to all counts, to what is man.
LAFEW
To what is count’s man. Count’s master is of
   another style.
LAFEW
To what is count’s man. Count’s master is of
   another style.
PAROLLES
210
You are too old, sir; let it satisfy you, you are
   too old.
PAROLLES
You are too old, sir; let it satisfy you, you are
   too old.
LAFEW
I must tell thee, sirrah, I write man, to which
   title age cannot bring thee.
LAFEW
I must tell thee, sirrah, I write man, to which
   title age cannot bring thee.
PAROLLES
What I dare too well do, I dare not do.
PAROLLES
What I dare too well do, I dare not do.
LAFEW
215
I did think thee, for two ordinaries, to be a
pretty wise fellow; thou didst make tolerable vent
of thy travel; it might pass. Yet the scarves and the
bannerets about thee did manifoldly dissuade me
from believing thee a vessel of too great a burden.
220
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.
LAFEW
I did think thee, for two ordinaries, to be a
pretty wise fellow; thou didst make tolerable vent
of thy travel; it might pass. Yet the scarves and the
bannerets about thee did manifoldly dissuade me
from believing thee a vessel of too great a burden.
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.
PAROLLES
Hadst thou not the privilege of antiquity
upon thee—
PAROLLES
Hadst thou not the privilege of antiquity
upon thee—
LAFEW
225
Do not plunge thyself too far in anger lest thou
hasten thy trial, which if—Lord have mercy on
thee for a hen! So, my good window of lattice, fare
thee well; thy casement I need not open, for I look
through thee. Give me thy hand.
LAFEW
Do not plunge thyself too far in anger lest thou
hasten thy trial, which if—Lord have mercy on
thee for a hen! So, my good window of lattice, fare
thee well; thy casement I need not open, for I look
through thee. Give me thy hand.
PAROLLES
230
My lord, you give me most egregious
indignity.
PAROLLES
My lord, you give me most egregious
indignity.
LAFEW
Ay, with all my heart, and thou art worthy of it.
LAFEW
Ay, with all my heart, and thou art worthy of it.
PAROLLES
I have not, my lord, deserved it.
PAROLLES
I have not, my lord, deserved it.
LAFEW
Yes, good faith, ev’ry dram of it, and I will not
235
bate thee a scruple.
LAFEW
Yes, good faith, ev’ry dram of it, and I will not
bate thee a scruple.
PAROLLES
Well, I shall be wiser.
PAROLLES
Well, I shall be wiser.
LAFEW
Ev’n as soon as thou canst, for thou hast to
pull at a smack o’ th’ contrary. If ever thou be’st
bound in thy scarf and beaten, thou shalt find
240
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
“He is a man I know.”
LAFEW
Ev’n as soon as thou canst, for thou hast to
pull at a smack o’ th’ contrary. If ever thou be’st
bound in thy scarf and beaten, thou shalt 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
“He is a man I know.”
PAROLLES
My lord, you do me most insupportable
245
vexation.
PAROLLES
My lord, you do me most insupportable
vexation.
LAFEW
I would it were hell pains for thy sake, and my
poor doing eternal; for doing I am past, as I will by
thee in what motion age will give me leave.
LAFEW
I would it were hell pains for thy sake, and my
poor doing eternal; for doing I am past, as I will by
thee in what motion age will give me leave.
He exits.
He exits.
PAROLLES
Well, thou hast a son shall take this disgrace
250
off me. Scurvy, old, filthy, scurvy lord! 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
255
of—I’ll beat him, an if I could but meet him again.
PAROLLES
Well, thou hast a son shall take this disgrace
off me. Scurvy, old, filthy, scurvy lord! 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.
Enter LAFEW.
Enter LAFEW.
LAFEW
Sirrah, your lord and master’s married. There’s
news for you: you have a new mistress.
LAFEW
Sirrah, your lord and master’s married. There’s
news for you: you have a new mistress.
PAROLLES
I most unfeignedly beseech your Lordship
to make some reservation of your wrongs. He is
260
my good lord; whom I serve above is my master.
PAROLLES
I most unfeignedly beseech your Lordship
to make some reservation of your wrongs. He is
my good lord; whom I serve above is my master.
LAFEW
Who? God?
LAFEW
Who? God?
PAROLLES
Ay, sir.
PAROLLES
Ay, sir.
LAFEW
The devil it is that’s thy master. Why dost thou
garter up thy arms o’ this fashion? Dost make hose
265
of thy sleeves? Do other servants so? Thou wert
best set thy lower part where thy nose stands. By
mine honor, if I were but two hours younger, I’d
beat thee. Methink’st thou art a general offense,
and every man should beat thee. I think thou wast
270
created for men to breathe themselves upon thee.
LAFEW
The devil it is that’s thy master. Why dost thou
garter up thy arms o’ 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 honor, if I were but two hours younger, I’d
beat thee. Methink’st thou art a general offense,
and every man should beat thee. I think thou wast
created for men to breathe themselves upon thee.
PAROLLES
This is hard and undeserved measure, my
lord.
PAROLLES
This is hard and undeserved measure, my
lord.
LAFEW
Go to, sir. You were beaten in Italy for picking a
kernel out of a pomegranate. You are a vagabond,
275
and no true traveler. You are more saucy with
lords and honorable personages than the commission
of your birth and virtue gives you heraldry.
You are not worth another word; else I’d call you
knave. I leave you.
LAFEW
Go to, sir. You were beaten in Italy for picking a
kernel out of a pomegranate. You are a vagabond,
and no true traveler. You are more saucy with
lords and honorable personages than the commission
of your birth and virtue gives you heraldry.
You are not worth another word; else I’d call you
knave. I leave you.
He exits.
He exits.
PAROLLES
280
Good, very good! It is so, then. Good, very
good. Let it be concealed awhile.
PAROLLES
Good, very good! It is so, then. Good, very
good. Let it be concealed awhile.
Enter BERTRAM COUNT ROSSILLION.
Enter BERTRAM COUNT ROSSILLION.
BERTRAM  
Undone, and forfeited to cares forever!
BERTRAM  
Undone, and forfeited to cares forever!
PAROLLES
What’s the matter, sweetheart?
PAROLLES
What’s the matter, sweetheart?
BERTRAM  
Although before the solemn priest I have sworn,
285
I will not bed her.
BERTRAM  
Although before the solemn priest I have sworn,
I will not bed her.
PAROLLES
What, what, sweetheart?
PAROLLES
What, what, sweetheart?
BERTRAM  
O my Parolles, they have married me!
I’ll to the Tuscan wars and never bed her.
BERTRAM  
O my Parolles, they have married me!
I’ll to the Tuscan wars and never bed her.
PAROLLES
France is a dog-hole, and it no more merits
290
the tread of a man’s foot. To th’ wars!
PAROLLES
France is a dog-hole, and it no more merits
the tread of a man’s foot. To th’ wars!
BERTRAM
There’s letters from my mother. What th’
import is I know not yet.
BERTRAM
There’s letters from my mother. What th’
import is I know not yet.
PAROLLES
Ay, that would be known. To th’ wars, my
boy, to th’ wars!
295
He wears his honor in a box unseen
That hugs his kicky-wicky 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!
300
France is a stable, we that dwell in ’t jades.
Therefore, to th’ war!
PAROLLES
Ay, that would be known. To th’ wars, my
boy, to th’ wars!
He wears his honor in a box unseen
That hugs his kicky-wicky 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 is a stable, we that dwell in ’t jades.
Therefore, to th’ war!
BERTRAM  
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
305
That which I durst not speak. His present gift
Shall furnish me to those Italian fields
Where noble fellows strike. Wars is no strife
To the dark house and the detested wife.
BERTRAM  
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. Wars is no strife
To the dark house and the detested wife.
PAROLLES  
Will this capriccio hold in thee? Art sure?
PAROLLES  
Will this capriccio hold in thee? Art sure?
BERTRAM  
310
Go with me to my chamber, and advise me.
I’ll send her straight away. Tomorrow
I’ll to the wars, she to her single sorrow.
BERTRAM  
Go with me to my chamber, and advise me.
I’ll send her straight away. Tomorrow
I’ll to the wars, she to her single sorrow.
PAROLLES  
Why, these balls bound; there’s noise in it. ’Tis hard.
A young man married is a man that’s marred.
315
Therefore away, and leave her bravely. Go.
The King has done you wrong, but hush, ’tis so.
PAROLLES  
Why, these balls bound; there’s noise in it. ’Tis hard.
A young man married is a man that’s marred.
Therefore away, and leave her bravely. Go.
The King has done you wrong, but hush, ’tis so.
They exit.
They exit.

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter COUNT BERTRAM, LAFEW, and PAROLLES.
Enter COUNT BERTRAM, LAFEW, and PAROLLES.
LAFEW
They say miracles are past, and we have our
philosophical persons to make modern and familiar
things supernatural and causeless. Hence is it
that we make trifles of terrors, ensconcing ourselves
5
into seeming knowledge when we should
submit ourselves to an unknown fear.
LAFEW
They say miracles are past, and we have our
philosophical persons to make modern and familiar
things 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.
PAROLLES
Why, ’tis the rarest argument of wonder that
hath shot out in our latter times.
PAROLLES
Why, ’tis the rarest argument of wonder that
hath shot out in our latter times.
BERTRAM
And so ’tis.
BERTRAM
And so ’tis.
LAFEW
10
To be relinquished of the artists—
LAFEW
To be relinquished of the artists—
PAROLLES
So I say, both of Galen and Paracelsus.
PAROLLES
So I say, both of Galen and Paracelsus.
LAFEW
Of all the learned and authentic fellows—
LAFEW
Of all the learned and authentic fellows—
PAROLLES
Right, so I say.
PAROLLES
Right, so I say.
LAFEW
That gave him out incurable—
LAFEW
That gave him out incurable—
PAROLLES
15
Why, there ’tis. So say I too.
PAROLLES
Why, there ’tis. So say I too.
LAFEW
Not to be helped.
LAFEW
Not to be helped.
PAROLLES
Right, as ’twere a man assured of a—
PAROLLES
Right, as ’twere a man assured of a—
LAFEW
Uncertain life and sure death.
LAFEW
Uncertain life and sure death.
PAROLLES
Just. You say well. So would I have said.
PAROLLES
Just. You say well. So would I have said.
LAFEW
20
I may truly say it is a novelty to the world.
LAFEW
I may truly say it is a novelty to the world.
PAROLLES
It is indeed. If you will have it in showing,
you shall read it in what-do-you-call there.
PAROLLES
It is indeed. If you will have it in showing,
you shall read it in what-do-you-call there.
He points to a paper in LAFEW’s hand.
He points to a paper in LAFEW’s hand.
LAFEW, reads
A showing of a heavenly effect in an earthly
actor.
LAFEW, reads
A showing of a heavenly effect in an earthly
actor.
PAROLLES
25
That’s it. I would have said the very same.
PAROLLES
That’s it. I would have said the very same.
LAFEW
Why, your dolphin is not lustier. ’Fore me, I
speak in respect—
LAFEW
Why, your dolphin is not lustier. ’Fore me, I
speak in respect—
PAROLLES
Nay, ’tis strange, ’tis very strange; that is the
brief and the tedious of it; and he’s of a most facinorous
30
spirit that will not acknowledge it to be
the—
PAROLLES
Nay, ’tis strange, ’tis very strange; that is the
brief and the tedious of it; and he’s of a most facinorous
spirit that will not acknowledge it to be
the—
LAFEW
Very hand of heaven.
LAFEW
Very hand of heaven.
PAROLLES
Ay, so I say.
PAROLLES
Ay, so I say.
LAFEW
In a most weak—
LAFEW
In a most weak—
PAROLLES
35
And debile minister. Great power, great
transcendence, which should indeed give us a further
use to be made than alone the recov’ry of the
King, as to be—
PAROLLES
And debile minister. Great power, great
transcendence, which should indeed give us a further
use to be made than alone the recov’ry of the
King, as to be—
LAFEW
Generally thankful.
LAFEW
Generally thankful.
Enter KING, HELEN, and ATTENDANTS.
Enter KING, HELEN, and ATTENDANTS.
PAROLLES
40
I would have said it. You say well. Here
comes the King.
PAROLLES
I would have said it. You say well. Here
comes the King.
LAFEW
Lustig, as the Dutchman says. I’ll like a maid
the better whilst I have a tooth in my head. Why,
he’s able to lead her a coranto.
LAFEW
Lustig, as the Dutchman says. I’ll like a maid
the better whilst I have a tooth in my head. Why,
he’s able to lead her a coranto.
PAROLLES
45
Mort du vinaigre! Is not this Helen?
PAROLLES
Mort du vinaigre! Is not this Helen?
LAFEW
’Fore God, I think so.
LAFEW
’Fore God, I think so.
KING
Go, call before me all the lords in court.
An ATTENDANT exits.
Sit, my preserver, by thy patient’s side,
And with this healthful hand, whose banished sense
50
Thou hast repealed, a second time receive
The confirmation of my promised gift,
Which but attends thy naming.
Enter three or four COURT LORDS.
Fair maid, send forth thine eye. This youthful parcel
Of noble bachelors stand at my bestowing,
55
O’er whom both sovereign power and father’s voice
I have to use. Thy frank election make.
Thou hast power to choose, and they none to forsake.
KING
Go, call before me all the lords in court.
An ATTENDANT exits.
Sit, my preserver, by thy patient’s side,
And with this healthful hand, whose banished sense
Thou hast repealed, a second time receive
The confirmation of my promised gift,
Which but attends thy naming.
Enter three or four COURT LORDS.
Fair maid, send forth thine eye. This youthful parcel
Of noble bachelors stand at my bestowing,
O’er whom both sovereign power and father’s voice
I have to use. Thy frank election make.
Thou hast power to choose, and they none to forsake.
HELEN
To each of you one fair and virtuous mistress
Fall when Love please! Marry, to each but one.
HELEN
To each of you one fair and virtuous mistress
Fall when Love please! Marry, to each but one.
LAFEW, aside
60
I’d give bay Curtal and his furniture
My mouth no more were broken than these boys’
And writ as little beard.
LAFEW, aside
I’d give bay Curtal and his furniture
My mouth no more were broken than these boys’
And writ as little beard.
KING
Peruse them well.
   Not one of those but had a noble father.
KING
Peruse them well.
   Not one of those but had a noble father.
HELEN
65
Gentlemen,
   Heaven hath through me restored the King to health.
HELEN
Gentlemen,
   Heaven hath through me restored the King to health.
ALL
We understand it and thank heaven for you.
ALL
We understand it and thank heaven for you.
HELEN
I am a simple maid, and therein wealthiest
That I protest I simply am a maid.—
70
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,
Let the white death sit on thy cheek forever;
75
We’ll ne’er come there again.”
HELEN
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,
Let the white death sit on thy cheek forever;
We’ll ne’er come there again.”
KING
Make choice and see.
   Who shuns thy love shuns all his love in me.
KING
Make choice and see.
   Who shuns thy love shuns all his love in me.
HELEN  
Now, Dian, from thy altar do I fly,
And to imperial Love, that god most high,
80
Do my sighs stream.
She addresses her to a LORD.
   Sir, will you hear my suit?
HELEN  
Now, Dian, from thy altar do I fly,
And to imperial Love, that god most high,
Do my sighs stream.
She addresses her to a LORD.
   Sir, will you hear my suit?
FIRST COURT LORD
And grant it.
FIRST COURT LORD
And grant it.
HELEN
Thanks, sir. All the
rest is mute.
HELEN
Thanks, sir. All the
rest is mute.
LAFEW, aside
85
I had rather be in this choice than
throw ambs-ace for my life.
LAFEW, aside
I had rather be in this choice than
throw ambs-ace for my life.
HELEN, to another LORD
The honor, sir, that flames in your fair eyes
Before I speak too threat’ningly replies.
Love make your fortunes twenty times above
90
Her that so wishes, and her humble love.
HELEN, to another LORD
The honor, sir, that flames in your fair eyes
Before I speak too threat’ningly replies.
Love make your fortunes twenty times above
Her that so wishes, and her humble love.
SECOND COURT LORD
No better, if you please.
SECOND COURT LORD
No better, if you please.
HELEN
My wish receive,
Which great Love grant, and so I take my leave.
HELEN
My wish receive,
Which great Love grant, and so I take my leave.
LAFEW, aside
Do all they deny her? An they were sons
95
of mine, I’d have them whipped, or I would send
them to th’ Turk to make eunuchs of.
LAFEW, aside
Do all they deny her? An they were sons
of mine, I’d have them whipped, or I would send
them to th’ Turk to make eunuchs of.
HELEN, to another LORD
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
100
Find fairer fortune if you ever wed.
HELEN, to another LORD
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 fortune if you ever wed.
LAFEW, aside
These boys are boys of ice; they’ll none
have her. Sure they are bastards to the English;
the French ne’er got ’em.
LAFEW, aside
These boys are boys of ice; they’ll none
have her. Sure they are bastards to the English;
the French ne’er got ’em.
HELEN, to another LORD
You are too young, too happy, and too good
105
To make yourself a son out of my blood.
HELEN, to another LORD
You are too young, too happy, and too good
To make yourself a son out of my blood.
FOURTH COURT LORD
Fair one, I think not so.
FOURTH COURT LORD
Fair one, I think not so.
LAFEW, aside
There’s one grape yet. I am sure thy
father drunk wine. But if thou be’st not an ass, I
am a youth of fourteen; I have known thee already.
LAFEW, aside
There’s one grape yet. I am sure thy
father drunk wine. But if thou be’st not an ass, I
am a youth of fourteen; I have known thee already.
HELEN, to BERTRAM
110
I dare not say I take you, but I give
Me and my service ever whilst I live
Into your guiding power.—This is the man.
HELEN, to BERTRAM
I dare not say I take you, but I give
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.
KING  
Why then, young Bertram, take her. She’s thy wife.
BERTRAM  
My wife, my liege? I shall beseech your Highness
115
In such a business give me leave to use
The help of mine own eyes.
BERTRAM  
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 done for me?
KING
Know’st thou not,
Bertram,
What she has done for me?
BERTRAM
120
Yes, my good lord,
But never hope to know why I should marry her.
BERTRAM
Yes, my good lord,
But never hope to know why I should marry her.
KING  
Thou know’st she has raised me from my sickly bed.
KING  
Thou know’st she has raised me from my sickly bed.
BERTRAM  
But follows it, my lord, to bring me down
Must answer for your raising? I know her well;
125
She had her breeding at my father’s charge.
A poor physician’s daughter my wife? Disdain
Rather corrupt me ever!
BERTRAM  
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 corrupt me ever!
KING  
’Tis only title thou disdain’st in her, the which
I can build up. Strange is it that our bloods,
130
Of color, weight, and heat, poured all together,
Would quite confound distinction, yet stands off
In differences so mighty. If she be
All that is virtuous, save what thou dislik’st—
“A poor physician’s daughter”—thou dislik’st
135
Of virtue for the name. But do not so.
From lowest place whence virtuous things proceed,
The place is dignified by th’ doer’s deed.
Where great additions swell ’s, and virtue none,
It is a dropsied honor. Good alone
140
Is good, without a name; vileness is so;
The property by what it is should go,
Not by the title. She is young, wise, fair;
In these to nature she’s immediate heir,
And these breed honor. That is honor’s scorn
145
Which challenges itself as honor’s born
And is not like the sire. Honors thrive
When rather from our acts we them derive
Than our foregoers. The mere word’s a slave
Debauched on every tomb, on every grave
150
A lying trophy, and as oft is dumb
Where dust and damned oblivion is the tomb
Of honored bones indeed. What should be said?
If thou canst like this creature as a maid,
I can create the rest. Virtue and she
155
Is her own dower, honor and wealth from me.
KING  
’Tis only title thou disdain’st in her, the which
I can build up. Strange is it that our bloods,
Of color, weight, and heat, poured all together,
Would quite confound distinction, yet stands off
In differences so mighty. If she be
All that is virtuous, save what thou dislik’st—
“A poor physician’s daughter”—thou dislik’st
Of virtue for the name. But do not so.
From lowest place whence virtuous things proceed,
The place is dignified by th’ doer’s deed.
Where great additions swell ’s, and virtue none,
It is a dropsied honor. Good alone
Is good, without a name; vileness is so;
The property by what it is should go,
Not by the title. She is young, wise, fair;
In these to nature she’s immediate heir,
And these breed honor. That is honor’s scorn
Which challenges itself as honor’s born
And is not like the sire. Honors thrive
When rather from our acts we them derive
Than our foregoers. The mere word’s a slave
Debauched on every tomb, on every grave
A lying trophy, and as oft is dumb
Where dust and damned oblivion is the tomb
Of honored bones indeed. 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, honor and wealth from me.
BERTRAM  
I cannot love her, nor will strive to do ’t.
BERTRAM  
I cannot love her, nor will strive to do ’t.
KING  
Thou wrong’st thyself if thou shouldst strive to
choose.
KING  
Thou wrong’st thyself if thou shouldst strive to
choose.
HELEN  
That you are well restored, my lord, I’m glad.
160
Let the rest go.
HELEN  
That you are well restored, my lord, I’m glad.
Let the rest go.
KING  
My honor’s at the stake, which to defeat
I must produce my power.—Here, take her hand,
Proud, scornful boy, unworthy this good gift,
That dost in vile misprision shackle up
165
My love and her desert; that canst not dream
We, poising us in her defective scale,
Shall weigh thee to the beam; that wilt not know
It is in us to plant thine honor where
We please to have it grow. Check thy contempt;
170
Obey our will, which travails 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 thee from my care forever
175
Into the staggers and the careless lapse
Of youth and ignorance, both my revenge and hate
Loosing upon thee in the name of justice
Without all terms of pity. Speak. Thine answer.
KING  
My honor’s at the stake, which to defeat
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,
Shall weigh thee to the beam; that wilt not know
It is in us to plant thine honor where
We please to have it grow. Check thy contempt;
Obey our will, which travails 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 thee from my care forever
Into the staggers and the careless lapse
Of youth and ignorance, both my revenge and hate
Loosing upon thee in the name of justice
Without all terms of pity. Speak. Thine answer.
BERTRAM  
Pardon, my gracious lord, for I submit
180
My fancy to your eyes. When I consider
What great creation and what dole of honor
Flies where you bid it, I find that she which late
Was in my nobler thoughts most base is now
The praisèd of the King, who, so ennobled,
185
Is as ’twere born so.
BERTRAM  
Pardon, my gracious lord, for I submit
My fancy to your eyes. When I consider
What great creation and what dole of honor
Flies where you bid it, I find that she which late
Was in my nobler thoughts most base is now
The praisèd of the King, who, so ennobled,
Is as ’twere born so.
KING
Take her by the hand,
And tell her she is thine, to whom I promise
A counterpoise, if not to thy estate,
A balance more replete.
KING
Take her by the hand,
And tell her she is thine, to whom I promise
A counterpoise, if not to thy estate,
A balance more replete.
BERTRAM
190
I take her hand.
BERTRAM
I take her hand.
KING  
Good fortune and the favor of the King
Smile upon this contract, whose ceremony
Shall seem expedient on the now-born brief
And be performed tonight. The solemn feast
195
Shall more attend upon the coming space,
Expecting absent friends. As thou lov’st her
Thy love’s to me religious; else, does err.
KING  
Good fortune and the favor of the King
Smile upon this contract, whose ceremony
Shall seem expedient on the now-born brief
And be performed tonight. The solemn feast
Shall more attend upon the coming space,
Expecting absent friends. As thou lov’st her
Thy love’s to me religious; else, does err.
They exit. PAROLLES and LAFEW stay behind,
commenting of this wedding.
They exit. PAROLLES and LAFEW stay behind,
commenting of this wedding.
LAFEW
Do you hear, monsieur? A word with you.
LAFEW
Do you hear, monsieur? A word with you.
PAROLLES
Your pleasure, sir.
PAROLLES
Your pleasure, sir.
LAFEW
200
Your lord and master did well to make his
   recantation.
LAFEW
Your lord and master did well to make his
   recantation.
PAROLLES
“Recantation”? My “lord”? My “master”?
PAROLLES
“Recantation”? My “lord”? My “master”?
LAFEW
Ay. Is it not a language I speak?
LAFEW
Ay. Is it not a language I speak?
PAROLLES
A most harsh one, and not to be understood
205
without bloody succeeding. My “master”?
PAROLLES
A most harsh one, and not to be understood
without bloody succeeding. My “master”?
LAFEW
Are you companion to the Count Rossillion?
LAFEW
Are you companion to the Count Rossillion?
PAROLLES
To any count, to all counts, to what is man.
PAROLLES
To any count, to all counts, to what is man.
LAFEW
To what is count’s man. Count’s master is of
   another style.
LAFEW
To what is count’s man. Count’s master is of
   another style.
PAROLLES
210
You are too old, sir; let it satisfy you, you are
   too old.
PAROLLES
You are too old, sir; let it satisfy you, you are
   too old.
LAFEW
I must tell thee, sirrah, I write man, to which
   title age cannot bring thee.
LAFEW
I must tell thee, sirrah, I write man, to which
   title age cannot bring thee.
PAROLLES
What I dare too well do, I dare not do.
PAROLLES
What I dare too well do, I dare not do.
LAFEW
215
I did think thee, for two ordinaries, to be a
pretty wise fellow; thou didst make tolerable vent
of thy travel; it might pass. Yet the scarves and the
bannerets about thee did manifoldly dissuade me
from believing thee a vessel of too great a burden.
220
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.
LAFEW
I did think thee, for two ordinaries, to be a
pretty wise fellow; thou didst make tolerable vent
of thy travel; it might pass. Yet the scarves and the
bannerets about thee did manifoldly dissuade me
from believing thee a vessel of too great a burden.
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.
PAROLLES
Hadst thou not the privilege of antiquity
upon thee—
PAROLLES
Hadst thou not the privilege of antiquity
upon thee—
LAFEW
225
Do not plunge thyself too far in anger lest thou
hasten thy trial, which if—Lord have mercy on
thee for a hen! So, my good window of lattice, fare
thee well; thy casement I need not open, for I look
through thee. Give me thy hand.
LAFEW
Do not plunge thyself too far in anger lest thou
hasten thy trial, which if—Lord have mercy on
thee for a hen! So, my good window of lattice, fare
thee well; thy casement I need not open, for I look
through thee. Give me thy hand.
PAROLLES
230
My lord, you give me most egregious
indignity.
PAROLLES
My lord, you give me most egregious
indignity.
LAFEW
Ay, with all my heart, and thou art worthy of it.
LAFEW
Ay, with all my heart, and thou art worthy of it.
PAROLLES
I have not, my lord, deserved it.
PAROLLES
I have not, my lord, deserved it.
LAFEW
Yes, good faith, ev’ry dram of it, and I will not
235
bate thee a scruple.
LAFEW
Yes, good faith, ev’ry dram of it, and I will not
bate thee a scruple.
PAROLLES
Well, I shall be wiser.
PAROLLES
Well, I shall be wiser.
LAFEW
Ev’n as soon as thou canst, for thou hast to
pull at a smack o’ th’ contrary. If ever thou be’st
bound in thy scarf and beaten, thou shalt find
240
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
“He is a man I know.”
LAFEW
Ev’n as soon as thou canst, for thou hast to
pull at a smack o’ th’ contrary. If ever thou be’st
bound in thy scarf and beaten, thou shalt 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
“He is a man I know.”
PAROLLES
My lord, you do me most insupportable
245
vexation.
PAROLLES
My lord, you do me most insupportable
vexation.
LAFEW
I would it were hell pains for thy sake, and my
poor doing eternal; for doing I am past, as I will by
thee in what motion age will give me leave.
LAFEW
I would it were hell pains for thy sake, and my
poor doing eternal; for doing I am past, as I will by
thee in what motion age will give me leave.
He exits.
He exits.
PAROLLES
Well, thou hast a son shall take this disgrace
250
off me. Scurvy, old, filthy, scurvy lord! 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
255
of—I’ll beat him, an if I could but meet him again.
PAROLLES
Well, thou hast a son shall take this disgrace
off me. Scurvy, old, filthy, scurvy lord! 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.
Enter LAFEW.
Enter LAFEW.
LAFEW
Sirrah, your lord and master’s married. There’s
news for you: you have a new mistress.
LAFEW
Sirrah, your lord and master’s married. There’s
news for you: you have a new mistress.
PAROLLES
I most unfeignedly beseech your Lordship
to make some reservation of your wrongs. He is
260
my good lord; whom I serve above is my master.
PAROLLES
I most unfeignedly beseech your Lordship
to make some reservation of your wrongs. He is
my good lord; whom I serve above is my master.
LAFEW
Who? God?
LAFEW
Who? God?
PAROLLES
Ay, sir.
PAROLLES
Ay, sir.
LAFEW
The devil it is that’s thy master. Why dost thou
garter up thy arms o’ this fashion? Dost make hose
265
of thy sleeves? Do other servants so? Thou wert
best set thy lower part where thy nose stands. By
mine honor, if I were but two hours younger, I’d
beat thee. Methink’st thou art a general offense,
and every man should beat thee. I think thou wast
270
created for men to breathe themselves upon thee.
LAFEW
The devil it is that’s thy master. Why dost thou
garter up thy arms o’ 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 honor, if I were but two hours younger, I’d
beat thee. Methink’st thou art a general offense,
and every man should beat thee. I think thou wast
created for men to breathe themselves upon thee.
PAROLLES
This is hard and undeserved measure, my
lord.
PAROLLES
This is hard and undeserved measure, my
lord.
LAFEW
Go to, sir. You were beaten in Italy for picking a
kernel out of a pomegranate. You are a vagabond,
275
and no true traveler. You are more saucy with
lords and honorable personages than the commission
of your birth and virtue gives you heraldry.
You are not worth another word; else I’d call you
knave. I leave you.
LAFEW
Go to, sir. You were beaten in Italy for picking a
kernel out of a pomegranate. You are a vagabond,
and no true traveler. You are more saucy with
lords and honorable personages than the commission
of your birth and virtue gives you heraldry.
You are not worth another word; else I’d call you
knave. I leave you.
He exits.
He exits.
PAROLLES
280
Good, very good! It is so, then. Good, very
good. Let it be concealed awhile.
PAROLLES
Good, very good! It is so, then. Good, very
good. Let it be concealed awhile.
Enter BERTRAM COUNT ROSSILLION.
Enter BERTRAM COUNT ROSSILLION.
BERTRAM  
Undone, and forfeited to cares forever!
BERTRAM  
Undone, and forfeited to cares forever!
PAROLLES
What’s the matter, sweetheart?
PAROLLES
What’s the matter, sweetheart?
BERTRAM  
Although before the solemn priest I have sworn,
285
I will not bed her.
BERTRAM  
Although before the solemn priest I have sworn,
I will not bed her.
PAROLLES
What, what, sweetheart?
PAROLLES
What, what, sweetheart?
BERTRAM  
O my Parolles, they have married me!
I’ll to the Tuscan wars and never bed her.
BERTRAM  
O my Parolles, they have married me!
I’ll to the Tuscan wars and never bed her.
PAROLLES
France is a dog-hole, and it no more merits
290
the tread of a man’s foot. To th’ wars!
PAROLLES
France is a dog-hole, and it no more merits
the tread of a man’s foot. To th’ wars!
BERTRAM
There’s letters from my mother. What th’
import is I know not yet.
BERTRAM
There’s letters from my mother. What th’
import is I know not yet.
PAROLLES
Ay, that would be known. To th’ wars, my
boy, to th’ wars!
295
He wears his honor in a box unseen
That hugs his kicky-wicky 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!
300
France is a stable, we that dwell in ’t jades.
Therefore, to th’ war!
PAROLLES
Ay, that would be known. To th’ wars, my
boy, to th’ wars!
He wears his honor in a box unseen
That hugs his kicky-wicky 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 is a stable, we that dwell in ’t jades.
Therefore, to th’ war!
BERTRAM  
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
305
That which I durst not speak. His present gift
Shall furnish me to those Italian fields
Where noble fellows strike. Wars is no strife
To the dark house and the detested wife.
BERTRAM  
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. Wars is no strife
To the dark house and the detested wife.
PAROLLES  
Will this capriccio hold in thee? Art sure?
PAROLLES  
Will this capriccio hold in thee? Art sure?
BERTRAM  
310
Go with me to my chamber, and advise me.
I’ll send her straight away. Tomorrow
I’ll to the wars, she to her single sorrow.
BERTRAM  
Go with me to my chamber, and advise me.
I’ll send her straight away. Tomorrow
I’ll to the wars, she to her single sorrow.
PAROLLES  
Why, these balls bound; there’s noise in it. ’Tis hard.
A young man married is a man that’s marred.
315
Therefore away, and leave her bravely. Go.
The King has done you wrong, but hush, ’tis so.
PAROLLES  
Why, these balls bound; there’s noise in it. ’Tis hard.
A young man married is a man that’s marred.
Therefore away, and leave her bravely. Go.
The King has done you wrong, but hush, ’tis so.
They exit.
They exit.
Previous page Act 2, Scene 2 Next page Act 2, Scene 4

Popular pages: All's Well That Ends Well

Take a Study Break