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Original Text |
Modern Text |
Enter ARMADO and MOTE, his page.
|
Enter ARMADO and MOTE, his page.
|
ARMADO
Boy, what sign is it when a man of great spirit
grows melancholy?
|
ARMADO
Boy, what sign is it when a man of great spirit
grows melancholy?
|
BOY
A great sign, sir, that he will look sad.
|
BOY
A great sign, sir, that he will look sad.
|
ARMADO
Why, sadness is one and the selfsame thing,
5
dear imp.
|
ARMADO
Why, sadness is one and the selfsame thing,
|
BOY
No, no. O Lord, sir, no!
|
BOY
No, no. O Lord, sir, no!
|
ARMADO
How canst thou part sadness and melancholy,
my tender juvenal?
|
ARMADO
How canst thou part sadness and melancholy,
my tender juvenal?
|
BOY
By a familiar demonstration of the working, my
10
tough signior.
|
BOY
By a familiar demonstration of the working, my
|
ARMADO
Why “tough signior”? Why “tough signior”?
|
ARMADO
Why “tough signior”? Why “tough signior”?
|
BOY
Why “tender juvenal”? Why “tender juvenal”?
|
BOY
Why “tender juvenal”? Why “tender juvenal”?
|
ARMADO
I spoke it “tender juvenal” as a congruent
epitheton appertaining to thy young days, which
15
we may nominate “tender.”
|
ARMADO
I spoke it “tender juvenal” as a congruent
epitheton appertaining to thy young days, which
|
BOY
And I “tough signior” as an appurtenant title to
your old time, which we may name “tough.”
|
BOY
And I “tough signior” as an appurtenant title to
your old time, which we may name “tough.”
|
ARMADO
Pretty and apt.
|
ARMADO
Pretty and apt.
|
BOY
How mean you, sir? I pretty and my saying apt, or
20
I apt and my saying pretty?
|
BOY
How mean you, sir? I pretty and my saying apt, or
|
ARMADO
Thou pretty because little.
|
ARMADO
Thou pretty because little.
|
BOY
Little pretty, because little. Wherefore apt?
|
BOY
Little pretty, because little. Wherefore apt?
|
ARMADO
And therefore apt, because quick.
|
ARMADO
And therefore apt, because quick.
|
BOY
Speak you this in my praise, master?
|
BOY
Speak you this in my praise, master?
|
ARMADO
25
In thy condign praise.
|
ARMADO
|
BOY
I will praise an eel with the same praise.
|
BOY
I will praise an eel with the same praise.
|
ARMADO
What, that an eel is ingenious?
|
ARMADO
What, that an eel is ingenious?
|
BOY
That an eel is quick.
|
BOY
That an eel is quick.
|
ARMADO
I do say thou art quick in answers. Thou
30
heat’st my blood.
|
ARMADO
I do say thou art quick in answers. Thou
|
BOY
I am answered, sir.
|
BOY
I am answered, sir.
|
ARMADO
I love not to be crossed.
|
ARMADO
I love not to be crossed.
|
BOY ,
aside
He speaks the mere contrary; crosses love
not him.
|
BOY ,
aside
He speaks the mere contrary; crosses love
not him.
|
ARMADO
35
I have promised to study three years with the
Duke.
|
ARMADO
Duke.
|
BOY
You may do it in an hour, sir.
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BOY
You may do it in an hour, sir.
|
ARMADO
Impossible.
|
ARMADO
Impossible.
|
BOY
How many is one thrice told?
|
BOY
How many is one thrice told?
|
ARMADO
40
I am ill at reckoning. It fitteth the spirit of a
tapster.
|
ARMADO
tapster.
|
BOY
You are a gentleman and a gamester, sir.
|
BOY
You are a gentleman and a gamester, sir.
|
ARMADO
I confess both. They are both the varnish of a
complete man.
|
ARMADO
I confess both. They are both the varnish of a
complete man.
|
BOY
45
Then I am sure you know how much the gross
sum of deuce-ace amounts to.
|
BOY
sum of deuce-ace amounts to.
|
ARMADO
It doth amount to one more than two.
|
ARMADO
It doth amount to one more than two.
|
BOY
Which the base vulgar do call “three.”
|
BOY
Which the base vulgar do call “three.”
|
ARMADO
True.
|
ARMADO
True.
|
BOY
50
Why, sir, is this such a piece of study? Now here is
“three” studied ere you’ll thrice wink. And how
easy it is to put “years” to the word “three” and
study “three years” in two words, the dancing horse
will tell you.
|
BOY
“three” studied ere you’ll thrice wink. And how
easy it is to put “years” to the word “three” and
study “three years” in two words, the dancing horse
will tell you.
|
ARMADO
55
A most fine figure.
|
ARMADO
|
BOY,
aside
To prove you a cipher.
|
BOY,
aside
To prove you a cipher.
|
ARMADO
I will hereupon confess I am in love; and as it
is base for a soldier to love, so am I in love with a
base wench. If drawing my sword against the
60
humor of affection would deliver me from the
reprobate thought of it, I would take desire prisoner
and ransom him to any French courtier for a
new-devised curtsy. I think scorn to sigh; methinks
I should outswear Cupid. Comfort me, boy. What
65
great men have been in love?
|
ARMADO
I will hereupon confess I am in love; and as it
is base for a soldier to love, so am I in love with a
base wench. If drawing my sword against the
reprobate thought of it, I would take desire prisoner
and ransom him to any French courtier for a
new-devised curtsy. I think scorn to sigh; methinks
I should outswear Cupid. Comfort me, boy. What
|
BOY
Hercules, master.
|
BOY
Hercules, master.
|
ARMADO
Most sweet Hercules! More authority, dear
boy, name more; and, sweet my child, let them be
men of good repute and carriage.
|
ARMADO
Most sweet Hercules! More authority, dear
boy, name more; and, sweet my child, let them be
men of good repute and carriage.
|
BOY
70
Samson, master; he was a man of good carriage,
great carriage, for he carried the town gates on his
back like a porter, and he was in love.
|
BOY
great carriage, for he carried the town gates on his
back like a porter, and he was in love.
|
ARMADO
O, well-knit Samson, strong-jointed Samson;
I do excel thee in my rapier as much as thou didst
75
me in carrying gates. I am in love too. Who was
Samson’s love, my dear Mote?
|
ARMADO
O, well-knit Samson, strong-jointed Samson;
I do excel thee in my rapier as much as thou didst
Samson’s love, my dear Mote?
|
BOY
A woman, master.
|
BOY
A woman, master.
|
ARMADO
Of what complexion?
|
ARMADO
Of what complexion?
|
BOY
Of all the four, or the three, or the two, or one of
80
the four.
|
BOY
Of all the four, or the three, or the two, or one of
|
ARMADO
Tell me precisely of what complexion.
|
ARMADO
Tell me precisely of what complexion.
|
BOY
Of the sea-water green, sir.
|
BOY
Of the sea-water green, sir.
|
ARMADO
Is that one of the four complexions?
|
ARMADO
Is that one of the four complexions?
|
BOY
As I have read, sir, and the best of them too.
|
BOY
As I have read, sir, and the best of them too.
|
ARMADO
85
Green indeed is the color of lovers. But to
have a love of that color, methinks Samson had
small reason for it. He surely affected her for her
wit.
|
ARMADO
have a love of that color, methinks Samson had
small reason for it. He surely affected her for her
wit.
|
BOY
It was so, sir, for she had a green wit.
|
BOY
It was so, sir, for she had a green wit.
|
ARMADO
90
My love is most immaculate white and red.
|
ARMADO
|
BOY
Most maculate thoughts, master, are masked
under such colors.
|
BOY
Most maculate thoughts, master, are masked
under such colors.
|
ARMADO
Define, define, well-educated infant.
|
ARMADO
Define, define, well-educated infant.
|
BOY
My father’s wit and my mother’s tongue, assist
95
me.
|
BOY
My father’s wit and my mother’s tongue, assist
|
ARMADO
Sweet invocation of a child, most pretty and
pathetical.
|
ARMADO
Sweet invocation of a child, most pretty and
pathetical.
|
BOY
If she be made of white and red,
Her faults will ne’er be known,
100
For blushing cheeks by faults are bred,
And fears by pale white shown.
Then if she fear, or be to blame,
By this you shall not know,
For still her cheeks possess the same
105
Which native she doth owe.
A dangerous rhyme, master, against the reason of
white and red.
|
BOY
If she be made of white and red,
Her faults will ne’er be known,
And fears by pale white shown.
Then if she fear, or be to blame,
By this you shall not know,
For still her cheeks possess the same
A dangerous rhyme, master, against the reason of
white and red.
|
ARMADO
Is there not a ballad, boy, of “The King and
the Beggar”?
|
ARMADO
Is there not a ballad, boy, of “The King and
the Beggar”?
|
BOY
110
The world was very guilty of such a ballad some
three ages since, but I think now ’tis not to be found;
or if it were, it would neither serve for the writing
nor the tune.
|
BOY
three ages since, but I think now ’tis not to be found;
or if it were, it would neither serve for the writing
nor the tune.
|
ARMADO
I will have that subject newly writ o’er, that I
115
may example my digression by some mighty precedent.
Boy, I do love that country girl that I took in
the park with the rational hind Costard. She deserves
well.
|
ARMADO
I will have that subject newly writ o’er, that I
Boy, I do love that country girl that I took in
the park with the rational hind Costard. She deserves
well.
|
BOY,
aside
To be whipped—and yet a better love than
120
my master.
|
BOY,
aside
To be whipped—and yet a better love than
|
ARMADO
Sing, boy. My spirit grows heavy in love.
|
ARMADO
Sing, boy. My spirit grows heavy in love.
|
BOY,
aside
And that’s great marvel, loving a light
wench.
|
BOY,
aside
And that’s great marvel, loving a light
wench.
|
ARMADO
I say sing.
|
ARMADO
I say sing.
|
BOY
125
Forbear till this company be past.
|
BOY
|
Enter CLOWN (COSTARD,) CONSTABLE (DULL,) and WENCH (JAQUENETTA.)
|
Enter CLOWN (COSTARD,) CONSTABLE (DULL,) and WENCH (JAQUENETTA.)
|
DULL,
to ARMADO
Sir, the Duke’s pleasure is that you
keep Costard safe, and you must suffer him to take
no delight, nor no penance, but he must fast three
days a week. For this damsel, I must keep her at the
130
park. She is allowed for the dey-woman. Fare you
well.
|
DULL,
to ARMADO
Sir, the Duke’s pleasure is that you
keep Costard safe, and you must suffer him to take
no delight, nor no penance, but he must fast three
days a week. For this damsel, I must keep her at the
well.
|
ARMADO,
aside
I do betray myself with blushing.—
Maid.
|
ARMADO,
aside
I do betray myself with blushing.—
Maid.
|
JAQUENETTA
Man.
|
JAQUENETTA
Man.
|
ARMADO
135
I will visit thee at the lodge.
|
ARMADO
|
JAQUENETTA
That’s hereby.
|
JAQUENETTA
That’s hereby.
|
ARMADO
I know where it is situate.
|
ARMADO
I know where it is situate.
|
JAQUENETTA
Lord, how wise you are.
|
JAQUENETTA
Lord, how wise you are.
|
ARMADO
I will tell thee wonders.
|
ARMADO
I will tell thee wonders.
|
JAQUENETTA
140
With that face?
|
JAQUENETTA
|
ARMADO
I love thee.
|
ARMADO
I love thee.
|
JAQUENETTA
So I heard you say.
|
JAQUENETTA
So I heard you say.
|
ARMADO
And so, farewell.
|
ARMADO
And so, farewell.
|
JAQUENETTA
Fair weather after you.
|
JAQUENETTA
Fair weather after you.
|
DULL
145
Come, Jaquenetta, away.
|
DULL
|
DULL and JAQUENETTA exit.
|
DULL and JAQUENETTA exit.
|
ARMADO,
to COSTARD
Villain, thou shalt fast for thy
offenses ere thou be pardoned.
|
ARMADO,
to COSTARD
Villain, thou shalt fast for thy
offenses ere thou be pardoned.
|
COSTARD
Well, sir, I hope when I do it I shall do it on
a full stomach.
|
COSTARD
Well, sir, I hope when I do it I shall do it on
a full stomach.
|
ARMADO
150
Thou shalt be heavily punished.
|
ARMADO
|
COSTARD
I am more bound to you than your fellows,
for they are but lightly rewarded.
|
COSTARD
I am more bound to you than your fellows,
for they are but lightly rewarded.
|
ARMADO,
to BOY
Take away this villain. Shut him up.
|
ARMADO,
to BOY
Take away this villain. Shut him up.
|
BOY
Come, you transgressing slave, away.
|
BOY
Come, you transgressing slave, away.
|
COSTARD,
to ARMADO
155
Let me not be pent up, sir. I will
fast being loose.
|
COSTARD,
to ARMADO
fast being loose.
|
BOY
No, sir, that were fast and loose. Thou shalt to
prison.
|
BOY
No, sir, that were fast and loose. Thou shalt to
prison.
|
COSTARD
Well, if ever I do see the merry days of
160
desolation that I have seen, some shall see.
|
COSTARD
Well, if ever I do see the merry days of
|
BOY
What shall some see?
|
BOY
What shall some see?
|
COSTARD
Nay, nothing, Master Mote, but what they look upon. It is not for prisoners to be too silent in their words, and therefore I will say nothing. I thank
165
God I have as little patience as another man, and therefore I can be quiet.
|
COSTARD
Nay, nothing, Master Mote, but what they look upon. It is not for prisoners to be too silent in their words, and therefore I will say nothing. I thank
|
COSTARD and BOY exit.
|
COSTARD and BOY exit.
|
ARMADO
I do affect the very ground (which is base)
where her shoe (which is baser) guided by her foot
(which is basest) doth tread. I shall be forsworn
170
(which is a great argument of falsehood) if I love.
And how can that be true love which is falsely
attempted? Love is a familiar; love is a devil. There is
no evil angel but love, yet was Samson so tempted,
and he had an excellent strength; yet was Solomon
175
so seduced, and he had a very good wit. Cupid’s
butt-shaft is too hard for Hercules’ club, and therefore
too much odds for a Spaniard’s rapier. The first
and second cause will not serve my turn; the
passado he respects not, the
duello he regards not.
180
His disgrace is to be called “boy,” but his glory is to
subdue men. Adieu, valor; rust, rapier; be still,
drum, for your manager is in love. Yea, he loveth.
Assist me, some extemporal god of rhyme, for I am
sure I shall turn sonnet. Devise wit, write pen, for I
185
am for whole volumes in folio.
|
ARMADO
I do love the very ground (which is lowly) where her shoe (which is even more lowly), guided by her foot (which is most lowly), walks. I will break my oath (which is great proof of dishonesty) if I love her. Can it be true love if it’s under false pretenses? Love is a personal demon; love is a devil. There is no evil angel but love. But Samson was tempted by it, and he had excellent strength. And Solomon was seduced by it, and he was very intelligent. Cupid’s arrow is stronger than Hercules’ club, so a Spaniard’s sword has little chance. The first and second rules of fighting will do me no good: Cupid doesn’t respect the
passadoDerived from Portuguese, Passado is a fencing move made to attack one’s opponent. duelloA duello is Italian for “duel.” |
He exits.
|
He exits.
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
Enter ARMADO and MOTE, his page.
|
Enter ARMADO and MOTE, his page.
|
ARMADO
Boy, what sign is it when a man of great spirit
grows melancholy?
|
ARMADO
Boy, what sign is it when a man of great spirit
grows melancholy?
|
BOY
A great sign, sir, that he will look sad.
|
BOY
A great sign, sir, that he will look sad.
|
ARMADO
Why, sadness is one and the selfsame thing,
5
dear imp.
|
ARMADO
Why, sadness is one and the selfsame thing,
|
BOY
No, no. O Lord, sir, no!
|
BOY
No, no. O Lord, sir, no!
|
ARMADO
How canst thou part sadness and melancholy,
my tender juvenal?
|
ARMADO
How canst thou part sadness and melancholy,
my tender juvenal?
|
BOY
By a familiar demonstration of the working, my
10
tough signior.
|
BOY
By a familiar demonstration of the working, my
|
ARMADO
Why “tough signior”? Why “tough signior”?
|
ARMADO
Why “tough signior”? Why “tough signior”?
|
BOY
Why “tender juvenal”? Why “tender juvenal”?
|
BOY
Why “tender juvenal”? Why “tender juvenal”?
|
ARMADO
I spoke it “tender juvenal” as a congruent
epitheton appertaining to thy young days, which
15
we may nominate “tender.”
|
ARMADO
I spoke it “tender juvenal” as a congruent
epitheton appertaining to thy young days, which
|
BOY
And I “tough signior” as an appurtenant title to
your old time, which we may name “tough.”
|
BOY
And I “tough signior” as an appurtenant title to
your old time, which we may name “tough.”
|
ARMADO
Pretty and apt.
|
ARMADO
Pretty and apt.
|
BOY
How mean you, sir? I pretty and my saying apt, or
20
I apt and my saying pretty?
|
BOY
How mean you, sir? I pretty and my saying apt, or
|
ARMADO
Thou pretty because little.
|
ARMADO
Thou pretty because little.
|
BOY
Little pretty, because little. Wherefore apt?
|
BOY
Little pretty, because little. Wherefore apt?
|
ARMADO
And therefore apt, because quick.
|
ARMADO
And therefore apt, because quick.
|
BOY
Speak you this in my praise, master?
|
BOY
Speak you this in my praise, master?
|
ARMADO
25
In thy condign praise.
|
ARMADO
|
BOY
I will praise an eel with the same praise.
|
BOY
I will praise an eel with the same praise.
|
ARMADO
What, that an eel is ingenious?
|
ARMADO
What, that an eel is ingenious?
|
BOY
That an eel is quick.
|
BOY
That an eel is quick.
|
ARMADO
I do say thou art quick in answers. Thou
30
heat’st my blood.
|
ARMADO
I do say thou art quick in answers. Thou
|
BOY
I am answered, sir.
|
BOY
I am answered, sir.
|
ARMADO
I love not to be crossed.
|
ARMADO
I love not to be crossed.
|
BOY ,
aside
He speaks the mere contrary; crosses love
not him.
|
BOY ,
aside
He speaks the mere contrary; crosses love
not him.
|
ARMADO
35
I have promised to study three years with the
Duke.
|
ARMADO
Duke.
|
BOY
You may do it in an hour, sir.
|
BOY
You may do it in an hour, sir.
|
ARMADO
Impossible.
|
ARMADO
Impossible.
|
BOY
How many is one thrice told?
|
BOY
How many is one thrice told?
|
ARMADO
40
I am ill at reckoning. It fitteth the spirit of a
tapster.
|
ARMADO
tapster.
|
BOY
You are a gentleman and a gamester, sir.
|
BOY
You are a gentleman and a gamester, sir.
|
ARMADO
I confess both. They are both the varnish of a
complete man.
|
ARMADO
I confess both. They are both the varnish of a
complete man.
|
BOY
45
Then I am sure you know how much the gross
sum of deuce-ace amounts to.
|
BOY
sum of deuce-ace amounts to.
|
ARMADO
It doth amount to one more than two.
|
ARMADO
It doth amount to one more than two.
|
BOY
Which the base vulgar do call “three.”
|
BOY
Which the base vulgar do call “three.”
|
ARMADO
True.
|
ARMADO
True.
|
BOY
50
Why, sir, is this such a piece of study? Now here is
“three” studied ere you’ll thrice wink. And how
easy it is to put “years” to the word “three” and
study “three years” in two words, the dancing horse
will tell you.
|
BOY
“three” studied ere you’ll thrice wink. And how
easy it is to put “years” to the word “three” and
study “three years” in two words, the dancing horse
will tell you.
|
ARMADO
55
A most fine figure.
|
ARMADO
|
BOY,
aside
To prove you a cipher.
|
BOY,
aside
To prove you a cipher.
|
ARMADO
I will hereupon confess I am in love; and as it
is base for a soldier to love, so am I in love with a
base wench. If drawing my sword against the
60
humor of affection would deliver me from the
reprobate thought of it, I would take desire prisoner
and ransom him to any French courtier for a
new-devised curtsy. I think scorn to sigh; methinks
I should outswear Cupid. Comfort me, boy. What
65
great men have been in love?
|
ARMADO
I will hereupon confess I am in love; and as it
is base for a soldier to love, so am I in love with a
base wench. If drawing my sword against the
reprobate thought of it, I would take desire prisoner
and ransom him to any French courtier for a
new-devised curtsy. I think scorn to sigh; methinks
I should outswear Cupid. Comfort me, boy. What
|
BOY
Hercules, master.
|
BOY
Hercules, master.
|
ARMADO
Most sweet Hercules! More authority, dear
boy, name more; and, sweet my child, let them be
men of good repute and carriage.
|
ARMADO
Most sweet Hercules! More authority, dear
boy, name more; and, sweet my child, let them be
men of good repute and carriage.
|
BOY
70
Samson, master; he was a man of good carriage,
great carriage, for he carried the town gates on his
back like a porter, and he was in love.
|
BOY
great carriage, for he carried the town gates on his
back like a porter, and he was in love.
|
ARMADO
O, well-knit Samson, strong-jointed Samson;
I do excel thee in my rapier as much as thou didst
75
me in carrying gates. I am in love too. Who was
Samson’s love, my dear Mote?
|
ARMADO
O, well-knit Samson, strong-jointed Samson;
I do excel thee in my rapier as much as thou didst
Samson’s love, my dear Mote?
|
BOY
A woman, master.
|
BOY
A woman, master.
|
ARMADO
Of what complexion?
|
ARMADO
Of what complexion?
|
BOY
Of all the four, or the three, or the two, or one of
80
the four.
|
BOY
Of all the four, or the three, or the two, or one of
|
ARMADO
Tell me precisely of what complexion.
|
ARMADO
Tell me precisely of what complexion.
|
BOY
Of the sea-water green, sir.
|
BOY
Of the sea-water green, sir.
|
ARMADO
Is that one of the four complexions?
|
ARMADO
Is that one of the four complexions?
|
BOY
As I have read, sir, and the best of them too.
|
BOY
As I have read, sir, and the best of them too.
|
ARMADO
85
Green indeed is the color of lovers. But to
have a love of that color, methinks Samson had
small reason for it. He surely affected her for her
wit.
|
ARMADO
have a love of that color, methinks Samson had
small reason for it. He surely affected her for her
wit.
|
BOY
It was so, sir, for she had a green wit.
|
BOY
It was so, sir, for she had a green wit.
|
ARMADO
90
My love is most immaculate white and red.
|
ARMADO
|
BOY
Most maculate thoughts, master, are masked
under such colors.
|
BOY
Most maculate thoughts, master, are masked
under such colors.
|
ARMADO
Define, define, well-educated infant.
|
ARMADO
Define, define, well-educated infant.
|
BOY
My father’s wit and my mother’s tongue, assist
95
me.
|
BOY
My father’s wit and my mother’s tongue, assist
|
ARMADO
Sweet invocation of a child, most pretty and
pathetical.
|
ARMADO
Sweet invocation of a child, most pretty and
pathetical.
|
BOY
If she be made of white and red,
Her faults will ne’er be known,
100
For blushing cheeks by faults are bred,
And fears by pale white shown.
Then if she fear, or be to blame,
By this you shall not know,
For still her cheeks possess the same
105
Which native she doth owe.
A dangerous rhyme, master, against the reason of
white and red.
|
BOY
If she be made of white and red,
Her faults will ne’er be known,
And fears by pale white shown.
Then if she fear, or be to blame,
By this you shall not know,
For still her cheeks possess the same
A dangerous rhyme, master, against the reason of
white and red.
|
ARMADO
Is there not a ballad, boy, of “The King and
the Beggar”?
|
ARMADO
Is there not a ballad, boy, of “The King and
the Beggar”?
|
BOY
110
The world was very guilty of such a ballad some
three ages since, but I think now ’tis not to be found;
or if it were, it would neither serve for the writing
nor the tune.
|
BOY
three ages since, but I think now ’tis not to be found;
or if it were, it would neither serve for the writing
nor the tune.
|
ARMADO
I will have that subject newly writ o’er, that I
115
may example my digression by some mighty precedent.
Boy, I do love that country girl that I took in
the park with the rational hind Costard. She deserves
well.
|
ARMADO
I will have that subject newly writ o’er, that I
Boy, I do love that country girl that I took in
the park with the rational hind Costard. She deserves
well.
|
BOY,
aside
To be whipped—and yet a better love than
120
my master.
|
BOY,
aside
To be whipped—and yet a better love than
|
ARMADO
Sing, boy. My spirit grows heavy in love.
|
ARMADO
Sing, boy. My spirit grows heavy in love.
|
BOY,
aside
And that’s great marvel, loving a light
wench.
|
BOY,
aside
And that’s great marvel, loving a light
wench.
|
ARMADO
I say sing.
|
ARMADO
I say sing.
|
BOY
125
Forbear till this company be past.
|
BOY
|
Enter CLOWN (COSTARD,) CONSTABLE (DULL,) and WENCH (JAQUENETTA.)
|
Enter CLOWN (COSTARD,) CONSTABLE (DULL,) and WENCH (JAQUENETTA.)
|
DULL,
to ARMADO
Sir, the Duke’s pleasure is that you
keep Costard safe, and you must suffer him to take
no delight, nor no penance, but he must fast three
days a week. For this damsel, I must keep her at the
130
park. She is allowed for the dey-woman. Fare you
well.
|
DULL,
to ARMADO
Sir, the Duke’s pleasure is that you
keep Costard safe, and you must suffer him to take
no delight, nor no penance, but he must fast three
days a week. For this damsel, I must keep her at the
well.
|
ARMADO,
aside
I do betray myself with blushing.—
Maid.
|
ARMADO,
aside
I do betray myself with blushing.—
Maid.
|
JAQUENETTA
Man.
|
JAQUENETTA
Man.
|
ARMADO
135
I will visit thee at the lodge.
|
ARMADO
|
JAQUENETTA
That’s hereby.
|
JAQUENETTA
That’s hereby.
|
ARMADO
I know where it is situate.
|
ARMADO
I know where it is situate.
|
JAQUENETTA
Lord, how wise you are.
|
JAQUENETTA
Lord, how wise you are.
|
ARMADO
I will tell thee wonders.
|
ARMADO
I will tell thee wonders.
|
JAQUENETTA
140
With that face?
|
JAQUENETTA
|
ARMADO
I love thee.
|
ARMADO
I love thee.
|
JAQUENETTA
So I heard you say.
|
JAQUENETTA
So I heard you say.
|
ARMADO
And so, farewell.
|
ARMADO
And so, farewell.
|
JAQUENETTA
Fair weather after you.
|
JAQUENETTA
Fair weather after you.
|
DULL
145
Come, Jaquenetta, away.
|
DULL
|
DULL and JAQUENETTA exit.
|
DULL and JAQUENETTA exit.
|
ARMADO,
to COSTARD
Villain, thou shalt fast for thy
offenses ere thou be pardoned.
|
ARMADO,
to COSTARD
Villain, thou shalt fast for thy
offenses ere thou be pardoned.
|
COSTARD
Well, sir, I hope when I do it I shall do it on
a full stomach.
|
COSTARD
Well, sir, I hope when I do it I shall do it on
a full stomach.
|
ARMADO
150
Thou shalt be heavily punished.
|
ARMADO
|
COSTARD
I am more bound to you than your fellows,
for they are but lightly rewarded.
|
COSTARD
I am more bound to you than your fellows,
for they are but lightly rewarded.
|
ARMADO,
to BOY
Take away this villain. Shut him up.
|
ARMADO,
to BOY
Take away this villain. Shut him up.
|
BOY
Come, you transgressing slave, away.
|
BOY
Come, you transgressing slave, away.
|
COSTARD,
to ARMADO
155
Let me not be pent up, sir. I will
fast being loose.
|
COSTARD,
to ARMADO
fast being loose.
|
BOY
No, sir, that were fast and loose. Thou shalt to
prison.
|
BOY
No, sir, that were fast and loose. Thou shalt to
prison.
|
COSTARD
Well, if ever I do see the merry days of
160
desolation that I have seen, some shall see.
|
COSTARD
Well, if ever I do see the merry days of
|
BOY
What shall some see?
|
BOY
What shall some see?
|
COSTARD
Nay, nothing, Master Mote, but what they look upon. It is not for prisoners to be too silent in their words, and therefore I will say nothing. I thank
165
God I have as little patience as another man, and therefore I can be quiet.
|
COSTARD
Nay, nothing, Master Mote, but what they look upon. It is not for prisoners to be too silent in their words, and therefore I will say nothing. I thank
|
COSTARD and BOY exit.
|
COSTARD and BOY exit.
|
ARMADO
I do affect the very ground (which is base)
where her shoe (which is baser) guided by her foot
(which is basest) doth tread. I shall be forsworn
170
(which is a great argument of falsehood) if I love.
And how can that be true love which is falsely
attempted? Love is a familiar; love is a devil. There is
no evil angel but love, yet was Samson so tempted,
and he had an excellent strength; yet was Solomon
175
so seduced, and he had a very good wit. Cupid’s
butt-shaft is too hard for Hercules’ club, and therefore
too much odds for a Spaniard’s rapier. The first
and second cause will not serve my turn; the
passado he respects not, the
duello he regards not.
180
His disgrace is to be called “boy,” but his glory is to
subdue men. Adieu, valor; rust, rapier; be still,
drum, for your manager is in love. Yea, he loveth.
Assist me, some extemporal god of rhyme, for I am
sure I shall turn sonnet. Devise wit, write pen, for I
185
am for whole volumes in folio.
|
ARMADO
I do love the very ground (which is lowly) where her shoe (which is even more lowly), guided by her foot (which is most lowly), walks. I will break my oath (which is great proof of dishonesty) if I love her. Can it be true love if it’s under false pretenses? Love is a personal demon; love is a devil. There is no evil angel but love. But Samson was tempted by it, and he had excellent strength. And Solomon was seduced by it, and he was very intelligent. Cupid’s arrow is stronger than Hercules’ club, so a Spaniard’s sword has little chance. The first and second rules of fighting will do me no good: Cupid doesn’t respect the
passadoDerived from Portuguese, Passado is a fencing move made to attack one’s opponent. duelloA duello is Italian for “duel.” |
He exits.
|
He exits.
|