Love's Labour's Lost

by

William Shakespeare

Love's Labour's Lost is a play about four young men who vow to give up all pleasures in order to focus on their studies. The King of Navarre and his three companions, Berowne, Longaville, and Dumaine, swear to avoid all distractions, including women, for three years. However, their plans are quickly derailed when the Princess of France and her ladies arrive on a diplomatic mission.

The men are immediately smitten with the women and struggle to keep their oath. Berowne is particularly conflicted, as he falls in love with Rosaline, one of the ladies. The women are initially uninterested in the men, but eventually, they too fall in love. However, complications arise when news arrives that the King of France has died, and the Princess and her ladies must return home.

The men decide to send love letters to the women, but their plan is foiled by a clown named Costard, who delivers the wrong letters to the wrong people. The women discover the deception and are initially angry, but eventually, all is forgiven. The play ends with the men and women reconciled and ready to continue their study of love.

Act I

In Act 1 of Love's Labour's Lost, we are introduced to the King of Navarre and his three companions, Berowne, Longaville, and Dumaine. They have taken an oath to study and fast for three years, avoiding the company of women. However, their plans are disrupted when the Princess of France arrives with her three ladies-in-waiting, Rosaline, Maria, and Katherine.

The King and his companions are immediately smitten with the ladies and struggle to keep their oath. Meanwhile, a Spanish nobleman, Don Armado, is also vying for the affections of Jaquenetta, a country maid. He enlists the help of a local clown, Costard, to deliver love letters to her.

The King and his companions decide to woo the ladies by disguising themselves as Russians. However, their plan is foiled when the ladies reveal that they have already discovered their true identities. The act ends with the King and his companions each writing a love letter to their respective lady loves.

Overall, Act 1 sets up the main conflict of the play, which is the struggle between the oath of the men and their desire for love. It also introduces several comedic subplots and characters, such as Don Armado and Costard.

SCENE I. The king of Navarre's park.

Scene 1 of Act 1 of Love's Labour's Lost centers around the King of Navarre and his three companions, Berowne, Longaville, and Dumaine, who have made a vow to dedicate themselves to three years of study and celibacy. The King proposes that they swear an oath to uphold this vow, which they all agree to do. However, their oath is quickly tested when the Princess of France and her ladies arrive on a diplomatic mission. The King and his companions are immediately smitten with the ladies and struggle to maintain their vow of celibacy in the face of temptation. The scene ends with the four men each secretly revealing their love for one of the ladies, setting the stage for the complications and misunderstandings that will follow.

Enter FERDINAND king of Navarre, BIRON, LONGAVILLE and DUMAIN

FERDINAND
Let fame, that all hunt after in their lives,
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Live register'd upon our brazen tombs
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And then grace us in the disgrace of death;
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When, spite of cormorant devouring Time,
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The endeavor of this present breath may buy
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That honour which shall bate his scythe's keen edge
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And make us heirs of all eternity.
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Therefore, brave conquerors,--for so you are,
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That war against your own affections
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And the huge army of the world's desires,--
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Our late edict shall strongly stand in force:
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Navarre shall be the wonder of the world;
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Our court shall be a little Academe,
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Still and contemplative in living art.
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You three, Biron, Dumain, and Longaville,
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Have sworn for three years' term to live with me
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My fellow-scholars, and to keep those statutes
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That are recorded in this schedule here:
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Your oaths are pass'd; and now subscribe your names,
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That his own hand may strike his honour down
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That violates the smallest branch herein:
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If you are arm'd to do as sworn to do,
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Subscribe to your deep oaths, and keep it too.
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LONGAVILLE
I am resolved; 'tis but a three years' fast:
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The mind shall banquet, though the body pine:
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Fat paunches have lean pates, and dainty bits
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Make rich the ribs, but bankrupt quite the wits.
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DUMAIN
My loving lord, Dumain is mortified:
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The grosser manner of these world's delights
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He throws upon the gross world's baser slaves:
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To love, to wealth, to pomp, I pine and die;
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With all these living in philosophy.
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BIRON
I can but say their protestation over;
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So much, dear liege, I have already sworn,
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That is, to live and study here three years.
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But there are other strict observances;
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As, not to see a woman in that term,
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Which I hope well is not enrolled there;
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And one day in a week to touch no food
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And but one meal on every day beside,
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The which I hope is not enrolled there;
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And then, to sleep but three hours in the night,
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And not be seen to wink of all the day--
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When I was wont to think no harm all night
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And make a dark night too of half the day--
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Which I hope well is not enrolled there:
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O, these are barren tasks, too hard to keep,
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Not to see ladies, study, fast, not sleep!
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FERDINAND
Your oath is pass'd to pass away from these.
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BIRON
Let me say no, my liege, an if you please:
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I only swore to study with your grace
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And stay here in your court for three years' space.
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LONGAVILLE
You swore to that, Biron, and to the rest.
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BIRON
By yea and nay, sir, then I swore in jest.
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What is the end of study? let me know.
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FERDINAND
Why, that to know, which else we should not know.
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BIRON
Things hid and barr'd, you mean, from common sense?
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FERDINAND
Ay, that is study's godlike recompense.
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BIRON
Come on, then; I will swear to study so,
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To know the thing I am forbid to know:
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As thus,--to study where I well may dine,
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When I to feast expressly am forbid;
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Or study where to meet some mistress fine,
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When mistresses from common sense are hid;
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Or, having sworn too hard a keeping oath,
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Study to break it and not break my troth.
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If study's gain be thus and this be so,
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Study knows that which yet it doth not know:
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Swear me to this, and I will ne'er say no.
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FERDINAND
These be the stops that hinder study quite
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And train our intellects to vain delight.
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BIRON
Why, all delights are vain; but that most vain,
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Which with pain purchased doth inherit pain:
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As, painfully to pore upon a book
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To seek the light of truth; while truth the while
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Doth falsely blind the eyesight of his look:
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Light seeking light doth light of light beguile:
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So, ere you find where light in darkness lies,
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Your light grows dark by losing of your eyes.
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Study me how to please the eye indeed
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By fixing it upon a fairer eye,
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Who dazzling so, that eye shall be his heed
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And give him light that it was blinded by.
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Study is like the heaven's glorious sun
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That will not be deep-search'd with saucy looks:
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Small have continual plodders ever won
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Save base authority from others' books
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These earthly godfathers of heaven's lights
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That give a name to every fixed star
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Have no more profit of their shining nights
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Than those that walk and wot not what they are.
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Too much to know is to know nought but fame;
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And every godfather can give a name.
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FERDINAND
How well he's read, to reason against reading!
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DUMAIN
Proceeded well, to stop all good proceeding!
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LONGAVILLE
He weeds the corn and still lets grow the weeding.
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BIRON
The spring is near when green geese are a-breeding.
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DUMAIN
How follows that?
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BIRON
Fit in his place and time.
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DUMAIN
In reason nothing.
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BIRON
Something then in rhyme.
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FERDINAND
Biron is like an envious sneaping frost,
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That bites the first-born infants of the spring.
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BIRON
Well, say I am; why should proud summer boast
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Before the birds have any cause to sing?
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Why should I joy in any abortive birth?
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At Christmas I no more desire a rose
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Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled mirth;
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But like of each thing that in season grows.
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So you, to study now it is too late,
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Climb o'er the house to unlock the little gate.
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FERDINAND
Well, sit you out: go home, Biron: adieu.
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BIRON
No, my good lord; I have sworn to stay with you:
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And though I have for barbarism spoke more
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Than for that angel knowledge you can say,
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Yet confident I'll keep what I have swore
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And bide the penance of each three years' day.
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Give me the paper; let me read the same;
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And to the strict'st decrees I'll write my name.
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FERDINAND
How well this yielding rescues thee from shame!
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BIRON
(Reads) 'Item, That no woman shall come within a
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mile of my court:' Hath this been proclaimed?
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LONGAVILLE
Four days ago.
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BIRON
Let's see the penalty.
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'On pain of losing her tongue.' Who devised this penalty?
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LONGAVILLE
Marry, that did I.
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BIRON
Sweet lord, and why?
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LONGAVILLE
To fright them hence with that dread penalty.
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BIRON
A dangerous law against gentility!
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'Item, If any man be seen to talk with a woman
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within the term of three years, he shall endure such
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public shame as the rest of the court can possibly devise.'
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This article, my liege, yourself must break;
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For well you know here comes in embassy
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The French king's daughter with yourself to speak--
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A maid of grace and complete majesty--
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About surrender up of Aquitaine
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To her decrepit, sick and bedrid father:
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Therefore this article is made in vain,
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Or vainly comes the admired princess hither.
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FERDINAND
What say you, lords? Why, this was quite forgot.
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BIRON
So study evermore is overshot:
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While it doth study to have what it would
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It doth forget to do the thing it should,
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And when it hath the thing it hunteth most,
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'Tis won as towns with fire, so won, so lost.
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FERDINAND
We must of force dispense with this decree;
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She must lie here on mere necessity.
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BIRON
Necessity will make us all forsworn
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Three thousand times within this three years' space;
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For every man with his affects is born,
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Not by might master'd but by special grace:
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If I break faith, this word shall speak for me;
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I am forsworn on 'mere necessity.'
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So to the laws at large I write my name:
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And he that breaks them in the least degree
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Stands in attainder of eternal shame:
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Suggestions are to other as to me;
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But I believe, although I seem so loath,
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I am the last that will last keep his oath.
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But is there no quick recreation granted?
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FERDINAND
Ay, that there is. Our court, you know, is haunted
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With a refined traveller of Spain;
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A man in all the world's new fashion planted,
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That hath a mint of phrases in his brain;
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One whom the music of his own vain tongue
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Doth ravish like enchanting harmony;
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A man of complements, whom right and wrong
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Have chose as umpire of their mutiny:
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This child of fancy, that Armado hight,
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For interim to our studies shall relate
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In high-born words the worth of many a knight
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From tawny Spain lost in the world's debate.
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How you delight, my lords, I know not, I;
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But, I protest, I love to hear him lie
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And I will use him for my minstrelsy.
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BIRON
Armado is a most illustrious wight,
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A man of fire-new words, fashion's own knight.
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LONGAVILLE
Costard the swain and he shall be our sport;
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And so to study, three years is but short.
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Enter DULL with a letter, and COSTARD

DULL
Which is the duke's own person?
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BIRON
This, fellow: what wouldst?
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DULL
I myself reprehend his own person, for I am his
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grace's tharborough: but I would see his own person
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in flesh and blood.
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BIRON
This is he.
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DULL
Signior Arme--Arme--commends you. There's villany
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abroad: this letter will tell you more.
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COSTARD
Sir, the contempts thereof are as touching me.
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FERDINAND
A letter from the magnificent Armado.
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BIRON
How low soever the matter, I hope in God for high words.
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LONGAVILLE
A high hope for a low heaven: God grant us patience!
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BIRON
To hear? or forbear laughing?
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LONGAVILLE
To hear meekly, sir, and to laugh moderately; or to
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forbear both.
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BIRON
Well, sir, be it as the style shall give us cause to
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climb in the merriness.
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COSTARD
The matter is to me, sir, as concerning Jaquenetta.
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The manner of it is, I was taken with the manner.
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BIRON
In what manner?
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COSTARD
In manner and form following, sir; all those three:
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I was seen with her in the manor-house, sitting with
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her upon the form, and taken following her into the
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park; which, put together, is in manner and form
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following. Now, sir, for the manner,--it is the
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manner of a man to speak to a woman: for the form,--
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in some form.
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BIRON
For the following, sir?
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COSTARD
As it shall follow in my correction: and God defend
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the right!
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FERDINAND
Will you hear this letter with attention?
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BIRON
As we would hear an oracle.
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COSTARD
Such is the simplicity of man to hearken after the flesh.
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FERDINAND
(Reads) 'Great deputy, the welkin's vicegerent and
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sole dominator of Navarre, my soul's earth's god,
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and body's fostering patron.'
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COSTARD
Not a word of Costard yet.
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FERDINAND
(Reads) 'So it is,'--
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COSTARD
It may be so: but if he say it is so, he is, in
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telling true, but so.
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FERDINAND
Peace!
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COSTARD
Be to me and every man that dares not fight!
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FERDINAND
No words!
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COSTARD
Of other men's secrets, I beseech you.
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FERDINAND
(Reads) 'So it is, besieged with sable-coloured
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melancholy, I did commend the black-oppressing humour
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to the most wholesome physic of thy health-giving
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air; and, as I am a gentleman, betook myself to
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walk. The time when. About the sixth hour; when
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beasts most graze, birds best peck, and men sit down
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to that nourishment which is called supper: so much
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for the time when. Now for the ground which; which,
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I mean, I walked upon: it is y-cleped thy park. Then
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for the place where; where, I mean, I did encounter
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that obscene and preposterous event, that draweth
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from my snow-white pen the ebon-coloured ink, which
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here thou viewest, beholdest, surveyest, or seest;
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but to the place where; it standeth north-north-east
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and by east from the west corner of thy curious-
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knotted garden: there did I see that low-spirited
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swain, that base minnow of thy mirth,'--
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COSTARD
Me?
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FERDINAND
(Reads) 'that unlettered small-knowing soul,'--
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COSTARD
Me?
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FERDINAND
(Reads) 'that shallow vassal,'--
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COSTARD
Still me?
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FERDINAND
(Reads) 'which, as I remember, hight Costard,'--
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COSTARD
O, me!
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FERDINAND
(Reads) 'sorted and consorted, contrary to thy
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established proclaimed edict and continent canon,
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which with,--O, with--but with this I passion to say
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wherewith,--
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COSTARD
With a wench.
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FERDINAND
(Reads) 'with a child of our grandmother Eve, a
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female; or, for thy more sweet understanding, a
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woman. Him I, as my ever-esteemed duty pricks me on,
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have sent to thee, to receive the meed of
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punishment, by thy sweet grace's officer, Anthony
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Dull; a man of good repute, carriage, bearing, and
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estimation.'
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DULL
'Me, an't shall please you; I am Anthony Dull.
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FERDINAND
(Reads) 'For Jaquenetta,--so is the weaker vessel
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called which I apprehended with the aforesaid
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swain,--I keep her as a vessel of the law's fury;
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and shall, at the least of thy sweet notice, bring
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her to trial. Thine, in all compliments of devoted
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and heart-burning heat of duty.
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DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO.'
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BIRON
This is not so well as I looked for, but the best
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that ever I heard.
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FERDINAND
Ay, the best for the worst. But, sirrah, what say
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you to this?
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COSTARD
Sir, I confess the wench.
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FERDINAND
Did you hear the proclamation?
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COSTARD
I do confess much of the hearing it but little of
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the marking of it.
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FERDINAND
It was proclaimed a year's imprisonment, to be taken
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with a wench.
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COSTARD
I was taken with none, sir: I was taken with a damsel.
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FERDINAND
Well, it was proclaimed 'damsel.'
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COSTARD
This was no damsel, neither, sir; she was a virgin.
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FERDINAND
It is so varied, too; for it was proclaimed 'virgin.'
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COSTARD
If it were, I deny her virginity: I was taken with a maid.
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FERDINAND
This maid will not serve your turn, sir.
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COSTARD
This maid will serve my turn, sir.
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FERDINAND
Sir, I will pronounce your sentence: you shall fast
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a week with bran and water.
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COSTARD
I had rather pray a month with mutton and porridge.
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FERDINAND
And Don Armado shall be your keeper.
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My Lord Biron, see him deliver'd o'er:
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And go we, lords, to put in practise that
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Which each to other hath so strongly sworn.
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Exeunt FERDINAND, LONGAVILLE, and DUMAIN

BIRON
I'll lay my head to any good man's hat,
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These oaths and laws will prove an idle scorn.
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Sirrah, come on.
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COSTARD
I suffer for the truth, sir; for true it is, I was
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taken with Jaquenetta, and Jaquenetta is a true
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girl; and therefore welcome the sour cup of
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prosperity! Affliction may one day smile again; and
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till then, sit thee down, sorrow!
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Exeunt

SCENE II. The same.

Scene 2 of Act 1 of Love's Labour's Lost depicts the arrival of the Princess of France and her entourage at the court of Navarre. The Princess and her three attendants, Rosaline, Maria, and Katherine, are met by the King of Navarre and his three companions, Berowne, Longaville, and Dumaine. The King welcomes the Princess and her ladies and invites them to stay at his court for a month. He explains that during this time, they will focus on their studies and avoid all distractions, including women. The Princess is amused by this idea and challenges the King to keep his word.

As they continue to converse, the Princess and her ladies tease the King and his companions, making fun of their attempts to swear off women. Berowne, in particular, seems to be struggling with the oath, and he engages in witty banter with Rosaline. The conversation eventually turns to the topic of love, and the King suggests that they should all write sonnets to express their feelings. The Princess agrees to the challenge and proposes that they will read each other's sonnets at the end of the month.

The scene ends with the Princess and her ladies departing to settle into their lodgings. The King and his companions are left to ponder the challenge they have just accepted and the difficulties they will face in keeping their oath to avoid all distractions for a month.

Enter DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO and MOTH

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Boy, what sign is it when a man of great spirit
Link: 1.2.1
grows melancholy?
Link: 1.2.2

MOTH
A great sign, sir, that he will look sad.
Link: 1.2.3

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Why, sadness is one and the self-same thing, dear imp.
Link: 1.2.4

MOTH
No, no; O Lord, sir, no.
Link: 1.2.5

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
How canst thou part sadness and melancholy, my
Link: 1.2.6
tender juvenal?
Link: 1.2.7

MOTH
By a familiar demonstration of the working, my tough senior.
Link: 1.2.8

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Why tough senior? why tough senior?
Link: 1.2.9

MOTH
Why tender juvenal? why tender juvenal?
Link: 1.2.10

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I spoke it, tender juvenal, as a congruent epitheton
Link: 1.2.11
appertaining to thy young days, which we may
Link: 1.2.12
nominate tender.
Link: 1.2.13

MOTH
And I, tough senior, as an appertinent title to your
Link: 1.2.14
old time, which we may name tough.
Link: 1.2.15

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Pretty and apt.
Link: 1.2.16

MOTH
How mean you, sir? I pretty, and my saying apt? or
Link: 1.2.17
I apt, and my saying pretty?
Link: 1.2.18

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Thou pretty, because little.
Link: 1.2.19

MOTH
Little pretty, because little. Wherefore apt?
Link: 1.2.20

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
And therefore apt, because quick.
Link: 1.2.21

MOTH
Speak you this in my praise, master?
Link: 1.2.22

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
In thy condign praise.
Link: 1.2.23

MOTH
I will praise an eel with the same praise.
Link: 1.2.24

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
What, that an eel is ingenious?
Link: 1.2.25

MOTH
That an eel is quick.
Link: 1.2.26

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I do say thou art quick in answers: thou heatest my blood.
Link: 1.2.27

MOTH
I am answered, sir.
Link: 1.2.28

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I love not to be crossed.
Link: 1.2.29

MOTH
(Aside) He speaks the mere contrary; crosses love not him.
Link: 1.2.30

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I have promised to study three years with the duke.
Link: 1.2.31

MOTH
You may do it in an hour, sir.
Link: 1.2.32

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Impossible.
Link: 1.2.33

MOTH
How many is one thrice told?
Link: 1.2.34

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I am ill at reckoning; it fitteth the spirit of a tapster.
Link: 1.2.35

MOTH
You are a gentleman and a gamester, sir.
Link: 1.2.36

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I confess both: they are both the varnish of a
Link: 1.2.37
complete man.
Link: 1.2.38

MOTH
Then, I am sure, you know how much the gross sum of
Link: 1.2.39
deuce-ace amounts to.
Link: 1.2.40

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
It doth amount to one more than two.
Link: 1.2.41

MOTH
Which the base vulgar do call three.
Link: 1.2.42

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
True.
Link: 1.2.43

MOTH
Why, sir, is this such a piece of study? Now here
Link: 1.2.44
is three studied, ere ye'll thrice wink: and how
Link: 1.2.45
easy it is to put 'years' to the word 'three,' and
Link: 1.2.46
study three years in two words, the dancing horse
Link: 1.2.47
will tell you.
Link: 1.2.48

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
A most fine figure!
Link: 1.2.49

MOTH
To prove you a cipher.
Link: 1.2.50

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I will hereupon confess I am in love: and as it is
Link: 1.2.51
base for a soldier to love, so am I in love with a
Link: 1.2.52
base wench. If drawing my sword against the humour
Link: 1.2.53
of affection would deliver me from the reprobate
Link: 1.2.54
thought of it, I would take Desire prisoner, and
Link: 1.2.55
ransom him to any French courtier for a new-devised
Link: 1.2.56
courtesy. I think scorn to sigh: methinks I should
Link: 1.2.57
outswear Cupid. Comfort, me, boy: what great men
Link: 1.2.58
have been in love?
Link: 1.2.59

MOTH
Hercules, master.
Link: 1.2.60

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Most sweet Hercules! More authority, dear boy, name
Link: 1.2.61
more; and, sweet my child, let them be men of good
Link: 1.2.62
repute and carriage.
Link: 1.2.63

MOTH
Samson, master: he was a man of good carriage, great
Link: 1.2.64
carriage, for he carried the town-gates on his back
Link: 1.2.65
like a porter: and he was in love.
Link: 1.2.66

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
O well-knit Samson! strong-jointed Samson! I do
Link: 1.2.67
excel thee in my rapier as much as thou didst me in
Link: 1.2.68
carrying gates. I am in love too. Who was Samson's
Link: 1.2.69
love, my dear Moth?
Link: 1.2.70

MOTH
A woman, master.
Link: 1.2.71

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Of what complexion?
Link: 1.2.72

MOTH
Of all the four, or the three, or the two, or one of the four.
Link: 1.2.73

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Tell me precisely of what complexion.
Link: 1.2.74

MOTH
Of the sea-water green, sir.
Link: 1.2.75

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Is that one of the four complexions?
Link: 1.2.76

MOTH
As I have read, sir; and the best of them too.
Link: 1.2.77

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Green indeed is the colour of lovers; but to have a
Link: 1.2.78
love of that colour, methinks Samson had small reason
Link: 1.2.79
for it. He surely affected her for her wit.
Link: 1.2.80

MOTH
It was so, sir; for she had a green wit.
Link: 1.2.81

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
My love is most immaculate white and red.
Link: 1.2.82

MOTH
Most maculate thoughts, master, are masked under
Link: 1.2.83
such colours.
Link: 1.2.84

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Define, define, well-educated infant.
Link: 1.2.85

MOTH
My father's wit and my mother's tongue, assist me!
Link: 1.2.86

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Sweet invocation of a child; most pretty and
Link: 1.2.87
pathetical!
Link: 1.2.88

MOTH
If she be made of white and red,
Link: 1.2.89
Her faults will ne'er be known,
Link: 1.2.90
For blushing cheeks by faults are bred
Link: 1.2.91
And fears by pale white shown:
Link: 1.2.92
Then if she fear, or be to blame,
Link: 1.2.93
By this you shall not know,
Link: 1.2.94
For still her cheeks possess the same
Link: 1.2.95
Which native she doth owe.
Link: 1.2.96
A dangerous rhyme, master, against the reason of
Link: 1.2.97
white and red.
Link: 1.2.98

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Is there not a ballad, boy, of the King and the Beggar?
Link: 1.2.99

MOTH
The world was very guilty of such a ballad some
Link: 1.2.100
three ages since: but I think now 'tis not to be
Link: 1.2.101
found; or, if it were, it would neither serve for
Link: 1.2.102
the writing nor the tune.
Link: 1.2.103

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I will have that subject newly writ o'er, that I may
Link: 1.2.104
example my digression by some mighty precedent.
Link: 1.2.105
Boy, I do love that country girl that I took in the
Link: 1.2.106
park with the rational hind Costard: she deserves well.
Link: 1.2.107

MOTH
(Aside) To be whipped; and yet a better love than
Link: 1.2.108
my master.
Link: 1.2.109

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Sing, boy; my spirit grows heavy in love.
Link: 1.2.110

MOTH
And that's great marvel, loving a light wench.
Link: 1.2.111

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I say, sing.
Link: 1.2.112

MOTH
Forbear till this company be past.
Link: 1.2.113

Enter DULL, COSTARD, and JAQUENETTA

DULL
Sir, the duke's pleasure is, that you keep Costard
Link: 1.2.114
safe: and you must suffer him to take no delight
Link: 1.2.115
nor no penance; but a' must fast three days a week.
Link: 1.2.116
For this damsel, I must keep her at the park: she
Link: 1.2.117
is allowed for the day-woman. Fare you well.
Link: 1.2.118

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I do betray myself with blushing. Maid!
Link: 1.2.119

JAQUENETTA
Man?
Link: 1.2.120

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I will visit thee at the lodge.
Link: 1.2.121

JAQUENETTA
That's hereby.
Link: 1.2.122

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I know where it is situate.
Link: 1.2.123

JAQUENETTA
Lord, how wise you are!
Link: 1.2.124

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I will tell thee wonders.
Link: 1.2.125

JAQUENETTA
With that face?
Link: 1.2.126

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I love thee.
Link: 1.2.127

JAQUENETTA
So I heard you say.
Link: 1.2.128

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
And so, farewell.
Link: 1.2.129

JAQUENETTA
Fair weather after you!
Link: 1.2.130

DULL
Come, Jaquenetta, away!
Link: 1.2.131

Exeunt DULL and JAQUENETTA

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Villain, thou shalt fast for thy offences ere thou
Link: 1.2.132
be pardoned.
Link: 1.2.133

COSTARD
Well, sir, I hope, when I do it, I shall do it on a
Link: 1.2.134
full stomach.
Link: 1.2.135

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Thou shalt be heavily punished.
Link: 1.2.136

COSTARD
I am more bound to you than your fellows, for they
Link: 1.2.137
are but lightly rewarded.
Link: 1.2.138

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Take away this villain; shut him up.
Link: 1.2.139

MOTH
Come, you transgressing slave; away!
Link: 1.2.140

COSTARD
Let me not be pent up, sir: I will fast, being loose.
Link: 1.2.141

MOTH
No, sir; that were fast and loose: thou shalt to prison.
Link: 1.2.142

COSTARD
Well, if ever I do see the merry days of desolation
Link: 1.2.143
that I have seen, some shall see.
Link: 1.2.144

MOTH
What shall some see?
Link: 1.2.145

COSTARD
Nay, nothing, Master Moth, but what they look upon.
Link: 1.2.146
It is not for prisoners to be too silent in their
Link: 1.2.147
words; and therefore I will say nothing: I thank
Link: 1.2.148
God I have as little patience as another man; and
Link: 1.2.149
therefore I can be quiet.
Link: 1.2.150

Exeunt MOTH and COSTARD

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I do affect the very ground, which is base, where
Link: 1.2.151
her shoe, which is baser, guided by her foot, which
Link: 1.2.152
is basest, doth tread. I shall be forsworn, which
Link: 1.2.153
is a great argument of falsehood, if I love. And
Link: 1.2.154
how can that be true love which is falsely
Link: 1.2.155
attempted? Love is a familiar; Love is a devil:
Link: 1.2.156
there is no evil angel but Love. Yet was Samson so
Link: 1.2.157
tempted, and he had an excellent strength; yet was
Link: 1.2.158
Solomon so seduced, and he had a very good wit.
Link: 1.2.159
Cupid's butt-shaft is too hard for Hercules' club;
Link: 1.2.160
and therefore too much odds for a Spaniard's rapier.
Link: 1.2.161
The first and second cause will not serve my turn;
Link: 1.2.162
the passado he respects not, the duello he regards
Link: 1.2.163
not: his disgrace is to be called boy; but his
Link: 1.2.164
glory is to subdue men. Adieu, valour! rust rapier!
Link: 1.2.165
be still, drum! for your manager is in love; yea,
Link: 1.2.166
he loveth. Assist me, some extemporal god of rhyme,
Link: 1.2.167
for I am sure I shall turn sonnet. Devise, wit;
Link: 1.2.168
write, pen; for I am for whole volumes in folio.
Link: 1.2.169

Exit

Act II

In Act 2 of Love's Labour's Lost, the King of Navarre and his three friends, Berowne, Longaville, and Dumaine, have all sworn an oath to study for three years and avoid all distractions, including women. However, when the Princess of France and her three ladies arrive on a diplomatic mission, the men quickly forget their promise and become infatuated with the women.

Berowne, the most skeptical of the group, initially resists his feelings but eventually succumbs and writes a love letter to Rosaline, one of the ladies. Unfortunately for him, the letter is intercepted by the other men and they all end up confessing their love for the women.

In the meantime, the clown Costard has been tasked with delivering a letter from Berowne to Jaquenetta, a local village girl. However, he accidentally delivers the wrong letter, which turns out to be a love letter from the foolish Spaniard, Don Armado, to Jaquenetta.

The act ends with the men planning to woo the women in disguise and the arrival of a messenger with news that the King of France has died, forcing the Princess and her ladies to leave Navarre immediately.

SCENE I. The same.

In Scene 1 of Act 2, a group of four young men, the King of Navarre, Berowne, Longaville, and Dumaine, discuss their decision to swear off women and focus on their studies for three years. The King proposes that they should also fast and sleep little to stay focused. Berowne, however, points out the impracticality of their plan, stating that they cannot control their hearts and their desires. Dumaine and Longaville both agree with Berowne, but the King insists that they must stick to their vow.

As they continue to debate, Costard, a country clown, arrives with a letter from Don Armado, a Spanish nobleman who is visiting the court. The letter reveals that Don Armado has fallen in love with a country maid named Jaquenetta and wants Costard to deliver a love letter to her. The King is furious that Don Armado has broken their vow and orders Costard to be punished. However, Berowne points out the hypocrisy of their situation and suggests that they should all confess their own love interests. The King reluctantly agrees, and they all reveal that they have secretly fallen in love with the Princess of France and her three attendants.

Just as they are discussing their predicament, the Princess and her attendants arrive at the court. The King welcomes them and attempts to hide their feelings of love. However, the Princess and her attendants quickly catch on and tease the men about their vow. They also reveal that they have received the love letters from the men and are amused by their attempts at courtship. The scene ends with the men attempting to woo the women with their wit and charm.

Enter the PRINCESS of France, ROSALINE, MARIA, KATHARINE, BOYET, Lords, and other Attendants

BOYET
Now, madam, summon up your dearest spirits:
Link: 2.1.1
Consider who the king your father sends,
Link: 2.1.2
To whom he sends, and what's his embassy:
Link: 2.1.3
Yourself, held precious in the world's esteem,
Link: 2.1.4
To parley with the sole inheritor
Link: 2.1.5
Of all perfections that a man may owe,
Link: 2.1.6
Matchless Navarre; the plea of no less weight
Link: 2.1.7
Than Aquitaine, a dowry for a queen.
Link: 2.1.8
Be now as prodigal of all dear grace
Link: 2.1.9
As Nature was in making graces dear
Link: 2.1.10
When she did starve the general world beside
Link: 2.1.11
And prodigally gave them all to you.
Link: 2.1.12

PRINCESS
Good Lord Boyet, my beauty, though but mean,
Link: 2.1.13
Needs not the painted flourish of your praise:
Link: 2.1.14
Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye,
Link: 2.1.15
Not utter'd by base sale of chapmen's tongues:
Link: 2.1.16
I am less proud to hear you tell my worth
Link: 2.1.17
Than you much willing to be counted wise
Link: 2.1.18
In spending your wit in the praise of mine.
Link: 2.1.19
But now to task the tasker: good Boyet,
Link: 2.1.20
You are not ignorant, all-telling fame
Link: 2.1.21
Doth noise abroad, Navarre hath made a vow,
Link: 2.1.22
Till painful study shall outwear three years,
Link: 2.1.23
No woman may approach his silent court:
Link: 2.1.24
Therefore to's seemeth it a needful course,
Link: 2.1.25
Before we enter his forbidden gates,
Link: 2.1.26
To know his pleasure; and in that behalf,
Link: 2.1.27
Bold of your worthiness, we single you
Link: 2.1.28
As our best-moving fair solicitor.
Link: 2.1.29
Tell him, the daughter of the King of France,
Link: 2.1.30
On serious business, craving quick dispatch,
Link: 2.1.31
Importunes personal conference with his grace:
Link: 2.1.32
Haste, signify so much; while we attend,
Link: 2.1.33
Like humble-visaged suitors, his high will.
Link: 2.1.34

BOYET
Proud of employment, willingly I go.
Link: 2.1.35

PRINCESS
All pride is willing pride, and yours is so.
Link: 2.1.36
Who are the votaries, my loving lords,
Link: 2.1.37
That are vow-fellows with this virtuous duke?
Link: 2.1.38

First Lord
Lord Longaville is one.
Link: 2.1.39

PRINCESS
Know you the man?
Link: 2.1.40

MARIA
I know him, madam: at a marriage-feast,
Link: 2.1.41
Between Lord Perigort and the beauteous heir
Link: 2.1.42
Of Jaques Falconbridge, solemnized
Link: 2.1.43
In Normandy, saw I this Longaville:
Link: 2.1.44
A man of sovereign parts he is esteem'd;
Link: 2.1.45
Well fitted in arts, glorious in arms:
Link: 2.1.46
Nothing becomes him ill that he would well.
Link: 2.1.47
The only soil of his fair virtue's gloss,
Link: 2.1.48
If virtue's gloss will stain with any soil,
Link: 2.1.49
Is a sharp wit matched with too blunt a will;
Link: 2.1.50
Whose edge hath power to cut, whose will still wills
Link: 2.1.51
It should none spare that come within his power.
Link: 2.1.52

PRINCESS
Some merry mocking lord, belike; is't so?
Link: 2.1.53

MARIA
They say so most that most his humours know.
Link: 2.1.54

PRINCESS
Such short-lived wits do wither as they grow.
Link: 2.1.55
Who are the rest?
Link: 2.1.56

KATHARINE
The young Dumain, a well-accomplished youth,
Link: 2.1.57
Of all that virtue love for virtue loved:
Link: 2.1.58
Most power to do most harm, least knowing ill;
Link: 2.1.59
For he hath wit to make an ill shape good,
Link: 2.1.60
And shape to win grace though he had no wit.
Link: 2.1.61
I saw him at the Duke Alencon's once;
Link: 2.1.62
And much too little of that good I saw
Link: 2.1.63
Is my report to his great worthiness.
Link: 2.1.64

ROSALINE
Another of these students at that time
Link: 2.1.65
Was there with him, if I have heard a truth.
Link: 2.1.66
Biron they call him; but a merrier man,
Link: 2.1.67
Within the limit of becoming mirth,
Link: 2.1.68
I never spent an hour's talk withal:
Link: 2.1.69
His eye begets occasion for his wit;
Link: 2.1.70
For every object that the one doth catch
Link: 2.1.71
The other turns to a mirth-moving jest,
Link: 2.1.72
Which his fair tongue, conceit's expositor,
Link: 2.1.73
Delivers in such apt and gracious words
Link: 2.1.74
That aged ears play truant at his tales
Link: 2.1.75
And younger hearings are quite ravished;
Link: 2.1.76
So sweet and voluble is his discourse.
Link: 2.1.77

PRINCESS
God bless my ladies! are they all in love,
Link: 2.1.78
That every one her own hath garnished
Link: 2.1.79
With such bedecking ornaments of praise?
Link: 2.1.80

First Lord
Here comes Boyet.
Link: 2.1.81

Re-enter BOYET

PRINCESS
Now, what admittance, lord?
Link: 2.1.82

BOYET
Navarre had notice of your fair approach;
Link: 2.1.83
And he and his competitors in oath
Link: 2.1.84
Were all address'd to meet you, gentle lady,
Link: 2.1.85
Before I came. Marry, thus much I have learnt:
Link: 2.1.86
He rather means to lodge you in the field,
Link: 2.1.87
Like one that comes here to besiege his court,
Link: 2.1.88
Than seek a dispensation for his oath,
Link: 2.1.89
To let you enter his unpeopled house.
Link: 2.1.90
Here comes Navarre.
Link: 2.1.91

Enter FERDINAND, LONGAVILLE, DUMAIN, BIRON, and Attendants

FERDINAND
Fair princess, welcome to the court of Navarre.
Link: 2.1.92

PRINCESS
'Fair' I give you back again; and 'welcome' I have
Link: 2.1.93
not yet: the roof of this court is too high to be
Link: 2.1.94
yours; and welcome to the wide fields too base to be mine.
Link: 2.1.95

FERDINAND
You shall be welcome, madam, to my court.
Link: 2.1.96

PRINCESS
I will be welcome, then: conduct me thither.
Link: 2.1.97

FERDINAND
Hear me, dear lady; I have sworn an oath.
Link: 2.1.98

PRINCESS
Our Lady help my lord! he'll be forsworn.
Link: 2.1.99

FERDINAND
Not for the world, fair madam, by my will.
Link: 2.1.100

PRINCESS
Why, will shall break it; will and nothing else.
Link: 2.1.101

FERDINAND
Your ladyship is ignorant what it is.
Link: 2.1.102

PRINCESS
Were my lord so, his ignorance were wise,
Link: 2.1.103
Where now his knowledge must prove ignorance.
Link: 2.1.104
I hear your grace hath sworn out house-keeping:
Link: 2.1.105
Tis deadly sin to keep that oath, my lord,
Link: 2.1.106
And sin to break it.
Link: 2.1.107
But pardon me. I am too sudden-bold:
Link: 2.1.108
To teach a teacher ill beseemeth me.
Link: 2.1.109
Vouchsafe to read the purpose of my coming,
Link: 2.1.110
And suddenly resolve me in my suit.
Link: 2.1.111

FERDINAND
Madam, I will, if suddenly I may.
Link: 2.1.112

PRINCESS
You will the sooner, that I were away;
Link: 2.1.113
For you'll prove perjured if you make me stay.
Link: 2.1.114

BIRON
Did not I dance with you in Brabant once?
Link: 2.1.115

ROSALINE
Did not I dance with you in Brabant once?
Link: 2.1.116

BIRON
I know you did.
Link: 2.1.117

ROSALINE
How needless was it then to ask the question!
Link: 2.1.118

BIRON
You must not be so quick.
Link: 2.1.119

ROSALINE
'Tis 'long of you that spur me with such questions.
Link: 2.1.120

BIRON
Your wit's too hot, it speeds too fast, 'twill tire.
Link: 2.1.121

ROSALINE
Not till it leave the rider in the mire.
Link: 2.1.122

BIRON
What time o' day?
Link: 2.1.123

ROSALINE
The hour that fools should ask.
Link: 2.1.124

BIRON
Now fair befall your mask!
Link: 2.1.125

ROSALINE
Fair fall the face it covers!
Link: 2.1.126

BIRON
And send you many lovers!
Link: 2.1.127

ROSALINE
Amen, so you be none.
Link: 2.1.128

BIRON
Nay, then will I be gone.
Link: 2.1.129

FERDINAND
Madam, your father here doth intimate
Link: 2.1.130
The payment of a hundred thousand crowns;
Link: 2.1.131
Being but the one half of an entire sum
Link: 2.1.132
Disbursed by my father in his wars.
Link: 2.1.133
But say that he or we, as neither have,
Link: 2.1.134
Received that sum, yet there remains unpaid
Link: 2.1.135
A hundred thousand more; in surety of the which,
Link: 2.1.136
One part of Aquitaine is bound to us,
Link: 2.1.137
Although not valued to the money's worth.
Link: 2.1.138
If then the king your father will restore
Link: 2.1.139
But that one half which is unsatisfied,
Link: 2.1.140
We will give up our right in Aquitaine,
Link: 2.1.141
And hold fair friendship with his majesty.
Link: 2.1.142
But that, it seems, he little purposeth,
Link: 2.1.143
For here he doth demand to have repaid
Link: 2.1.144
A hundred thousand crowns; and not demands,
Link: 2.1.145
On payment of a hundred thousand crowns,
Link: 2.1.146
To have his title live in Aquitaine;
Link: 2.1.147
Which we much rather had depart withal
Link: 2.1.148
And have the money by our father lent
Link: 2.1.149
Than Aquitaine so gelded as it is.
Link: 2.1.150
Dear Princess, were not his requests so far
Link: 2.1.151
From reason's yielding, your fair self should make
Link: 2.1.152
A yielding 'gainst some reason in my breast
Link: 2.1.153
And go well satisfied to France again.
Link: 2.1.154

PRINCESS
You do the king my father too much wrong
Link: 2.1.155
And wrong the reputation of your name,
Link: 2.1.156
In so unseeming to confess receipt
Link: 2.1.157
Of that which hath so faithfully been paid.
Link: 2.1.158

FERDINAND
I do protest I never heard of it;
Link: 2.1.159
And if you prove it, I'll repay it back
Link: 2.1.160
Or yield up Aquitaine.
Link: 2.1.161

PRINCESS
We arrest your word.
Link: 2.1.162
Boyet, you can produce acquittances
Link: 2.1.163
For such a sum from special officers
Link: 2.1.164
Of Charles his father.
Link: 2.1.165

FERDINAND
Satisfy me so.
Link: 2.1.166

BOYET
So please your grace, the packet is not come
Link: 2.1.167
Where that and other specialties are bound:
Link: 2.1.168
To-morrow you shall have a sight of them.
Link: 2.1.169

FERDINAND
It shall suffice me: at which interview
Link: 2.1.170
All liberal reason I will yield unto.
Link: 2.1.171
Meantime receive such welcome at my hand
Link: 2.1.172
As honour without breach of honour may
Link: 2.1.173
Make tender of to thy true worthiness:
Link: 2.1.174
You may not come, fair princess, in my gates;
Link: 2.1.175
But here without you shall be so received
Link: 2.1.176
As you shall deem yourself lodged in my heart,
Link: 2.1.177
Though so denied fair harbour in my house.
Link: 2.1.178
Your own good thoughts excuse me, and farewell:
Link: 2.1.179
To-morrow shall we visit you again.
Link: 2.1.180

PRINCESS
Sweet health and fair desires consort your grace!
Link: 2.1.181

FERDINAND
Thy own wish wish I thee in every place!
Link: 2.1.182

Exit

BIRON
Lady, I will commend you to mine own heart.
Link: 2.1.183

ROSALINE
Pray you, do my commendations; I would be glad to see it.
Link: 2.1.184

BIRON
I would you heard it groan.
Link: 2.1.185

ROSALINE
Is the fool sick?
Link: 2.1.186

BIRON
Sick at the heart.
Link: 2.1.187

ROSALINE
Alack, let it blood.
Link: 2.1.188

BIRON
Would that do it good?
Link: 2.1.189

ROSALINE
My physic says 'ay.'
Link: 2.1.190

BIRON
Will you prick't with your eye?
Link: 2.1.191

ROSALINE
No point, with my knife.
Link: 2.1.192

BIRON
Now, God save thy life!
Link: 2.1.193

ROSALINE
And yours from long living!
Link: 2.1.194

BIRON
I cannot stay thanksgiving.
Link: 2.1.195

Retiring

DUMAIN
Sir, I pray you, a word: what lady is that same?
Link: 2.1.196

BOYET
The heir of Alencon, Katharine her name.
Link: 2.1.197

DUMAIN
A gallant lady. Monsieur, fare you well.
Link: 2.1.198

Exit

LONGAVILLE
I beseech you a word: what is she in the white?
Link: 2.1.199

BOYET
A woman sometimes, an you saw her in the light.
Link: 2.1.200

LONGAVILLE
Perchance light in the light. I desire her name.
Link: 2.1.201

BOYET
She hath but one for herself; to desire that were a shame.
Link: 2.1.202

LONGAVILLE
Pray you, sir, whose daughter?
Link: 2.1.203

BOYET
Her mother's, I have heard.
Link: 2.1.204

LONGAVILLE
God's blessing on your beard!
Link: 2.1.205

BOYET
Good sir, be not offended.
Link: 2.1.206
She is an heir of Falconbridge.
Link: 2.1.207

LONGAVILLE
Nay, my choler is ended.
Link: 2.1.208
She is a most sweet lady.
Link: 2.1.209

BOYET
Not unlike, sir, that may be.
Link: 2.1.210

Exit LONGAVILLE

BIRON
What's her name in the cap?
Link: 2.1.211

BOYET
Rosaline, by good hap.
Link: 2.1.212

BIRON
Is she wedded or no?
Link: 2.1.213

BOYET
To her will, sir, or so.
Link: 2.1.214

BIRON
You are welcome, sir: adieu.
Link: 2.1.215

BOYET
Farewell to me, sir, and welcome to you.
Link: 2.1.216

Exit BIRON

MARIA
That last is Biron, the merry madcap lord:
Link: 2.1.217
Not a word with him but a jest.
Link: 2.1.218

BOYET
And every jest but a word.
Link: 2.1.219

PRINCESS
It was well done of you to take him at his word.
Link: 2.1.220

BOYET
I was as willing to grapple as he was to board.
Link: 2.1.221

MARIA
Two hot sheeps, marry.
Link: 2.1.222

BOYET
And wherefore not ships?
Link: 2.1.223
No sheep, sweet lamb, unless we feed on your lips.
Link: 2.1.224

MARIA
You sheep, and I pasture: shall that finish the jest?
Link: 2.1.225

BOYET
So you grant pasture for me.
Link: 2.1.226

Offering to kiss her

MARIA
Not so, gentle beast:
Link: 2.1.227
My lips are no common, though several they be.
Link: 2.1.228

BOYET
Belonging to whom?
Link: 2.1.229

MARIA
To my fortunes and me.
Link: 2.1.230

PRINCESS
Good wits will be jangling; but, gentles, agree:
Link: 2.1.231
This civil war of wits were much better used
Link: 2.1.232
On Navarre and his book-men; for here 'tis abused.
Link: 2.1.233

BOYET
If my observation, which very seldom lies,
Link: 2.1.234
By the heart's still rhetoric disclosed with eyes,
Link: 2.1.235
Deceive me not now, Navarre is infected.
Link: 2.1.236

PRINCESS
With what?
Link: 2.1.237

BOYET
With that which we lovers entitle affected.
Link: 2.1.238

PRINCESS
Your reason?
Link: 2.1.239

BOYET
Why, all his behaviors did make their retire
Link: 2.1.240
To the court of his eye, peeping thorough desire:
Link: 2.1.241
His heart, like an agate, with your print impress'd,
Link: 2.1.242
Proud with his form, in his eye pride express'd:
Link: 2.1.243
His tongue, all impatient to speak and not see,
Link: 2.1.244
Did stumble with haste in his eyesight to be;
Link: 2.1.245
All senses to that sense did make their repair,
Link: 2.1.246
To feel only looking on fairest of fair:
Link: 2.1.247
Methought all his senses were lock'd in his eye,
Link: 2.1.248
As jewels in crystal for some prince to buy;
Link: 2.1.249
Who, tendering their own worth from where they were glass'd,
Link: 2.1.250
Did point you to buy them, along as you pass'd:
Link: 2.1.251
His face's own margent did quote such amazes
Link: 2.1.252
That all eyes saw his eyes enchanted with gazes.
Link: 2.1.253
I'll give you Aquitaine and all that is his,
Link: 2.1.254
An you give him for my sake but one loving kiss.
Link: 2.1.255

PRINCESS
Come to our pavilion: Boyet is disposed.
Link: 2.1.256

BOYET
But to speak that in words which his eye hath
Link: 2.1.257
disclosed.
Link: 2.1.258
I only have made a mouth of his eye,
Link: 2.1.259
By adding a tongue which I know will not lie.
Link: 2.1.260

ROSALINE
Thou art an old love-monger and speakest skilfully.
Link: 2.1.261

MARIA
He is Cupid's grandfather and learns news of him.
Link: 2.1.262

ROSALINE
Then was Venus like her mother, for her father is but grim.
Link: 2.1.263

BOYET
Do you hear, my mad wenches?
Link: 2.1.264

MARIA
No.
Link: 2.1.265

BOYET
What then, do you see?
Link: 2.1.266

ROSALINE
Ay, our way to be gone.
Link: 2.1.267

BOYET
You are too hard for me.
Link: 2.1.268

Exeunt

Act III

Act 3 of Love's Labour's Lost sees the King of Navarre and his three companions attempting to woo the Princess of France and her three ladies. The men disguise themselves as Russians and present themselves to the women, who are initially skeptical but eventually play along. However, the women ultimately see through the ruse and leave the men feeling foolish.

Meanwhile, a subplot involving the comic characters Costard and Armado continues to unfold. Costard has been caught in a love triangle between two women, Jaquenetta and the country wench. Armado, who is in love with Jaquenetta, tries to intervene and ends up challenging Costard to a duel. However, the foolishness of the situation is highlighted when it is revealed that neither man knows how to properly duel.

The act ends with the men attempting to reconcile with the women, but the Princess of France remains unimpressed with their attempts at courtship. The women leave and the men are left to contemplate their failures and the consequences of their actions.

SCENE I. The same.

In Scene 1 of Act 3 of Love's Labour's Lost, a group of noblemen are discussing their progress in abstaining from women and dedicating themselves to study. However, it becomes evident that each of them has fallen for a woman: the King for the Princess of France, Dumaine for Katherine, Longaville for Maria, and Berowne for Rosaline.

They try to hide their feelings from each other, but eventually, they all confess to their love interests and decide to break their oath of abstinence. The King sends a message to the Princess, inviting her and her ladies to visit them.

Just as they make this decision, a messenger arrives with news that the Princess's father has died, and they must return to France. The noblemen are disappointed but vow to continue their studies and wait for the women to return.

The scene ends with a comedic exchange between Berowne and the others, where he declares that they will all swear an oath to keep their love secret and continue their studies. However, he secretly reveals to the audience that he plans to write a sonnet to Rosaline and break the oath himself.

Enter DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO and MOTH

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Warble, child; make passionate my sense of hearing.
Link: 3.1.1

MOTH
Concolinel.
Link: 3.1.2

Singing

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Sweet air! Go, tenderness of years; take this key,
Link: 3.1.3
give enlargement to the swain, bring him festinately
Link: 3.1.4
hither: I must employ him in a letter to my love.
Link: 3.1.5

MOTH
Master, will you win your love with a French brawl?
Link: 3.1.6

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
How meanest thou? brawling in French?
Link: 3.1.7

MOTH
No, my complete master: but to jig off a tune at
Link: 3.1.8
the tongue's end, canary to it with your feet, humour
Link: 3.1.9
it with turning up your eyelids, sigh a note and
Link: 3.1.10
sing a note, sometime through the throat, as if you
Link: 3.1.11
swallowed love with singing love, sometime through
Link: 3.1.12
the nose, as if you snuffed up love by smelling
Link: 3.1.13
love; with your hat penthouse-like o'er the shop of
Link: 3.1.14
your eyes; with your arms crossed on your thin-belly
Link: 3.1.15
doublet like a rabbit on a spit; or your hands in
Link: 3.1.16
your pocket like a man after the old painting; and
Link: 3.1.17
keep not too long in one tune, but a snip and away.
Link: 3.1.18
These are complements, these are humours; these
Link: 3.1.19
betray nice wenches, that would be betrayed without
Link: 3.1.20
these; and make them men of note--do you note
Link: 3.1.21
me?--that most are affected to these.
Link: 3.1.22

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
How hast thou purchased this experience?
Link: 3.1.23

MOTH
By my penny of observation.
Link: 3.1.24

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
But O,--but O,--
Link: 3.1.25

MOTH
'The hobby-horse is forgot.'
Link: 3.1.26

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Callest thou my love 'hobby-horse'?
Link: 3.1.27

MOTH
No, master; the hobby-horse is but a colt, and your
Link: 3.1.28
love perhaps a hackney. But have you forgot your love?
Link: 3.1.29

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Almost I had.
Link: 3.1.30

MOTH
Negligent student! learn her by heart.
Link: 3.1.31

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
By heart and in heart, boy.
Link: 3.1.32

MOTH
And out of heart, master: all those three I will prove.
Link: 3.1.33

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
What wilt thou prove?
Link: 3.1.34

MOTH
A man, if I live; and this, by, in, and without, upon
Link: 3.1.35
the instant: by heart you love her, because your
Link: 3.1.36
heart cannot come by her; in heart you love her,
Link: 3.1.37
because your heart is in love with her; and out of
Link: 3.1.38
heart you love her, being out of heart that you
Link: 3.1.39
cannot enjoy her.
Link: 3.1.40

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I am all these three.
Link: 3.1.41

MOTH
And three times as much more, and yet nothing at
Link: 3.1.42
all.
Link: 3.1.43

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Fetch hither the swain: he must carry me a letter.
Link: 3.1.44

MOTH
A message well sympathized; a horse to be ambassador
Link: 3.1.45
for an ass.
Link: 3.1.46

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Ha, ha! what sayest thou?
Link: 3.1.47

MOTH
Marry, sir, you must send the ass upon the horse,
Link: 3.1.48
for he is very slow-gaited. But I go.
Link: 3.1.49

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
The way is but short: away!
Link: 3.1.50

MOTH
As swift as lead, sir.
Link: 3.1.51

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
The meaning, pretty ingenious?
Link: 3.1.52
Is not lead a metal heavy, dull, and slow?
Link: 3.1.53

MOTH
Minime, honest master; or rather, master, no.
Link: 3.1.54

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I say lead is slow.
Link: 3.1.55

MOTH
You are too swift, sir, to say so:
Link: 3.1.56
Is that lead slow which is fired from a gun?
Link: 3.1.57

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Sweet smoke of rhetoric!
Link: 3.1.58
He reputes me a cannon; and the bullet, that's he:
Link: 3.1.59
I shoot thee at the swain.
Link: 3.1.60

MOTH
Thump then and I flee.
Link: 3.1.61

Exit

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
A most acute juvenal; voluble and free of grace!
Link: 3.1.62
By thy favour, sweet welkin, I must sigh in thy face:
Link: 3.1.63
Most rude melancholy, valour gives thee place.
Link: 3.1.64
My herald is return'd.
Link: 3.1.65

Re-enter MOTH with COSTARD

MOTH
A wonder, master! here's a costard broken in a shin.
Link: 3.1.66

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Some enigma, some riddle: come, thy l'envoy; begin.
Link: 3.1.67

COSTARD
No enigma, no riddle, no l'envoy; no salve in the
Link: 3.1.68
mail, sir: O, sir, plantain, a plain plantain! no
Link: 3.1.69
l'envoy, no l'envoy; no salve, sir, but a plantain!
Link: 3.1.70

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
By virtue, thou enforcest laughter; thy silly
Link: 3.1.71
thought my spleen; the heaving of my lungs provokes
Link: 3.1.72
me to ridiculous smiling. O, pardon me, my stars!
Link: 3.1.73
Doth the inconsiderate take salve for l'envoy, and
Link: 3.1.74
the word l'envoy for a salve?
Link: 3.1.75

MOTH
Do the wise think them other? is not l'envoy a salve?
Link: 3.1.76

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
No, page: it is an epilogue or discourse, to make plain
Link: 3.1.77
Some obscure precedence that hath tofore been sain.
Link: 3.1.78
I will example it:
Link: 3.1.79
The fox, the ape, and the humble-bee,
Link: 3.1.80
Were still at odds, being but three.
Link: 3.1.81
There's the moral. Now the l'envoy.
Link: 3.1.82

MOTH
I will add the l'envoy. Say the moral again.
Link: 3.1.83

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
The fox, the ape, and the humble-bee,
Link: 3.1.84
Were still at odds, being but three.
Link: 3.1.85

MOTH
Until the goose came out of door,
Link: 3.1.86
And stay'd the odds by adding four.
Link: 3.1.87
Now will I begin your moral, and do you follow with
Link: 3.1.88
my l'envoy.
Link: 3.1.89
The fox, the ape, and the humble-bee,
Link: 3.1.90
Were still at odds, being but three.
Link: 3.1.91

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Until the goose came out of door,
Link: 3.1.92
Staying the odds by adding four.
Link: 3.1.93

MOTH
A good l'envoy, ending in the goose: would you
Link: 3.1.94
desire more?
Link: 3.1.95

COSTARD
The boy hath sold him a bargain, a goose, that's flat.
Link: 3.1.96
Sir, your pennyworth is good, an your goose be fat.
Link: 3.1.97
To sell a bargain well is as cunning as fast and loose:
Link: 3.1.98
Let me see; a fat l'envoy; ay, that's a fat goose.
Link: 3.1.99

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Come hither, come hither. How did this argument begin?
Link: 3.1.100

MOTH
By saying that a costard was broken in a shin.
Link: 3.1.101
Then call'd you for the l'envoy.
Link: 3.1.102

COSTARD
True, and I for a plantain: thus came your
Link: 3.1.103
argument in;
Link: 3.1.104
Then the boy's fat l'envoy, the goose that you bought;
Link: 3.1.105
And he ended the market.
Link: 3.1.106

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
But tell me; how was there a costard broken in a shin?
Link: 3.1.107

MOTH
I will tell you sensibly.
Link: 3.1.108

COSTARD
Thou hast no feeling of it, Moth: I will speak that l'envoy:
Link: 3.1.109
I Costard, running out, that was safely within,
Link: 3.1.110
Fell over the threshold and broke my shin.
Link: 3.1.111

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
We will talk no more of this matter.
Link: 3.1.112

COSTARD
Till there be more matter in the shin.
Link: 3.1.113

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Sirrah Costard, I will enfranchise thee.
Link: 3.1.114

COSTARD
O, marry me to one Frances: I smell some l'envoy,
Link: 3.1.115
some goose, in this.
Link: 3.1.116

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
By my sweet soul, I mean setting thee at liberty,
Link: 3.1.117
enfreedoming thy person; thou wert immured,
Link: 3.1.118
restrained, captivated, bound.
Link: 3.1.119

COSTARD
True, true; and now you will be my purgation and let me loose.
Link: 3.1.120

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I give thee thy liberty, set thee from durance; and,
Link: 3.1.121
in lieu thereof, impose on thee nothing but this:
Link: 3.1.122
bear this significant
Link: 3.1.123
to the country maid Jaquenetta:
Link: 3.1.124
there is remuneration; for the best ward of mine
Link: 3.1.125
honour is rewarding my dependents. Moth, follow.
Link: 3.1.126

Exit

MOTH
Like the sequel, I. Signior Costard, adieu.
Link: 3.1.127

COSTARD
My sweet ounce of man's flesh! my incony Jew!
Link: 3.1.128
Now will I look to his remuneration. Remuneration!
Link: 3.1.129
O, that's the Latin word for three farthings: three
Link: 3.1.130
farthings--remuneration.--'What's the price of this
Link: 3.1.131
inkle?'--'One penny.'--'No, I'll give you a
Link: 3.1.132
remuneration:' why, it carries it. Remuneration!
Link: 3.1.133
why, it is a fairer name than French crown. I will
Link: 3.1.134
never buy and sell out of this word.
Link: 3.1.135

Enter BIRON

BIRON
O, my good knave Costard! exceedingly well met.
Link: 3.1.136

COSTARD
Pray you, sir, how much carnation ribbon may a man
Link: 3.1.137
buy for a remuneration?
Link: 3.1.138

BIRON
What is a remuneration?
Link: 3.1.139

COSTARD
Marry, sir, halfpenny farthing.
Link: 3.1.140

BIRON
Why, then, three-farthing worth of silk.
Link: 3.1.141

COSTARD
I thank your worship: God be wi' you!
Link: 3.1.142

BIRON
Stay, slave; I must employ thee:
Link: 3.1.143
As thou wilt win my favour, good my knave,
Link: 3.1.144
Do one thing for me that I shall entreat.
Link: 3.1.145

COSTARD
When would you have it done, sir?
Link: 3.1.146

BIRON
This afternoon.
Link: 3.1.147

COSTARD
Well, I will do it, sir: fare you well.
Link: 3.1.148

BIRON
Thou knowest not what it is.
Link: 3.1.149

COSTARD
I shall know, sir, when I have done it.
Link: 3.1.150

BIRON
Why, villain, thou must know first.
Link: 3.1.151

COSTARD
I will come to your worship to-morrow morning.
Link: 3.1.152

BIRON
It must be done this afternoon.
Link: 3.1.153
Hark, slave, it is but this:
Link: 3.1.154
The princess comes to hunt here in the park,
Link: 3.1.155
And in her train there is a gentle lady;
Link: 3.1.156
When tongues speak sweetly, then they name her name,
Link: 3.1.157
And Rosaline they call her: ask for her;
Link: 3.1.158
And to her white hand see thou do commend
Link: 3.1.159
This seal'd-up counsel. There's thy guerdon; go.
Link: 3.1.160

Giving him a shilling

COSTARD
Gardon, O sweet gardon! better than remuneration,
Link: 3.1.161
a'leven-pence farthing better: most sweet gardon! I
Link: 3.1.162
will do it sir, in print. Gardon! Remuneration!
Link: 3.1.163

Exit

BIRON
And I, forsooth, in love! I, that have been love's whip;
Link: 3.1.164
A very beadle to a humorous sigh;
Link: 3.1.165
A critic, nay, a night-watch constable;
Link: 3.1.166
A domineering pedant o'er the boy;
Link: 3.1.167
Than whom no mortal so magnificent!
Link: 3.1.168
This whimpled, whining, purblind, wayward boy;
Link: 3.1.169
This senior-junior, giant-dwarf, Dan Cupid;
Link: 3.1.170
Regent of love-rhymes, lord of folded arms,
Link: 3.1.171
The anointed sovereign of sighs and groans,
Link: 3.1.172
Liege of all loiterers and malcontents,
Link: 3.1.173
Dread prince of plackets, king of codpieces,
Link: 3.1.174
Sole imperator and great general
Link: 3.1.175
Of trotting 'paritors:--O my little heart:--
Link: 3.1.176
And I to be a corporal of his field,
Link: 3.1.177
And wear his colours like a tumbler's hoop!
Link: 3.1.178
What, I! I love! I sue! I seek a wife!
Link: 3.1.179
A woman, that is like a German clock,
Link: 3.1.180
Still a-repairing, ever out of frame,
Link: 3.1.181
And never going aright, being a watch,
Link: 3.1.182
But being watch'd that it may still go right!
Link: 3.1.183
Nay, to be perjured, which is worst of all;
Link: 3.1.184
And, among three, to love the worst of all;
Link: 3.1.185
A wightly wanton with a velvet brow,
Link: 3.1.186
With two pitch-balls stuck in her face for eyes;
Link: 3.1.187
Ay, and by heaven, one that will do the deed
Link: 3.1.188
Though Argus were her eunuch and her guard:
Link: 3.1.189
And I to sigh for her! to watch for her!
Link: 3.1.190
To pray for her! Go to; it is a plague
Link: 3.1.191
That Cupid will impose for my neglect
Link: 3.1.192
Of his almighty dreadful little might.
Link: 3.1.193
Well, I will love, write, sigh, pray, sue and groan:
Link: 3.1.194
Some men must love my lady and some Joan.
Link: 3.1.195

Exit

Act IV

Act 4 of Love's Labour's Lost sees the four male protagonists, who have sworn to abstain from the company of women for three years, each receive a love letter from one of the four women they have fallen for. The women, who have disguised themselves as Russian ambassadors, declare their love for the men and ask them to meet in the park that night.

The men are thrilled to receive the letters but are also anxious about breaking their oath. They discuss their predicament and decide to meet the women in the park, pretending to be someone else. They choose ridiculous disguises, with one dressing up as a Russian, another as a Spaniard, and so on.

Meanwhile, a comic subplot involves the schoolmaster Holofernes and the curate Sir Nathaniel, who are trying to prepare a play for the entertainment of the court. However, their attempts at wit and humor fall flat, and they are ridiculed by the other characters.

The play ends with the men and women meeting in the park, where they reveal their true identities and profess their love for each other. The King of Navarre realizes that their oath was foolish and agrees to marry the Princess of France, while the other couples pair off happily.

SCENE I. The same.

Scene 1 of Act 4 is set in a park outside the King's palace. The King and his lords are discussing their progress in their self-imposed mission to avoid women for three years and devote themselves to study and self-improvement. However, they admit that they have all failed in their mission and have each fallen in love with a woman. The King is in love with the Princess of France, while his lords are in love with her ladies-in-waiting.

As they are discussing their predicament, the Princess and her ladies enter the park. The King greets them warmly and tries to hide his feelings for the Princess, but it is clear that they are both smitten with each other. The Princess tells the King that she has come to collect the money he promised her father, but he avoids the subject and instead asks her to stay and enjoy the park with him and his lords.

The Princess agrees to stay, but only if the King and his lords can entertain her and her ladies with a display of wit and intelligence. The King agrees and they engage in a wordplay competition, with each trying to outdo the other in cleverness and puns. However, the Princess and her ladies prove to be just as witty and the competition ends in a draw.

As the scene ends, the Princess and her ladies depart, leaving the King and his lords to reflect on their newfound love and the futility of their previous mission.

Enter the PRINCESS, and her train, a Forester, BOYET, ROSALINE, MARIA, and KATHARINE

PRINCESS
Was that the king, that spurred his horse so hard
Link: 4.1.1
Against the steep uprising of the hill?
Link: 4.1.2

BOYET
I know not; but I think it was not he.
Link: 4.1.3

PRINCESS
Whoe'er a' was, a' show'd a mounting mind.
Link: 4.1.4
Well, lords, to-day we shall have our dispatch:
Link: 4.1.5
On Saturday we will return to France.
Link: 4.1.6
Then, forester, my friend, where is the bush
Link: 4.1.7
That we must stand and play the murderer in?
Link: 4.1.8

Forester
Hereby, upon the edge of yonder coppice;
Link: 4.1.9
A stand where you may make the fairest shoot.
Link: 4.1.10

PRINCESS
I thank my beauty, I am fair that shoot,
Link: 4.1.11
And thereupon thou speak'st the fairest shoot.
Link: 4.1.12

Forester
Pardon me, madam, for I meant not so.
Link: 4.1.13

PRINCESS
What, what? first praise me and again say no?
Link: 4.1.14
O short-lived pride! Not fair? alack for woe!
Link: 4.1.15

Forester
Yes, madam, fair.
Link: 4.1.16

PRINCESS
Nay, never paint me now:
Link: 4.1.17
Where fair is not, praise cannot mend the brow.
Link: 4.1.18
Here, good my glass, take this for telling true:
Link: 4.1.19
Fair payment for foul words is more than due.
Link: 4.1.20

Forester
Nothing but fair is that which you inherit.
Link: 4.1.21

PRINCESS
See see, my beauty will be saved by merit!
Link: 4.1.22
O heresy in fair, fit for these days!
Link: 4.1.23
A giving hand, though foul, shall have fair praise.
Link: 4.1.24
But come, the bow: now mercy goes to kill,
Link: 4.1.25
And shooting well is then accounted ill.
Link: 4.1.26
Thus will I save my credit in the shoot:
Link: 4.1.27
Not wounding, pity would not let me do't;
Link: 4.1.28
If wounding, then it was to show my skill,
Link: 4.1.29
That more for praise than purpose meant to kill.
Link: 4.1.30
And out of question so it is sometimes,
Link: 4.1.31
Glory grows guilty of detested crimes,
Link: 4.1.32
When, for fame's sake, for praise, an outward part,
Link: 4.1.33
We bend to that the working of the heart;
Link: 4.1.34
As I for praise alone now seek to spill
Link: 4.1.35
The poor deer's blood, that my heart means no ill.
Link: 4.1.36

BOYET
Do not curst wives hold that self-sovereignty
Link: 4.1.37
Only for praise sake, when they strive to be
Link: 4.1.38
Lords o'er their lords?
Link: 4.1.39

PRINCESS
Only for praise: and praise we may afford
Link: 4.1.40
To any lady that subdues a lord.
Link: 4.1.41

BOYET
Here comes a member of the commonwealth.
Link: 4.1.42

Enter COSTARD

COSTARD
God dig-you-den all! Pray you, which is the head lady?
Link: 4.1.43

PRINCESS
Thou shalt know her, fellow, by the rest that have no heads.
Link: 4.1.44

COSTARD
Which is the greatest lady, the highest?
Link: 4.1.45

PRINCESS
The thickest and the tallest.
Link: 4.1.46

COSTARD
The thickest and the tallest! it is so; truth is truth.
Link: 4.1.47
An your waist, mistress, were as slender as my wit,
Link: 4.1.48
One o' these maids' girdles for your waist should be fit.
Link: 4.1.49
Are not you the chief woman? you are the thickest here.
Link: 4.1.50

PRINCESS
What's your will, sir? what's your will?
Link: 4.1.51

COSTARD
I have a letter from Monsieur Biron to one Lady Rosaline.
Link: 4.1.52

PRINCESS
O, thy letter, thy letter! he's a good friend of mine:
Link: 4.1.53
Stand aside, good bearer. Boyet, you can carve;
Link: 4.1.54
Break up this capon.
Link: 4.1.55

BOYET
I am bound to serve.
Link: 4.1.56
This letter is mistook, it importeth none here;
Link: 4.1.57
It is writ to Jaquenetta.
Link: 4.1.58

PRINCESS
We will read it, I swear.
Link: 4.1.59
Break the neck of the wax, and every one give ear.
Link: 4.1.60

Reads

BOYET
'By heaven, that thou art fair, is most infallible;
Link: 4.1.61
true, that thou art beauteous; truth itself, that
Link: 4.1.62
thou art lovely. More fairer than fair, beautiful
Link: 4.1.63
than beauteous, truer than truth itself, have
Link: 4.1.64
commiseration on thy heroical vassal! The
Link: 4.1.65
magnanimous and most illustrate king Cophetua set
Link: 4.1.66
eye upon the pernicious and indubitate beggar
Link: 4.1.67
Zenelophon; and he it was that might rightly say,
Link: 4.1.68
Veni, vidi, vici; which to annothanize in the
Link: 4.1.69
vulgar,--O base and obscure vulgar!--videlicet, He
Link: 4.1.70
came, saw, and overcame: he came, one; saw two;
Link: 4.1.71
overcame, three. Who came? the king: why did he
Link: 4.1.72
come? to see: why did he see? to overcome: to
Link: 4.1.73
whom came he? to the beggar: what saw he? the
Link: 4.1.74
beggar: who overcame he? the beggar. The
Link: 4.1.75
conclusion is victory: on whose side? the king's.
Link: 4.1.76
The captive is enriched: on whose side? the
Link: 4.1.77
beggar's. The catastrophe is a nuptial: on whose
Link: 4.1.78
side? the king's: no, on both in one, or one in
Link: 4.1.79
both. I am the king; for so stands the comparison:
Link: 4.1.80
thou the beggar; for so witnesseth thy lowliness.
Link: 4.1.81
Shall I command thy love? I may: shall I enforce
Link: 4.1.82
thy love? I could: shall I entreat thy love? I
Link: 4.1.83
will. What shalt thou exchange for rags? robes;
Link: 4.1.84
for tittles? titles; for thyself? me. Thus,
Link: 4.1.85
expecting thy reply, I profane my lips on thy foot,
Link: 4.1.86
my eyes on thy picture. and my heart on thy every
Link: 4.1.87
part. Thine, in the dearest design of industry,
Link: 4.1.88
DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO.'
Link: 4.1.89
Thus dost thou hear the Nemean lion roar
Link: 4.1.90
'Gainst thee, thou lamb, that standest as his prey.
Link: 4.1.91
Submissive fall his princely feet before,
Link: 4.1.92
And he from forage will incline to play:
Link: 4.1.93
But if thou strive, poor soul, what art thou then?
Link: 4.1.94
Food for his rage, repasture for his den.
Link: 4.1.95

PRINCESS
What plume of feathers is he that indited this letter?
Link: 4.1.96
What vane? what weathercock? did you ever hear better?
Link: 4.1.97

BOYET
I am much deceived but I remember the style.
Link: 4.1.98

PRINCESS
Else your memory is bad, going o'er it erewhile.
Link: 4.1.99

BOYET
This Armado is a Spaniard, that keeps here in court;
Link: 4.1.100
A phantasime, a Monarcho, and one that makes sport
Link: 4.1.101
To the prince and his bookmates.
Link: 4.1.102

PRINCESS
Thou fellow, a word:
Link: 4.1.103
Who gave thee this letter?
Link: 4.1.104

COSTARD
I told you; my lord.
Link: 4.1.105

PRINCESS
To whom shouldst thou give it?
Link: 4.1.106

COSTARD
From my lord to my lady.
Link: 4.1.107

PRINCESS
From which lord to which lady?
Link: 4.1.108

COSTARD
From my lord Biron, a good master of mine,
Link: 4.1.109
To a lady of France that he call'd Rosaline.
Link: 4.1.110

PRINCESS
Thou hast mistaken his letter. Come, lords, away.
Link: 4.1.111
Here, sweet, put up this: 'twill be thine another day.
Link: 4.1.112

Exeunt PRINCESS and train

BOYET
Who is the suitor? who is the suitor?
Link: 4.1.113

ROSALINE
Shall I teach you to know?
Link: 4.1.114

BOYET
Ay, my continent of beauty.
Link: 4.1.115

ROSALINE
Why, she that bears the bow.
Link: 4.1.116
Finely put off!
Link: 4.1.117

BOYET
My lady goes to kill horns; but, if thou marry,
Link: 4.1.118
Hang me by the neck, if horns that year miscarry.
Link: 4.1.119
Finely put on!
Link: 4.1.120

ROSALINE
Well, then, I am the shooter.
Link: 4.1.121

BOYET
And who is your deer?
Link: 4.1.122

ROSALINE
If we choose by the horns, yourself come not near.
Link: 4.1.123
Finely put on, indeed!
Link: 4.1.124

MARIA
You still wrangle with her, Boyet, and she strikes
Link: 4.1.125
at the brow.
Link: 4.1.126

BOYET
But she herself is hit lower: have I hit her now?
Link: 4.1.127

ROSALINE
Shall I come upon thee with an old saying, that was
Link: 4.1.128
a man when King Pepin of France was a little boy, as
Link: 4.1.129
touching the hit it?
Link: 4.1.130

BOYET
So I may answer thee with one as old, that was a
Link: 4.1.131
woman when Queen Guinover of Britain was a little
Link: 4.1.132
wench, as touching the hit it.
Link: 4.1.133

ROSALINE
Thou canst not hit it, hit it, hit it,
Link: 4.1.134
Thou canst not hit it, my good man.
Link: 4.1.135

BOYET
An I cannot, cannot, cannot,
Link: 4.1.136
An I cannot, another can.
Link: 4.1.137

Exeunt ROSALINE and KATHARINE

COSTARD
By my troth, most pleasant: how both did fit it!
Link: 4.1.138

MARIA
A mark marvellous well shot, for they both did hit it.
Link: 4.1.139

BOYET
A mark! O, mark but that mark! A mark, says my lady!
Link: 4.1.140
Let the mark have a prick in't, to mete at, if it may be.
Link: 4.1.141

MARIA
Wide o' the bow hand! i' faith, your hand is out.
Link: 4.1.142

COSTARD
Indeed, a' must shoot nearer, or he'll ne'er hit the clout.
Link: 4.1.143

BOYET
An if my hand be out, then belike your hand is in.
Link: 4.1.144

COSTARD
Then will she get the upshoot by cleaving the pin.
Link: 4.1.145

MARIA
Come, come, you talk greasily; your lips grow foul.
Link: 4.1.146

COSTARD
She's too hard for you at pricks, sir: challenge her to bowl.
Link: 4.1.147

BOYET
I fear too much rubbing. Good night, my good owl.
Link: 4.1.148

Exeunt BOYET and MARIA

COSTARD
By my soul, a swain! a most simple clown!
Link: 4.1.149
Lord, Lord, how the ladies and I have put him down!
Link: 4.1.150
O' my troth, most sweet jests! most incony
Link: 4.1.151
vulgar wit!
Link: 4.1.152
When it comes so smoothly off, so obscenely, as it
Link: 4.1.153
were, so fit.
Link: 4.1.154
Armado o' th' one side,--O, a most dainty man!
Link: 4.1.155
To see him walk before a lady and to bear her fan!
Link: 4.1.156
To see him kiss his hand! and how most sweetly a'
Link: 4.1.157
will swear!
Link: 4.1.158
And his page o' t' other side, that handful of wit!
Link: 4.1.159
Ah, heavens, it is a most pathetical nit!
Link: 4.1.160
Sola, sola!
Link: 4.1.161

Shout within

Exit COSTARD, running

SCENE II. The same.

Scene 2 of Act 4 features the King of Navarre, Berowne, Longaville, and Dumaine, who are all in disguise as Russian ambassadors. They are waiting for the arrival of the Princess of France and her ladies, who have come to discuss the terms of the King's proposed courtship. The King is anxious to see the Princess, but he is also worried about being caught in his disguise.

As they await the Princess's arrival, the King and his friends engage in a series of witty and playful conversations. They discuss the nature of love, the power of language, and the importance of honesty. Berowne, in particular, is skeptical of the King's plan to woo the Princess, arguing that love cannot be forced or controlled.

When the Princess and her ladies arrive, the King and his friends attempt to maintain their disguise, but they are quickly found out. The Princess is amused by their antics, and she and the King engage in a playful battle of wits. Eventually, the King admits his true identity and confesses his love for the Princess.

Although the Princess is initially skeptical of the King's sincerity, she ultimately agrees to consider his proposal. The scene ends with the King and his friends reflecting on the power of love and the joy it brings.

Enter HOLOFERNES, SIR NATHANIEL, and DULL

SIR NATHANIEL
Very reverend sport, truly; and done in the testimony
Link: 4.2.1
of a good conscience.
Link: 4.2.2

HOLOFERNES
The deer was, as you know, sanguis, in blood; ripe
Link: 4.2.3
as the pomewater, who now hangeth like a jewel in
Link: 4.2.4
the ear of caelo, the sky, the welkin, the heaven;
Link: 4.2.5
and anon falleth like a crab on the face of terra,
Link: 4.2.6
the soil, the land, the earth.
Link: 4.2.7

SIR NATHANIEL
Truly, Master Holofernes, the epithets are sweetly
Link: 4.2.8
varied, like a scholar at the least: but, sir, I
Link: 4.2.9
assure ye, it was a buck of the first head.
Link: 4.2.10

HOLOFERNES
Sir Nathaniel, haud credo.
Link: 4.2.11

DULL
'Twas not a haud credo; 'twas a pricket.
Link: 4.2.12

HOLOFERNES
Most barbarous intimation! yet a kind of
Link: 4.2.13
insinuation, as it were, in via, in way, of
Link: 4.2.14
explication; facere, as it were, replication, or
Link: 4.2.15
rather, ostentare, to show, as it were, his
Link: 4.2.16
inclination, after his undressed, unpolished,
Link: 4.2.17
uneducated, unpruned, untrained, or rather,
Link: 4.2.18
unlettered, or ratherest, unconfirmed fashion, to
Link: 4.2.19
insert again my haud credo for a deer.
Link: 4.2.20

DULL
I said the deer was not a haud credo; twas a pricket.
Link: 4.2.21

HOLOFERNES
Twice-sod simplicity, his coctus!
Link: 4.2.22
O thou monster Ignorance, how deformed dost thou look!
Link: 4.2.23

SIR NATHANIEL
Sir, he hath never fed of the dainties that are bred
Link: 4.2.24
in a book; he hath not eat paper, as it were; he
Link: 4.2.25
hath not drunk ink: his intellect is not
Link: 4.2.26
replenished; he is only an animal, only sensible in
Link: 4.2.27
the duller parts:
Link: 4.2.28
And such barren plants are set before us, that we
Link: 4.2.29
thankful should be,
Link: 4.2.30
Which we of taste and feeling are, for those parts that
Link: 4.2.31
do fructify in us more than he.
Link: 4.2.32
For as it would ill become me to be vain, indiscreet, or a fool,
Link: 4.2.33
So were there a patch set on learning, to see him in a school:
Link: 4.2.34
But omne bene, say I; being of an old father's mind,
Link: 4.2.35
Many can brook the weather that love not the wind.
Link: 4.2.36

DULL
You two are book-men: can you tell me by your wit
Link: 4.2.37
What was a month old at Cain's birth, that's not five
Link: 4.2.38
weeks old as yet?
Link: 4.2.39

HOLOFERNES
Dictynna, goodman Dull; Dictynna, goodman Dull.
Link: 4.2.40

DULL
What is Dictynna?
Link: 4.2.41

SIR NATHANIEL
A title to Phoebe, to Luna, to the moon.
Link: 4.2.42

HOLOFERNES
The moon was a month old when Adam was no more,
Link: 4.2.43
And raught not to five weeks when he came to
Link: 4.2.44
five-score.
Link: 4.2.45
The allusion holds in the exchange.
Link: 4.2.46

DULL
'Tis true indeed; the collusion holds in the exchange.
Link: 4.2.47

HOLOFERNES
God comfort thy capacity! I say, the allusion holds
Link: 4.2.48
in the exchange.
Link: 4.2.49

DULL
And I say, the pollusion holds in the exchange; for
Link: 4.2.50
the moon is never but a month old: and I say beside
Link: 4.2.51
that, 'twas a pricket that the princess killed.
Link: 4.2.52

HOLOFERNES
Sir Nathaniel, will you hear an extemporal epitaph
Link: 4.2.53
on the death of the deer? And, to humour the
Link: 4.2.54
ignorant, call I the deer the princess killed a pricket.
Link: 4.2.55

SIR NATHANIEL
Perge, good Master Holofernes, perge; so it shall
Link: 4.2.56
please you to abrogate scurrility.
Link: 4.2.57

HOLOFERNES
I will something affect the letter, for it argues facility.
Link: 4.2.58
The preyful princess pierced and prick'd a pretty
Link: 4.2.59
pleasing pricket;
Link: 4.2.60
Some say a sore; but not a sore, till now made
Link: 4.2.61
sore with shooting.
Link: 4.2.62
The dogs did yell: put L to sore, then sorel jumps
Link: 4.2.63
from thicket;
Link: 4.2.64
Or pricket sore, or else sorel; the people fall a-hooting.
Link: 4.2.65
If sore be sore, then L to sore makes fifty sores
Link: 4.2.66
one sorel.
Link: 4.2.67
Of one sore I an hundred make by adding but one more L.
Link: 4.2.68

SIR NATHANIEL
A rare talent!
Link: 4.2.69

DULL
(Aside) If a talent be a claw, look how he claws
Link: 4.2.70
him with a talent.
Link: 4.2.71

HOLOFERNES
This is a gift that I have, simple, simple; a
Link: 4.2.72
foolish extravagant spirit, full of forms, figures,
Link: 4.2.73
shapes, objects, ideas, apprehensions, motions,
Link: 4.2.74
revolutions: these are begot in the ventricle of
Link: 4.2.75
memory, nourished in the womb of pia mater, and
Link: 4.2.76
delivered upon the mellowing of occasion. But the
Link: 4.2.77
gift is good in those in whom it is acute, and I am
Link: 4.2.78
thankful for it.
Link: 4.2.79

SIR NATHANIEL
Sir, I praise the Lord for you; and so may my
Link: 4.2.80
parishioners; for their sons are well tutored by
Link: 4.2.81
you, and their daughters profit very greatly under
Link: 4.2.82
you: you are a good member of the commonwealth.
Link: 4.2.83

HOLOFERNES
Mehercle, if their sons be ingenuous, they shall
Link: 4.2.84
want no instruction; if their daughters be capable,
Link: 4.2.85
I will put it to them: but vir sapit qui pauca
Link: 4.2.86
loquitur; a soul feminine saluteth us.
Link: 4.2.87

Enter JAQUENETTA and COSTARD

JAQUENETTA
God give you good morrow, master Parson.
Link: 4.2.88

HOLOFERNES
Master Parson, quasi pers-on. An if one should be
Link: 4.2.89
pierced, which is the one?
Link: 4.2.90

COSTARD
Marry, master schoolmaster, he that is likest to a hogshead.
Link: 4.2.91

HOLOFERNES
Piercing a hogshead! a good lustre of conceit in a
Link: 4.2.92
tuft of earth; fire enough for a flint, pearl enough
Link: 4.2.93
for a swine: 'tis pretty; it is well.
Link: 4.2.94

JAQUENETTA
Good master Parson, be so good as read me this
Link: 4.2.95
letter: it was given me by Costard, and sent me
Link: 4.2.96
from Don Armado: I beseech you, read it.
Link: 4.2.97

HOLOFERNES
Fauste, precor gelida quando pecus omne sub umbra
Link: 4.2.98
Ruminat,--and so forth. Ah, good old Mantuan! I
Link: 4.2.99
may speak of thee as the traveller doth of Venice;
Link: 4.2.100
Venetia, Venetia,
Link: 4.2.101
Chi non ti vede non ti pretia.
Link: 4.2.102
Old Mantuan, old Mantuan! who understandeth thee
Link: 4.2.103
not, loves thee not. Ut, re, sol, la, mi, fa.
Link: 4.2.104
Under pardon, sir, what are the contents? or rather,
Link: 4.2.105
as Horace says in his--What, my soul, verses?
Link: 4.2.106

SIR NATHANIEL
Ay, sir, and very learned.
Link: 4.2.107

HOLOFERNES
Let me hear a staff, a stanze, a verse; lege, domine.
Link: 4.2.108

SIR NATHANIEL
(Reads)
Link: 4.2.109
If love make me forsworn, how shall I swear to love?
Link: 4.2.110
Ah, never faith could hold, if not to beauty vow'd!
Link: 4.2.111
Though to myself forsworn, to thee I'll faithful prove:
Link: 4.2.112
Those thoughts to me were oaks, to thee like
Link: 4.2.113
osiers bow'd.
Link: 4.2.114
Study his bias leaves and makes his book thine eyes,
Link: 4.2.115
Where all those pleasures live that art would
Link: 4.2.116
comprehend:
Link: 4.2.117
If knowledge be the mark, to know thee shall suffice;
Link: 4.2.118
Well learned is that tongue that well can thee commend,
Link: 4.2.119
All ignorant that soul that sees thee without wonder;
Link: 4.2.120
Which is to me some praise that I thy parts admire:
Link: 4.2.121
Thy eye Jove's lightning bears, thy voice his dreadful thunder,
Link: 4.2.122
Which not to anger bent, is music and sweet fire.
Link: 4.2.123
Celestial as thou art, O, pardon, love, this wrong,
Link: 4.2.124
That sings heaven's praise with such an earthly tongue.
Link: 4.2.125

HOLOFERNES
You find not the apostraphas, and so miss the
Link: 4.2.126
accent: let me supervise the canzonet. Here are
Link: 4.2.127
only numbers ratified; but, for the elegancy,
Link: 4.2.128
facility, and golden cadence of poesy, caret.
Link: 4.2.129
Ovidius Naso was the man: and why, indeed, Naso,
Link: 4.2.130
but for smelling out the odouriferous flowers of
Link: 4.2.131
fancy, the jerks of invention? Imitari is nothing:
Link: 4.2.132
so doth the hound his master, the ape his keeper,
Link: 4.2.133
the tired horse his rider. But, damosella virgin,
Link: 4.2.134
was this directed to you?
Link: 4.2.135

JAQUENETTA
Ay, sir, from one Monsieur Biron, one of the strange
Link: 4.2.136
queen's lords.
Link: 4.2.137

HOLOFERNES
I will overglance the superscript: 'To the
Link: 4.2.138
snow-white hand of the most beauteous Lady
Link: 4.2.139
Rosaline.' I will look again on the intellect of
Link: 4.2.140
the letter, for the nomination of the party writing
Link: 4.2.141
to the person written unto: 'Your ladyship's in all
Link: 4.2.142
desired employment, BIRON.' Sir Nathaniel, this
Link: 4.2.143
Biron is one of the votaries with the king; and here
Link: 4.2.144
he hath framed a letter to a sequent of the stranger
Link: 4.2.145
queen's, which accidentally, or by the way of
Link: 4.2.146
progression, hath miscarried. Trip and go, my
Link: 4.2.147
sweet; deliver this paper into the royal hand of the
Link: 4.2.148
king: it may concern much. Stay not thy
Link: 4.2.149
compliment; I forgive thy duty; adieu.
Link: 4.2.150

JAQUENETTA
Good Costard, go with me. Sir, God save your life!
Link: 4.2.151

COSTARD
Have with thee, my girl.
Link: 4.2.152

Exeunt COSTARD and JAQUENETTA

SIR NATHANIEL
Sir, you have done this in the fear of God, very
Link: 4.2.153
religiously; and, as a certain father saith,--
Link: 4.2.154

HOLOFERNES
Sir tell me not of the father; I do fear colourable
Link: 4.2.155
colours. But to return to the verses: did they
Link: 4.2.156
please you, Sir Nathaniel?
Link: 4.2.157

SIR NATHANIEL
Marvellous well for the pen.
Link: 4.2.158

HOLOFERNES
I do dine to-day at the father's of a certain pupil
Link: 4.2.159
of mine; where, if, before repast, it shall please
Link: 4.2.160
you to gratify the table with a grace, I will, on my
Link: 4.2.161
privilege I have with the parents of the foresaid
Link: 4.2.162
child or pupil, undertake your ben venuto; where I
Link: 4.2.163
will prove those verses to be very unlearned,
Link: 4.2.164
neither savouring of poetry, wit, nor invention: I
Link: 4.2.165
beseech your society.
Link: 4.2.166

SIR NATHANIEL
And thank you too; for society, saith the text, is
Link: 4.2.167
the happiness of life.
Link: 4.2.168

HOLOFERNES
And, certes, the text most infallibly concludes it.
Link: 4.2.169
Sir, I do invite you too; you shall not
Link: 4.2.170
say me nay: pauca verba. Away! the gentles are at
Link: 4.2.171
their game, and we will to our recreation.
Link: 4.2.172

Exeunt

SCENE III. The same.

In Scene 3 of Act 4 of Love's Labour's Lost, the King of Navarre and his companions meet with the Princess of France and her ladies. They engage in a game of wit and wordplay, with each trying to outdo the other in cleverness. The King and his companions try to impress the ladies with their knowledge and wit, but the Princess and her ladies prove to be equally clever.

As the game continues, the King and his companions begin to feel a sense of unease. They have all taken an oath to avoid the company of women for three years in order to focus on their studies, but their attraction to the Princess and her ladies is becoming harder to resist. The Princess and her ladies, meanwhile, are enjoying the game and the attention they are receiving from the men.

As the scene comes to a close, the King and his companions are left to ponder their conflicting desires. They want to maintain their oath and focus on their studies, but they are also drawn to the Princess and her ladies. The tension between these desires sets the stage for the rest of the play, as the characters struggle to reconcile their intellectual pursuits with their emotional needs.

Enter BIRON, with a paper

BIRON
The king he is hunting the deer; I am coursing
Link: 4.3.1
myself: they have pitched a toil; I am toiling in
Link: 4.3.2
a pitch,--pitch that defiles: defile! a foul
Link: 4.3.3
word. Well, set thee down, sorrow! for so they say
Link: 4.3.4
the fool said, and so say I, and I the fool: well
Link: 4.3.5
proved, wit! By the Lord, this love is as mad as
Link: 4.3.6
Ajax: it kills sheep; it kills me, I a sheep:
Link: 4.3.7
well proved again o' my side! I will not love: if
Link: 4.3.8
I do, hang me; i' faith, I will not. O, but her
Link: 4.3.9
eye,--by this light, but for her eye, I would not
Link: 4.3.10
love her; yes, for her two eyes. Well, I do nothing
Link: 4.3.11
in the world but lie, and lie in my throat. By
Link: 4.3.12
heaven, I do love: and it hath taught me to rhyme
Link: 4.3.13
and to be melancholy; and here is part of my rhyme,
Link: 4.3.14
and here my melancholy. Well, she hath one o' my
Link: 4.3.15
sonnets already: the clown bore it, the fool sent
Link: 4.3.16
it, and the lady hath it: sweet clown, sweeter
Link: 4.3.17
fool, sweetest lady! By the world, I would not care
Link: 4.3.18
a pin, if the other three were in. Here comes one
Link: 4.3.19
with a paper: God give him grace to groan!
Link: 4.3.20

Stands aside

Enter FERDINAND, with a paper

FERDINAND
Ay me!
Link: 4.3.21

BIRON
(Aside) Shot, by heaven! Proceed, sweet Cupid:
Link: 4.3.22
thou hast thumped him with thy bird-bolt under the
Link: 4.3.23
left pap. In faith, secrets!
Link: 4.3.24

FERDINAND
(Reads)
Link: 4.3.25
So sweet a kiss the golden sun gives not
Link: 4.3.26
To those fresh morning drops upon the rose,
Link: 4.3.27
As thy eye-beams, when their fresh rays have smote
Link: 4.3.28
The night of dew that on my cheeks down flows:
Link: 4.3.29
Nor shines the silver moon one half so bright
Link: 4.3.30
Through the transparent bosom of the deep,
Link: 4.3.31
As doth thy face through tears of mine give light;
Link: 4.3.32
Thou shinest in every tear that I do weep:
Link: 4.3.33
No drop but as a coach doth carry thee;
Link: 4.3.34
So ridest thou triumphing in my woe.
Link: 4.3.35
Do but behold the tears that swell in me,
Link: 4.3.36
And they thy glory through my grief will show:
Link: 4.3.37
But do not love thyself; then thou wilt keep
Link: 4.3.38
My tears for glasses, and still make me weep.
Link: 4.3.39
O queen of queens! how far dost thou excel,
Link: 4.3.40
No thought can think, nor tongue of mortal tell.
Link: 4.3.41
How shall she know my griefs? I'll drop the paper:
Link: 4.3.42
Sweet leaves, shade folly. Who is he comes here?
Link: 4.3.43
What, Longaville! and reading! listen, ear.
Link: 4.3.44

BIRON
Now, in thy likeness, one more fool appear!
Link: 4.3.45

Enter LONGAVILLE, with a paper

LONGAVILLE
Ay me, I am forsworn!
Link: 4.3.46

BIRON
Why, he comes in like a perjure, wearing papers.
Link: 4.3.47

FERDINAND
In love, I hope: sweet fellowship in shame!
Link: 4.3.48

BIRON
One drunkard loves another of the name.
Link: 4.3.49

LONGAVILLE
Am I the first that have been perjured so?
Link: 4.3.50

BIRON
I could put thee in comfort. Not by two that I know:
Link: 4.3.51
Thou makest the triumviry, the corner-cap of society,
Link: 4.3.52
The shape of Love's Tyburn that hangs up simplicity.
Link: 4.3.53

LONGAVILLE
I fear these stubborn lines lack power to move:
Link: 4.3.54
O sweet Maria, empress of my love!
Link: 4.3.55
These numbers will I tear, and write in prose.
Link: 4.3.56

BIRON
O, rhymes are guards on wanton Cupid's hose:
Link: 4.3.57
Disfigure not his slop.
Link: 4.3.58

LONGAVILLE
This same shall go.
Link: 4.3.59
Did not the heavenly rhetoric of thine eye,
Link: 4.3.60
'Gainst whom the world cannot hold argument,
Link: 4.3.61
Persuade my heart to this false perjury?
Link: 4.3.62
Vows for thee broke deserve not punishment.
Link: 4.3.63
A woman I forswore; but I will prove,
Link: 4.3.64
Thou being a goddess, I forswore not thee:
Link: 4.3.65
My vow was earthly, thou a heavenly love;
Link: 4.3.66
Thy grace being gain'd cures all disgrace in me.
Link: 4.3.67
Vows are but breath, and breath a vapour is:
Link: 4.3.68
Then thou, fair sun, which on my earth dost shine,
Link: 4.3.69
Exhalest this vapour-vow; in thee it is:
Link: 4.3.70
If broken then, it is no fault of mine:
Link: 4.3.71
If by me broke, what fool is not so wise
Link: 4.3.72
To lose an oath to win a paradise?
Link: 4.3.73

BIRON
This is the liver-vein, which makes flesh a deity,
Link: 4.3.74
A green goose a goddess: pure, pure idolatry.
Link: 4.3.75
God amend us, God amend! we are much out o' the way.
Link: 4.3.76

LONGAVILLE
By whom shall I send this?--Company! stay.
Link: 4.3.77

Steps aside

BIRON
All hid, all hid; an old infant play.
Link: 4.3.78
Like a demigod here sit I in the sky.
Link: 4.3.79
And wretched fools' secrets heedfully o'ereye.
Link: 4.3.80
More sacks to the mill! O heavens, I have my wish!
Link: 4.3.81
Dumain transform'd! four woodcocks in a dish!
Link: 4.3.82

DUMAIN
O most divine Kate!
Link: 4.3.83

BIRON
O most profane coxcomb!
Link: 4.3.84

DUMAIN
By heaven, the wonder in a mortal eye!
Link: 4.3.85

BIRON
By earth, she is not, corporal, there you lie.
Link: 4.3.86

DUMAIN
Her amber hair for foul hath amber quoted.
Link: 4.3.87

BIRON
An amber-colour'd raven was well noted.
Link: 4.3.88

DUMAIN
As upright as the cedar.
Link: 4.3.89

BIRON
Stoop, I say;
Link: 4.3.90
Her shoulder is with child.
Link: 4.3.91

DUMAIN
As fair as day.
Link: 4.3.92

BIRON
Ay, as some days; but then no sun must shine.
Link: 4.3.93

DUMAIN
O that I had my wish!
Link: 4.3.94

LONGAVILLE
And I had mine!
Link: 4.3.95

FERDINAND
And I mine too, good Lord!
Link: 4.3.96

BIRON
Amen, so I had mine: is not that a good word?
Link: 4.3.97

DUMAIN
I would forget her; but a fever she
Link: 4.3.98
Reigns in my blood and will remember'd be.
Link: 4.3.99

BIRON
A fever in your blood! why, then incision
Link: 4.3.100
Would let her out in saucers: sweet misprision!
Link: 4.3.101

DUMAIN
Once more I'll read the ode that I have writ.
Link: 4.3.102

BIRON
Once more I'll mark how love can vary wit.
Link: 4.3.103

DUMAIN
(Reads)
Link: 4.3.104
On a day--alack the day!--
Link: 4.3.105
Love, whose month is ever May,
Link: 4.3.106
Spied a blossom passing fair
Link: 4.3.107
Playing in the wanton air:
Link: 4.3.108
Through the velvet leaves the wind,
Link: 4.3.109
All unseen, can passage find;
Link: 4.3.110
That the lover, sick to death,
Link: 4.3.111
Wish himself the heaven's breath.
Link: 4.3.112
Air, quoth he, thy cheeks may blow;
Link: 4.3.113
Air, would I might triumph so!
Link: 4.3.114
But, alack, my hand is sworn
Link: 4.3.115
Ne'er to pluck thee from thy thorn;
Link: 4.3.116
Vow, alack, for youth unmeet,
Link: 4.3.117
Youth so apt to pluck a sweet!
Link: 4.3.118
Do not call it sin in me,
Link: 4.3.119
That I am forsworn for thee;
Link: 4.3.120
Thou for whom Jove would swear
Link: 4.3.121
Juno but an Ethiope were;
Link: 4.3.122
And deny himself for Jove,
Link: 4.3.123
Turning mortal for thy love.
Link: 4.3.124
This will I send, and something else more plain,
Link: 4.3.125
That shall express my true love's fasting pain.
Link: 4.3.126
O, would the king, Biron, and Longaville,
Link: 4.3.127
Were lovers too! Ill, to example ill,
Link: 4.3.128
Would from my forehead wipe a perjured note;
Link: 4.3.129
For none offend where all alike do dote.
Link: 4.3.130

LONGAVILLE
(Advancing) Dumain, thy love is far from charity.
Link: 4.3.131
You may look pale, but I should blush, I know,
Link: 4.3.132
To be o'erheard and taken napping so.
Link: 4.3.133

FERDINAND
(Advancing) Come, sir, you blush; as his your case is such;
Link: 4.3.134
You chide at him, offending twice as much;
Link: 4.3.135
You do not love Maria; Longaville
Link: 4.3.136
Did never sonnet for her sake compile,
Link: 4.3.137
Nor never lay his wreathed arms athwart
Link: 4.3.138
His loving bosom to keep down his heart.
Link: 4.3.139
I have been closely shrouded in this bush
Link: 4.3.140
And mark'd you both and for you both did blush:
Link: 4.3.141
I heard your guilty rhymes, observed your fashion,
Link: 4.3.142
Saw sighs reek from you, noted well your passion:
Link: 4.3.143
Ay me! says one; O Jove! the other cries;
Link: 4.3.144
One, her hairs were gold, crystal the other's eyes:
Link: 4.3.145
You would for paradise break faith, and troth;
Link: 4.3.146
And Jove, for your love, would infringe an oath.
Link: 4.3.147
What will Biron say when that he shall hear
Link: 4.3.148
Faith so infringed, which such zeal did swear?
Link: 4.3.149
How will he scorn! how will he spend his wit!
Link: 4.3.150
How will he triumph, leap and laugh at it!
Link: 4.3.151
For all the wealth that ever I did see,
Link: 4.3.152
I would not have him know so much by me.
Link: 4.3.153

BIRON
Now step I forth to whip hypocrisy.
Link: 4.3.154
Ah, good my liege, I pray thee, pardon me!
Link: 4.3.155
Good heart, what grace hast thou, thus to reprove
Link: 4.3.156
These worms for loving, that art most in love?
Link: 4.3.157
Your eyes do make no coaches; in your tears
Link: 4.3.158
There is no certain princess that appears;
Link: 4.3.159
You'll not be perjured, 'tis a hateful thing;
Link: 4.3.160
Tush, none but minstrels like of sonneting!
Link: 4.3.161
But are you not ashamed? nay, are you not,
Link: 4.3.162
All three of you, to be thus much o'ershot?
Link: 4.3.163
You found his mote; the king your mote did see;
Link: 4.3.164
But I a beam do find in each of three.
Link: 4.3.165
O, what a scene of foolery have I seen,
Link: 4.3.166
Of sighs, of groans, of sorrow and of teen!
Link: 4.3.167
O me, with what strict patience have I sat,
Link: 4.3.168
To see a king transformed to a gnat!
Link: 4.3.169
To see great Hercules whipping a gig,
Link: 4.3.170
And profound Solomon to tune a jig,
Link: 4.3.171
And Nestor play at push-pin with the boys,
Link: 4.3.172
And critic Timon laugh at idle toys!
Link: 4.3.173
Where lies thy grief, O, tell me, good Dumain?
Link: 4.3.174
And gentle Longaville, where lies thy pain?
Link: 4.3.175
And where my liege's? all about the breast:
Link: 4.3.176
A caudle, ho!
Link: 4.3.177

FERDINAND
Too bitter is thy jest.
Link: 4.3.178
Are we betray'd thus to thy over-view?
Link: 4.3.179

BIRON
Not you to me, but I betray'd by you:
Link: 4.3.180
I, that am honest; I, that hold it sin
Link: 4.3.181
To break the vow I am engaged in;
Link: 4.3.182
I am betray'd, by keeping company
Link: 4.3.183
With men like men of inconstancy.
Link: 4.3.184
When shall you see me write a thing in rhyme?
Link: 4.3.185
Or groan for love? or spend a minute's time
Link: 4.3.186
In pruning me? When shall you hear that I
Link: 4.3.187
Will praise a hand, a foot, a face, an eye,
Link: 4.3.188
A gait, a state, a brow, a breast, a waist,
Link: 4.3.189
A leg, a limb?
Link: 4.3.190

FERDINAND
Soft! whither away so fast?
Link: 4.3.191
A true man or a thief that gallops so?
Link: 4.3.192

BIRON
I post from love: good lover, let me go.
Link: 4.3.193

Enter JAQUENETTA and COSTARD

JAQUENETTA
God bless the king!
Link: 4.3.194

FERDINAND
What present hast thou there?
Link: 4.3.195

COSTARD
Some certain treason.
Link: 4.3.196

FERDINAND
What makes treason here?
Link: 4.3.197

COSTARD
Nay, it makes nothing, sir.
Link: 4.3.198

FERDINAND
If it mar nothing neither,
Link: 4.3.199
The treason and you go in peace away together.
Link: 4.3.200

JAQUENETTA
I beseech your grace, let this letter be read:
Link: 4.3.201
Our parson misdoubts it; 'twas treason, he said.
Link: 4.3.202

FERDINAND
Biron, read it over.
Link: 4.3.203
Where hadst thou it?
Link: 4.3.204

JAQUENETTA
Of Costard.
Link: 4.3.205

FERDINAND
Where hadst thou it?
Link: 4.3.206

COSTARD
Of Dun Adramadio, Dun Adramadio.
Link: 4.3.207

BIRON tears the letter

FERDINAND
How now! what is in you? why dost thou tear it?
Link: 4.3.208

BIRON
A toy, my liege, a toy: your grace needs not fear it.
Link: 4.3.209

LONGAVILLE
It did move him to passion, and therefore let's hear it.
Link: 4.3.210

DUMAIN
It is Biron's writing, and here is his name.
Link: 4.3.211

Gathering up the pieces

BIRON
(To COSTARD) Ah, you whoreson loggerhead! you were
Link: 4.3.212
born to do me shame.
Link: 4.3.213
Guilty, my lord, guilty! I confess, I confess.
Link: 4.3.214

FERDINAND
What?
Link: 4.3.215

BIRON
That you three fools lack'd me fool to make up the mess:
Link: 4.3.216
He, he, and you, and you, my liege, and I,
Link: 4.3.217
Are pick-purses in love, and we deserve to die.
Link: 4.3.218
O, dismiss this audience, and I shall tell you more.
Link: 4.3.219

DUMAIN
Now the number is even.
Link: 4.3.220

BIRON
True, true; we are four.
Link: 4.3.221
Will these turtles be gone?
Link: 4.3.222

FERDINAND
Hence, sirs; away!
Link: 4.3.223

COSTARD
Walk aside the true folk, and let the traitors stay.
Link: 4.3.224

Exeunt COSTARD and JAQUENETTA

BIRON
Sweet lords, sweet lovers, O, let us embrace!
Link: 4.3.225
As true we are as flesh and blood can be:
Link: 4.3.226
The sea will ebb and flow, heaven show his face;
Link: 4.3.227
Young blood doth not obey an old decree:
Link: 4.3.228
We cannot cross the cause why we were born;
Link: 4.3.229
Therefore of all hands must we be forsworn.
Link: 4.3.230

FERDINAND
What, did these rent lines show some love of thine?
Link: 4.3.231

BIRON
Did they, quoth you? Who sees the heavenly Rosaline,
Link: 4.3.232
That, like a rude and savage man of Inde,
Link: 4.3.233
At the first opening of the gorgeous east,
Link: 4.3.234
Bows not his vassal head and strucken blind
Link: 4.3.235
Kisses the base ground with obedient breast?
Link: 4.3.236
What peremptory eagle-sighted eye
Link: 4.3.237
Dares look upon the heaven of her brow,
Link: 4.3.238
That is not blinded by her majesty?
Link: 4.3.239

FERDINAND
What zeal, what fury hath inspired thee now?
Link: 4.3.240
My love, her mistress, is a gracious moon;
Link: 4.3.241
She an attending star, scarce seen a light.
Link: 4.3.242

BIRON
My eyes are then no eyes, nor I Biron:
Link: 4.3.243
O, but for my love, day would turn to night!
Link: 4.3.244
Of all complexions the cull'd sovereignty
Link: 4.3.245
Do meet, as at a fair, in her fair cheek,
Link: 4.3.246
Where several worthies make one dignity,
Link: 4.3.247
Where nothing wants that want itself doth seek.
Link: 4.3.248
Lend me the flourish of all gentle tongues,--
Link: 4.3.249
Fie, painted rhetoric! O, she needs it not:
Link: 4.3.250
To things of sale a seller's praise belongs,
Link: 4.3.251
She passes praise; then praise too short doth blot.
Link: 4.3.252
A wither'd hermit, five-score winters worn,
Link: 4.3.253
Might shake off fifty, looking in her eye:
Link: 4.3.254
Beauty doth varnish age, as if new-born,
Link: 4.3.255
And gives the crutch the cradle's infancy:
Link: 4.3.256
O, 'tis the sun that maketh all things shine.
Link: 4.3.257

FERDINAND
By heaven, thy love is black as ebony.
Link: 4.3.258

BIRON
Is ebony like her? O wood divine!
Link: 4.3.259
A wife of such wood were felicity.
Link: 4.3.260
O, who can give an oath? where is a book?
Link: 4.3.261
That I may swear beauty doth beauty lack,
Link: 4.3.262
If that she learn not of her eye to look:
Link: 4.3.263
No face is fair that is not full so black.
Link: 4.3.264

FERDINAND
O paradox! Black is the badge of hell,
Link: 4.3.265
The hue of dungeons and the suit of night;
Link: 4.3.266
And beauty's crest becomes the heavens well.
Link: 4.3.267

BIRON
Devils soonest tempt, resembling spirits of light.
Link: 4.3.268
O, if in black my lady's brows be deck'd,
Link: 4.3.269
It mourns that painting and usurping hair
Link: 4.3.270
Should ravish doters with a false aspect;
Link: 4.3.271
And therefore is she born to make black fair.
Link: 4.3.272
Her favour turns the fashion of the days,
Link: 4.3.273
For native blood is counted painting now;
Link: 4.3.274
And therefore red, that would avoid dispraise,
Link: 4.3.275
Paints itself black, to imitate her brow.
Link: 4.3.276

DUMAIN
To look like her are chimney-sweepers black.
Link: 4.3.277

LONGAVILLE
And since her time are colliers counted bright.
Link: 4.3.278

FERDINAND
And Ethiopes of their sweet complexion crack.
Link: 4.3.279

DUMAIN
Dark needs no candles now, for dark is light.
Link: 4.3.280

BIRON
Your mistresses dare never come in rain,
Link: 4.3.281
For fear their colours should be wash'd away.
Link: 4.3.282

FERDINAND
'Twere good, yours did; for, sir, to tell you plain,
Link: 4.3.283
I'll find a fairer face not wash'd to-day.
Link: 4.3.284

BIRON
I'll prove her fair, or talk till doomsday here.
Link: 4.3.285

FERDINAND
No devil will fright thee then so much as she.
Link: 4.3.286

DUMAIN
I never knew man hold vile stuff so dear.
Link: 4.3.287

LONGAVILLE
Look, here's thy love: my foot and her face see.
Link: 4.3.288

BIRON
O, if the streets were paved with thine eyes,
Link: 4.3.289
Her feet were much too dainty for such tread!
Link: 4.3.290

DUMAIN
O, vile! then, as she goes, what upward lies
Link: 4.3.291
The street should see as she walk'd overhead.
Link: 4.3.292

FERDINAND
But what of this? are we not all in love?
Link: 4.3.293

BIRON
Nothing so sure; and thereby all forsworn.
Link: 4.3.294

FERDINAND
Then leave this chat; and, good Biron, now prove
Link: 4.3.295
Our loving lawful, and our faith not torn.
Link: 4.3.296

DUMAIN
Ay, marry, there; some flattery for this evil.
Link: 4.3.297

LONGAVILLE
O, some authority how to proceed;
Link: 4.3.298
Some tricks, some quillets, how to cheat the devil.
Link: 4.3.299

DUMAIN
Some salve for perjury.
Link: 4.3.300

BIRON
'Tis more than need.
Link: 4.3.301
Have at you, then, affection's men at arms.
Link: 4.3.302
Consider what you first did swear unto,
Link: 4.3.303
To fast, to study, and to see no woman;
Link: 4.3.304
Flat treason 'gainst the kingly state of youth.
Link: 4.3.305
Say, can you fast? your stomachs are too young;
Link: 4.3.306
And abstinence engenders maladies.
Link: 4.3.307
And where that you have vow'd to study, lords,
Link: 4.3.308
In that each of you have forsworn his book,
Link: 4.3.309
Can you still dream and pore and thereon look?
Link: 4.3.310
For when would you, my lord, or you, or you,
Link: 4.3.311
Have found the ground of study's excellence
Link: 4.3.312
Without the beauty of a woman's face?
Link: 4.3.313
Why, universal plodding poisons up
Link: 4.3.314
The nimble spirits in the arteries,
Link: 4.3.315
As motion and long-during action tires
Link: 4.3.316
The sinewy vigour of the traveller.
Link: 4.3.317
Now, for not looking on a woman's face,
Link: 4.3.318
You have in that forsworn the use of eyes
Link: 4.3.319
And study too, the causer of your vow;
Link: 4.3.320
For where is any author in the world
Link: 4.3.321
Teaches such beauty as a woman's eye?
Link: 4.3.322
Learning is but an adjunct to ourself
Link: 4.3.323
And where we are our learning likewise is:
Link: 4.3.324
Then when ourselves we see in ladies' eyes,
Link: 4.3.325
Do we not likewise see our learning there?
Link: 4.3.326
O, we have made a vow to study, lords,
Link: 4.3.327
And in that vow we have forsworn our books.
Link: 4.3.328
For when would you, my liege, or you, or you,
Link: 4.3.329
In leaden contemplation have found out
Link: 4.3.330
Such fiery numbers as the prompting eyes
Link: 4.3.331
Of beauty's tutors have enrich'd you with?
Link: 4.3.332
Other slow arts entirely keep the brain;
Link: 4.3.333
And therefore, finding barren practisers,
Link: 4.3.334
Scarce show a harvest of their heavy toil:
Link: 4.3.335
But love, first learned in a lady's eyes,
Link: 4.3.336
Lives not alone immured in the brain;
Link: 4.3.337
But, with the motion of all elements,
Link: 4.3.338
Courses as swift as thought in every power,
Link: 4.3.339
And gives to every power a double power,
Link: 4.3.340
Above their functions and their offices.
Link: 4.3.341
It adds a precious seeing to the eye;
Link: 4.3.342
A lover's eyes will gaze an eagle blind;
Link: 4.3.343
A lover's ear will hear the lowest sound,
Link: 4.3.344
When the suspicious head of theft is stopp'd:
Link: 4.3.345
Love's feeling is more soft and sensible
Link: 4.3.346
Than are the tender horns of cockl'd snails;
Link: 4.3.347
Love's tongue proves dainty Bacchus gross in taste:
Link: 4.3.348
For valour, is not Love a Hercules,
Link: 4.3.349
Still climbing trees in the Hesperides?
Link: 4.3.350
Subtle as Sphinx; as sweet and musical
Link: 4.3.351
As bright Apollo's lute, strung with his hair:
Link: 4.3.352
And when Love speaks, the voice of all the gods
Link: 4.3.353
Makes heaven drowsy with the harmony.
Link: 4.3.354
Never durst poet touch a pen to write
Link: 4.3.355
Until his ink were temper'd with Love's sighs;
Link: 4.3.356
O, then his lines would ravish savage ears
Link: 4.3.357
And plant in tyrants mild humility.
Link: 4.3.358
From women's eyes this doctrine I derive:
Link: 4.3.359
They sparkle still the right Promethean fire;
Link: 4.3.360
They are the books, the arts, the academes,
Link: 4.3.361
That show, contain and nourish all the world:
Link: 4.3.362
Else none at all in ought proves excellent.
Link: 4.3.363
Then fools you were these women to forswear,
Link: 4.3.364
Or keeping what is sworn, you will prove fools.
Link: 4.3.365
For wisdom's sake, a word that all men love,
Link: 4.3.366
Or for love's sake, a word that loves all men,
Link: 4.3.367
Or for men's sake, the authors of these women,
Link: 4.3.368
Or women's sake, by whom we men are men,
Link: 4.3.369
Let us once lose our oaths to find ourselves,
Link: 4.3.370
Or else we lose ourselves to keep our oaths.
Link: 4.3.371
It is religion to be thus forsworn,
Link: 4.3.372
For charity itself fulfills the law,
Link: 4.3.373
And who can sever love from charity?
Link: 4.3.374

FERDINAND
Saint Cupid, then! and, soldiers, to the field!
Link: 4.3.375

BIRON
Advance your standards, and upon them, lords;
Link: 4.3.376
Pell-mell, down with them! but be first advised,
Link: 4.3.377
In conflict that you get the sun of them.
Link: 4.3.378

LONGAVILLE
Now to plain-dealing; lay these glozes by:
Link: 4.3.379
Shall we resolve to woo these girls of France?
Link: 4.3.380

FERDINAND
And win them too: therefore let us devise
Link: 4.3.381
Some entertainment for them in their tents.
Link: 4.3.382

BIRON
First, from the park let us conduct them thither;
Link: 4.3.383
Then homeward every man attach the hand
Link: 4.3.384
Of his fair mistress: in the afternoon
Link: 4.3.385
We will with some strange pastime solace them,
Link: 4.3.386
Such as the shortness of the time can shape;
Link: 4.3.387
For revels, dances, masks and merry hours
Link: 4.3.388
Forerun fair Love, strewing her way with flowers.
Link: 4.3.389

FERDINAND
Away, away! no time shall be omitted
Link: 4.3.390
That will betime, and may by us be fitted.
Link: 4.3.391

BIRON
Allons! allons! Sow'd cockle reap'd no corn;
Link: 4.3.392
And justice always whirls in equal measure:
Link: 4.3.393
Light wenches may prove plagues to men forsworn;
Link: 4.3.394
If so, our copper buys no better treasure.
Link: 4.3.395

Exeunt

Act V

In Act 5 of Love's Labour's Lost, the King and his companions are dressed as Muscovites to surprise the Princess and her ladies. They present themselves as ambassadors and perform a play for the women.

During the play, the Princess and her ladies tease the men by pretending to misunderstand their language. However, the men reveal themselves and confess their love for the women.

The women are initially angry and refuse to accept the men’s love, but they eventually relent and agree to marry them. However, before the men can celebrate, news arrives that the King of France has died, and the Princess and her ladies must leave to mourn.

The play ends with the men promising to wait for the women’s return and to continue their studies and improve themselves.

SCENE I. The same.

Scene 1 of Act 5 begins with a conversation between two characters, Holofernes and Sir Nathaniel. They are discussing the upcoming performance of a play and the potential issues that may arise due to the lack of preparation from the actors. They are soon joined by another character, Dull, who brings news of a fight that has broken out between two of the other characters, Armado and Costard. The three men then discuss the fight and the potential consequences it may have on the upcoming performance.

As they continue to talk, they are interrupted by the arrival of the Princess of France and her attendants. The men greet them and engage in a witty conversation, with the Princess and her attendants using their intelligence and wit to match that of the men. The conversation eventually turns to the topic of love, with each character sharing their thoughts and experiences on the subject.

As the scene comes to a close, the Princess and her attendants leave, and the men are left to reflect on the conversation they just had. It is clear that the encounter has left an impression on them, and they continue to ponder the nature of love as the scene concludes.

Enter HOLOFERNES, SIR NATHANIEL, and DULL

HOLOFERNES
Satis quod sufficit.
Link: 5.1.1

SIR NATHANIEL
I praise God for you, sir: your reasons at dinner
Link: 5.1.2
have been sharp and sententious; pleasant without
Link: 5.1.3
scurrility, witty without affection, audacious without
Link: 5.1.4
impudency, learned without opinion, and strange with-
Link: 5.1.5
out heresy. I did converse this quondam day with
Link: 5.1.6
a companion of the king's, who is intituled, nomi-
Link: 5.1.7
nated, or called, Don Adriano de Armado.
Link: 5.1.8

HOLOFERNES
Novi hominem tanquam te: his humour is lofty, his
Link: 5.1.9
discourse peremptory, his tongue filed, his eye
Link: 5.1.10
ambitious, his gait majestical, and his general
Link: 5.1.11
behavior vain, ridiculous, and thrasonical. He is
Link: 5.1.12
too picked, too spruce, too affected, too odd, as it
Link: 5.1.13
were, too peregrinate, as I may call it.
Link: 5.1.14

SIR NATHANIEL
A most singular and choice epithet.
Link: 5.1.15

Draws out his table-book

HOLOFERNES
He draweth out the thread of his verbosity finer
Link: 5.1.16
than the staple of his argument. I abhor such
Link: 5.1.17
fanatical phantasimes, such insociable and
Link: 5.1.18
point-devise companions; such rackers of
Link: 5.1.19
orthography, as to speak dout, fine, when he should
Link: 5.1.20
say doubt; det, when he should pronounce debt,--d,
Link: 5.1.21
e, b, t, not d, e, t: he clepeth a calf, cauf;
Link: 5.1.22
half, hauf; neighbour vocatur nebor; neigh
Link: 5.1.23
abbreviated ne. This is abhominable,--which he
Link: 5.1.24
would call abbominable: it insinuateth me of
Link: 5.1.25
insanie: anne intelligis, domine? to make frantic, lunatic.
Link: 5.1.26

SIR NATHANIEL
Laus Deo, bene intelligo.
Link: 5.1.27

HOLOFERNES
Bon, bon, fort bon, Priscian! a little scratch'd,
Link: 5.1.28
'twill serve.
Link: 5.1.29

SIR NATHANIEL
Videsne quis venit?
Link: 5.1.30

HOLOFERNES
Video, et gaudeo.
Link: 5.1.31

Enter DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO, MOTH, and COSTARD

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Chirrah!
Link: 5.1.32

To MOTH

HOLOFERNES
Quare chirrah, not sirrah?
Link: 5.1.33

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Men of peace, well encountered.
Link: 5.1.34

HOLOFERNES
Most military sir, salutation.
Link: 5.1.35

MOTH
(Aside to COSTARD) They have been at a great feast
Link: 5.1.36
of languages, and stolen the scraps.
Link: 5.1.37

COSTARD
O, they have lived long on the alms-basket of words.
Link: 5.1.38
I marvel thy master hath not eaten thee for a word;
Link: 5.1.39
for thou art not so long by the head as
Link: 5.1.40
honorificabilitudinitatibus: thou art easier
Link: 5.1.41
swallowed than a flap-dragon.
Link: 5.1.42

MOTH
Peace! the peal begins.
Link: 5.1.43

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
(To HOLOFERNES) Monsieur, are you not lettered?
Link: 5.1.44

MOTH
Yes, yes; he teaches boys the hornbook. What is a,
Link: 5.1.45
b, spelt backward, with the horn on his head?
Link: 5.1.46

HOLOFERNES
Ba, pueritia, with a horn added.
Link: 5.1.47

MOTH
Ba, most silly sheep with a horn. You hear his learning.
Link: 5.1.48

HOLOFERNES
Quis, quis, thou consonant?
Link: 5.1.49

MOTH
The third of the five vowels, if you repeat them; or
Link: 5.1.50
the fifth, if I.
Link: 5.1.51

HOLOFERNES
I will repeat them,--a, e, i,--
Link: 5.1.52

MOTH
The sheep: the other two concludes it,--o, u.
Link: 5.1.53

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Now, by the salt wave of the Mediterraneum, a sweet
Link: 5.1.54
touch, a quick venue of wit! snip, snap, quick and
Link: 5.1.55
home! it rejoiceth my intellect: true wit!
Link: 5.1.56

MOTH
Offered by a child to an old man; which is wit-old.
Link: 5.1.57

HOLOFERNES
What is the figure? what is the figure?
Link: 5.1.58

MOTH
Horns.
Link: 5.1.59

HOLOFERNES
Thou disputest like an infant: go, whip thy gig.
Link: 5.1.60

MOTH
Lend me your horn to make one, and I will whip about
Link: 5.1.61
your infamy circum circa,--a gig of a cuckold's horn.
Link: 5.1.62

COSTARD
An I had but one penny in the world, thou shouldst
Link: 5.1.63
have it to buy gingerbread: hold, there is the very
Link: 5.1.64
remuneration I had of thy master, thou halfpenny
Link: 5.1.65
purse of wit, thou pigeon-egg of discretion. O, an
Link: 5.1.66
the heavens were so pleased that thou wert but my
Link: 5.1.67
bastard, what a joyful father wouldst thou make me!
Link: 5.1.68
Go to; thou hast it ad dunghill, at the fingers'
Link: 5.1.69
ends, as they say.
Link: 5.1.70

HOLOFERNES
O, I smell false Latin; dunghill for unguem.
Link: 5.1.71

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Arts-man, preambulate, we will be singled from the
Link: 5.1.72
barbarous. Do you not educate youth at the
Link: 5.1.73
charge-house on the top of the mountain?
Link: 5.1.74

HOLOFERNES
Or mons, the hill.
Link: 5.1.75

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
At your sweet pleasure, for the mountain.
Link: 5.1.76

HOLOFERNES
I do, sans question.
Link: 5.1.77

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Sir, it is the king's most sweet pleasure and
Link: 5.1.78
affection to congratulate the princess at her
Link: 5.1.79
pavilion in the posteriors of this day, which the
Link: 5.1.80
rude multitude call the afternoon.
Link: 5.1.81

HOLOFERNES
The posterior of the day, most generous sir, is
Link: 5.1.82
liable, congruent and measurable for the afternoon:
Link: 5.1.83
the word is well culled, chose, sweet and apt, I do
Link: 5.1.84
assure you, sir, I do assure.
Link: 5.1.85

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Sir, the king is a noble gentleman, and my familiar,
Link: 5.1.86
I do assure ye, very good friend: for what is
Link: 5.1.87
inward between us, let it pass. I do beseech thee,
Link: 5.1.88
remember thy courtesy; I beseech thee, apparel thy
Link: 5.1.89
head: and among other important and most serious
Link: 5.1.90
designs, and of great import indeed, too, but let
Link: 5.1.91
that pass: for I must tell thee, it will please his
Link: 5.1.92
grace, by the world, sometime to lean upon my poor
Link: 5.1.93
shoulder, and with his royal finger, thus, dally
Link: 5.1.94
with my excrement, with my mustachio; but, sweet
Link: 5.1.95
heart, let that pass. By the world, I recount no
Link: 5.1.96
fable: some certain special honours it pleaseth his
Link: 5.1.97
greatness to impart to Armado, a soldier, a man of
Link: 5.1.98
travel, that hath seen the world; but let that pass.
Link: 5.1.99
The very all of all is,--but, sweet heart, I do
Link: 5.1.100
implore secrecy,--that the king would have me
Link: 5.1.101
present the princess, sweet chuck, with some
Link: 5.1.102
delightful ostentation, or show, or pageant, or
Link: 5.1.103
antique, or firework. Now, understanding that the
Link: 5.1.104
curate and your sweet self are good at such
Link: 5.1.105
eruptions and sudden breaking out of mirth, as it
Link: 5.1.106
were, I have acquainted you withal, to the end to
Link: 5.1.107
crave your assistance.
Link: 5.1.108

HOLOFERNES
Sir, you shall present before her the Nine Worthies.
Link: 5.1.109
Sir, as concerning some entertainment of time, some
Link: 5.1.110
show in the posterior of this day, to be rendered by
Link: 5.1.111
our assistants, at the king's command, and this most
Link: 5.1.112
gallant, illustrate, and learned gentleman, before
Link: 5.1.113
the princess; I say none so fit as to present the
Link: 5.1.114
Nine Worthies.
Link: 5.1.115

SIR NATHANIEL
Where will you find men worthy enough to present them?
Link: 5.1.116

HOLOFERNES
Joshua, yourself; myself and this gallant gentleman,
Link: 5.1.117
Judas Maccabaeus; this swain, because of his great
Link: 5.1.118
limb or joint, shall pass Pompey the Great; the
Link: 5.1.119
page, Hercules,--
Link: 5.1.120

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Pardon, sir; error: he is not quantity enough for
Link: 5.1.121
that Worthy's thumb: he is not so big as the end of his club.
Link: 5.1.122

HOLOFERNES
Shall I have audience? he shall present Hercules in
Link: 5.1.123
minority: his enter and exit shall be strangling a
Link: 5.1.124
snake; and I will have an apology for that purpose.
Link: 5.1.125

MOTH
An excellent device! so, if any of the audience
Link: 5.1.126
hiss, you may cry 'Well done, Hercules! now thou
Link: 5.1.127
crushest the snake!' that is the way to make an
Link: 5.1.128
offence gracious, though few have the grace to do it.
Link: 5.1.129

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
For the rest of the Worthies?--
Link: 5.1.130

HOLOFERNES
I will play three myself.
Link: 5.1.131

MOTH
Thrice-worthy gentleman!
Link: 5.1.132

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Shall I tell you a thing?
Link: 5.1.133

HOLOFERNES
We attend.
Link: 5.1.134

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
We will have, if this fadge not, an antique. I
Link: 5.1.135
beseech you, follow.
Link: 5.1.136

HOLOFERNES
Via, goodman Dull! thou hast spoken no word all this while.
Link: 5.1.137

DULL
Nor understood none neither, sir.
Link: 5.1.138

HOLOFERNES
Allons! we will employ thee.
Link: 5.1.139

DULL
I'll make one in a dance, or so; or I will play
Link: 5.1.140
On the tabour to the Worthies, and let them dance the hay.
Link: 5.1.141

HOLOFERNES
Most dull, honest Dull! To our sport, away!
Link: 5.1.142

Exeunt

SCENE II. The same.

In Scene 2 of Act 5, the King of Navarre, Berowne, Longaville, and Dumaine all arrive in the park dressed as Muscovites. Boyet, who is escorting the Princess of France and her ladies, informs them that the "Muscovites" would like to entertain them with a performance. The Princess and her ladies agree to watch the performance.

Berowne starts the performance with a song, and then the four men act out a play that they wrote, in which they confess their love for the Princess and her ladies. The ladies are offended by the play and leave. The men are left alone and realize their foolishness in trying to hide their love and deceive the women.

They vow to give up their study and devote themselves to wooing the women properly. They then meet the women again and apologize for their behavior. The women, though still angry, forgive them and agree to marry them in a year's time.

The play ends with a song and dance, celebrating the newfound love between the men and women.

Enter the PRINCESS, KATHARINE, ROSALINE, and MARIA

PRINCESS
Sweet hearts, we shall be rich ere we depart,
Link: 5.2.1
If fairings come thus plentifully in:
Link: 5.2.2
A lady wall'd about with diamonds!
Link: 5.2.3
Look you what I have from the loving king.
Link: 5.2.4

ROSALINE
Madame, came nothing else along with that?
Link: 5.2.5

PRINCESS
Nothing but this! yes, as much love in rhyme
Link: 5.2.6
As would be cramm'd up in a sheet of paper,
Link: 5.2.7
Writ o' both sides the leaf, margent and all,
Link: 5.2.8
That he was fain to seal on Cupid's name.
Link: 5.2.9

ROSALINE
That was the way to make his godhead wax,
Link: 5.2.10
For he hath been five thousand years a boy.
Link: 5.2.11

KATHARINE
Ay, and a shrewd unhappy gallows too.
Link: 5.2.12

ROSALINE
You'll ne'er be friends with him; a' kill'd your sister.
Link: 5.2.13

KATHARINE
He made her melancholy, sad, and heavy;
Link: 5.2.14
And so she died: had she been light, like you,
Link: 5.2.15
Of such a merry, nimble, stirring spirit,
Link: 5.2.16
She might ha' been a grandam ere she died:
Link: 5.2.17
And so may you; for a light heart lives long.
Link: 5.2.18

ROSALINE
What's your dark meaning, mouse, of this light word?
Link: 5.2.19

KATHARINE
A light condition in a beauty dark.
Link: 5.2.20

ROSALINE
We need more light to find your meaning out.
Link: 5.2.21

KATHARINE
You'll mar the light by taking it in snuff;
Link: 5.2.22
Therefore I'll darkly end the argument.
Link: 5.2.23

ROSALINE
Look what you do, you do it still i' the dark.
Link: 5.2.24

KATHARINE
So do not you, for you are a light wench.
Link: 5.2.25

ROSALINE
Indeed I weigh not you, and therefore light.
Link: 5.2.26

KATHARINE
You weigh me not? O, that's you care not for me.
Link: 5.2.27

ROSALINE
Great reason; for 'past cure is still past care.'
Link: 5.2.28

PRINCESS
Well bandied both; a set of wit well play'd.
Link: 5.2.29
But Rosaline, you have a favour too:
Link: 5.2.30
Who sent it? and what is it?
Link: 5.2.31

ROSALINE
I would you knew:
Link: 5.2.32
An if my face were but as fair as yours,
Link: 5.2.33
My favour were as great; be witness this.
Link: 5.2.34
Nay, I have verses too, I thank Biron:
Link: 5.2.35
The numbers true; and, were the numbering too,
Link: 5.2.36
I were the fairest goddess on the ground:
Link: 5.2.37
I am compared to twenty thousand fairs.
Link: 5.2.38
O, he hath drawn my picture in his letter!
Link: 5.2.39

PRINCESS
Any thing like?
Link: 5.2.40

ROSALINE
Much in the letters; nothing in the praise.
Link: 5.2.41

PRINCESS
Beauteous as ink; a good conclusion.
Link: 5.2.42

KATHARINE
Fair as a text B in a copy-book.
Link: 5.2.43

ROSALINE
'Ware pencils, ho! let me not die your debtor,
Link: 5.2.44
My red dominical, my golden letter:
Link: 5.2.45
O, that your face were not so full of O's!
Link: 5.2.46

KATHARINE
A pox of that jest! and I beshrew all shrows.
Link: 5.2.47

PRINCESS
But, Katharine, what was sent to you from fair Dumain?
Link: 5.2.48

KATHARINE
Madam, this glove.
Link: 5.2.49

PRINCESS
Did he not send you twain?
Link: 5.2.50

KATHARINE
Yes, madam, and moreover
Link: 5.2.51
Some thousand verses of a faithful lover,
Link: 5.2.52
A huge translation of hypocrisy,
Link: 5.2.53
Vilely compiled, profound simplicity.
Link: 5.2.54

MARIA
This and these pearls to me sent Longaville:
Link: 5.2.55
The letter is too long by half a mile.
Link: 5.2.56

PRINCESS
I think no less. Dost thou not wish in heart
Link: 5.2.57
The chain were longer and the letter short?
Link: 5.2.58

MARIA
Ay, or I would these hands might never part.
Link: 5.2.59

PRINCESS
We are wise girls to mock our lovers so.
Link: 5.2.60

ROSALINE
They are worse fools to purchase mocking so.
Link: 5.2.61
That same Biron I'll torture ere I go:
Link: 5.2.62
O that I knew he were but in by the week!
Link: 5.2.63
How I would make him fawn and beg and seek
Link: 5.2.64
And wait the season and observe the times
Link: 5.2.65
And spend his prodigal wits in bootless rhymes
Link: 5.2.66
And shape his service wholly to my hests
Link: 5.2.67
And make him proud to make me proud that jests!
Link: 5.2.68
So perttaunt-like would I o'ersway his state
Link: 5.2.69
That he should be my fool and I his fate.
Link: 5.2.70

PRINCESS
None are so surely caught, when they are catch'd,
Link: 5.2.71
As wit turn'd fool: folly, in wisdom hatch'd,
Link: 5.2.72
Hath wisdom's warrant and the help of school
Link: 5.2.73
And wit's own grace to grace a learned fool.
Link: 5.2.74

ROSALINE
The blood of youth burns not with such excess
Link: 5.2.75
As gravity's revolt to wantonness.
Link: 5.2.76

MARIA
Folly in fools bears not so strong a note
Link: 5.2.77
As foolery in the wise, when wit doth dote;
Link: 5.2.78
Since all the power thereof it doth apply
Link: 5.2.79
To prove, by wit, worth in simplicity.
Link: 5.2.80

PRINCESS
Here comes Boyet, and mirth is in his face.
Link: 5.2.81

Enter BOYET

BOYET
O, I am stabb'd with laughter! Where's her grace?
Link: 5.2.82

PRINCESS
Thy news Boyet?
Link: 5.2.83

BOYET
Prepare, madam, prepare!
Link: 5.2.84
Arm, wenches, arm! encounters mounted are
Link: 5.2.85
Against your peace: Love doth approach disguised,
Link: 5.2.86
Armed in arguments; you'll be surprised:
Link: 5.2.87
Muster your wits; stand in your own defence;
Link: 5.2.88
Or hide your heads like cowards, and fly hence.
Link: 5.2.89

PRINCESS
Saint Denis to Saint Cupid! What are they
Link: 5.2.90
That charge their breath against us? say, scout, say.
Link: 5.2.91

BOYET
Under the cool shade of a sycamore
Link: 5.2.92
I thought to close mine eyes some half an hour;
Link: 5.2.93
When, lo! to interrupt my purposed rest,
Link: 5.2.94
Toward that shade I might behold addrest
Link: 5.2.95
The king and his companions: warily
Link: 5.2.96
I stole into a neighbour thicket by,
Link: 5.2.97
And overheard what you shall overhear,
Link: 5.2.98
That, by and by, disguised they will be here.
Link: 5.2.99
Their herald is a pretty knavish page,
Link: 5.2.100
That well by heart hath conn'd his embassage:
Link: 5.2.101
Action and accent did they teach him there;
Link: 5.2.102
'Thus must thou speak,' and 'thus thy body bear:'
Link: 5.2.103
And ever and anon they made a doubt
Link: 5.2.104
Presence majestical would put him out,
Link: 5.2.105
'For,' quoth the king, 'an angel shalt thou see;
Link: 5.2.106
Yet fear not thou, but speak audaciously.'
Link: 5.2.107
The boy replied, 'An angel is not evil;
Link: 5.2.108
I should have fear'd her had she been a devil.'
Link: 5.2.109
With that, all laugh'd and clapp'd him on the shoulder,
Link: 5.2.110
Making the bold wag by their praises bolder:
Link: 5.2.111
One rubb'd his elbow thus, and fleer'd and swore
Link: 5.2.112
A better speech was never spoke before;
Link: 5.2.113
Another, with his finger and his thumb,
Link: 5.2.114
Cried, 'Via! we will do't, come what will come;'
Link: 5.2.115
The third he caper'd, and cried, 'All goes well;'
Link: 5.2.116
The fourth turn'd on the toe, and down he fell.
Link: 5.2.117
With that, they all did tumble on the ground,
Link: 5.2.118
With such a zealous laughter, so profound,
Link: 5.2.119
That in this spleen ridiculous appears,
Link: 5.2.120
To cheque their folly, passion's solemn tears.
Link: 5.2.121

PRINCESS
But what, but what, come they to visit us?
Link: 5.2.122

BOYET
They do, they do: and are apparell'd thus.
Link: 5.2.123
Like Muscovites or Russians, as I guess.
Link: 5.2.124
Their purpose is to parle, to court and dance;
Link: 5.2.125
And every one his love-feat will advance
Link: 5.2.126
Unto his several mistress, which they'll know
Link: 5.2.127
By favours several which they did bestow.
Link: 5.2.128

PRINCESS
And will they so? the gallants shall be task'd;
Link: 5.2.129
For, ladies, we shall every one be mask'd;
Link: 5.2.130
And not a man of them shall have the grace,
Link: 5.2.131
Despite of suit, to see a lady's face.
Link: 5.2.132
Hold, Rosaline, this favour thou shalt wear,
Link: 5.2.133
And then the king will court thee for his dear;
Link: 5.2.134
Hold, take thou this, my sweet, and give me thine,
Link: 5.2.135
So shall Biron take me for Rosaline.
Link: 5.2.136
And change your favours too; so shall your loves
Link: 5.2.137
Woo contrary, deceived by these removes.
Link: 5.2.138

ROSALINE
Come on, then; wear the favours most in sight.
Link: 5.2.139

KATHARINE
But in this changing what is your intent?
Link: 5.2.140

PRINCESS
The effect of my intent is to cross theirs:
Link: 5.2.141
They do it but in mocking merriment;
Link: 5.2.142
And mock for mock is only my intent.
Link: 5.2.143
Their several counsels they unbosom shall
Link: 5.2.144
To loves mistook, and so be mock'd withal
Link: 5.2.145
Upon the next occasion that we meet,
Link: 5.2.146
With visages displayed, to talk and greet.
Link: 5.2.147

ROSALINE
But shall we dance, if they desire to't?
Link: 5.2.148

PRINCESS
No, to the death, we will not move a foot;
Link: 5.2.149
Nor to their penn'd speech render we no grace,
Link: 5.2.150
But while 'tis spoke each turn away her face.
Link: 5.2.151

BOYET
Why, that contempt will kill the speaker's heart,
Link: 5.2.152
And quite divorce his memory from his part.
Link: 5.2.153

PRINCESS
Therefore I do it; and I make no doubt
Link: 5.2.154
The rest will ne'er come in, if he be out
Link: 5.2.155
There's no such sport as sport by sport o'erthrown,
Link: 5.2.156
To make theirs ours and ours none but our own:
Link: 5.2.157
So shall we stay, mocking intended game,
Link: 5.2.158
And they, well mock'd, depart away with shame.
Link: 5.2.159

Trumpets sound within

BOYET
The trumpet sounds: be mask'd; the maskers come.
Link: 5.2.160

The Ladies mask

Enter Blackamoors with music; MOTH; FERDINAND, BIRON, LONGAVILLE, and DUMAIN, in Russian habits, and masked

MOTH
All hail, the richest beauties on the earth!--
Link: 5.2.161

BOYET
Beauties no richer than rich taffeta.
Link: 5.2.162

MOTH
A holy parcel of the fairest dames.
Link: 5.2.163
That ever turn'd their--backs--to mortal views!
Link: 5.2.164

BIRON
(Aside to MOTH) Their eyes, villain, their eyes!
Link: 5.2.165

MOTH
That ever turn'd their eyes to mortal views!--Out--
Link: 5.2.166

BOYET
True; out indeed.
Link: 5.2.167

MOTH
Out of your favours, heavenly spirits, vouchsafe
Link: 5.2.168
Not to behold--
Link: 5.2.169

BIRON
(Aside to MOTH) Once to behold, rogue.
Link: 5.2.170

MOTH
Once to behold with your sun-beamed eyes,
Link: 5.2.171
--with your sun-beamed eyes--
Link: 5.2.172

BOYET
They will not answer to that epithet;
Link: 5.2.173
You were best call it 'daughter-beamed eyes.'
Link: 5.2.174

MOTH
They do not mark me, and that brings me out.
Link: 5.2.175

BIRON
Is this your perfectness? be gone, you rogue!
Link: 5.2.176

Exit MOTH

ROSALINE
What would these strangers? know their minds, Boyet:
Link: 5.2.177
If they do speak our language, 'tis our will:
Link: 5.2.178
That some plain man recount their purposes
Link: 5.2.179
Know what they would.
Link: 5.2.180

BOYET
What would you with the princess?
Link: 5.2.181

BIRON
Nothing but peace and gentle visitation.
Link: 5.2.182

ROSALINE
What would they, say they?
Link: 5.2.183

BOYET
Nothing but peace and gentle visitation.
Link: 5.2.184

ROSALINE
Why, that they have; and bid them so be gone.
Link: 5.2.185

BOYET
She says, you have it, and you may be gone.
Link: 5.2.186

FERDINAND
Say to her, we have measured many miles
Link: 5.2.187
To tread a measure with her on this grass.
Link: 5.2.188

BOYET
They say, that they have measured many a mile
Link: 5.2.189
To tread a measure with you on this grass.
Link: 5.2.190

ROSALINE
It is not so. Ask them how many inches
Link: 5.2.191
Is in one mile: if they have measured many,
Link: 5.2.192
The measure then of one is easily told.
Link: 5.2.193

BOYET
If to come hither you have measured miles,
Link: 5.2.194
And many miles, the princess bids you tell
Link: 5.2.195
How many inches doth fill up one mile.
Link: 5.2.196

BIRON
Tell her, we measure them by weary steps.
Link: 5.2.197

BOYET
She hears herself.
Link: 5.2.198

ROSALINE
How many weary steps,
Link: 5.2.199
Of many weary miles you have o'ergone,
Link: 5.2.200
Are number'd in the travel of one mile?
Link: 5.2.201

BIRON
We number nothing that we spend for you:
Link: 5.2.202
Our duty is so rich, so infinite,
Link: 5.2.203
That we may do it still without accompt.
Link: 5.2.204
Vouchsafe to show the sunshine of your face,
Link: 5.2.205
That we, like savages, may worship it.
Link: 5.2.206

ROSALINE
My face is but a moon, and clouded too.
Link: 5.2.207

FERDINAND
Blessed are clouds, to do as such clouds do!
Link: 5.2.208
Vouchsafe, bright moon, and these thy stars, to shine,
Link: 5.2.209
Those clouds removed, upon our watery eyne.
Link: 5.2.210

ROSALINE
O vain petitioner! beg a greater matter;
Link: 5.2.211
Thou now request'st but moonshine in the water.
Link: 5.2.212

FERDINAND
Then, in our measure do but vouchsafe one change.
Link: 5.2.213
Thou bid'st me beg: this begging is not strange.
Link: 5.2.214

ROSALINE
Play, music, then! Nay, you must do it soon.
Link: 5.2.215
Not yet! no dance! Thus change I like the moon.
Link: 5.2.216

FERDINAND
Will you not dance? How come you thus estranged?
Link: 5.2.217

ROSALINE
You took the moon at full, but now she's changed.
Link: 5.2.218

FERDINAND
Yet still she is the moon, and I the man.
Link: 5.2.219
The music plays; vouchsafe some motion to it.
Link: 5.2.220

ROSALINE
Our ears vouchsafe it.
Link: 5.2.221

FERDINAND
But your legs should do it.
Link: 5.2.222

ROSALINE
Since you are strangers and come here by chance,
Link: 5.2.223
We'll not be nice: take hands. We will not dance.
Link: 5.2.224

FERDINAND
Why take we hands, then?
Link: 5.2.225

ROSALINE
Only to part friends:
Link: 5.2.226
Curtsy, sweet hearts; and so the measure ends.
Link: 5.2.227

FERDINAND
More measure of this measure; be not nice.
Link: 5.2.228

ROSALINE
We can afford no more at such a price.
Link: 5.2.229

FERDINAND
Prize you yourselves: what buys your company?
Link: 5.2.230

ROSALINE
Your absence only.
Link: 5.2.231

FERDINAND
That can never be.
Link: 5.2.232

ROSALINE
Then cannot we be bought: and so, adieu;
Link: 5.2.233
Twice to your visor, and half once to you.
Link: 5.2.234

FERDINAND
If you deny to dance, let's hold more chat.
Link: 5.2.235

ROSALINE
In private, then.
Link: 5.2.236

FERDINAND
I am best pleased with that.
Link: 5.2.237

They converse apart

BIRON
White-handed mistress, one sweet word with thee.
Link: 5.2.238

PRINCESS
Honey, and milk, and sugar; there is three.
Link: 5.2.239

BIRON
Nay then, two treys, and if you grow so nice,
Link: 5.2.240
Metheglin, wort, and malmsey: well run, dice!
Link: 5.2.241
There's half-a-dozen sweets.
Link: 5.2.242

PRINCESS
Seventh sweet, adieu:
Link: 5.2.243
Since you can cog, I'll play no more with you.
Link: 5.2.244

BIRON
One word in secret.
Link: 5.2.245

PRINCESS
Let it not be sweet.
Link: 5.2.246

BIRON
Thou grievest my gall.
Link: 5.2.247

PRINCESS
Gall! bitter.
Link: 5.2.248

BIRON
Therefore meet.
Link: 5.2.249

They converse apart

DUMAIN
Will you vouchsafe with me to change a word?
Link: 5.2.250

MARIA
Name it.
Link: 5.2.251

DUMAIN
Fair lady,--
Link: 5.2.252

MARIA
Say you so? Fair lord,--
Link: 5.2.253
Take that for your fair lady.
Link: 5.2.254

DUMAIN
Please it you,
Link: 5.2.255
As much in private, and I'll bid adieu.
Link: 5.2.256

They converse apart

KATHARINE
What, was your vizard made without a tongue?
Link: 5.2.257

LONGAVILLE
I know the reason, lady, why you ask.
Link: 5.2.258

KATHARINE
O for your reason! quickly, sir; I long.
Link: 5.2.259

LONGAVILLE
You have a double tongue within your mask,
Link: 5.2.260
And would afford my speechless vizard half.
Link: 5.2.261

KATHARINE
Veal, quoth the Dutchman. Is not 'veal' a calf?
Link: 5.2.262

LONGAVILLE
A calf, fair lady!
Link: 5.2.263

KATHARINE
No, a fair lord calf.
Link: 5.2.264

LONGAVILLE
Let's part the word.
Link: 5.2.265

KATHARINE
No, I'll not be your half
Link: 5.2.266
Take all, and wean it; it may prove an ox.
Link: 5.2.267

LONGAVILLE
Look, how you butt yourself in these sharp mocks!
Link: 5.2.268
Will you give horns, chaste lady? do not so.
Link: 5.2.269

KATHARINE
Then die a calf, before your horns do grow.
Link: 5.2.270

LONGAVILLE
One word in private with you, ere I die.
Link: 5.2.271

KATHARINE
Bleat softly then; the butcher hears you cry.
Link: 5.2.272

They converse apart

BOYET
The tongues of mocking wenches are as keen
Link: 5.2.273
As is the razor's edge invisible,
Link: 5.2.274
Cutting a smaller hair than may be seen,
Link: 5.2.275
Above the sense of sense; so sensible
Link: 5.2.276
Seemeth their conference; their conceits have wings
Link: 5.2.277
Fleeter than arrows, bullets, wind, thought, swifter things.
Link: 5.2.278

ROSALINE
Not one word more, my maids; break off, break off.
Link: 5.2.279

BIRON
By heaven, all dry-beaten with pure scoff!
Link: 5.2.280

FERDINAND
Farewell, mad wenches; you have simple wits.
Link: 5.2.281

PRINCESS
Twenty adieus, my frozen Muscovits.
Link: 5.2.282
Are these the breed of wits so wonder'd at?
Link: 5.2.283

BOYET
Tapers they are, with your sweet breaths puff'd out.
Link: 5.2.284

ROSALINE
Well-liking wits they have; gross, gross; fat, fat.
Link: 5.2.285

PRINCESS
O poverty in wit, kingly-poor flout!
Link: 5.2.286
Will they not, think you, hang themselves tonight?
Link: 5.2.287
Or ever, but in vizards, show their faces?
Link: 5.2.288
This pert Biron was out of countenance quite.
Link: 5.2.289

ROSALINE
O, they were all in lamentable cases!
Link: 5.2.290
The king was weeping-ripe for a good word.
Link: 5.2.291

PRINCESS
Biron did swear himself out of all suit.
Link: 5.2.292

MARIA
Dumain was at my service, and his sword:
Link: 5.2.293
No point, quoth I; my servant straight was mute.
Link: 5.2.294

KATHARINE
Lord Longaville said, I came o'er his heart;
Link: 5.2.295
And trow you what he called me?
Link: 5.2.296

PRINCESS
Qualm, perhaps.
Link: 5.2.297

KATHARINE
Yes, in good faith.
Link: 5.2.298

PRINCESS
Go, sickness as thou art!
Link: 5.2.299

ROSALINE
Well, better wits have worn plain statute-caps.
Link: 5.2.300
But will you hear? the king is my love sworn.
Link: 5.2.301

PRINCESS
And quick Biron hath plighted faith to me.
Link: 5.2.302

KATHARINE
And Longaville was for my service born.
Link: 5.2.303

MARIA
Dumain is mine, as sure as bark on tree.
Link: 5.2.304

BOYET
Madam, and pretty mistresses, give ear:
Link: 5.2.305
Immediately they will again be here
Link: 5.2.306
In their own shapes; for it can never be
Link: 5.2.307
They will digest this harsh indignity.
Link: 5.2.308

PRINCESS
Will they return?
Link: 5.2.309

BOYET
They will, they will, God knows,
Link: 5.2.310
And leap for joy, though they are lame with blows:
Link: 5.2.311
Therefore change favours; and, when they repair,
Link: 5.2.312
Blow like sweet roses in this summer air.
Link: 5.2.313

PRINCESS
How blow? how blow? speak to be understood.
Link: 5.2.314

BOYET
Fair ladies mask'd are roses in their bud;
Link: 5.2.315
Dismask'd, their damask sweet commixture shown,
Link: 5.2.316
Are angels vailing clouds, or roses blown.
Link: 5.2.317

PRINCESS
Avaunt, perplexity! What shall we do,
Link: 5.2.318
If they return in their own shapes to woo?
Link: 5.2.319

ROSALINE
Good madam, if by me you'll be advised,
Link: 5.2.320
Let's, mock them still, as well known as disguised:
Link: 5.2.321
Let us complain to them what fools were here,
Link: 5.2.322
Disguised like Muscovites, in shapeless gear;
Link: 5.2.323
And wonder what they were and to what end
Link: 5.2.324
Their shallow shows and prologue vilely penn'd
Link: 5.2.325
And their rough carriage so ridiculous,
Link: 5.2.326
Should be presented at our tent to us.
Link: 5.2.327

BOYET
Ladies, withdraw: the gallants are at hand.
Link: 5.2.328

PRINCESS
Whip to our tents, as roes run o'er land.
Link: 5.2.329

Exeunt PRINCESS, ROSALINE, KATHARINE, and MARIA

Re-enter FERDINAND, BIRON, LONGAVILLE, and DUMAIN, in their proper habits

FERDINAND
Fair sir, God save you! Where's the princess?
Link: 5.2.330

BOYET
Gone to her tent. Please it your majesty
Link: 5.2.331
Command me any service to her thither?
Link: 5.2.332

FERDINAND
That she vouchsafe me audience for one word.
Link: 5.2.333

BOYET
I will; and so will she, I know, my lord.
Link: 5.2.334

Exit

BIRON
This fellow pecks up wit as pigeons pease,
Link: 5.2.335
And utters it again when God doth please:
Link: 5.2.336
He is wit's pedler, and retails his wares
Link: 5.2.337
At wakes and wassails, meetings, markets, fairs;
Link: 5.2.338
And we that sell by gross, the Lord doth know,
Link: 5.2.339
Have not the grace to grace it with such show.
Link: 5.2.340
This gallant pins the wenches on his sleeve;
Link: 5.2.341
Had he been Adam, he had tempted Eve;
Link: 5.2.342
A' can carve too, and lisp: why, this is he
Link: 5.2.343
That kiss'd his hand away in courtesy;
Link: 5.2.344
This is the ape of form, monsieur the nice,
Link: 5.2.345
That, when he plays at tables, chides the dice
Link: 5.2.346
In honourable terms: nay, he can sing
Link: 5.2.347
A mean most meanly; and in ushering
Link: 5.2.348
Mend him who can: the ladies call him sweet;
Link: 5.2.349
The stairs, as he treads on them, kiss his feet:
Link: 5.2.350
This is the flower that smiles on every one,
Link: 5.2.351
To show his teeth as white as whale's bone;
Link: 5.2.352
And consciences, that will not die in debt,
Link: 5.2.353
Pay him the due of honey-tongued Boyet.
Link: 5.2.354

FERDINAND
A blister on his sweet tongue, with my heart,
Link: 5.2.355
That put Armado's page out of his part!
Link: 5.2.356

BIRON
See where it comes! Behavior, what wert thou
Link: 5.2.357
Till this madman show'd thee? and what art thou now?
Link: 5.2.358

Re-enter the PRINCESS, ushered by BOYET, ROSALINE, MARIA, and KATHARINE

FERDINAND
All hail, sweet madam, and fair time of day!
Link: 5.2.359

PRINCESS
'Fair' in 'all hail' is foul, as I conceive.
Link: 5.2.360

FERDINAND
Construe my speeches better, if you may.
Link: 5.2.361

PRINCESS
Then wish me better; I will give you leave.
Link: 5.2.362

FERDINAND
We came to visit you, and purpose now
Link: 5.2.363
To lead you to our court; vouchsafe it then.
Link: 5.2.364

PRINCESS
This field shall hold me; and so hold your vow:
Link: 5.2.365
Nor God, nor I, delights in perjured men.
Link: 5.2.366

FERDINAND
Rebuke me not for that which you provoke:
Link: 5.2.367
The virtue of your eye must break my oath.
Link: 5.2.368

PRINCESS
You nickname virtue; vice you should have spoke;
Link: 5.2.369
For virtue's office never breaks men's troth.
Link: 5.2.370
Now by my maiden honour, yet as pure
Link: 5.2.371
As the unsullied lily, I protest,
Link: 5.2.372
A world of torments though I should endure,
Link: 5.2.373
I would not yield to be your house's guest;
Link: 5.2.374
So much I hate a breaking cause to be
Link: 5.2.375
Of heavenly oaths, vow'd with integrity.
Link: 5.2.376

FERDINAND
O, you have lived in desolation here,
Link: 5.2.377
Unseen, unvisited, much to our shame.
Link: 5.2.378

PRINCESS
Not so, my lord; it is not so, I swear;
Link: 5.2.379
We have had pastimes here and pleasant game:
Link: 5.2.380
A mess of Russians left us but of late.
Link: 5.2.381

FERDINAND
How, madam! Russians!
Link: 5.2.382

PRINCESS
Ay, in truth, my lord;
Link: 5.2.383
Trim gallants, full of courtship and of state.
Link: 5.2.384

ROSALINE
Madam, speak true. It is not so, my lord:
Link: 5.2.385
My lady, to the manner of the days,
Link: 5.2.386
In courtesy gives undeserving praise.
Link: 5.2.387
We four indeed confronted were with four
Link: 5.2.388
In Russian habit: here they stay'd an hour,
Link: 5.2.389
And talk'd apace; and in that hour, my lord,
Link: 5.2.390
They did not bless us with one happy word.
Link: 5.2.391
I dare not call them fools; but this I think,
Link: 5.2.392
When they are thirsty, fools would fain have drink.
Link: 5.2.393

BIRON
This jest is dry to me. Fair gentle sweet,
Link: 5.2.394
Your wit makes wise things foolish: when we greet,
Link: 5.2.395
With eyes best seeing, heaven's fiery eye,
Link: 5.2.396
By light we lose light: your capacity
Link: 5.2.397
Is of that nature that to your huge store
Link: 5.2.398
Wise things seem foolish and rich things but poor.
Link: 5.2.399

ROSALINE
This proves you wise and rich, for in my eye,--
Link: 5.2.400

BIRON
I am a fool, and full of poverty.
Link: 5.2.401

ROSALINE
But that you take what doth to you belong,
Link: 5.2.402
It were a fault to snatch words from my tongue.
Link: 5.2.403

BIRON
O, I am yours, and all that I possess!
Link: 5.2.404

ROSALINE
All the fool mine?
Link: 5.2.405

BIRON
I cannot give you less.
Link: 5.2.406

ROSALINE
Which of the vizards was it that you wore?
Link: 5.2.407

BIRON
Where? when? what vizard? why demand you this?
Link: 5.2.408

ROSALINE
There, then, that vizard; that superfluous case
Link: 5.2.409
That hid the worse and show'd the better face.
Link: 5.2.410

FERDINAND
We are descried; they'll mock us now downright.
Link: 5.2.411

DUMAIN
Let us confess and turn it to a jest.
Link: 5.2.412

PRINCESS
Amazed, my lord? why looks your highness sad?
Link: 5.2.413

ROSALINE
Help, hold his brows! he'll swoon! Why look you pale?
Link: 5.2.414
Sea-sick, I think, coming from Muscovy.
Link: 5.2.415

BIRON
Thus pour the stars down plagues for perjury.
Link: 5.2.416
Can any face of brass hold longer out?
Link: 5.2.417
Here stand I lady, dart thy skill at me;
Link: 5.2.418
Bruise me with scorn, confound me with a flout;
Link: 5.2.419
Thrust thy sharp wit quite through my ignorance;
Link: 5.2.420
Cut me to pieces with thy keen conceit;
Link: 5.2.421
And I will wish thee never more to dance,
Link: 5.2.422
Nor never more in Russian habit wait.
Link: 5.2.423
O, never will I trust to speeches penn'd,
Link: 5.2.424
Nor to the motion of a schoolboy's tongue,
Link: 5.2.425
Nor never come in vizard to my friend,
Link: 5.2.426
Nor woo in rhyme, like a blind harper's song!
Link: 5.2.427
Taffeta phrases, silken terms precise,
Link: 5.2.428
Three-piled hyperboles, spruce affectation,
Link: 5.2.429
Figures pedantical; these summer-flies
Link: 5.2.430
Have blown me full of maggot ostentation:
Link: 5.2.431
I do forswear them; and I here protest,
Link: 5.2.432
By this white glove;--how white the hand, God knows!--
Link: 5.2.433
Henceforth my wooing mind shall be express'd
Link: 5.2.434
In russet yeas and honest kersey noes:
Link: 5.2.435
And, to begin, wench,--so God help me, la!--
Link: 5.2.436
My love to thee is sound, sans crack or flaw.
Link: 5.2.437

ROSALINE
Sans sans, I pray you.
Link: 5.2.438

BIRON
Yet I have a trick
Link: 5.2.439
Of the old rage: bear with me, I am sick;
Link: 5.2.440
I'll leave it by degrees. Soft, let us see:
Link: 5.2.441
Write, 'Lord have mercy on us' on those three;
Link: 5.2.442
They are infected; in their hearts it lies;
Link: 5.2.443
They have the plague, and caught it of your eyes;
Link: 5.2.444
These lords are visited; you are not free,
Link: 5.2.445
For the Lord's tokens on you do I see.
Link: 5.2.446

PRINCESS
No, they are free that gave these tokens to us.
Link: 5.2.447

BIRON
Our states are forfeit: seek not to undo us.
Link: 5.2.448

ROSALINE
It is not so; for how can this be true,
Link: 5.2.449
That you stand forfeit, being those that sue?
Link: 5.2.450

BIRON
Peace! for I will not have to do with you.
Link: 5.2.451

ROSALINE
Nor shall not, if I do as I intend.
Link: 5.2.452

BIRON
Speak for yourselves; my wit is at an end.
Link: 5.2.453

FERDINAND
Teach us, sweet madam, for our rude transgression
Link: 5.2.454
Some fair excuse.
Link: 5.2.455

PRINCESS
The fairest is confession.
Link: 5.2.456
Were not you here but even now disguised?
Link: 5.2.457

FERDINAND
Madam, I was.
Link: 5.2.458

PRINCESS
And were you well advised?
Link: 5.2.459

FERDINAND
I was, fair madam.
Link: 5.2.460

PRINCESS
When you then were here,
Link: 5.2.461
What did you whisper in your lady's ear?
Link: 5.2.462

FERDINAND
That more than all the world I did respect her.
Link: 5.2.463

PRINCESS
When she shall challenge this, you will reject her.
Link: 5.2.464

FERDINAND
Upon mine honour, no.
Link: 5.2.465

PRINCESS
Peace, peace! forbear:
Link: 5.2.466
Your oath once broke, you force not to forswear.
Link: 5.2.467

FERDINAND
Despise me, when I break this oath of mine.
Link: 5.2.468

PRINCESS
I will: and therefore keep it. Rosaline,
Link: 5.2.469
What did the Russian whisper in your ear?
Link: 5.2.470

ROSALINE
Madam, he swore that he did hold me dear
Link: 5.2.471
As precious eyesight, and did value me
Link: 5.2.472
Above this world; adding thereto moreover
Link: 5.2.473
That he would wed me, or else die my lover.
Link: 5.2.474

PRINCESS
God give thee joy of him! the noble lord
Link: 5.2.475
Most honourably doth unhold his word.
Link: 5.2.476

FERDINAND
What mean you, madam? by my life, my troth,
Link: 5.2.477
I never swore this lady such an oath.
Link: 5.2.478

ROSALINE
By heaven, you did; and to confirm it plain,
Link: 5.2.479
You gave me this: but take it, sir, again.
Link: 5.2.480

FERDINAND
My faith and this the princess I did give:
Link: 5.2.481
I knew her by this jewel on her sleeve.
Link: 5.2.482

PRINCESS
Pardon me, sir, this jewel did she wear;
Link: 5.2.483
And Lord Biron, I thank him, is my dear.
Link: 5.2.484
What, will you have me, or your pearl again?
Link: 5.2.485

BIRON
Neither of either; I remit both twain.
Link: 5.2.486
I see the trick on't: here was a consent,
Link: 5.2.487
Knowing aforehand of our merriment,
Link: 5.2.488
To dash it like a Christmas comedy:
Link: 5.2.489
Some carry-tale, some please-man, some slight zany,
Link: 5.2.490
Some mumble-news, some trencher-knight, some Dick,
Link: 5.2.491
That smiles his cheek in years and knows the trick
Link: 5.2.492
To make my lady laugh when she's disposed,
Link: 5.2.493
Told our intents before; which once disclosed,
Link: 5.2.494
The ladies did change favours: and then we,
Link: 5.2.495
Following the signs, woo'd but the sign of she.
Link: 5.2.496
Now, to our perjury to add more terror,
Link: 5.2.497
We are again forsworn, in will and error.
Link: 5.2.498
Much upon this it is: and might not you
Link: 5.2.499
Forestall our sport, to make us thus untrue?
Link: 5.2.500
Do not you know my lady's foot by the squier,
Link: 5.2.501
And laugh upon the apple of her eye?
Link: 5.2.502
And stand between her back, sir, and the fire,
Link: 5.2.503
Holding a trencher, jesting merrily?
Link: 5.2.504
You put our page out: go, you are allow'd;
Link: 5.2.505
Die when you will, a smock shall be your shroud.
Link: 5.2.506
You leer upon me, do you? there's an eye
Link: 5.2.507
Wounds like a leaden sword.
Link: 5.2.508

BOYET
Full merrily
Link: 5.2.509
Hath this brave manage, this career, been run.
Link: 5.2.510

BIRON
Lo, he is tilting straight! Peace! I have done.
Link: 5.2.511
Welcome, pure wit! thou partest a fair fray.
Link: 5.2.512

COSTARD
O Lord, sir, they would know
Link: 5.2.513
Whether the three Worthies shall come in or no.
Link: 5.2.514

BIRON
What, are there but three?
Link: 5.2.515

COSTARD
No, sir; but it is vara fine,
Link: 5.2.516
For every one pursents three.
Link: 5.2.517

BIRON
And three times thrice is nine.
Link: 5.2.518

COSTARD
Not so, sir; under correction, sir; I hope it is not so.
Link: 5.2.519
You cannot beg us, sir, I can assure you, sir we know
Link: 5.2.520
what we know:
Link: 5.2.521
I hope, sir, three times thrice, sir,--
Link: 5.2.522

BIRON
Is not nine.
Link: 5.2.523

COSTARD
Under correction, sir, we know whereuntil it doth amount.
Link: 5.2.524

BIRON
By Jove, I always took three threes for nine.
Link: 5.2.525

COSTARD
O Lord, sir, it were pity you should get your living
Link: 5.2.526
by reckoning, sir.
Link: 5.2.527

BIRON
How much is it?
Link: 5.2.528

COSTARD
O Lord, sir, the parties themselves, the actors,
Link: 5.2.529
sir, will show whereuntil it doth amount: for mine
Link: 5.2.530
own part, I am, as they say, but to parfect one man
Link: 5.2.531
in one poor man, Pompion the Great, sir.
Link: 5.2.532

BIRON
Art thou one of the Worthies?
Link: 5.2.533

COSTARD
It pleased them to think me worthy of Pompion the
Link: 5.2.534
Great: for mine own part, I know not the degree of
Link: 5.2.535
the Worthy, but I am to stand for him.
Link: 5.2.536

BIRON
Go, bid them prepare.
Link: 5.2.537

COSTARD
We will turn it finely off, sir; we will take
Link: 5.2.538
some care.
Link: 5.2.539

Exit

FERDINAND
Biron, they will shame us: let them not approach.
Link: 5.2.540

BIRON
We are shame-proof, my lord: and tis some policy
Link: 5.2.541
To have one show worse than the king's and his company.
Link: 5.2.542

FERDINAND
I say they shall not come.
Link: 5.2.543

PRINCESS
Nay, my good lord, let me o'errule you now:
Link: 5.2.544
That sport best pleases that doth least know how:
Link: 5.2.545
Where zeal strives to content, and the contents
Link: 5.2.546
Dies in the zeal of that which it presents:
Link: 5.2.547
Their form confounded makes most form in mirth,
Link: 5.2.548
When great things labouring perish in their birth.
Link: 5.2.549

BIRON
A right description of our sport, my lord.
Link: 5.2.550

Enter DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Anointed, I implore so much expense of thy royal
Link: 5.2.551
sweet breath as will utter a brace of words.
Link: 5.2.552

Converses apart with FERDINAND, and delivers him a paper

PRINCESS
Doth this man serve God?
Link: 5.2.553

BIRON
Why ask you?
Link: 5.2.554

PRINCESS
He speaks not like a man of God's making.
Link: 5.2.555

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
That is all one, my fair, sweet, honey monarch; for,
Link: 5.2.556
I protest, the schoolmaster is exceeding
Link: 5.2.557
fantastical; too, too vain, too too vain: but we
Link: 5.2.558
will put it, as they say, to fortuna de la guerra.
Link: 5.2.559
I wish you the peace of mind, most royal couplement!
Link: 5.2.560

Exit

FERDINAND
Here is like to be a good presence of Worthies. He
Link: 5.2.561
presents Hector of Troy; the swain, Pompey the
Link: 5.2.562
Great; the parish curate, Alexander; Armado's page,
Link: 5.2.563
Hercules; the pedant, Judas Maccabaeus: And if
Link: 5.2.564
these four Worthies in their first show thrive,
Link: 5.2.565
These four will change habits, and present the other five.
Link: 5.2.566

BIRON
There is five in the first show.
Link: 5.2.567

FERDINAND
You are deceived; 'tis not so.
Link: 5.2.568

BIRON
The pedant, the braggart, the hedge-priest, the fool
Link: 5.2.569
and the boy:--
Link: 5.2.570
Abate throw at novum, and the whole world again
Link: 5.2.571
Cannot pick out five such, take each one in his vein.
Link: 5.2.572

FERDINAND
The ship is under sail, and here she comes amain.
Link: 5.2.573

Enter COSTARD, for Pompey

COSTARD
I Pompey am,--
Link: 5.2.574

BOYET
You lie, you are not he.
Link: 5.2.575

COSTARD
I Pompey am,--
Link: 5.2.576

BOYET
With libbard's head on knee.
Link: 5.2.577

BIRON
Well said, old mocker: I must needs be friends
Link: 5.2.578
with thee.
Link: 5.2.579

COSTARD
I Pompey am, Pompey surnamed the Big--
Link: 5.2.580

DUMAIN
The Great.
Link: 5.2.581

COSTARD
It is, 'Great,' sir:--
Link: 5.2.582
Pompey surnamed the Great;
Link: 5.2.583
That oft in field, with targe and shield, did make
Link: 5.2.584
my foe to sweat:
Link: 5.2.585
And travelling along this coast, I here am come by chance,
Link: 5.2.586
And lay my arms before the legs of this sweet lass of France,
Link: 5.2.587
If your ladyship would say, 'Thanks, Pompey,' I had done.
Link: 5.2.588

PRINCESS
Great thanks, great Pompey.
Link: 5.2.589

COSTARD
'Tis not so much worth; but I hope I was perfect: I
Link: 5.2.590
made a little fault in 'Great.'
Link: 5.2.591

BIRON
My hat to a halfpenny, Pompey proves the best Worthy.
Link: 5.2.592

Enter SIR NATHANIEL, for Alexander

SIR NATHANIEL
When in the world I lived, I was the world's
Link: 5.2.593
commander;
Link: 5.2.594
By east, west, north, and south, I spread my
Link: 5.2.595
conquering might:
Link: 5.2.596
My scutcheon plain declares that I am Alisander,--
Link: 5.2.597

BOYET
Your nose says, no, you are not for it stands too right.
Link: 5.2.598

BIRON
Your nose smells 'no' in this, most tender-smelling knight.
Link: 5.2.599

PRINCESS
The conqueror is dismay'd. Proceed, good Alexander.
Link: 5.2.600

SIR NATHANIEL
When in the world I lived, I was the world's
Link: 5.2.601
commander,--
Link: 5.2.602

BOYET
Most true, 'tis right; you were so, Alisander.
Link: 5.2.603

BIRON
Pompey the Great,--
Link: 5.2.604

COSTARD
Your servant, and Costard.
Link: 5.2.605

BIRON
Take away the conqueror, take away Alisander.
Link: 5.2.606

COSTARD
(To SIR NATHANIEL) O, sir, you have overthrown
Link: 5.2.607
Alisander the conqueror! You will be scraped out of
Link: 5.2.608
the painted cloth for this: your lion, that holds
Link: 5.2.609
his poll-axe sitting on a close-stool, will be given
Link: 5.2.610
to Ajax: he will be the ninth Worthy. A conqueror,
Link: 5.2.611
and afeard to speak! run away for shame, Alisander.
Link: 5.2.612
There, an't shall please you; a foolish mild man; an
Link: 5.2.613
honest man, look you, and soon dashed. He is a
Link: 5.2.614
marvellous good neighbour, faith, and a very good
Link: 5.2.615
bowler: but, for Alisander,--alas, you see how
Link: 5.2.616
'tis,--a little o'erparted. But there are Worthies
Link: 5.2.617
a-coming will speak their mind in some other sort.
Link: 5.2.618

Enter HOLOFERNES, for Judas; and MOTH, for Hercules

HOLOFERNES
Great Hercules is presented by this imp,
Link: 5.2.619
Whose club kill'd Cerberus, that three-headed canis;
Link: 5.2.620
And when he was a babe, a child, a shrimp,
Link: 5.2.621
Thus did he strangle serpents in his manus.
Link: 5.2.622
Quoniam he seemeth in minority,
Link: 5.2.623
Ergo I come with this apology.
Link: 5.2.624
Keep some state in thy exit, and vanish.
Link: 5.2.625
Judas I am,--
Link: 5.2.626

DUMAIN
A Judas!
Link: 5.2.627

HOLOFERNES
Not Iscariot, sir.
Link: 5.2.628
Judas I am, ycliped Maccabaeus.
Link: 5.2.629

DUMAIN
Judas Maccabaeus clipt is plain Judas.
Link: 5.2.630

BIRON
A kissing traitor. How art thou proved Judas?
Link: 5.2.631

HOLOFERNES
Judas I am,--
Link: 5.2.632

DUMAIN
The more shame for you, Judas.
Link: 5.2.633

HOLOFERNES
What mean you, sir?
Link: 5.2.634

BOYET
To make Judas hang himself.
Link: 5.2.635

HOLOFERNES
Begin, sir; you are my elder.
Link: 5.2.636

BIRON
Well followed: Judas was hanged on an elder.
Link: 5.2.637

HOLOFERNES
I will not be put out of countenance.
Link: 5.2.638

BIRON
Because thou hast no face.
Link: 5.2.639

HOLOFERNES
What is this?
Link: 5.2.640

BOYET
A cittern-head.
Link: 5.2.641

DUMAIN
The head of a bodkin.
Link: 5.2.642

BIRON
A Death's face in a ring.
Link: 5.2.643

LONGAVILLE
The face of an old Roman coin, scarce seen.
Link: 5.2.644

BOYET
The pommel of Caesar's falchion.
Link: 5.2.645

DUMAIN
The carved-bone face on a flask.
Link: 5.2.646

BIRON
Saint George's half-cheek in a brooch.
Link: 5.2.647

DUMAIN
Ay, and in a brooch of lead.
Link: 5.2.648

BIRON
Ay, and worn in the cap of a tooth-drawer.
Link: 5.2.649
And now forward; for we have put thee in countenance.
Link: 5.2.650

HOLOFERNES
You have put me out of countenance.
Link: 5.2.651

BIRON
False; we have given thee faces.
Link: 5.2.652

HOLOFERNES
But you have out-faced them all.
Link: 5.2.653

BIRON
An thou wert a lion, we would do so.
Link: 5.2.654

BOYET
Therefore, as he is an ass, let him go.
Link: 5.2.655
And so adieu, sweet Jude! nay, why dost thou stay?
Link: 5.2.656

DUMAIN
For the latter end of his name.
Link: 5.2.657

BIRON
For the ass to the Jude; give it him:--Jud-as, away!
Link: 5.2.658

HOLOFERNES
This is not generous, not gentle, not humble.
Link: 5.2.659

BOYET
A light for Monsieur Judas! it grows dark, he may stumble.
Link: 5.2.660

HOLOFERNES retires

PRINCESS
Alas, poor Maccabaeus, how hath he been baited!
Link: 5.2.661

Enter DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO, for Hector

BIRON
Hide thy head, Achilles: here comes Hector in arms.
Link: 5.2.662

DUMAIN
Though my mocks come home by me, I will now be merry.
Link: 5.2.663

FERDINAND
Hector was but a Troyan in respect of this.
Link: 5.2.664

BOYET
But is this Hector?
Link: 5.2.665

FERDINAND
I think Hector was not so clean-timbered.
Link: 5.2.666

LONGAVILLE
His leg is too big for Hector's.
Link: 5.2.667

DUMAIN
More calf, certain.
Link: 5.2.668

BOYET
No; he is best endued in the small.
Link: 5.2.669

BIRON
This cannot be Hector.
Link: 5.2.670

DUMAIN
He's a god or a painter; for he makes faces.
Link: 5.2.671

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
The armipotent Mars, of lances the almighty,
Link: 5.2.672
Gave Hector a gift,--
Link: 5.2.673

DUMAIN
A gilt nutmeg.
Link: 5.2.674

BIRON
A lemon.
Link: 5.2.675

LONGAVILLE
Stuck with cloves.
Link: 5.2.676

DUMAIN
No, cloven.
Link: 5.2.677

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Peace!--
Link: 5.2.678
The armipotent Mars, of lances the almighty
Link: 5.2.679
Gave Hector a gift, the heir of Ilion;
Link: 5.2.680
A man so breathed, that certain he would fight; yea
Link: 5.2.681
From morn till night, out of his pavilion.
Link: 5.2.682
I am that flower,--
Link: 5.2.683

DUMAIN
That mint.
Link: 5.2.684

LONGAVILLE
That columbine.
Link: 5.2.685

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Sweet Lord Longaville, rein thy tongue.
Link: 5.2.686

LONGAVILLE
I must rather give it the rein, for it runs against Hector.
Link: 5.2.687

DUMAIN
Ay, and Hector's a greyhound.
Link: 5.2.688

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
The sweet war-man is dead and rotten; sweet chucks,
Link: 5.2.689
beat not the bones of the buried: when he breathed,
Link: 5.2.690
he was a man. But I will forward with my device.
Link: 5.2.691
Sweet royalty, bestow on me the sense of hearing.
Link: 5.2.692

PRINCESS
Speak, brave Hector: we are much delighted.
Link: 5.2.693

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I do adore thy sweet grace's slipper.
Link: 5.2.694

BOYET
(Aside to DUMAIN) Loves her by the foot,--
Link: 5.2.695

DUMAIN
(Aside to BOYET) He may not by the yard.
Link: 5.2.696

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
This Hector far surmounted Hannibal,--
Link: 5.2.697

COSTARD
The party is gone, fellow Hector, she is gone; she
Link: 5.2.698
is two months on her way.
Link: 5.2.699

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
What meanest thou?
Link: 5.2.700

COSTARD
Faith, unless you play the honest Troyan, the poor
Link: 5.2.701
wench is cast away: she's quick; the child brags in
Link: 5.2.702
her belly already: tis yours.
Link: 5.2.703

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Dost thou infamonize me among potentates? thou shalt
Link: 5.2.704
die.
Link: 5.2.705

COSTARD
Then shall Hector be whipped for Jaquenetta that is
Link: 5.2.706
quick by him and hanged for Pompey that is dead by
Link: 5.2.707
him.
Link: 5.2.708

DUMAIN
Most rare Pompey!
Link: 5.2.709

BOYET
Renowned Pompey!
Link: 5.2.710

BIRON
Greater than great, great, great, great Pompey!
Link: 5.2.711
Pompey the Huge!
Link: 5.2.712

DUMAIN
Hector trembles.
Link: 5.2.713

BIRON
Pompey is moved. More Ates, more Ates! stir them
Link: 5.2.714
on! stir them on!
Link: 5.2.715

DUMAIN
Hector will challenge him.
Link: 5.2.716

BIRON
Ay, if a' have no man's blood in's belly than will
Link: 5.2.717
sup a flea.
Link: 5.2.718

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
By the north pole, I do challenge thee.
Link: 5.2.719

COSTARD
I will not fight with a pole, like a northern man:
Link: 5.2.720
I'll slash; I'll do it by the sword. I bepray you,
Link: 5.2.721
let me borrow my arms again.
Link: 5.2.722

DUMAIN
Room for the incensed Worthies!
Link: 5.2.723

COSTARD
I'll do it in my shirt.
Link: 5.2.724

DUMAIN
Most resolute Pompey!
Link: 5.2.725

MOTH
Master, let me take you a buttonhole lower. Do you
Link: 5.2.726
not see Pompey is uncasing for the combat? What mean
Link: 5.2.727
you? You will lose your reputation.
Link: 5.2.728

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Gentlemen and soldiers, pardon me; I will not combat
Link: 5.2.729
in my shirt.
Link: 5.2.730

DUMAIN
You may not deny it: Pompey hath made the challenge.
Link: 5.2.731

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Sweet bloods, I both may and will.
Link: 5.2.732

BIRON
What reason have you for't?
Link: 5.2.733

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
The naked truth of it is, I have no shirt; I go
Link: 5.2.734
woolward for penance.
Link: 5.2.735

BOYET
True, and it was enjoined him in Rome for want of
Link: 5.2.736
linen: since when, I'll be sworn, he wore none but
Link: 5.2.737
a dishclout of Jaquenetta's, and that a' wears next
Link: 5.2.738
his heart for a favour.
Link: 5.2.739

Enter MERCADE

MERCADE
God save you, madam!
Link: 5.2.740

PRINCESS
Welcome, Mercade;
Link: 5.2.741
But that thou interrupt'st our merriment.
Link: 5.2.742

MERCADE
I am sorry, madam; for the news I bring
Link: 5.2.743
Is heavy in my tongue. The king your father--
Link: 5.2.744

PRINCESS
Dead, for my life!
Link: 5.2.745

MERCADE
Even so; my tale is told.
Link: 5.2.746

BIRON
Worthies, away! the scene begins to cloud.
Link: 5.2.747

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
For mine own part, I breathe free breath. I have
Link: 5.2.748
seen the day of wrong through the little hole of
Link: 5.2.749
discretion, and I will right myself like a soldier.
Link: 5.2.750

Exeunt Worthies

FERDINAND
How fares your majesty?
Link: 5.2.751

PRINCESS
Boyet, prepare; I will away tonight.
Link: 5.2.752

FERDINAND
Madam, not so; I do beseech you, stay.
Link: 5.2.753

PRINCESS
Prepare, I say. I thank you, gracious lords,
Link: 5.2.754
For all your fair endeavors; and entreat,
Link: 5.2.755
Out of a new-sad soul, that you vouchsafe
Link: 5.2.756
In your rich wisdom to excuse or hide
Link: 5.2.757
The liberal opposition of our spirits,
Link: 5.2.758
If over-boldly we have borne ourselves
Link: 5.2.759
In the converse of breath: your gentleness
Link: 5.2.760
Was guilty of it. Farewell worthy lord!
Link: 5.2.761
A heavy heart bears not a nimble tongue:
Link: 5.2.762
Excuse me so, coming too short of thanks
Link: 5.2.763
For my great suit so easily obtain'd.
Link: 5.2.764

FERDINAND
The extreme parts of time extremely forms
Link: 5.2.765
All causes to the purpose of his speed,
Link: 5.2.766
And often at his very loose decides
Link: 5.2.767
That which long process could not arbitrate:
Link: 5.2.768
And though the mourning brow of progeny
Link: 5.2.769
Forbid the smiling courtesy of love
Link: 5.2.770
The holy suit which fain it would convince,
Link: 5.2.771
Yet, since love's argument was first on foot,
Link: 5.2.772
Let not the cloud of sorrow justle it
Link: 5.2.773
From what it purposed; since, to wail friends lost
Link: 5.2.774
Is not by much so wholesome-profitable
Link: 5.2.775
As to rejoice at friends but newly found.
Link: 5.2.776

PRINCESS
I understand you not: my griefs are double.
Link: 5.2.777

BIRON
Honest plain words best pierce the ear of grief;
Link: 5.2.778
And by these badges understand the king.
Link: 5.2.779
For your fair sakes have we neglected time,
Link: 5.2.780
Play'd foul play with our oaths: your beauty, ladies,
Link: 5.2.781
Hath much deform'd us, fashioning our humours
Link: 5.2.782
Even to the opposed end of our intents:
Link: 5.2.783
And what in us hath seem'd ridiculous,--
Link: 5.2.784
As love is full of unbefitting strains,
Link: 5.2.785
All wanton as a child, skipping and vain,
Link: 5.2.786
Form'd by the eye and therefore, like the eye,
Link: 5.2.787
Full of strange shapes, of habits and of forms,
Link: 5.2.788
Varying in subjects as the eye doth roll
Link: 5.2.789
To every varied object in his glance:
Link: 5.2.790
Which parti-coated presence of loose love
Link: 5.2.791
Put on by us, if, in your heavenly eyes,
Link: 5.2.792
Have misbecomed our oaths and gravities,
Link: 5.2.793
Those heavenly eyes, that look into these faults,
Link: 5.2.794
Suggested us to make. Therefore, ladies,
Link: 5.2.795
Our love being yours, the error that love makes
Link: 5.2.796
Is likewise yours: we to ourselves prove false,
Link: 5.2.797
By being once false for ever to be true
Link: 5.2.798
To those that make us both,--fair ladies, you:
Link: 5.2.799
And even that falsehood, in itself a sin,
Link: 5.2.800
Thus purifies itself and turns to grace.
Link: 5.2.801

PRINCESS
We have received your letters full of love;
Link: 5.2.802
Your favours, the ambassadors of love;
Link: 5.2.803
And, in our maiden council, rated them
Link: 5.2.804
At courtship, pleasant jest and courtesy,
Link: 5.2.805
As bombast and as lining to the time:
Link: 5.2.806
But more devout than this in our respects
Link: 5.2.807
Have we not been; and therefore met your loves
Link: 5.2.808
In their own fashion, like a merriment.
Link: 5.2.809

DUMAIN
Our letters, madam, show'd much more than jest.
Link: 5.2.810

LONGAVILLE
So did our looks.
Link: 5.2.811

ROSALINE
We did not quote them so.
Link: 5.2.812

FERDINAND
Now, at the latest minute of the hour,
Link: 5.2.813
Grant us your loves.
Link: 5.2.814

PRINCESS
A time, methinks, too short
Link: 5.2.815
To make a world-without-end bargain in.
Link: 5.2.816
No, no, my lord, your grace is perjured much,
Link: 5.2.817
Full of dear guiltiness; and therefore this:
Link: 5.2.818
If for my love, as there is no such cause,
Link: 5.2.819
You will do aught, this shall you do for me:
Link: 5.2.820
Your oath I will not trust; but go with speed
Link: 5.2.821
To some forlorn and naked hermitage,
Link: 5.2.822
Remote from all the pleasures of the world;
Link: 5.2.823
There stay until the twelve celestial signs
Link: 5.2.824
Have brought about the annual reckoning.
Link: 5.2.825
If this austere insociable life
Link: 5.2.826
Change not your offer made in heat of blood;
Link: 5.2.827
If frosts and fasts, hard lodging and thin weeds
Link: 5.2.828
Nip not the gaudy blossoms of your love,
Link: 5.2.829
But that it bear this trial and last love;
Link: 5.2.830
Then, at the expiration of the year,
Link: 5.2.831
Come challenge me, challenge me by these deserts,
Link: 5.2.832
And, by this virgin palm now kissing thine
Link: 5.2.833
I will be thine; and till that instant shut
Link: 5.2.834
My woeful self up in a mourning house,
Link: 5.2.835
Raining the tears of lamentation
Link: 5.2.836
For the remembrance of my father's death.
Link: 5.2.837
If this thou do deny, let our hands part,
Link: 5.2.838
Neither entitled in the other's heart.
Link: 5.2.839

FERDINAND
If this, or more than this, I would deny,
Link: 5.2.840
To flatter up these powers of mine with rest,
Link: 5.2.841
The sudden hand of death close up mine eye!
Link: 5.2.842
Hence ever then my heart is in thy breast.
Link: 5.2.843

BIRON
[And what to me, my love? and what to me?
Link: 5.2.844

ROSALINE
You must be purged too, your sins are rack'd,
Link: 5.2.845
You are attaint with faults and perjury:
Link: 5.2.846
Therefore if you my favour mean to get,
Link: 5.2.847
A twelvemonth shall you spend, and never rest,
Link: 5.2.848
But seek the weary beds of people sick.]
Link: 5.2.849

DUMAIN
But what to me, my love? but what to me? A wife?
Link: 5.2.850

KATHARINE
A beard, fair health, and honesty;
Link: 5.2.851
With three-fold love I wish you all these three.
Link: 5.2.852

DUMAIN
O, shall I say, I thank you, gentle wife?
Link: 5.2.853

KATHARINE
Not so, my lord; a twelvemonth and a day
Link: 5.2.854
I'll mark no words that smooth-faced wooers say:
Link: 5.2.855
Come when the king doth to my lady come;
Link: 5.2.856
Then, if I have much love, I'll give you some.
Link: 5.2.857

DUMAIN
I'll serve thee true and faithfully till then.
Link: 5.2.858

KATHARINE
Yet swear not, lest ye be forsworn again.
Link: 5.2.859

LONGAVILLE
What says Maria?
Link: 5.2.860

MARIA
At the twelvemonth's end
Link: 5.2.861
I'll change my black gown for a faithful friend.
Link: 5.2.862

LONGAVILLE
I'll stay with patience; but the time is long.
Link: 5.2.863

MARIA
The liker you; few taller are so young.
Link: 5.2.864

BIRON
Studies my lady? mistress, look on me;
Link: 5.2.865
Behold the window of my heart, mine eye,
Link: 5.2.866
What humble suit attends thy answer there:
Link: 5.2.867
Impose some service on me for thy love.
Link: 5.2.868

ROSALINE
Oft have I heard of you, my Lord Biron,
Link: 5.2.869
Before I saw you; and the world's large tongue
Link: 5.2.870
Proclaims you for a man replete with mocks,
Link: 5.2.871
Full of comparisons and wounding flouts,
Link: 5.2.872
Which you on all estates will execute
Link: 5.2.873
That lie within the mercy of your wit.
Link: 5.2.874
To weed this wormwood from your fruitful brain,
Link: 5.2.875
And therewithal to win me, if you please,
Link: 5.2.876
Without the which I am not to be won,
Link: 5.2.877
You shall this twelvemonth term from day to day
Link: 5.2.878
Visit the speechless sick and still converse
Link: 5.2.879
With groaning wretches; and your task shall be,
Link: 5.2.880
With all the fierce endeavor of your wit
Link: 5.2.881
To enforce the pained impotent to smile.
Link: 5.2.882

BIRON
To move wild laughter in the throat of death?
Link: 5.2.883
It cannot be; it is impossible:
Link: 5.2.884
Mirth cannot move a soul in agony.
Link: 5.2.885

ROSALINE
Why, that's the way to choke a gibing spirit,
Link: 5.2.886
Whose influence is begot of that loose grace
Link: 5.2.887
Which shallow laughing hearers give to fools:
Link: 5.2.888
A jest's prosperity lies in the ear
Link: 5.2.889
Of him that hears it, never in the tongue
Link: 5.2.890
Of him that makes it: then, if sickly ears,
Link: 5.2.891
Deaf'd with the clamours of their own dear groans,
Link: 5.2.892
Will hear your idle scorns, continue then,
Link: 5.2.893
And I will have you and that fault withal;
Link: 5.2.894
But if they will not, throw away that spirit,
Link: 5.2.895
And I shall find you empty of that fault,
Link: 5.2.896
Right joyful of your reformation.
Link: 5.2.897

BIRON
A twelvemonth! well; befall what will befall,
Link: 5.2.898
I'll jest a twelvemonth in an hospital.
Link: 5.2.899

PRINCESS
(To FERDINAND) Ay, sweet my lord; and so I take my leave.
Link: 5.2.900

FERDINAND
No, madam; we will bring you on your way.
Link: 5.2.901

BIRON
Our wooing doth not end like an old play;
Link: 5.2.902
Jack hath not Jill: these ladies' courtesy
Link: 5.2.903
Might well have made our sport a comedy.
Link: 5.2.904

FERDINAND
Come, sir, it wants a twelvemonth and a day,
Link: 5.2.905
And then 'twill end.
Link: 5.2.906

BIRON
That's too long for a play.
Link: 5.2.907

Re-enter DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Sweet majesty, vouchsafe me,--
Link: 5.2.908

PRINCESS
Was not that Hector?
Link: 5.2.909

DUMAIN
The worthy knight of Troy.
Link: 5.2.910

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
I will kiss thy royal finger, and take leave. I am
Link: 5.2.911
a votary; I have vowed to Jaquenetta to hold the
Link: 5.2.912
plough for her sweet love three years. But, most
Link: 5.2.913
esteemed greatness, will you hear the dialogue that
Link: 5.2.914
the two learned men have compiled in praise of the
Link: 5.2.915
owl and the cuckoo? It should have followed in the
Link: 5.2.916
end of our show.
Link: 5.2.917

FERDINAND
Call them forth quickly; we will do so.
Link: 5.2.918

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
Holla! approach.
Link: 5.2.919
This side is Hiems, Winter, this Ver, the Spring;
Link: 5.2.920
the one maintained by the owl, the other by the
Link: 5.2.921
cuckoo. Ver, begin.
Link: 5.2.922
When daisies pied and violets blue
Link: 5.2.923
And lady-smocks all silver-white
Link: 5.2.924
And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue
Link: 5.2.925
Do paint the meadows with delight,
Link: 5.2.926
The cuckoo then, on every tree,
Link: 5.2.927
Mocks married men; for thus sings he, Cuckoo;
Link: 5.2.928
Cuckoo, cuckoo: O word of fear,
Link: 5.2.929
Unpleasing to a married ear!
Link: 5.2.930
When shepherds pipe on oaten straws
Link: 5.2.931
And merry larks are ploughmen's clocks,
Link: 5.2.932
When turtles tread, and rooks, and daws,
Link: 5.2.933
And maidens bleach their summer smocks
Link: 5.2.934
The cuckoo then, on every tree,
Link: 5.2.935
Mocks married men; for thus sings he, Cuckoo;
Link: 5.2.936
Cuckoo, cuckoo: O word of fear,
Link: 5.2.937
Unpleasing to a married ear!
Link: 5.2.938
When icicles hang by the wall
Link: 5.2.939
And Dick the shepherd blows his nail
Link: 5.2.940
And Tom bears logs into the hall
Link: 5.2.941
And milk comes frozen home in pail,
Link: 5.2.942
When blood is nipp'd and ways be foul,
Link: 5.2.943
Then nightly sings the staring owl, Tu-whit;
Link: 5.2.944
Tu-who, a merry note,
Link: 5.2.945
While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.
Link: 5.2.946
When all aloud the wind doth blow
Link: 5.2.947
And coughing drowns the parson's saw
Link: 5.2.948
And birds sit brooding in the snow
Link: 5.2.949
And Marian's nose looks red and raw,
Link: 5.2.950
When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl,
Link: 5.2.951
Then nightly sings the staring owl, Tu-whit;
Link: 5.2.952
Tu-who, a merry note,
Link: 5.2.953
While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.
Link: 5.2.954

DON ADRIANO DE ARMADO
The words of Mercury are harsh after the songs of
Link: 5.2.955
Apollo. You that way: we this way.
Link: 5.2.956

Exeunt