Act IV, Scene III — A room in PETRUCHIO'S house…

Act IV, Scene III — A room in PETRUCHIO'S house

Enter KATHARINA and GRUMIO.

Gru. No, no, forsooth; I dare not for my life.

Kath. The more my wrong, the more his spite appears: What, did he marry me to famish me? Beggars, that come unto my father's door, Upon entreaty have a present alms; 5 If not, elsewhere they meet with charity: But I, who never knew how to entreat, Nor never needed that I should entreat, Am starved for meat, giddy for lack of sleep; With oaths kept waking, and with brawling fed: 10 And that which spites me more than all these wants, He does it under name of perfect love; As who should say, if I should sleep or eat, 'Twere deadly sickness or else present death. I prithee go and get me some repast; 15 I care not what, so it be wholesome food.

Gru. What say you to a neat's foot?

Kath. 'Tis passing good: I prithee let me have it.

Gru. I fear it is too choleric a meat. How say you to a fat tripe finely broil'd? 20

Kath. I like it well: good Grumio, fetch it me.

Gru. I cannot tell; I fear 'tis choleric. What say you to a piece of beef and mustard?

Kath. A dish that I do love to feed upon.

Gru. Ay, but the mustard is too hot a little. 25

Kath. Why then, the beef, and let the mustard rest.

Gru. Nay then, I will not: you shall have the mustard, Or else you get no beef of Grumio.

Kath. Then both, or one, or any thing thou wilt.

Gru. Why then, the mustard without the beef. 30

Kath. Go, get thee gone, thou false deluding slave, [Beats him. That feed'st me with the very name of meat: Sorrow on thee and all the pack of you That triumph thus upon my misery! Go, get thee gone, I say. 35

Enter PETRUCHIO and HORTENSIO with meat.

Pet. How fares my Kate? What, sweeting, all amort?

Hor. Mistress, what cheer?

Kath. Faith, as cold as can be.

Pet. Pluck up thy spirits; look cheerfully upon me. Here, love; thou see'st how diligent I am To dress thy meat myself and bring it thee: 40 I am sure, sweet Kate, this kindness merits thanks. What, not a word? Nay, then thou lovest it not; And all my pains is sorted to no proof. Here, take away this dish.

Kath. I pray you, let it stand.

Pet. The poorest service is repaid with thanks; 45 And so shall mine, before you touch the meat.

Kath. I thank you, sir.

Hor. Signior Petruchio, fie! you are to blame. Come, Mistress Kate, I'll bear you company.

Pet. Eat it up all, Hortensio, if thou lovest me. [Aside. 50 Much good do it unto thy gentle heart! Kate, eat apace: and now, my honey love, Will we return unto thy father's house, And revel it as bravely as the best, With silken coats and caps and golden rings, 55 With ruffs and cuffs and fardingales and things; With scarfs and fans and double change of bravery, With amber bracelets, beads and all this knavery. What, hast thou dined? The tailor stays thy leisure, To deck thy body with his ruffling treasure. 60

Enter Tailor.

Come, tailor, let us see these ornaments; Lay forth the gown.

Enter Haberdasher.

What news with you, sir?

Hab. Here is the cap your worship did bespeak.

Pet. Why, this was moulded on a porringer; A velvet dish: fie, fie! 'tis lewd and filthy: 65 Why, 'tis a cockle or a walnut-shell, A knack, a toy, a trick, a baby's cap: Away with it! come, let me have a bigger.

Kath. I'll have no bigger: this doth fit the time And gentlewomen wear such caps as these. 70

Pet. When you are gentle, you shall have one too, And not till then.

Hor. That will not be in haste. [Aside.

Kath. Why, sir, I trust I may have leave to speak; And speak I will; I am no child, no babe: Your betters have endured me say my mind, 75 And if you cannot, best you stop your ears. My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, Or else my heart concealing it will break; And rather than it shall, I will be free Even to the uttermost, as I please, in words. 80

Pet. Why, thou say'st true; it is a paltry cap, A custard-coffin, a bauble, a silken pie: I love thee well, in that thou likest it not.

Kath. Love me or love me not, I like the cap; And it I will have, or I will have none. 85 [Exit Haberdasher.

Pet. Thy gown? why, ay: come, tailor, let us see't. O mercy, God! what masquing stuff is here? What's this? a sleeve? 'tis like a demi-cannon: What, up and down, carved like an apple-tart? Here's snip and nip and cut and slish and slash, 90 Like to a censer in a barber's shop: Why, what, i' devil's name, tailor, call'st thou this?

Hor. I see she's like to have neither cap nor gown. [Aside.

Tai. You bid me make it orderly and well, According to the fashion and the time. 95

Pet. Marry, and did; but if you be remember'd, I did not bid you mar it to the time. Go, hop me over every kennel home, For you shall hop without my custom, sir: I'll none of it: hence! make your best of it. 100

Kath. I never saw a better-fashion'd gown, More quaint, more pleasing, nor more commendable: Belike you mean to make a puppet of me.

Pet. Why, true; he means to make a puppet of thee.

Tai. She says your worship means to make a puppet of her. 105

Pet. O monstrous arrogance! Thou liest, thou thread, thou thimble, Thou yard, three-quarters, half-yard, quarter, nail! Thou flea, thou nit, thou winter-cricket thou! Braved in mine own house with a skein of thread? 110 Away, thou rag, thou quantity, thou remnant; Or I shall so be-mete thee with thy yard, As thou shalt think on prating whilst thou livest! I tell thee, I, that thou hast marr'd her gown.

Tai. Your worship is deceived; the gown is made 115 Just as my master had direction: Grumio gave order how it should be done.

Gru. I gave him no order; I gave him the stuff.

Tai. But how did you desire it should be made?

Gru. Marry, sir, with needle and thread. 120

Tai. But did you not request to have it cut?

Gru. Thou hast faced many things.

Tai. I have.

Gru. Face not me: thou hast braved many men; brave not me; I will neither be faced nor braved. I say unto 125 thee, I bid thy master cut out the gown; but I did not bid him cut it to pieces: ergo, thou liest.

Tai. Why, here is the note of the fashion to testify.

Pet. Read it.

Gru. The note lies in's throat, if he say I said so. 130

Tai. [reads] 'Imprimis, a loose-bodied gown:'

Gru. Master, if ever I said loose-bodied gown, sew me in the skirts of it, and beat me to death with a bottom of brown thread: I said a gown.

Pet. Proceed. 135

Tai. [reads] 'With a small compassed cape:'

Gru. I confess the cape.

Tai. [reads] 'With a trunk sleeve:'

Gru. I confess two sleeves.

Tai. [reads] 'The sleeves curiously cut.' 140

Pet. Ay, there's the villany.

Gru. Error i' the bill, sir; error i' the bill. I commanded the sleeves should be cut out, and sewed up again; and that I'll prove upon thee, though thy little finger be armed in a thimble. 145

Tai. This is true that I say: an I had thee in place where, thou shouldst know it.

Gru. I am for thee straight: take thou the bill, give me thy mete-yard, and spare not me.

Hor. God-a-mercy, Grumio! then he shall have no odds. 150

Pet. Well, sir, in brief, the gown is not for me.

Gru. You are i' the right, sir: 'tis for my mistress.

Pet. Go, take it up unto thy master's use.

Gru. Villain, not for thy life: take up my mistress' gown for thy master's use! 155

Pet. Why, sir, what's your conceit in that?

Gru. O, sir, the conceit is deeper than you think for: Take up my mistress' gown to his master's use! O, fie, fie, fie!

Pet. Hortensio, say thou wilt see the tailor paid. [Aside. 160

Go take it hence; be gone, and say no more.

Hor. Tailor, I'll pay thee for thy gown to-morrow: Take no unkindness of his hasty words: Away! I say; commend me to thy master. [Exit Tailor.

Pet. Well, come, my Kate; we will unto your father's 165 Even in these honest mean habiliments: Our purses shall be proud, our garments poor; For 'tis the mind that makes the body rich; And as the sun breaks through the darkest clouds, So honour peereth in the meanest habit. 170 What is the jay more precious than the lark, Because his feathers are more beautiful? Or is the adder better than the eel, Because his painted skin contents the eye? O, no, good Kate; neither art thou the worse 175 For this poor furniture and mean array. If thou account'st it shame, lay it on me; And therefore frolic: we will hence forthwith, To feast and sport us at thy father's house. Go, call my men, and let us straight to him; 180 And bring our horses unto Long-lane end; There will we mount, and thither walk on foot. Let's see; I think 'tis now some seven o'clock, And well we may come there by dinner-time.

Kath. I dare assure you, sir, 'tis almost two; 185 And 'twill be supper-time ere you come there.

Pet. It shall be seven ere I go to horse: Look, what I speak, or do, or think to do, You are still crossing it. Sirs, let't alone: I will not go to-day; and ere I do, 190 It shall be what o'clock I say it is.

Hor. Why, so this gallant will command the sun. [Exeunt.

LINENOTES:

SCENE III.] Steevens. Actus Quartus. Scæna Prima. Ff Q. ACT IV. SCENE IV. Pope. ACT V. SCENE I. Hanmer. ACT IV. SCENE VI. Warburton. ACT IV. SCENE II. Capell.

[8] Nor ... entreat] omitted in Reed (1803, 1813), Boswell (1821), &c.

[11] wants] wrongs Capell (corrected in MS.).

[19] choleric] F1 Q. phlegmatic F2 F3 F4.

[22] 'tis] it is Rowe. it's Pope.

[27] Nay then] Nay, that Collier (Collier MS.).

[30] without] e'en without Hanmer. now without Capell.

[36] SCENE V. Pope. SCENE VII. Warburton.

[37] Faith] I'faith Capell.

[40] [Sets the dish on a table. Capell (after line 39).

[41] I am] I'm Pope.

[43] is] are Halliwell.

[44] this] the F3 F4.

I pray you] Pray Hanmer.

[49] [Sits to table along with her. Capell.

[50] me.] me: Ff Q. me, Rowe.

[Aside.] Theobald.

[51] Much] Now much Capell.

[55, 56] rings ... things] things ... rings Johnson conj. (withdrawn).

[56] fardingales] F1 Q F2 F3. fardingals F4.

[59] What] F1 Q. With F2 F3 F4.

[60] To] The F2.

ruffling] rustling Pope.

[61] SCENE VI. Pope. ACT V. SCENE III. Hanmer. SCENE VIII. Warburton.

[62] Enter....] Ff Q (after line 61).

sir?] sir? ha! Hanmer.

[63] Hab.] Rowe. Fel. Ff Q.

[72] [Aside.] Hanmer.

[80] uttermost] utmost Pope.

[81] a] om. F1.

[85] it will have] I will have it Pope.

[Exit Haberdasher] Edd.

[87] God] Heav'n Rowe (ed. 2).

[88] What's this?] F1 Q. What this? F2. What? this F3 F4.

like a] like F1.

[92] i'] Edd. a Ff Q. o' Capell.

tailor] trilor F4.

[93] to have] to've Pope.

[Aside.] Theobald.

[95] and] of Rowe (ed. 2).

[96] and did] I did Long conj. MS.

[106, 107] As two lines in Ff Q, ending arrogance: ... thimble. As one line in Capell. As two lines ending liest, ... thimble Malone. As two ending thread ... thimble Knight.

[106] monstrous] F1 Q. most monstrous F2 F3 F4.

liest] list Anon conj.

thou thread] om. Ritson conj.

[107] thimble,] thimble thou! thou liest, Hanmer.

[108] yard,] F2 F3 F4. yard F1 Q.

[131, 136, 138, 140] [reads] Capell.

[131] Imprimis] F3 F4. Inprimis F1 Q F2.

[132] loose-bodied] loose body's Steevens conj. from (Q).

sew me] sow me up Pope.

[146] an] Pope. and Ff Q.

[147] where, thou shouldst] Q F3 F4. where thou shouldst F1. where thou should F2.

[149] not me] me not Hanmer.

[150] Pet.] Kath. Daniel conj.

[154, 158] mistress'] mistress's Rowe.

[158] to] unto F3 F4.

[160] [Aside.] Rowe.

[164] [Exit Tailor.] Exit Tail. Ff Q. Exeunt Tailor and Haberdasher. Collier.

[170] peereth] 'peareth Grant White (Capell conj.).

[171] What is] Ff Q. What; is Pope.

[171, 172] lark, ... beautiful?] F2 F3 F4. larke?... beautifull. F1 Q.

[175] good] om. Q.

[177] account'st] Rowe. accountedst F1 Q F2. accounted'st F3 F4.

[182] on foot] afoot Capell.

[190] and] or, Capell.

[192] Why, so] Why so F1 Q. Why so: F2 F3 F4. Why, so! Capell. See note (XIX).

Act IV, Scene IV — Padua. Before BAPTISTA'S house

Enter TRANIO, and the Pedant dressed like VINCENTIO.

Tra. Sir, this is the house: please it you that I call?

Ped. Ay, what else? and but I be deceived Signior Baptista may remember me, Near twenty years ago, in Genoa, Where we were lodgers at the Pegasus. 5

Tra. 'Tis well; and hold your own, in any case, With such austerity as 'longeth to a father.

Ped. I warrant you.

Enter BIONDELLO.

But, sir, here comes your boy; 'Twere good he were school'd.

Tra. Fear you not him. Sirrah Biondello, 10 Now do your duty throughly, I advise you: Imagine 'twere the right Vincentio.

Bion. Tut, fear not me.

Tra. But hast thou done thy errand to Baptista?

Bion. I told him that your father was at Venice; 15 And that you look'd for him this day in Padua.

Tra. Thou'rt a tall fellow: hold thee that to drink. Here comes Baptista: set your countenance, sir.

Enter BAPTISTA and LUCENTIO.

Signior Baptista, you are happily met. [To the Pedant] Sir, this is the gentleman I told you of: 20 I pray you, stand good father to me now, Give me Bianca for my patrimony.

Ped. Soft, son! Sir, by your leave: having come to Padua To gather in some debts, my son Lucentio 25 Made me acquainted with a weighty cause Of love between your daughter and himself: And, for the good report I hear of you, And for the love he beareth to your daughter, And she to him, to stay him not too long, 30 I am content, in a good father's care, To have him match'd; and, if you please to like No worse than I, upon some agreement Me shall you find ready and willing With one consent to have her so bestow'd; 35 For curious I cannot be with you, Signior Baptista, of whom I hear so well.

Bap. Sir, pardon me in what I have to say: Your plainness and your shortness please me well. Right true it is, your son Lucentio here 40 Doth love my daughter, and she loveth him, Or both dissemble deeply their affections: And therefore, if you say no more than this. That like a father you will deal with him, And pass my daughter a sufficient dower, 45 The match is made, and all is done: Your son shall have my daughter with consent.

Tra. I thank you, sir. Where then do you know best We be affied and such assurance ta'en As shall with either part's agreement stand? 50

Bap. Not in my house, Lucentio; for, you know, Pitchers have ears, and I have many servants: Besides, old Gremio is hearkening still; And happily we might be interrupted.

Tra. Then at my lodging, an it like you: 55 There doth my father lie; and there, this night, We'll pass the business privately and well. Send for your daughter by your servant here; My boy shall fetch the scrivener presently. The worst is this, that, at so slender warning, 60 You are like to have a thin and slender pittance.

Bap. It likes me well. Cambio, his you home, And bid Bianca make her ready straight; And, if you will, tell what hath happened, Lucentio's father is arrived in Padua, 65 And how she's like to be Lucentio's wife.

Bion. I pray the gods she may with all my heart!

Tra. Dally not with the gods, but get thee gone. [Exit Bion Signior Baptista, shall I lead the way? Welcome! one mess is like to be your cheer: 70 Come, sir; we will better it in Pisa.

Bap. I follow you. [Exeunt Tranio, Pedant, and Baptista. Re-enter BIONDELLO.

Bion. Cambio.

Luc. What sayest thou, Biondello?

Bion. You saw my master wink and laugh upon you? 75

Luc. Biondello, what of that?

Bion. Faith, nothing; but has left me here behind, to expound the meaning or moral of his signs and tokens.

Luc. I pray thee, moralize them.

Bion. Then thus. Baptista is safe, talking with the 80 deceiving father of a deceitful son.

Luc. And what of him?

Bion. His daughter is to be brought by you to the supper.

Luc. And then?

Bion. The old priest at Saint Luke's church is at your 85 command at all hours.

Luc. And what of all this?

Bion. I cannot tell; expect they are busied about a counterfeit assurance: take you assurance of her, 'cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum:' to the church; take the 90 priest, clerk, and some sufficient honest witnesses: If this be not that you look for, I have no more to say, But bid Bianca farewell for ever and a day.

Luc. Hearest thou, Biondello?

Bion. I cannot tarry: I knew a wench married in an 95 afternoon as she went to the garden for parsley to stuff a rabbit; and so may you, sir: and so, adieu, sir. My master hath appointed me to go to Saint Luke's, to bid the priest be ready to come against you come with your appendix. [Exit.

Luc. I may, and will, if she be so contented: 100 She will be pleased; then wherefore should I doubt? Hap what hap may, I'll roundly go about her: It shall go hard if Cambio go without her. [Exit.

LINENOTES:

SCENE IV.] Steevens. ACT V. SCENE II. Pope (ed. 1). ACT V. SCENE III. Pope (ed. 2). ACT V. SCENE IV. Hanmer. SCENE IX. Warburton. SCENE III. Capell. ACT V. SCENE I. Johnson conj.

Before B's house.] Capell.

... Pedant dressed....] Pedant, booted, and drest.... Capell.

[1] Sir] Theobald. Sirs Ff Q.

[2] Ay,] I Ff Q. Ay, ay, Hanmer. Ay, sir; Capell.

[4, 5] Genoa, Where we] Genoa, where We Steevens. Genoa When we Halliwell.

[5, 6] Where we ... Tra. 'Tis] Theobald. Tra. Where we ... Tis Ff Q. Tra. Where you ... Tis Capell.

[7] 'longeth to a] Hanmer. longeth to a FF Q. 'longs t' a S. Walker conj.

[9] good] good that Hanmer.

[11] Now] om. Hanmer.

throughly] thoroughly Steevens.

I advise you] om. Hanmer.

[15] at] in F3 F4.

[17] Thou'rt] Capell. Th'art F1 Q F2. That's F3 F4.

[19] SCENE III. Pope (ed. 1). SCENE IV. Pope (ed. 2). ACT V. SCENE V. Hanmer. ACT IV. SCENE X. Warburton.

Enter B. and L.] Enter B. and L.: Pedant booted and bare headed. Ff Q. (and Pedant F2 F3 F4.)

[20] [To the Pedant] Capell.

Sir, this is] Sir, This is Capell. Sir, this 's Edd conj.

[21] stand good father to] stand, good father, to Rowe.

[23, 24] As in Hanmer. As one line in Ff Q.

[33] I, upon] F1. I upon Q. I sir upon F2 F3 F4.

[34] ready and willing] F1 Q. most ready and most willing F2 F3 F4.

[38] to say] say Steevens (1778), a misprint.

[45] dower] F1 Q F2. dowre F3 F4. dowry Rowe.

[46] made] fully made Hanmer.

done] done with me Capell. happily done Collier (Collier MS.).

[48, 49.] Where then do you ... We be] _Then where you do ... Be we_ Becket conj.

[48] do you know] do you trow is Hanmer. you do know Johnson conj. do you trow Rann (Johnson conj.). do you hold Collier (Collier MS.).

[49] We be] Be we Rowe (ed. 2).

[54] And happily] And happilie F1 Q. Ann haply F2. And haply F3 F4. And haply then Pope. And hapily Capell. And happely Grant White.

might] Ff. may Q.

[55] like you] F1 Q. like you, sir F2 F3 F4. liketh you] Anon conj.

[61] You are] You're Pope.

[62, 63.] As in Steevens. As two lines ending well: ... straight in Ff Q.

[62] Cambio] Go, Cambio Pope. Biondello Edd. conj. See note (XX).

[64] And, if you will, tell] Rowe. And if you will tell Ff Q.

happened] Capell. hapned Ff Q. happen'd here Pope.

[67] Bion.] F2 F3 F4. Biond. F1 Q. Luc. Rowe.

[68] [Exit Bion.] Exit. Ff Q, after line 67. om. Capell. See note (xx).

Enter Peter. Ff Q.

[70] Welcome] F1 Q. We come F2 F3 F4. See note (XXI).

[70, 71.] Welcome ... Come, sir; we will] Come, sir; one mess ... cheer; We'll Capell.

[71] Come] But come Hanmer.

[72] Exeunt T. P. and B] Exeunt. Ff Q.

Re-enter Biondello.] Edd. Enter Lucentio and Biondello. Ff Q.

[73] ACT V. SCENE IV. Pope (ed. 1). SCENE V. Pope (ed. 2). ACT V. SCENE VI. Hanmer. ACT IV. SCENE XI. Warburton.

[75] wink and laugh] laugh, and wink Capell conj.

[77] has] 'has Rowe. ha's Theobald. h'as Hanmer. he's Johnson. he has Steevens.

[79] them] then Anon conj.

[84] then?] F2 F3 F4. then. F1 Q.

[87] this?] F2 F3 F4. this. F1 Q.

[88] expect] F1 Q. except F2 F3 F4. expect, Warburton. except, while Capell. expect;-- Malone. except-- Tyrwhitt conj.

[90] imprimendum solum] F2 F3 F4. impremendum solem F1 Q.

church;] Rann (Tyrwhitt conj.). church Ff Q.

[93] [Going. Capell.

[101] I doubt] we doubt Rowe. I doubt her Pope.

Act IV, Scene V — A public road.

Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHARINA, HORTENSIO, and Servants.

Pet. Come on, i' God's name; once more toward our father's. Good Lord, how bright and goodly shines the moon!

Kath. The moon! the sun: it is not moonlight now.

Pet. I say it is the moon that shines so bright.

Kath. I know it is the sun that shines so bright. 5

Pet. Now, by my mother's son, and that's myself, It shall be moon, or star, or what I list, Or ere I journey to your father's house. Go on, and fetch our horses back again. Evermore cross'd and cross'd; nothing but cross'd! 10

Hor. Say as he says, or we shall never go.

Kath. Forward, I pray, since we have come so far, And be it moon, or sun, or what you please: An if you please to call it a rush-candle, Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me. 15

Pet. I say it is the moon.

Kath. I know it is the moon.

Pet. Nay, then you lie: it is the blessed sun.

Kath. Then, God be bless'd, it is the blessed sun: But sun it is not, when you say it is not; And the moon changes even as your mind. 20 What you will have it named, even that it is; And so it shall be so for Katharine.

Hor. Petruchio, go thy ways; the field is won.

Pet. Well, forward, forward! thus the bowl should run, And not unluckily against the bias. 25 But, soft! company is coming here.

Enter VINCENTIO.

[To Vincentio] Good morrow, gentle mistress: where away? Tell me, sweet Kate, and tell me truly too, Hast thou beheld a fresher gentlewoman? Such war of white and red within her cheeks! 30 What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty, As those two eyes become that heavenly face? Fair lovely maid, once more good day to thee. Sweet Kate, embrace her for her beauty's sake.

Hor. A' will make the man mad, to make a woman of him. 35

Kath. Young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet, Whither away, or where is thy abode? Happy the parents of so fair a child; Happier the man, whom favourable stars Allot thee for his lovely bed-fellow! 40

Pet. Why, how now, Kate! I hope thou art not mad: This is a man, old, wrinkled, faded, wither'd; And not a maiden, as thou say'st he is.

Kath. Pardon, old father, my mistaking eyes, That have been so bedazzled with the sun, 45 That every thing I look on seemeth green: Now I perceive thou art a reverend father; Pardon, I pray thee, for my mad mistaking.

Pet. Do, good old grandsire; and withal make known Which way thou travellest: if along with us, 50 We shall be joyful of thy company.

Vin. Fair sir, and you my merry mistress, That with your strange encounter much amazed me, My name is call'd Vincentio; my dwelling Pisa; And bound I am to Padua; there to visit 55 A son of mine, which long I have not seen.

Pet. What is his name?

Vin. Lucentio, gentle sir.

Pet. Happily met; the happier for thy son. And now by law, as well as reverend age, I may entitle thee my loving father: 60 The sister to my wife, this gentlewoman, Thy son by this hath married. Wonder not, Nor be not grieved: she is of good esteem, Her dowry wealthy, and of worthy birth; Beside, so qualified as may beseem 65 The spouse of any noble gentleman. Let me embrace with old Vincentio, And wander we to see thy honest son, Who will of thy arrival be full joyous.

Vin. But is this true? or is it else your pleasure, 70 Like pleasant travellers, to break a jest Upon the company you overtake?

Hor. I do assure thee, father, so it is.

Pet. Come, go along, and see the truth hereof; For our first merriment hath made thee jealous. 75 [Exeunt all but Hortensio.

Hor. Well, Petruchio, this has put me in heart. Have to my widow! and if she be froward, Then hast thou taught Hortensio to be untoward. [Exit.

LINENOTES:

SCENE V.] Steevens. ACT V. SCENE V. Pope (ed. 1). SCENE VI. Pope. (ed. 2). ACT V. SCENE VII. Hanmer. ACT IV. SCENE XII. Warburton. ACT V. SCENE I. Capell.

A public road.] Capell. The street before Lucentio's house. Pope. A green lane. Theobald. The road to Padua. Hanmer.

... and Servants.] Edd. om. Ff Q.

[1] i'] Edd. a Ff Q. o' Theobald.

toward] F1 F2 F3. towards Q F4. tow'rds Pope.

[5] shines] shine, Q1.

[7] I list] I I list F2.

[9] Go on] Go one Rann (Capell conj.).

[13] you] your F2.

[14] An] Collier. And Ff Q.

[16] I know it is the moon.] I know it is. Steevens.

[18] is] in F1.

[22] so it shall be so] so it shall be, sir, Capell. so it shall be still Singer (Ritson conj.). so it shall be 'sol' Becket conj.

[24] should] shall Harness.

[26] company] some company Pope. what company Steevens (Ritson conj.).

Act V, Scene VI — Pope. ACT V. SCENE VIII. Hanmer. ACT IV. SCENE XIII. Warburton

Enter V.] Enter V. journeying. Capell. Enter V. in a travelling dress. Malone.

[27] [To Vincentio] Rowe.

where] whither Capell.

[31, 32] do ... such ... those two] so ... their ... do those Seymour conj.

[35] A'] A Ff Q. He Rowe.

a woman] F2 F3 F4. the woman F1 Q.

[37] Whither ... where] F2 F3 F4. Whether ... whether F1 Q.

[39] whom] whose Capell conj.

[40] Allot] Pope. A lots F1. Alots Q F2 F3. Allots F4.

[44] mistaking] mistaken Rowe.

[49] withal] withall Ff. with all Q.

[52] mistress] mistress too Hanmer. mistress here Capell.

[54] name is call'd Vincentio] name's Vincentio call'd Anon conj.

my dwelling] dwelling Hanmer.

[66] gentleman] gentlewoman Q.

[67] with] thee, Capell conj.

[70] is it else] else is it Anon. conj.

[75] Exeunt...] Exeunt. Ff Q.

[76] Well, Petruchio,] Petruchio, well! Hanmer. Well, sir Petruchio Capell. Well done, Petruchio Anon conj.

has] hath Hanmer.

[77] be] F2 F3 F4. om. F1 Q.

[78] to be] be Capell.

Act V, Scene I — Padua. Before LUCENTIO'S house.

GREMIO discovered. Enter behind BIONDELLO, LUCENTIO, and BIANCA.

Bion. Softly and swiftly, sir; for the priest is ready.

Luc. I fly, Biondello: but they may chance to need thee at home; therefore leave us.

Bion. Nay, faith, I'll see the church o' your back; and then come back to my master's as soon as I can. 5 [Exeunt Lucentio, Bianca, and Biondello.

Gre. I marvel Cambio comes not all this while.

Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHARINA, VINCENTIO, GRUMIO, with Attendants.

Pet. Sir, here's the door, this is Lucentio's house: My father's bears more toward the market-place; Thither must I, and here I leave you, sir.

Vin. You shall not choose but drink before you go: 10 I think I shall command your welcome here, And, by all likelihood, some cheer is toward. [Knocks.

Gre. They're busy within; you were best knock louder.

Pedant looks out of the window.

Ped. What's he that knocks as he would beat down the gate? 15

Vin. Is Signior Lucentio within, sir?

Ped. He's within, sir, but not to be spoken withal.

Vin. What if a man bring him a hundred pound or two, to make merry withal?

Ped. Keep your hundred pounds to yourself: he shall 20 need none, so long as I live.

Pet. Nay, I told you your son was well beloved in Padua. Do you hear, sir?--to leave frivolous circumstances,--I pray you, tell Signior Lucentio, that his father is come from Pisa, and is here at the door to speak with him. 25

Ped. Thou liest: his father is come from Padua, and here looking out at the window.

Vin. Art thou his father?

Ped. Ay, sir; so his mother says, if I may believe her.

Pet. [To Vincentio] Why, how now, gentleman! why, 30 this is flat knavery, to take upon you another man's name.

Ped. Lay hands on the villain: I believe a' means to cozen somebody in this city under my countenance.

Re-enter BIONDELLO.

Bion. I have seen them in the church together: God send 'em good shipping! But who is here? mine old 35 master Vincentio! now we are undone, and brought to nothing.

Vin. [Seeing Biondello] Come hither, crack-hemp.

Bion. I hope I may choose, sir.

Vin. Come hither, you rogue. What, have you forgot 40 me?

Bion. Forgot you! no, sir: I could not forget you, for l never saw you before in all my life.

Vin. What, you notorious villain, didst thou never see thy master's father, Vincentio? 45

Bion. What, my old worshipful old master? yes, marry, sir: see where he looks out of the window.

Vin. Is't so, indeed? [Beats Biondello.

Bion. Help, help, help! here's a madman will murder me. 50 [Exit.

Ped. Help, son! help, Signior Baptista! [Exit from above.

Pet. Prithee, Kate, let's stand aside, and see the end of this controversy. [They retire.

Re-enter Pedant below; TRANIO, BAPTISTA, and Servants.

Tra. Sir, what are you, that offer to beat my servant?

Vin. What am I, sir! nay, what are you, sir? O immortal 55 gods! O fine villain! A silken doublet! a velvet hose! a scarlet cloak! and a copatain hat! O, I am undone! I am undone! while I play the good husband at home, my son and my servant spend all at the university.

Tra. How now! what's the matter? 60

Bap. What, is the man lunatic?

Tra. Sir, you seem a sober ancient gentleman by your habit, but your words show you a madman. Why, sir, what 'cerns it you if I wear pearl and gold? I thank my good father, I am able to maintain it. 65

Vin. Thy father! O villain! he is a sail-maker in Bergamo.

Bap. You mistake, sir, you mistake, sir. Pray, what do you think is his name?

Vin. His name! as if I knew not his name: I have 70 brought him up ever since he was three years old, and his name is Tranio.

Ped. Away, away, mad ass! his name is Lucentio; and he is mine only son, and heir to the lands of me, Signior Vincentio. 75

Vin. Lucentio! O, he hath murdered his master! Lay hold on him, I charge you, in the Duke's name. O, my son, my son! Tell me, thou villain, where is my son Lucentio?

Tra. Call forth an officer. 80

Enter one with an Officer.

Carry this mad knave to the gaol. Father Baptista, I charge you see that he be forthcoming.

Vin. Carry me to the gaol!

Gre. Stay, officer: he shall not go to prison.

Bap. Talk not, Signior Gremio: I say he shall go to 85 prison.

Gre. Take heed, Signior Baptista, lest you be cony-catched in this business: I dare swear this is the right Vincentio.

Ped. Swear, if thou darest. 90

Gre. Nay, I dare not swear it.

Tra. Then thou wert best say that I am not Lucentio.

Gre. Yes, I know thee to be Signior Lucentio.

Bap. Away with the dotard! to the gaol with him!

Vin. Thus strangers may be haled and abused: 95 O monstrous villain!

Re-enter BIONDELLO, with LUCENTIO and BIANCA.

Bion. O, we are spoiled! and--yonder he is: deny him, forswear him, or else we are all undone.

Luc. Pardon, sweet father. [Kneeling.

Vin. Lives my sweet son? [Exeunt Biondello, Tranio, and Pedant, as fast as may be.

Bian. Pardon, dear father.

Bap. How hast thou offended? 100 Where is Lucentio?

Luc. Here's Lucentio, Right son to the right Vincentio; That have by marriage made thy daughter mine, While counterfeit supposes blear'd thine eyne.

Gre. Here's packing, with a witness, to deceive us all! 105

Vin. Where is that damned villain Tranio, That faced and braved me in this matter so?

Bap. Why, tell me, is not this my Cambio?

Bian. Cambio is changed into Lucentio.

Luc. Love wrought these miracles. Bianca's love 110 Made me exchange my state with Tranio, While he did bear my countenance in the town And happily I have arrived at the last Unto the wished haven of my bliss. What Tranio did, myself enforced him to; 115 Then pardon him, sweet father, for my sake.

Vin. I'll slit the villain's nose, that would have sent me to the gaol.

Bap. But do you hear, sir? have you married my daughter without asking my good will? 120

Vin. Fear not, Baptista; we will content you, go to: but I will in, to be revenged for this villany. [Exit.

Bap. And I, to sound the depth of this knavery. [Exit.

Luc. Look not pale, Bianca; thy father will not frown. [Exeunt Lucentio and Bianca.

Gre. My cake is dough: but I'll in among the rest; 125 Out of hope of all, but my share of the feast. [Exit.

Kath. Husband, let's follow, to see the end of this ado.

Pet. First kiss me, Kate, and we will.

Kath. What, in the midst of the street?

Pet. What, art thou ashamed of me? 130

Kath. No, sir, God forbid; but ashamed to kiss.

Pet. Why, then let's home again. Come, sirrah, let's away.

Kath. Nay, I will give thee a kiss: now pray thee, love, stay.

Pet. Is not this well? Come, my sweet Kate: Better once than never, for never too late. [Exeunt. 135

LINENOTES:

[ACT V. Theobald. SCENE I.] Warburton. ACT V. SCENE VII. Pope. ACT V. SCENE IX. Hanmer. ACT V. SCENE II. Capell.

Before L's house] Pope. Before Tranio's house. Capell.

Gremio....] Edd. Enter Bion. Luc. and Bianca, Gremio is out before. Ff Q. Enter B. L. and B., Gremio walking on one side. Rowe. Enter Bion. with Luc. and Bian., hastily; Gremio is seen ent'ring, behind. Capell.]

[4] o'] Rowe (ed. 2). a Ff Q.

[5] master's] Capell. mistris Ff Q. master Theobald. business Hanmer.

Exeunt ...] Rowe. Exit. Ff Q (after line 3).

[8] toward] towards Rowe (ed. 2).

[13] [Knocks.] Knock. Ff Q. Noise within. Knocks. Capell.

[21] so] F1 Q F2. as F3 F4.

[22] well] om. Q.

[26] from Padua] Ff Q. to Padua Pope. from--Mantua [aside] Capell. from Pisa Malone (Tyrwhitt conj.). See note (XXII).

[27] out at] out of Q.

[30] [To Vincentio] Capell.

[32] a'] a F1 Q F2. he F3 F4.

[34] SCENE VIII. Pope. SCENE X. Hanmer. SCENE II. Warburton.

[35] [drawing backward. Capell.

[36] brought] brough F1.

[37] [Seeing Biondello.] Rowe.

[45] master's] F2 F3 F4. mistris F1 Q.

[46] my old worshipful] my worshipfull Q.

[48] [Beats B.] He beates B. Ff Q.

[50] [Exit.] Exit, crying out. Capell om. Ff Q.

[51] [Exit....] Capell. om. Ff Q.

[53] [They retire.] Theobald.

Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Pedant with servants, Baptista, Tranio. Ff Q.

[59] servant] servants Rowe.

[60] matter?] matter now? Capell.

[61] the man] this man Rowe.

[64] 'cerns] Collier, cernes F1 Q. concerns F2 F3 F4.

[72] Tranio] F2 F3 F4. Tronio F1 Q.

[80] Enter one with an Officer.] Capell. om. Ff Q.

[81, 83, 94, 118] gaol] Iaile F1 Q F2. Jayle F3. Goal F4.

[83] the gaol] goal Rowe (ed. 1). jail Id. (ed. 2).

[94] to the] to Rowe (ed. 1).

[95] haled] haild F1 Q F2. hal'd F3 F4. handled Collier MS.

[96] villain] F3 F4. villaine F1 Q F2. villany Dyce conj.

[97] Re-enter....] Enter.... Ff Q (after line 94). Enter Luc. and Bianca. Rowe.

and--] Capell. and Ff Q.

[98] undone] done F2.

[99] SCENE IX. Pope. SCENE XI. Hanmer. SCENE III. Warburton.

[Kneeling.] Kneele. F1 Q.

[Exeunt....] Exit.... Ff Q (after line 95).

[100] [Kneels to Bap. Capell.

[100-102] Pardon ... Vincentio] Arranged as in Capell: as prose in Ff Q.

[102] Right son to] Ff Q. Right son unto Capell. The right son to Anon. conj.

[104] supposes] supposers Rowe (ed. 2).

eyne] eyes Pope.

[105] all] om. Hanmer.

[106] damned] damn'd Rowe.

[111] exchange] exchangr F2.

[113] arrived at the] F1 Q. arriv'd at F2 F3 F4.

[122] for this villany] for this villanie F1 Q. for this villaine F2. on this vallain F3 F4. on this vallain Rowe (ed. 1).

[124] [Exeunt L. and B.] Capell. [Exeunt. Ff Q.

[126] [Exit.] Rowe.

[127] P. and C. advancing. Theobald.

[131] No] Mo F1.

[133] pray thee] pray Q.

[135] once] late Hanmer. at once Anon. conj.

never] never's Anon. conj. See note (XIX).

Act V, Scene II — Padua. LUCENTIO'S house.

Enter BAPTISTA, VINCENTIO, GREMIO, the Pedant, LUCENTIO, BIANCA, PETRUCHIO, KATHARINA, HORTENSIO, and Widow, TRANIO, BIONDELLO, and GRUMIO: the Serving-men with Tranio bringing in a banquet.

Luc. At last, though long, our jarring notes agree: And time it is, when raging war is done, To smile at scapes and perils overblown. My fair Bianca, bid my father welcome, While I with self-same kindness welcome thine. 5 Brother Petruchio, sister Katharina, And thou, Hortensio, with thy loving widow, Feast with the best, and welcome to my house: My banquet is to close our stomachs up, After our great good cheer. Pray you, sit down; 10 For now we sit to chat, as well as eat.

Pet. Nothing but sit and sit, and eat and eat!

Bap. Padua affords this kindness, son Petruchio.

Pet. Padua affords nothing but what is kind.

Hor. For both our sakes, I would that word were true. 15

Pet. Now, for my life, Hortensio fears his widow.

Wid. Then never trust me, if I be afeard.

Pet. You are very sensible, and yet you miss my sense: I mean, Hortensio is afeard of you.

Wid. He that is giddy thinks the world turns round. 20

Pet. Roundly replied.

Kath. Mistress, how mean you that?

Wid. Thus I conceive by him.

Pet. Conceives by me! How likes Hortensio that?

Hor. My widow says, thus she conceives her tale.

Pet. Very well mended. Kiss him for that, good widow. 25

Kath. 'He that is giddy thinks the world turns round:' I pray you, tell me what you meant by that.

Wid. Your husband, being troubled with a shrew, Measures my husband's sorrow by his woe: And now you know my meaning. 30

Kath. A very mean meaning.

Wid. Right, I mean you.

Kath. And I am mean, indeed, respecting you.

Pet. To her, Kate!

Hor. To her, widow!

Pet. A hundred marks, my Kate does put her down. 35

Hor. That's my office.

Pet. Spoke like an officer: ha' to thee, lad. [Drinks to Hortensio.

Bap. How likes Gremio these quick-witted folks?

Gre. Believe me, sir, they butt together well.

Bian. Head, and butt! an hasty-witted body 40 Would say your head and butt were head and horn.

Vin. Ay, mistress bride, hath that awaken'd you?

Bian. Ay, but not frighted me; therefore I'll sleep again.

Pet. Nay, that you shall not: since you have begun, Have at you for a bitter jest or two! 45

Bian. Am I your bird? I mean to shift my bush; And then pursue me as you draw your bow. You are welcome all. [Exeunt Bianca, Katharina, and Widow.

Pet. She hath prevented me. Here, Signior Tranio, This bird you aim'd at, though you hit her not; 50 Therefore a health to all that shot and miss'd.

Tra. O, sir, Lucentio slipp'd me like his greyhound, Which runs himself, and catches for his master.

Pet. A good swift simile, but something currish.

Tra. 'Tis well, sir, that you hunted for yourself: 55 'Tis thought your deer does hold you at a bay.

Bap. O ho, Petruchio! Tranio hits you now.

Luc. I thank thee for that gird, good Tranio.

Hor. Confess, confess, hath he not hit you here?

Pet. A' has a little gall'd me, I confess; 60 And, as the jest did glance away from me, 'Tis ten to one it maim'd you two outright.

Bap. Now, in good sadness, son Petruchio, I think thou hast the veriest shrew of all.

Pet. Well, I say no: and therefore for assurance 65 Let's each one send unto his wife; And he whose wife is most obedient To come at first when he doth send for her, Shall win the wager which we will propose.

Hor. Content. What is the wager?

Luc. Twenty crowns. 70

Pet. Twenty crowns! I'll venture so much of my hawk or hound, But twenty times so much upon my wife.

Luc. A hundred then.

Hor. Content.

Pet. A match! 'tis done.

Hor. Who shall begin?

Luc. That will I. 75 Go, Biondello, bid your mistress come to me.

Bion. I go. [Exit.

Bap. Son, I'll be your half, Bianca comes.

Luc. I'll have no halves; I'll bear it all myself.

Re-enter BIONDELLO.

How now! what news?

Bion. Sir, my mistress sends you word 80 That she is busy, and she cannot come.

Pet. How! she is busy, and she cannot come! Is that an answer?

Gre. Ay, and a kind one too: Pray God, sir, your wife send you not a worse.

Pet. I hope, better. 85

Hor. Sirrah Biondello, go and entreat my wife To come to me forthwith. [Exit Biondello.

Pet. O, ho! entreat her! Nay, then she must needs come.

Hor. I am afraid, sir, Do what you can, yours will not be entreated.

Re-enter BIONDELLO.

Now, where's my wife? 90

Bion. She says you have some goodly jest in hand: She will not come; she bids you come to her.

Pet. Worse and worse; she will not come! O vile, Intolerable, not to be endured! Sirrah Grumio, go to your mistress; 95 Say, I command her come to me. [Exit Grumio.

Hor. I know her answer.

Pet. What?

Hor. She will not.

Pet. The fouler fortune mine, and there an end.

Bap. Now, by my holidame, here comes Katharina!

Re-enter KATHARINA.

Kath. What is your will, sir, that you send for me? 100

Pet. Where is your sister, and Hortensio's wife?

Kath. They sit conferring by the parlour fire.

Pet. Go, fetch them hither: if they deny to come, Swinge me them soundly forth unto their husbands: Away, I say, and bring them hither straight. 105 [Exit Katharina.

Luc. Here is a wonder, if you talk of a wonder.

Hor. And so it is: I wonder what it bodes.

Pet. Marry, peace it bodes, and love, and quiet life, An awful rule, and right supremacy; And, to be short, what not, that's sweet and happy? 110

Bap. Now, fair befal thee, good Petruchio! The wager thou hast won; and I will add Unto their losses twenty thousand crowns; Another dowry to another daughter, For she is changed, as she had never been. 115

Pet. Nay, I will win my wager better yet, And show more sign of her obedience, Her new-built virtue and obedience. See where she comes and brings your froward wives As prisoners to her womanly persuasion. 120

Re-enter KATHARINA, with BIANCA and WIDOW.

Katharine, that cap of yours becomes you not: Off with that bauble, throw it under-foot.

Wid. Lord, let me never have a cause to sigh, Till I be brought to such a silly pass!

Bian. Fie, what a foolish duty call you this? 125

Luc. I would your duty were as foolish too: The wisdom of your duty, fair Bianca, Hath cost me an hundred crowns since supper-time.

Bian. The more fool you, for laying on my duty.

Pet. Katharine, I charge thee, tell these headstrong women 130 What duty they do owe their lords and husbands.

Wid. Come, come, you're mocking: we will have no telling.

Pet. Come on, I say; and first begin with her.

Wid. She shall not.

Pet. I say she shall: and first begin with her. 135

Kath. Fie, fie! unknit that threatening unkind brow; And dart not scornful glances from those eyes, To wound thy lord, thy king, thy governor: It blots thy beauty as frosts do bite the meads, Confounds thy fame as whirlwinds shake fair buds, 140 And in no sense is meet or amiable. A woman moved is like a fountain troubled, Muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty; And while it is so, none so dry or thirsty Will deign to sip or touch one drop of it. 145 Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, Thy head, thy sovereign; one that cares for thee, And for thy maintenance commits his body To painful labour both by sea and land, To watch the night in storms, the day in cold, 150 Whilst thou liest warm at home, secure and safe; And craves no other tribute at thy hands But love, fair looks and true obedience; Too little payment for so great a debt. Such duty as the subject owes the prince 155 Even such a woman oweth to her husband; And when she is froward, peevish, sullen, sour, And not obedient to his honest will, What is she but a foul contending rebel, And graceless traitor to her loving lord? 160 I am ashamed that women are so simple To offer war where they should kneel for peace; Or seek for rule, supremacy and sway, When they are bound to serve, love and obey. Why are our bodies soft and weak and smooth, 165 Unapt to toil and trouble in the world, But that our soft conditions and our hearts Should well agree with our external parts? Come, come, you froward and unable worms! My mind hath been as big as one of yours, 170 My heart as great, my reason haply more, To bandy word for word and frown for frown; But now I see our lances are but straws, Our strength as weak, our weakness past compare, That seeming to be most which we indeed least are. 175 Then vail your stomachs, for it is no boot, And place your hands below your husband's foot: In token of which duty, if he please, My hand is ready, may it do him ease.

Pet. Why, there's a wench! Come on, and kiss me, Kate. 180

Luc. Well, go thy ways, old lad; for thou shalt ha't.

Vin. 'Tis a good hearing, when children are toward.

Luc. But a harsh hearing, when women are froward.

Pet. Come, Kate, we'll to bed. We three are married, but you two are sped. 185 'Twas I won the wager, though you hit the white; [To Lucentio. And, being a winner, God give you good night! [Exeunt Petruchio and Katharina.

Hor. Now, go thy ways; thou hast tamed a curst shrew.

Luc. 'Tis a wonder, by your leave, she will be tamed so. [Exeunt.

LINENOTES:

SCENE II.] Steevens. Actus Quintus. F1 Q F2 F3. Scene Quarta. F4. ACT V. SCENE I. Rowe. SCENE IV. Warburton. SCENE III. Capell.

... Petruchio, Katharina, Hortensio...] om. Ff Q. Enter ... Tranio's servants bringing in a banquet. Rowe. Musick. A banquet set out. Enter ... Tranio, Grumio, Biondello and others, attending. Capell.

[1-62] At last ... outright] Put in the margin as spurious by Pope.

[2] done] Rowe. come Ff Q. calm Malone conj. gone Collier (Collier MS.).

[6] Katharina] Katharine Rowe.

[8] best] rest Anon conj.

[9] banquet] F3 F4. banket F1 Q F2.

[11] [Company sit to table. Capell.

[14] nothing] no thing S. Walker conj.

[17] Wid.] F1 Q. Hor. F2 F3 F4.

[18] very] om. Steevens.

and yet] yet Anon conj.

[22-37] Thus I ... lad] Verses differently arranged in Capell.

[23] Conceives] Conceive Capell.

[27] meant] mean Anon conj.

[35] does] F1 Q. doe F2. do F3 F4.

[37] ha' to thee, lad] ha to the lad F1. ha to thee lad Q F2 F3 F4. here's to thee, lad Collier MS.

[38] How likes] And how likes Capell. How liketh Anon. conj.

[39] they] they'ld Anon conj.

butt together well] butt heads together well Rowe (ed. 2). but heads well together Capell.

[40] Head] How! head Capell.

[45] bitter] Capell (Theobald conj.). better Ff Q.

two] F3 F4. too F1 Q F2.

[47] your] my Q.

[Rising. Capell.

[48] [Exeunt B., K., and Widow.] Exit ... Rowe. [Exit B. Ff Q. [Exit. Cat. and Wid. follow. Capell.

[49] [Filling. Capell.

[50] her] it Rowe.

[51] [Drinks. Capell.

[57] O ho] Capell. Oh, Oh Ff Q.

[60] A' has] A has Ff Q. He has Rowe.

[62] two] Rowe. too Ff Q.

[63] SCENE X. Pope. SCENE XII. Hanmer.

[65] therefore for] F2 F3 F4. therefore sir F1. therefore sir, Q.

for assurance] sir, as surance Staunton conj.

[66-69] Let's ...wager] Printed by Pope as three lines ending he ... first ... wager.

[66] Let's] Please you, let's Capell.

wife] several wife Collier MS.

[68] at first] first Pope.

[69] which we will propose] omitted by Pope.

[70] What is the] Steevens. what's the Ff Q. what Pope. the Capell.

[72] of] on Rowe.

[75] begin?] begin, Lucentio? Anon. conj.

That will I.] That will I.--Here, where are you? Capell.

[78] I'll] Ile F1 Q F2. I'le F3 F4. I will Capell.

your half] Ff (your F4). you halfe Q.

[80] Sir] om. S. Walker conj.

[81, 82] she cannot] cannot F3 F4.

[82-88] How! ... come] Printed as prose in Ff Q.

[82] she is] Capell. she's Ff Q.

[85] better] a better S. Walker conj.

[88] must needs] needs must Steevens.

[93, 94] Worse ... endured] As two lines in Ff Q, ending come ... indur'd.

[95] Sirrah] Here, sirrah Capell.

[96] come] to come F3 F4.

[97] She] That she Capell.

not] not come Steevens.

[98] there] there's Rowe.

[99] Katharina] Katharine Rowe.

Re-enter K.] Enter K. Ff Q (after line 98).

[105] them] then F2.

[106] of a wonder] of wonder S. Walker conj.

[109] An awful] And awful Rowe (ed. 2). And lawful Rawlinson conj.

[117] her obedience] her submission S. Walker conj.

[118] and obedience] of obedience Capell. and her gentleness or and her patience Edd. conj.

[120] Re-enter K. with B. and Widow] Enter Kate, B. and Widdow. Ff Q (after line 118).

[122] [She pulls off her cap, and throws it down. Rowe.

[128] Hath cost me an] Rowe. Hath cost me five Ff Q. Cost me an Pope. Cost me a Capell. Hath cost one Singer (ed. 1). Cost me one Collier MS.

[130, 131] Katharine ... husbands] Printed as prose in Ff Q; as verse by Rowe (ed. 2).

[131] do owe] owe to F3 F4.

[132] you're] F3 F4. your F1 Q F2.

[133] begin with her] begin-- Capell, ending the verse with shall not.

[136] threatening] thretaning F1. threating F2.

[139] do bite] F1 Q. bite F2 F3 F4.

[140] fame] frame Grey conj.

[145] one] a Rowe (ed. 2).

[157] she is] she's Pope.

[169] you] Ff Q. you'ar Rowe (ed. 1). you're Rowe (ed. 2).

[171] as] F1 Q. is F2 F3 F4.

[174] as] is Rowe.

[175] to be] om. Collier MS. indeed] om. Steevens.

[176-189] Then vail ... tamed so] Put in the margin as spurious by Pope. See note (XXIII).

[181] Luc.] Bap. Capell conj.

[185] three] two Rowe.

[186] won] one Capell (corrected in note).

[To Lucentio.] Malone.

[187] [... and Katharina] ... and Kath. Rowe.

[189] be] om. Q.

NOTES.

NOTE I.

IND. The Folios and the Quarto have here Actus Primus. Scæna Prima, making no separation between the play and the Induction. The play is divided into Acts, but not into Scenes. The second Act, however, is not marked in any of the old copies. The arrangement which we have followed is that of Steevens, which all subsequent editors have adopted, and which is therefore the most convenient for purposes of reference.

NOTE II.

IND. 1. 7. The phrase 'Go by, Jeronimy,' quoted from Kyd's 'Spanish Tragedy,' was used in popular 'slang,' derisively. It occurs frequently in the dramatic literature of the time, for example, in Beaumont and Fletcher's Captain, Act III. Sc. 5. The 'S' of the Folios may have been derived from a note of exclamation in the MS., written, as it is usually printed, like a note of interrogation.

NOTE III.

IND. 1. 62. Mr Lettsom's suggestion that a line has been lost between 61 and 62 seems the most probable solution of the difficulties presented by this passage in its present form.

NOTE IV.

IND. 1. 86. 'Sincklo,' the stage direction of the first Folio, was the name of an actor in Shakespeare's company, not mentioned in the list of 'Principall Actors' at the beginning of the first Folio. He was one of the actors in the Second Part of Henry IV., as appears from the 4to. edition of that play, published in 1600, where the stage direction to Act V. Scene 4 is, "Enter Sincklo and three or foure officers," and the part taken by Sincklo is that usually assigned to the 'Officer.' In the Third Part of Henry VI. Act III. Scene 1, the stage direction in the first Folio is, 'Enter Sinklo, and Humfrey, with crosse-bowes in their hands.' Sinklo also appears as an actor in the Induction to Marston's play of The Malcontent. In the present play he probably took the part of Lucentio.

In III. 1. 80, 'Nicke.' is supposed by Steevens to mean Nicholas Tooley, who at a later period became one of the 'Principall Actors.'

NOTE V.

IND. 1. 99. Pope inserts here the following speech from the old play:

'2 Player [to the other]. Go get a dishclout to make clean your shoes, and I'll speak for the properties. [Exit Player.] My lord, we must have a shoulder of mutton for a property, and a little vinegar to make our devil roar.'

This insertion is repeated by all subsequent editors, till Capell struck it out of the text and Steevens placed it in a note.

NOTE VI.

IND. 2. 96. The following speeches are here inserted by Pope from the same source:

'Sly. By th' mass I think I am a lord indeed. What's thy name?

Man. Simon, an't please your honour.

Sly. Sim? that's as much as to say Simeon or Simon; put forth thy hand and fill the pot.'

Capell was the first to strike it out of the text.

NOTE VII.

IND. 2. 110. Pope prefixed to Sly's speech the following words from the old play, without giving any indication that they were not Shakespeare's: 'Come sit down on my knee. Sim, drink to her.' They are repeated in all subsequent editions, till Capell restored the true text. After line 115, Pope again added, 'Sim, drink to her.'

NOTE VIII.

I. 1. 32. The old play (Q) after the Induction, commences thus:

'Polidor. Welcome to Athens, my beloved friend, To Plato's school and Aristotle's walks....'

but this affords us no hint as to the true reading of the passage in question, whether 'checks' or 'ethics.' When Mr Halliwell conjectured that we should read 'works' for 'walks,' he had not observed that the allusion was to the gardens of the Lyceum, the favourite haunt of the Peripatetics.

NOTE IX.

I. 1. 57. We have often observed that as in this line and in III. 1. 4, and Ind. 2. 110, the metre may be completed by pronouncing the name of the speaker at the beginning. This is one indication among many, of the haste with which parts of Shakespeare's plays were thrown off.

NOTE X.

I. 2. 145. Considering the carelessness with which a plural demonstrative pronoun was used with reference to a singular noun and vice versa, we have not altered the reading of the old editions in order to accommodate the construction to modern rule. See note (IV) to Love's Labour's Lost.

NOTE XI.

I. 2. 259. The misprint in Rowe's second edition remained uncorrected by Pope, Theobald, Hanmer, Warburton, and Johnson. Capell in correcting the error made another by writing 'her' for 'the.' He printed his edition not from any former text, but from a manuscript of his own writing.

Another instance of the facility with which a misprint which makes sense escapes correction is found in II. 1. 4, where 'put,' a misprint for 'pull' in the Variorum of 1821, was retained by many subsequent editors, Mr Collier, Mr Singer, &c.

NOTE XII.

I. 2. 278. Mr Grant White believes the whole of the foregoing scene to be by some other hand than Shakespeare's. Coleridge and Sidney Walker also held that large portions of the play were not from the master's hand. It appears to us impossible to discriminate, as in Henry the Eighth and The Two Noble Kinsmen, what parts were due to Shakespeare and what to another hand. The feeblest scenes of this play seem to have been touched by him. The probability is that he worked, in this case, not with, but after, another.

NOTE XIII.

II. 1. 403. Pope inserts from the old play:

'[Sly speaks to one of the servants.

Sly. Sim, when will the fool come again?

Sim. Anon, my lord.

Sly. Give's some more drink here--where's the tapster? here Sim, eat some of these things.

Sim. So I do, my lord.

Sly. Here Sim, I drink to thee.'

These lines were repeated by all subsequent editors down to Capell, who inserted them at a different place. See note (XVI).

NOTE XIV.

III. 2. 63. Mr Collier says that the Quarto reads 'the humor or fourty fancies...' If so, his copy differs from ours, which reads 'the humor of fourty fancies...'

NOTE XV.

III. 2. 81-84. It is not always clear from the way in which Capell's text is printed whether he meant a passage where there is a rapid change of speakers to be read as prose or verse. In the Edition before us, this is always explained by certain conventional symbols inserted with his own hand in red ink. This he probably did with a view to a second edition, which he never lived to bring out. 'Tulit alter honores.'

NOTE XVI.

III. 2. 245. Capell here inserted the lines which Pope put after II. 1. 403. See note (XIII).

NOTE XVII.

IV. 1. 124. Theobald first printed 'Where is the life that late I led?' as part of a song. He printed also the following words, 'Where are those--' in italics, as if they were a continuation of the song. He was followed by Hanmer, Warburton, and Johnson, but not by Capell. As the song is lost, the question must remain doubtful.

NOTE XVIII.

IV. 2. Pope made a bold transposition, and placed here the scene which in our Edition stands as the third scene of the fourth Act, beginning:

'Gra. No, no, forsooth, I dare not for my life,'

and ending:

'Hor. Why so this gallant will command the sun.'

The scene thus in Pope's edition counted as the 4th, 5th, and 6th scenes of Act IV.

Our Scene 2 of Act IV. is in Pope's edition Scenes 1 and 2 of Act V.

Theobald restored the old arrangement, which, as he proves in a note, is indisputably the right one.

NOTE XIX.

IV. 2. 120. Hanmer inserts from the old play the following lines, which are placed by Pope after IV. 3. 192, and by Capell after V. 1. 132.

'Lord. Who's within there? [Sly sleeps.

Enter Servants.

Asleep again! go take him easily up, and put him in his own apparel again. But see you wake him not in any case.

Serv. It shall be done, my lord: come help to bear him hence. [They carry off Sly.'

NOTE XX.

IV. 4. 62. There is evidently some mistake here. On the whole it seems better to change 'Cambio' to 'Biondello' in line 62, than 'Bion.' to 'Luc.' in line 66. The supposed Cambio was not acting as Baptista's servant, and, moreover, had he been sent on such an errand he would have 'flown on the wings of love' to perform it. We must suppose that Biondello apparently makes his exit, but really waits till the stage is clear for an interview with his disguised master. The line 67 is as suitable to the faithful servant as to the master himself.

NOTE XXI.

IV. 4. 70. Mr Dyce says that in some copies of the first Folio the 'l' in welcome is scarcely visible. It was from one of these copies, doubtless, that the later Folios were printed. The 'l' is clear enough in Capell's copy of F1.

NOTE XXII.

V. 1. 26. We have retained 'from Padua,' which is the reading of the old Edition, and probably right. The Pedant has been staying some time at Padua, and that is all he means when he contradicts the newly arrived traveller from Pisa.

NOTE XXIII.

V. 2. 176-189. The following speeches are added by Pope from the old play, and remained as part of the text till Capell's time:

'Enter two Servants bearing Sly in his own apparel, and leave him on the stage. Then enter a Tapster.

Sly awaking.] Sim, give's some more wine--what, all the Players gone? am not I a lord?

Tap. A lord with a murrain! Come, art thou drunk still?

Sly. Who's this? Tapster! oh, I have had the bravest dream that ever thou heardst in all thy life.

Tap. Yea marry, but thou hadst best get thee home, for your wife will course you for dreaming here all night.

Sly. Will she? I know how to tame a Shrew. I dreamt upon it all this night, and thou hast wak'd me out of the best dream that ever I had. But I'll to my wife, and tame her too, if she anger me.'

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.

Dramatis Personæ

KING OF FRANCE.

DUKE OF FLORENCE.

BERTRAM, Count of Rousillon[6].

LAFEU[7], an old lord.

PAROLLES[8], a follower of Bertram.

Steward, } } servants to the Countess of Rousillon. LAVACHE, a Clown }

A Page.

COUNTESS OF ROUSILLON, mother to Bertram.

HELENA, a gentlewoman protected by the Countess.

An old Widow of Florence.

DIANA, daughter to the Widow.

VIOLENTA, } } neighbours and friends to the Widow. MARIANA, }

Lords, Officers, Soldiers, &c., French and Florentine.

SCENE: Rousillon; Paris; Florence; Marseilles.

FOOTNOTES:

[5] DRAMATIS PERSONÆ] First given by Rowe. See note (I).

[6] Rousillon] Pope. Rossilion. Rowe. Rosillion Capell.Return to passage

[7] LAFEU] LEFEU Steevens conj.Return to passage

[8] PAROLLES] PAROLES Steevens conj.Return to passage

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.

Act I, Scene I — Rousillon. The Count's palace

Enter BERTRAM, the COUNTESS of ROUSILLON, HELENA, and LAFEU, all in black.

Count. In delivering my son from me, I bury a second husband.

Ber. And I in going, madam, weep o'er my father's death anew: but I must attend his majesty's command, to whom I am now in ward, evermore in subjection. 5

Laf. You shall find of the king a husband, madam; you, sir, a father: he that so generally is at all times good, must of necessity hold his virtue to you; whose worthiness would stir it up where it wanted, rather than lack it where there is such abundance. 10

Count. What hope is there of his majesty's amendment?

Laf. He hath abandoned his physicians, madam; under whose practices he hath persecuted time with hope, and finds no other advantage in the process but only the losing of hope by time. 15

Count. This young gentlewoman had a father,--O, that 'had'! how sad a passage 'tis!--whose skill was almost as great as his honesty; had it stretched so far, would have made nature immortal, and death should have play for lack of work. Would, for the king's sake, he were living! I 20 think it would be the death of the king's disease.

Laf. How called you the man you speak of, madam?

Count. He was famous, sir, in his profession, and it was his great right to be so,--Gerard de Narbon.

Laf. He was excellent indeed madam: the king very 25 lately spoke of him admiringly and mourningly: he was skilful enough to have lived still, if knowledge could be set up against mortality.

Ber. What is it, my good lord, the king languishes of?

Laf. A fistula, my lord. 30

Ber. I heard not of it before.

Laf. I would it were not notorious. Was this gentlewoman the daughter of Gerard de Narbon?

Count. His sole child, my lord; and bequeathed to my overlooking. I have those hopes of her good that her education 35 promises; her dispositions she inherits, which makes fair gifts fairer; for where an unclean mind carries virtuous qualities, there commendations go with pity; they are virtues and traitors too: in her they are the better for their simpleness; she derives her honesty and achieves her goodness. 40

Laf. Your commendations, madam, get from her tears.

Count. 'Tis the best brine a maiden can season her praise in. The remembrance of her father never approaches her heart but the tyranny of her sorrows takes all livelihood from her cheek. No more of this, Helena, go to, no more; lest 45 it be rather thought you affect a sorrow than to have--

Hel. I do affect a sorrow, indeed, but I have it too.

Laf. Moderate lamentation is the right of the dead; excessive grief the enemy to the living.

Count. If the living be enemy to the grief, the excess 50 makes it soon mortal.

Ber. Madam, I desire your holy wishes.

Laf. How understand we that?

Count. Be thou blest, Bertram, and succeed thy father In manners, as in shape! thy blood and virtue 55 Contend for empire in thee, and thy goodness Share with thy birthright! Love all, trust a few, Do wrong to none: be able for thine enemy Rather in power than use; and keep thy friend Under thy own life's key: be check'd for silence, 60 But never tax'd for speech. What heaven more will, That thee may furnish, and my prayers pluck down, Fall on thy head! Farewell, my lord; 'Tis an unseason'd courtier; good my lord, Advise him.

Laf. He cannot want the best 65 That shall attend his love.

Count. Heaven bless him! Farewell, Bertram. [Exit.

Ber. [To Helena] The best wishes that can be forged in your thoughts be servants to you! Be comfortable to my mother, your mistress, and make much of her. 70

Laf. Farewell, pretty lady: you must hold the credit of your father. [Exeunt Bertram and Lafeu.

Hel. O, were that all! I think not on my father; And these great tears grace his remembrance more Than those I shed for him. What was he like? 75 I have forgot him: my imagination Carries no favour in 't but Bertram's. I am undone: there is no living, none, If Bertram be away. 'Twere all one That I should love a bright particular star 80 And think to wed it, he is so above me: In his bright radiance and collateral light Must I be comforted, not in his sphere. The ambition in my love thus plagues itself: The hind that would be mated by the lion 85 Must die for love. 'Twas pretty, though a plague, To see him every hour; to sit and draw His arched brows, his hawking eye, his curls, In our heart's table; heart too capable Of every line and trick of his sweet favour: 90 But now he's gone, and my idolatrous fancy Must sanctify his reliques. Who comes here?

Enter PAROLLES.

[Aside] One that goes with him: I love him for his sake; And yet I know him a notorious liar, Think him a great way fool, solely a coward; 95 Yet these fix'd evils sit so fit in him, That they take place, when virtue's steely bones Look bleak i' the cold wind: withal, full oft we see Cold wisdom waiting on superfluous folly.

Par. Save you, fair queen! 100

Hel. And you, monarch!

Par. No.

Hel. And no.

Par. Are you meditating on virginity?

Hel. Ay. You have some stain of soldier in you: let 105 me ask you a question. Man is enemy to virginity; how may we barricado it against him?

Par. Keep him out.

Hel. But he assails; and our virginity, though valiant, in the defence yet is weak: unfold to us some warlike 110 resistance.

Par. There is none: man, sitting down before you, will undermine you and blow you up.

Hel. Bless our poor virginity from underminers and blowers up! Is there no military policy, how virgins 115 might blow up men?

Par. Virginity being blown down, man will quicklier be blown up: marry, in blowing him down again, with the breach yourselves made, you lose your city. It is not politic in the commonwealth of nature to preserve virginity. 120 Loss of virginity is rational increase and there was never virgin got till virginity was first lost. That you were made of is metal to make virgins. Virginity by being once lost may be ten times found; by being ever kept, it is ever lost: 'tis too cold a companion; away with 't! 125

Hel. I will stand for 't a little, though therefore I die a virgin.

Par. There's little can be said in 't; 'tis against the rule of nature. To speak on the part of virginity, is to accuse your mothers; which is most infallible disobedience. He 130 that hangs himself is a virgin: virginity murders itself; and should be buried in highways out of all sanctified limit, as a desperate offendress against nature. Virginity breeds mites, much like a cheese; consumes itself to the very paring, and so dies with feeding his own stomach. Besides, virginity is 135 peevish, proud, idle, made of self-love, which is the most inhibited sin in the canon. Keep it not; you cannot choose but lose by 't: out with 't! within ten year it will make itself ten, which is a goodly increase; and the principal itself not much the worse: away with 't! 140

Hel. How might one do, sir, to lose it to her own liking?

Par. Let me see: marry, ill, to like him that ne'er it likes. 'Tis a commodity will lose the gloss with lying; the longer kept, the less worth: off with 't while 'tis vendible; answer the time of request. Virginity, like an old courtier, 145 wears her cap out of fashion; richly suited, but unsuitable: just like the brooch and the tooth-pick, which wear not now. Your date is better in your pie and your porridge than in your cheek: and your virginity, your old virginity, is like one of our French withered pears, it looks ill, it eats drily; 150 marry, 'tis a withered pear; it was formerly better; marry, yet 'tis a withered pear: will you any thing with it?

Hel. Not my virginity yet.... There shall your master have a thousand loves, A mother and a mistress and a friend, 155 A poenix, captain and an enemy, A guide, a goddess, and a sovereign, A counsellor, a traitress, and a dear; His humble ambition, proud humility, His jarring concord, and his discord dulcet, 160 His faith, his sweet disaster; with a world Of pretty, fond, adoptious christendoms, That blinking Cupid gossips. Now shall he-- I know not what he shall. God send him well! The court's a learning place, and he is one-- 165

Par. What one, i' faith?

Hel. That I wish well. 'Tis pity--

Par. What's pity?

Hel. That wishing well had not a body in't, Which might be felt; that we, the poorer born, 170 Whose baser stars do shut us up in wishes, Might with effects of them follow our friends, And show what we alone must think, which never Returns us thanks.

Enter Page.

Page. Monsieur Parolles, my lord calls for you. [Exit. 175

Par. Little Helen, farewell: if I can remember thee, I will think of thee at court.

Hel. Monsieur Parolles, you were born under a charitable star.

Par. Under Mars, I. 180

Hel. I especially think, under Mars.

Par. Why under Mars?

Hel. The wars have so kept you under, that you must needs be born under Mars.

Par. When he was predominant. 185

Hel. When he was retrograde, I think, rather.

Par. Why think you so?

Hel. You go so much backward when you fight.

Par. That's for advantage.

Hel. So is running away, when fear proposes the safety: 190 but the composition that your valour and fear makes in you is a virtue of a good wing, and I like the wear well.

Par. I am so full of businesses, I cannot answer thee acutely. I will return perfect courtier; in the which, my instruction shall serve to naturalize thee, so thou wilt be 195 capable of a courtier's counsel, and understand what advice shall thrust upon thee; else thou diest in thine unthankfulness, and thine ignorance makes thee away: farewell. When thou hast leisure, say thy prayers; when thou hast none, remember thy friends: get thee a good husband, and use 200 him as he uses thee: so, farewell. [Exit.

Hel. Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie, Which we ascribe to heaven: the fated sky Gives us free scope; only doth backward pull Our slow designs when we ourselves are dull. 205 What power is it which mounts my love so high; That makes me see, and cannot feed mine eye? The mightiest space in fortune nature brings To join like likes and kiss like native things. Impossible be strange attempts to those 210 That weigh their pains in sense, and do suppose What hath been cannot be: who ever strove To show her merit, that did miss her love? The king's disease--my project may deceive me, But my intents are fix'd, and will not leave me. [Exit. 215

LINENOTES:

Act I, Scene I — ] Actus Primus. Scæna Prima. Ff

Enter.... ] Enter yong Bertram, Count of Rossillion, his Mother, and Helena, Lord Lafew, all in blacke. Ff.

[1] Count.] Mother. Ff, and afterwards Mo.

delivering] delivering up Hanmer. dissevering Warburton.

son from me,] son, for me or son, 'fore me, Becket conj.

[3] And I in going, madam] F1. And in going Madam F2 F3 F4. And in going, madam, I Rowe.

[9] lack] slack Theobald (Warburton).

[13] persecuted] prosecuted Hanmer.

[17] passage] preface Hanmer. presage Warburton. pesage Becket conj.

was] om. Collier (Collier MS.).

[18] would] it would Rowe, 't would Singer.

[19] have] have had Hanmer.

play] play'd Warburton.

[29, 31, 52] Ber.] Ros. Ff.

[35] hopes of her good that her] good hopes of her that her or hopes of her that her good Anon. conj.

[36] promises; her] Rowe. promises her Ff. promises her; Pope.

her dispositions] the honesty of her dispositions Staunton conj.

dispositions] disposition Rowe.

[39] their] her Hammer (Warburton).

[41] from her tears] tears from her Pope.

[46] it be rather thought you] you be rather thought to Hanmer.

to have--] Ff. to have it. Warburton. have it. Capell. to have. Steevens.

[48] lamentation] F1. lamentations F2 F3 F4.

[50] Count.] Hel. Tieck.

be] be not Theobald (Warburton).

[52, 53] Ber. Madam, ... Laf. How ... ] Laf. How ... Ber. Madam, ... Theobald conj.

[63] head] F1. hand F2 F3 F4.

Farewell, my lord:] Farewell my Lord, Ff. Farewel.--My lord Lafeu, Capell. FAREWELL. MY LORD, Steevens.

[63-67] Hanmer ends the lines 'tis an ... advise him ... attend ... Bertram. S. Walker would end them My lord Lafeu, ... my lord ... that shall ... Bertram, reading can't for cannot in line 65.

[64] Advise him.] Advise him you. Capell.

[65-87] Laf. He cannot ... draw] Omitted in F4.

[67] Heaven] May heaven Hanmer.

[68] [To Helena] Rowe.

[71] must hold] uphold Rann (Mason conj.).

[72] [Exeunt...] Rowe. om. Ff.

[73] SCENE II. Pope.

[75] those I] they are Hanmer.

[77] in't but Bertram's] in it but my Bertram's Pope. in it, but of Bertram Capell. in 't but only Bertram's Collier (Collier MS.).

[79] 'Twere] F1 F2 F3. It were Pope.

[80] particular] F1 F2 F3. partic'lar Pope.

[81] me:] Rowe. me F1 F2 F3.

[84] The] Th' F1 F2 F3.

[88] brows] browes F1 F2. arrows F3 F4.

[89] our] my Collier MS.

[90] trick] trait Becket conj.

[92] reliques] F1 F2. relick F3 F4.

Enter Parolles.] Ff. Dyce transfers to line 99.

[93] [Aside] Edd.]

[95] solely] F3 F4. solie F1 F2. wholly Hanmer.

[97] steely] seely Williams conj.

[98] Look] Rowe. Lookes F1 F2. Looks F3 F4.

i'the] in the Pope.

withal] om. Pope.

[99] Cold] S. Walker conjectures that this is corrupt.

folly] F3 F4. follie F1 F2.

[100] SCENE III. Pope.

Save] 'Save Hanmer.

[105] stain] strain Halliwell conj.

[107] barricado] Rowe. barracedo F1. barrocado F2 F3 F4.

[107-109] him? Par. Keep him out. Hel. But] him to keep him out? for Hanmer.

[109] assails] assails us S. Walker conj.

[109, 110] valiant, in the defence yet] Ff. valiant in the defence, yet Steevens.

[110] to us] F1. us F2 F3 F4.

[112] sitting] Johnson. setting Ff.

[114] Bless] 'Bless Capell conj. MS.

[121] rational] national Hanmer (Theobald conj.). natural Anon. ap. Halliwell conj.

[122] got] F2 F3 F4. goe F1.

[130] mothers] mother Rowe.

[130, 131] He ... is] He ... is like Hanmer. As he ... so is Warburton.

[135] his] its Rowe. on its Hanmer.

[137] inhibited] F1. inhabited F2 F3 F4. prohibited Pope.

[138, 139] ten year ... ten,] ten years ... ten Hanmer. ten yeare ... two F1. ten yeares ... two F2 F3. ten years ... two F4. two years ... two Collier, ed. 2 (Steevens conj.). ten years ... twelve Tollet conj. ten months ... two Singer (Malone conj.). one year ... two Grant White. the year ... two Anon. conj.

[142, 143] it likes] likes it S. Walker conj.

[143] 'Tis] And 'tis Hanmer.

[147] wear] Capell. were Ff. we wear Rowe.

[152] yet] yes, Hanmer.

will you] will you do Collier MS.

with it?] with me? Johnson conj. with us? Tyrwhitt conj. with it? I am now bound for the court. Malone conj. with it? We are for the Court. Staunton conj.

[153] Not] Not with Collier MS.

yet.] yet. You're for the Court: Hanmer. See note (II).

[153, 154] Not ... your] No!--my virginity! yet There shall its Jackson conj.

[154] shall] should Steevens conj.

[155] A mother] Another Rowe (ed. 2).

[156-163] A phoenix ... shall he] Put in brackets as spurious by Warburton.

[156] captain] captor Anon. conj.

[159] humble] F1. humblest F2 F3 F4.

[162] pretty] petty Harness.

fond, adoptious] fond-adoptious S. Walker conj.

[163] he--] Rowe. he: Ff.

[165] learning place] learning-place Steevens.

one--] Rowe. one. Ff.

[167] pity--] Rowe. pitty. F1 F2 F3. pity. F4.

[168] Par. What's pity?] Omitted in Pope (ed. 2).

[170] the] F1. om. F2 F3 F4.

[176] Exit.] Theobald.

[183] wars have] Pope. warres hath F1 F2. waters hath F3 F4. waters have Rowe.

[190] So ... safety] Printed as two lines in Ff, the first ending away.

the safety] safety F3 F4.

[191] makes] make Hanmer.

[192] wing] ming Warburton.

I like the wear] is like to wear Mason conj.

[193] businesses] F1 F2 F3. business F4. businesses, as Theobald.

[195] instruction] instrument Rowe (ed. 2).

[196] of a] F1. of the F2 F3 F4. of Pope.

[202] SCENE IV. Pope.

[207] That] Which Capell.

[208] The mightiest space] The mighty and base Mason conj. The wid'st apart Staunton conj.

fortune nature] nature fortune Malone conj. (withdrawn).

brings] springs Anon. (Fras. Mag.) conj.

[208, 209] The ... To join like likes] Through ... Likes to join likes Johnson conj. The ... Like to join like Long MS.

[212] hath been cannot be] hath not been ca'nt be Hanmer. ha'nt been cannot be Mason conj. n'ath been cannot be Staunton conj.

[214] The king's disease--] Rowe. (The Kings disease) Ff.

Act I, Scene II — Paris. The KING'S palace.

Flourish of cornets. Enter the KING OF FRANCE with letters, and divers Attendants.

King. The Florentines and Senoys are by the ears; Have fought with equal fortune, and continue A braving war.

First Lord. So 'tis reported, sir.

King. Nay, 'tis most credible; we here receive it A certainty, vouch'd from our cousin Austria, 5 With caution, that the Florentine will move us For speedy aid; wherein our dearest friend Prejudicates the business, and would seem To have us make denial.

First Lord. His love and wisdom, Approved so to your majesty, may plead 10 For amplest credence.

King. He hath arm'd our answer, And Florence is denied before he comes: Yet, for our gentlemen that mean to see The Tuscan service, freely have they leave To stand on either part.

Sec. Lord. It well may serve 15 A nursery to our gentry, who are sick For breathing and exploit.

King. What's he comes here?

Enter BERTRAM, LAFEU, and PAROLLES.

First Lord. It is the Count Rousillon, my good lord, Young Bertram.

King. Youth, thou bear'st thy father's face; Frank nature, rather curious than in haste, 20 Hath well composed thee. Thy father's moral parts Mayst thou inherit too! Welcome to Paris.

Ber. My thanks and duty are your majesty's.

King. I would I had that corporal soundness now, As when thy father and myself in friendship 25 First tried our soldiership! He did look far Into the service of the time, and was Discipled of the bravest: he lasted long; But on us both did haggish age steal on, And wore us out of act. It much repairs me 30 To talk of your good father. In his youth He had the wit, which I can well observe To-day in our young lords; but they may jest Till their own scorn return to them unnoted Ere they can hide their levity in honour: 35 So like a courtier, contempt nor bitterness Were in his pride or sharpness; if they were, His equal had awaked them; and his honour, Clock to itself, knew the true minute when Exception bid him speak, and at this time 40 His tongue obey'd his hand: who were below him He used as creatures of another place; And bow'd his eminent top to their low ranks, Making them proud of his humility, In their poor praise he humbled. Such a man 45 Might be a copy to these younger times; Which, follow'd well, would demonstrate them now But goers backward.

Ber. His good remembrance, sir, Lies richer in your thoughts than on his tomb; So in approof lives not his epitaph 50 As in your royal speech.

King. Would I were with him! He would always say-- Methinks I hear him now; his plausive words He scatter'd not in ears, but grafted them, To grow there and to bear,--'Let me not live,'-- 55 This his good melancholy oft began, On the catastrophe and heel of pastime, When it was out,--'Let me not live,' quoth he, 'After my flame lacks oil, to be the snuff Of younger spirits, whose apprehensive senses 60 All but new things disdain; whose judgements are Mere fathers of their garments; whose constancies Expire before their fashions. This he wish'd: I after him do after him wish too, Since I nor wax nor honey can bring home, 65 I quickly were dissolved from my hive, To give some labourers room.

Sec. Lord. You are loved, sir; They that least lend it you shall lack you first.

King. I fill a place, I know't. How long is't, count, Since the physician at your father's died? 70 He was much famed.

Ber. Some six months since, my lord.

King. If he were living, I would try him yet. Lend me an arm; the rest have worn me out With several applications: nature and sickness Debate it at their leisure. Welcome, count; 75 My son's no dearer.

Ber. Thank your majesty. [Exeunt. Flourish.

LINENOTES:

Act I, Scene II — ] Capell. SCENE V. Pope

Flourish of cornets.] Flourish cornets. Ff.

[1] Senoys] Siennois or Siennese Lloyd conj.

the ears] Capell. th' eares Ff.

[3, 9, 18] First Lord.] 1. Lord. Rowe. 1. Lo. G. Ff.

[15, 67] Sec. Lord.] 2. Lord. Rowe. 2. Lo. E. Ff.

[15] well may] may well F3 F4.

[18] It is] F1 F4. It 'tis F2 F3.

Rousillon] Pope. Rosignoll F1. Rosillion F2. Rossillion F3 F4.

[21] Hath well composed thee] Compos'd thee well Pope.

[28] bravest] brav'st Pope.

[32] well] ill Long MS.

[35] hide their levity in honour] vye their levity with his honour Hanmer. hide their levity in humour Long MS.

[35, 36] honour: So like a courtier,] Ff. honour, So like a courtier: Capell (Blackstone conj.). honour: No courtier-like Lloyd conj.

[36] contempt nor] no contempt nor Rowe (ed. 1). no contempt or Rowe (ed. 2).

[37] in his pride or sharpness;] in him; pride or sharpness, Theobald (Warburton). in him, pride or sharpness; Capell.

if they were] if there were Theobald (Warburton).

[39] Clock] Block Rowe (ed. 2).

[40] Exception] Exceptions Theobald.

this] that Rowe.

[41] his hand] the hand Johnson conj. it's hand Capell. his head Long MS.

[42] another place] a brother-race Hanmer.

[44] proud of] proud; and Warburton.

[44, 45] humility, In ... praise he humbled] humility: He in ... praise, humbled Becket conj.

[45] he humbled] be-humbled Staunton conj.

[47] demonstrate them now] now demonstrate them Pope.

[50] So in approof lives not his] Approof so lives not in his Johnson conj. So his approof lives not in Capell.

[56] This] Ff. Thus Pope.

[58] it] wit Staunton conj.

[62] fathers] feathers Tyrwhitt conj. parcels Williams conj.

[67] labourers] labourer Warburton.

You are] Capell. You'r F1 F2. You're F3 F4.

[76] Thank] Thanks to Rowe.

[Exeunt.] Exit. Ff.

Act I, Scene III — Rousillon. The COUNT'S palace

Enter COUNTESS, Steward, and Clown.

Count. I will now hear; what say you of this gentlewoman?

Stew. Madam, the care I have had to even your content, I wish might be found in the calendar of my past endeavours; for then we wound our modesty and make 5 foul the clearness of our deservings, when of ourselves we publish them.

Count. What does this knave here? Get you gone, sirrah: the complaints I have heard of you I do not all believe: 'tis my slowness that I do not; for I know you 10 lack not folly to commit them, and have ability enough to make such knaveries yours.

Clo. 'Tis not unknown to you, madam, I am a poor fellow.

Count. Well, sir. 15

Clo. No, madam, 'tis not so well that I am poor, though many of the rich are damned: but, if I may have your ladyship's good will to go to the world, Isbel the woman and I will do as we may.

Count. Wilt thou needs be a beggar? 20

Clo. I do beg your good will in this case.

Count. In what case?

Clo. In Isbel's case and mine own. Service is no heritage: and I think I shall never have the blessing of God till I have issue o' my body; for they say barnes are 25 blessings.

Count. Tell me thy reason why thou wilt marry.

Clo. My poor body, madam, requires it: I am driven on by the flesh; and he must needs go that the devil drives.

Count. Is this all your worship's reason? 30

Clo. Faith, madam, I have other holy reasons, such as they are.

Count. May the world know them?

Clo. I have been, madam, a wicked creature, as you and all flesh and blood are; and, indeed, I do marry that 35 I may repent.

Count. Thy marriage, sooner than thy wickedness.

Clo. I am out o' friends, madam; and I hope to have friends for my wife's sake.

Count. Such friends are thine enemies, knave. 40

Clo. You're shallow, madam, in great friends; for the knaves come to do that for me, which I am aweary of. He that ears my land spares my team, and gives me leave to in the crop; if I be his cuckold, he's my drudge: he that comforts my wife is the cherisher of my flesh and blood; he 45 that cherishes my flesh and blood loves my flesh and blood; he that loves my flesh and blood is my friend: ergo, he that kisses my wife is my friend. If men could be contented to be what they are, there were no fear in marriage; for young Charbon the puritan and old Poysam the papist, howsome'er 50 their hearts are severed in religion, their heads are both one; they may joul horns together, like any deer i' the herd.

Count. Wilt thou ever be a foul-mouthed and calumnious knave?

Clo. A prophet I, madam; and I speak the truth the 55 next way:

For I the ballad will repeat, Which men full true shall find; Your marriage comes by destiny, Your cuckoo sings by kind. 60

Count. Get you gone, sir; I'll talk with you more anon.

Stew. May it please you, madam, that he bid Helen come to you: of her I am to speak.

Count. Sirrah, tell my gentlewoman I would speak with her; Helen I mean. 65

Clo.

Was this fair face the cause, quoth she, Why the Grecians sacked Troy? Fond done, done fond, Was this King Priam's joy? With that she sighed as she stood, 70 With that she sighed as she stood, And gave this sentence then; Among nine bad if one be good, Among nine bad if one be good, There's yet one good in ten. 75

Count. What, one good in ten? you corrupt the song, sirrah.

Clo. One good woman in ten, madam; which is a purifying o' the song: would God would serve the world so all the year! we'd find no fault with the tithe-woman, if I were 80 the parson: one in ten, quoth a'! an we might have a good woman born but one every blazing star, or at an earth-quake, 'twould mend the lottery well: a man may draw his heart out, ere a' pluck one.

Count. You'll be gone, sir knave, and do as I command 85 you.

Clo. That man should be at woman's command, and yet no hurt done! Though honesty be no puritan, yet it will do no hurt; it will wear the surplice of humility over the black gown of a big heart. I am going, forsooth: the 90 business is for Helen to come hither. [Exit.

Count. Well, now.

Stew. I know, madam, you love your gentlewoman entirely.

Count. Faith, I do: her father bequeathed her to me; 95 and she herself, without other advantage, may lawfully make title to as much love as she finds: there is more owing her than is paid; and more shall be paid her than she'll demand.

Stew. Madam, I was very late more near her than I think she wished me: alone she was, and did communicate 100 to herself her own words to her own ears; she thought, I dare vow for her, they touched not any stranger sense. Her matter was, she loved your son: Fortune, she said, was no goddess, that had put such difference betwixt their two estates; Love no god, that would not extend his might, 105 only where qualities were level; ... queen of virgins, that would suffer her poor knight surprised, without rescue in the first assault, or ransom afterward. This she delivered in the most bitter touch of sorrow that e'er I heard virgin exclaim in: which I held my duty speedily to acquaint you 110 withal; sithence, in the loss that may happen, it concerns you something to know it.

Count. You have discharged this honestly; keep it to yourself: many likelihoods informed me of this before, which hung so tottering in the balance, that I could neither 115 believe nor misdoubt. Pray you, leave me: stall this in your bosom; and I thank you for your honest care: I will speak with you further anon. [Exit Steward.

Enter HELENA.

Even so it was with me when I was young: If ever we are nature's, these are ours; this thorn 120 Doth to our rose of youth rightly belong; Our blood to us, this to our blood is born; It is the show and seal of nature's truth, Where love's strong passion is impress'd in youth: By our remembrances of days foregone, 125 Such were our faults, or then we thought them none. Her eye is sick on't: I observe her now.

Hel. What is your pleasure, madam?

Count. You know, Helen, I am a mother to you.

Hel. Mine honourable mistress.

Count. Nay, a mother: 130 Why not a mother? When I said 'a mother,' Methought you saw a serpent: what's in 'mother,' That you start at it? I say, I am your mother; And put you in the catalogue of those That were enwombed mine: 'tis often seen 135 Adoption strives with nature; and choice breeds A native slip to us from foreign seeds: You ne'er oppress'd me with a mother's groan, Yet I express to you a mother's care: God's mercy, maiden! does it curd thy blood 140 To say I am thy mother? What's the matter, That this distemper'd messenger of wet, The many-colour'd Iris, rounds thine eye? Why? that you are my daughter?

Hel. That I am not.

Count. I say, I am your mother.

Hel. Pardon, madam; 145 The Count Rousillon cannot be my brother: I am from humble, he from honour'd name; No note upon my parents, his all noble: My master, my dear lord he is; and I His servant live, and will his vassal die: 150 He must not be my brother.

Count. Nor I your mother?

Hel. You are my mother, madam; would you were,-- So that my lord your son were not my brother,-- Indeed my mother! or were you both our mothers, I care no more for than I do for heaven, 155 So I were not his sister. Can't no other, But I your daughter, he must be my brother?

Count. Yes, Helen, you might be my daughter-in-law: God shield you mean it not! daughter and mother So strive upon your pulse. What, pale again? 160 My fear hath catch'd your fondness: now I see The mystery of your loneliness, and find Your salt tears' head: now to all sense 'tis gross You love my son; invention is ashamed, Against the proclamation of thy passion, 165 To say thou dost not: therefore tell me true; But tell me then, 'tis so; for, look, thy cheeks Confess it, th' one to th' other; and thine eyes See it so grossly shown in thy behaviours, That in their kind they speak it: only sin 170 And hellish obstinacy tie thy tongue, That truth should be suspected. Speak, is't so? If it be so, you have wound a goodly clew; If it be not, forswear't: howe'er, I charge thee, As heaven shall work in me for thine avail, 175 To tell me truly.

Hel. Good madam, pardon me!

Count. Do you love my son?

Hel. Your pardon, noble mistress!

Count. Love you my son?

Hel. Do not you love him, madam?

Count. Go not about; my love hath in't a bond, Whereof the world takes note: come, come, disclose 180 The state of your affection; for your passions Have to the full appeach'd.

Hel. Then, I confess, Here on my knee, before high heaven and you, That before you, and next unto high heaven, I love your son. 185 My friends were poor, but honest; so's my love: Be not offended; for it hurts not him That he is loved of me: I follow him not By any token of presumptuous suit; Nor would I have him till I do deserve him; 190 Yet never know how that desert should be. I know I love in vain, strive against hope; Yet, in this captious and intenible sieve, I still pour in the waters of my love, And lack not to lose still: thus, Indian-like, 195 Religious in mine error, I adore The sun, that looks upon his worshipper, But knows of him no more. My dearest madam, Let not your hate encounter with my love For loving where you do: but if yourself, 200 Whose aged honour cites a virtuous youth, Did ever in so true a flame of liking Wish chastely and love dearly, that your Dian Was both herself and love; O, then, give pity To her, whose state is such, that cannot choose 205 But lend and give where she is sure to lose; That seeks not to find that her search implies, But riddle-like lives sweetly where she dies!

Count. Had you not lately an intent,--speak truly,-- To go to Paris?

Hel. Madam, I had.

Count. Wherefore? tell true. 210

Hel. I will tell truth; by grace itself I swear. You know my father left me some prescriptions Of rare and proved effects, such as his reading And manifest experience had collected For general sovereignty; and that he will'd me 215 In heedfull'st reservation to bestow them, As notes, whose faculties inclusive were, More than they were in note: amongst the rest, There is a remedy, approved, set down, To cure the desperate languishings whereof 220 The king is render'd lost.

Count. This was your motive For Paris, was it? speak.

Hel. My lord your son made me to think of this; Else Paris, and the medicine, and the king, Had from the conversation of my thoughts 225 Haply been absent then.

Count. But think you, Helen, If you should tender your supposed aid, He would receive it? he and his physicians Are of a mind; he, that they cannot help him, They, that they cannot help: how shall they credit 230 A poor unlearned virgin, when the schools, Embowell'd of their doctrine, have left off The danger to itself?

Hel. There's something in't, More than my father's skill, which was the greatest Of his profession, that his good receipt 235 Shall for my legacy be sanctified By the luckiest stars in heaven: and, would your honour But give me leave to try success, I'd venture The well-lost life of mine on his Grace's cure By such a day and hour.

Count. Dost them believe't? 240

Hel. Ay, madam, knowingly.

Count. Why, Helen, thou shalt have my leave and love, Means and attendants and my loving greetings To those of mine in court: I'll stay at home And pray God's blessing into thy attempt: 245 Be gone to-morrow; and be sure of this, What I can help thee to, thou shalt not miss. [Exeunt.

LINENOTES:

Act I, Scene III — ] SCENE VI. Pope

[1] hear; what say you] Theobald. heare, what say you Ff. hear what you say Capell.

gentlewoman?] F4. gentlewoman. F1 F2 F3.

[3] even] win Collier conj.

[6] foul] out Rowe (ed. 2).

[10] 'tis] it is S. Walker conj., reading lines 9-12 as verse, ending complaints ... believe ... them ... make ... yours.

[12] yours] yare Warburton conj.

[13] I am] that I am Capell.

[17] may have] F1. have F2 F3 F4.

[18] to go to] to go into Long MS.

[18, 19] the woman] your woman Grant White.

[19] and I will] F2 F3 F4. and w will F1. and we will Collier.

[25] o'] Rowe (ed. 2). a Ff. of Rann.

barnes] F1. bearns F2. barns F3 F4.

[38] out o'] Capell. out a F1 F2 F3. out of F4.

[41] You're] Capell. Y'are Ff. You are Steevens.

madam, in] madam; e'en Hanmer. madam, my Tyrwhitt conj.

[42] aweary] weary Rowe.

[43] to in] F4. to Inne F1 F2 F3.

[46] cherishes] F1. cherisheth F2 F3 F4.

[50] Charbon ... Poysam] See note (III).

howsome'er] how somere F1 F2. howsomeere F3. howsomere F4. howsoe'er Pope.

[57-60] For I ... kind] Printed as verse first in Rowe (ed. 2).

[66] the cause, quoth she] quoth she, the cause Collier (Collier MS.).

[68] Fond done, done fond] omitted by Pope.

[68, 69] done find ... joy?] done, fond ... joy, F1 F2. fond done;--for Paris he ... joy. Theobald (Warburton). fond done! but Paris he ... joy, Capell conj. done fond, good sooth, it was: ... joy? Collier (Collier MS.). For it undone, undone, quoth he, ... joy. Rann (Heath conj.).

[70, 71] With ... stood] With ... stood, bis. Ff (bis in italics).

[71] Omitted by Pope.

[72-75] And gave ... ten] Printed first as verse in Rowe (ed. 2).

[73, 74] one] none Capell conj.

[74] Omitted by Pope.

[78] a] F1 F2. the F3 F4.

[79] o' the] Capell. o' th' Rowe (ed. 2). ath' F1 F2. a'th F3 F4.

song] song and mending of the sex Collier (Collier MS. o' the).

[82] one] Collier (Collier MS.). ore F1 F2. o're F3 F4. o'er Rowe. om. Pope. or Capell. on Rann. ere Collier (ed. 1). for Harness. 'fore Staunton. at Halliwell conj.

[83] well] wheel Malone conj.

draw] pray Rowe.

[84] a'] he Rowe (ed. 2).

[86] you.] Pope, you? Ff.

[87] woman's] F1. a woman's F2 F3 F4.

[87, 88] and yet] F1 F2. and get F3 F4.

[88] no puritan] a puritan Rann. (Tyrwhitt conj.).

[89] do no hurt] do what is enjoined Malone conj.

[96] advantage] advantages Rowe.

[105] would] should Capell.

not] om. Long MS.

might, only] F4. might onelie, F1 F2. might onely F3.

[106] level; ... queen] levell, Queene F1 F2. levell: Queen F3F4. level: Complain'd against the Queen Rowe. level; Diana no queen Theobald. See note (IV).

[107] knight] spright Warburton conj.

surprised] to be surpris'd Rowe.

[107, 108] without rescue in the first assault,] in the first assault, without rescue Capell.

[109] virgin] a virgin Pope.

[110] held] held it Rowe.

[113] honestly] honesty F3 F4.

[115] neither] F1. never F2 F3 F4.

[118] Enter H.] Enter Hellen. Ff. Enter H. Singer (after line 126). See note (V).

[119] SCENE VII. Pope.

Even] Old Cou. Even Ff.

[120] ever] om. Pope. e'er Edd. conj.

[126] Such were our faults, or] Ff. Such-were our faults, tho' Hanmer. Such were our faults,--O! Johnson (Warburton conj.). Search we out faults, for Collier MS.

then ... them] them ... then Staunton.

[128] You know, Helen] Helen, you know Pope.

[130, 131] Nay ... said 'a mother'] As one line in Ff.

[131] said 'a mother'] said mother F3 F4.

[133] I am] Ff. I'm Pope.

[137] seeds] soil Anon. conj.

[143] The] This S. Walker conj.

eye] eyes Pope.

[144] Why?] --Why, Ff. Why,-- Rowe.

are] art F2.

[151] mother?] Rowe (ed. 2). mother. Ff.

[155] I care ... heaven] I cannot ask for more than that of heav'n Hanmer. I can no more fear, than I do fear heav'n Warburton. I cannot more fear than I do fear heav'n Heath conj. I'd care no more for't than I do for heaven Capell. I care would ... heaven or I crave would ... heaven Mason conj. I care no more for than you do, 'fore heaven Becker conj. [Aside] I care no more for than I do for heaven Staunton conj.

[156, 157] Can't no other, But I ... he ... brother?] Theobald. Cant no other, But I ... he ... brother. Ff. Can't no other? But I ... he ... brother. Pope. Can't be no other Way I ... but he ... brother? Hanmer.

[162] loneliness] Theobald. loveliness Ff. lowliness Hall conj. liveliness Becket conj.]

[168] th' one to th'] Knight. 'ton tooth to th' F1. 'ton to th' F2. 'tone to th' F3 F4. one to th' Rowe.

[169] it] it is F2.

behaviours] behaviour F3 F4.

[173] you have] you've Pope.

[175] thine] F1. mine F2 F3 F4.

[176] truly] true Hanmer.

[180] disclose] F3 F4. disclose: F1 F2.

[184] heaven] F1. heavens F2 F3 F4.

[184, 185] That ... son] As in Pope. Printed as one line in Ff.

[193] captious] carious Johnson conj. cap'cious Farmer conj. copious Jackson conj.

intenible] intemible F1. inteemible Nicholson conj.

[194] waters] water Rowe.

[195] lose] F4. loose F1 F2 F3. love Tyrwhitt conj.

[202] liking] F1. living F2. loving F3 F4.

[203] Wish ... dearly] Love dearly and wish chastely Malone conj.

[205] that] she Hanmer.

[207] her] F1. om. F2 F3 F4. which Rowe.

[210] tell true] om. Steevens conj.

[211] tell truth] F1. tell true F2 F3 F4. tell you true Capell (corrected in note).

[214] manifest] manifold Collier (Long MS.).

[220] languishings Ff. languishes Reed (1803).

[226] Haply] Pope. Happily Ff.

[229] that they cannot help him] that he can't be help'd Hanmer. that they cannot help Capell conj. that they cannot heal him S. Walker conj.

[230] cannot help] can't help him Capell conj. cannot cure Bailey conj.

[233] in't] hints Hanmer (Warburton).

[237] By the] Byth' F1 F2 F3. By th' F4.

[238] to try] F1. to F2 F3 F4. for the Rowe.

[239] The] This Hanmer.

on his] on's S. Walker conj.

[240] and] an F1.

[243] attendants] attendance S. Walker conj.

[245] into] F1 F2. unto F3 F4. upon Hanmer.

[246] Be gone] F3 F4. Begon F1 F2.

Act II, Scene I — Paris. The KING'S palace

Flourish of cornets. Enter the KING, attended with divers young Lords taking leave for the Florentine war; BERTRAM, and PAROLLES.

King. Farewell, young lords; these warlike principles Do not throw from you: and you, my lords, farewell: Share the advice betwixt you; if both gain, all The gift doth stretch itself as 'tis received, And is enough for both.

First Lord. 'Tis our hope, sir, 5 After well-enter'd soldiers, to return And find your Grace in health.

King. No, no, it cannot be; and yet my heart Will not confess he owes the malady That doth my life besiege. Farewell, young lords; 10 Whether I live or die, be you the sons Of worthy Frenchmen: let higher Italy,-- Those bated that inherit but the fall Of the last monarchy,--see that you come Not to woo honour, but to wed it; when 15 The bravest questant shrinks, find what you seek, That fame may cry you loud: I say, farewell.

Sec. Lord. Health, at your bidding, serve your majesty!

King. Those girls of Italy, take heed of them: They say, our French lack language to deny, 20 If they demand: beware of being captives, Before you serve.

Both. Our hearts receive your warnings.

King. Farewell. Come hither to me. [Exit.

First Lord. O my sweet lord, that you will stay behind us!

Par. 'Tis not his fault, the spark.

Sec. Lord. O, 'tis brave wars! 25

Par. Most admirable: I have seen those wars.

Ber. I am commanded here, and kept a coil with 'Too young,' and 'the next year,' and ''tis too early.'

Par. An thy mind stand to't, boy, steal away bravely.

Ber. I shall stay here the forehorse to a smock, 30 Creaking my shoes on the plain masonry, Till honour be bought up, and no sword worn But one to dance with! By heaven, I'll steal away.

First Lord. There's honour in the theft.

Par. Commit it, count.

Sec. Lord. I am your accessary; and so, farewell. 35

Ber. I grow to you, and our parting is a tortured body.

First Lord. Farewell, captain.

Sec. Lord. Sweet Monsieur Parolles!

Par. Noble heroes, my sword and yours are kin. Good sparks and lustrous, a word, good metals: you shall find 40 in the regiment of the Spinii one Captain Spurio, with his cicatrice, an emblem of war, here on his sinister cheek; it was this very sword entrenched it: say to him, I live; and observe his reports for me.

First Lord. We shall, noble captain. [Exeunt Lords. 45

Par. Mars dote on you for his novices! what will ye do?

Ber. Stay: the king.

Re-enter KING.

Par. [Aside to Ber.] Use a more spacious ceremony to the noble lords; you have restrained yourself within the list of too cold an adieu: be more expressive to them: for they 50 wear themselves in the cap of the time, there do muster true gait, eat, speak, and move under the influence of the most received star; and though the devil lead the measure, such are to be followed: after them, and take a more dilated farewell.

Ber. And I will do so. 55

Par. Worthy fellows; and like to prove most sinewy sword-men. [Exeunt Bertram and Parolles.

Enter LAFEU.

Laf. [Kneeling] Pardon, my lord, for me and for my tidings.

King. I'll fee thee to stand up.

Laf. Then here's a man stands, that has brought his pardon. 60 I would you had kneel'd, my lord, to ask me mercy; And that at my bidding you could so stand up.

King. I would I had; so I had broke thy pate, And ask'd thee mercy for't.

Laf. Good faith, across: but, my good lord, 'tis thus; 65 Will you be cured of your infirmity?

King. No.

Laf. O, will you eat no grapes, my royal fox? Yes, but you will my noble grapes, an if My royal fox could reach them: I have seen a medicine 70 That's able to breathe life into a stone, Quicken a rock, and make you dance canary With spritely fire and motion; whose simple touch Is powerful to araise King Pepin, nay, To give great Charlemain a pen in's hand, 75 And write to her a love-line.

King. What 'her' is this?

Laf. Why, Doctor She: my lord, there's one arrived, If you will see her: now, by my faith and honour, If seriously I may convey my thoughts In this my light deliverance, I have spoke 80 With one that, in her sex, her years, profession, Wisdom and constancy, hath amazed me more Than I dare blame my weakness: will you see her, For that is her demand, and know her business? That done, laugh well at me.

King. Now, good Lafeu, 85 Bring in the admiration; that we with thee May spend our wonder too, or take off thine By wondering how thou took'st it.

Laf. Nay, I'll fit you, And not be all day neither. [Exit.

King. Thus he his special nothing ever prologues. 90

Re-enter LAFEU, with HELENA.

Laf. Nay, come your ways.

King. This haste hath wings indeed.

Laf. Nay, come your ways; This is his majesty, say your mind to him: A traitor you do look like; but such traitors His majesty seldom fears: I am Cressid's uncle, 95 That dare leave two together; fare you well. [Exit.

King. Now, fair one, does your business follow us?

Hel. Ay, my good lord. Gerard de Narbon was my father; In what he did profess, well found.

King. I knew him. 100

Hel. The rather will I spare my praises towards him; Knowing him is enough. On's bed of death Many receipts he gave me; chiefly one, Which, as the dearest issue of his practice, And of his old experience the only darling, 105 He bade me store up, as a triple eye, Safer than mine own two, more dear; I have so: And, hearing your high majesty is touch'd With that malignant cause, wherein the honour Of my dear father's gift stands chief in power, 110 I come to tender it and my appliance, With all bound humbleness.

King. We thank you, maiden; But may not be so credulous of cure, When our most learned doctors leave us, and The congregated college have concluded 115 That labouring art can never ransom nature From her inaidible estate; I say we must not So stain our judgement, or corrupt our hope. To prostitute our past-cure malady To empirics, or to dissever so 120 Our great self and our credit, to esteem A senseless help, when help past sense we deem.

Hel. My duty, then, shall pay me for my pains: I will no more enforce mine office on you; Humbly entreating from your royal thoughts 125 A modest one, to bear me back again.

King. I cannot give thee less, to be call'd grateful: Thou thought'st to help me; and such thanks I give As one near death to those that wish him live: But, what at full I know, thou know'st no part; 130 I knowing all my peril, thou no art.

Hel. What I can do can do no hurt to try, Since you set up your rest 'gainst remedy He that of greatest works is finisher, Oft does them by the weakest minister: 135 So holy writ in babes hath judgement shown, When judges have been babes; great floods have flown From simple sources; and great seas have dried, When miracles have by the greatest been denied. Oft expectation fails, and most oft there 140 Where most it promises; and oft it hits Where hope is coldest, and despair most fits.

King. I must not hear thee; fare thee well, kind maid; Thy pains not used must by thyself be paid: Proffers not took reap thanks for their reward. 145

Hel. Inspired merit so by breath is barr'd: It is not so with Him that all things knows, As 'tis with us that square our guess by shows; But most it is presumption in us when The help of heaven we count the act of men. 150 Dear sir, to my endeavours give consent; Of heaven, not me, make an experiment. I am not an impostor, that proclaim Myself against the level of mine aim; But know I think, and think I know most sure, 155 My art is not past power, nor you past cure.

King. Art thou so confident? within what space Hopest thou my cure?

Hel. The great'st grace lending grace, Ere twice the horses of the sun shall bring Their fiery torcher his diurnal ring; 160 Ere twice in murk and occidental damp Moist Hesperus hath quench'd his sleepy lamp; Or four and twenty times the pilot's glass Hath told the thievish minutes how they pass; What is infirm from your sound parts shall fly, 165 Health shall live free, and sickness freely die.

King. Upon thy certainty and confidence What darest thou venture?

Hel. Tax of impudence, A strumpet's boldness, a divulged shame Traduced by odious ballads: my maiden's name 170 Sear'd otherwise, ne worse of worst extended, With vilest torture let my life be ended.

King. Methinks in thee some blessed spirit doth speak His powerful sound within an organ weak: And what impossibility would slay 175 In common sense, sense saves another way. Thy life is dear; for all, that life can rate Worth name of life, in thee hath estimate, Youth, beauty, wisdom, courage, all That happiness and prime can happy call: 180 Thou this to hazard needs must intimate Skill infinite or monstrous desperate. Sweet practiser, thy physic I will try, That ministers thine own death if I die.

Hel. If I break time, or flinch in property 185 Of what I spoke, unpitied let me die, And well deserved: not helping, death's my fee; But, if I help, what do you promise me?

King. Make thy demand.

Hel. But will you make it even?

King. Ay, by my sceptre and my hopes of heaven. 190

Hel. Then shalt thou give me with thy kingly hand What husband in thy power I will command: Exempted be from me the arrogance To choose from forth the royal blood of France, My low and humble name to propagate 195 With any branch or image of thy state; But such a one, thy vassal, whom I know Is free for me to ask, thee to bestow.

King. Here is my hand; the premises observed, Thy will by my performance shall be served: 200 So make the choice of thy own time; for I, Thy resolved patient, on thee still rely. More should I question thee, and more I must, Though more to know could not be more to trust, From whence thou camest, how tended on: but rest 205 Unquestion'd welcome, and undoubted blest. Give me some help here, ho! If thou proceed As high as word, my deed shall match thy deed. [Flourish. Exeunt.

LINENOTES:

II. ] Actus Secundus. Ff (Sæcundus F2)

Enter ... attended....] Capell. Enter ... warre: Count Rosse, and Parolles. Florish Cornets. Ff.

divers] two Hanmer. om. Steevens.

[1, 2] lords ... lords] Ff. lord ... lord Hanmer. See note (VI).

[2] and you] you Pope.

[3] both gain, all] Ff. both gain, Pope, both gain, well! Hanmer. both gain all, Johnson. back again, Jackson conj. both gain, All Anon. conj. See note (VII).

[5] First Lord] i. Lord. Rowe. Lord G. Ff.

'Tis] Ff. It is Steevens.

[9] he owes] it owns Pope. he owns Long MS.

[12] higher] hired Coleridge conj.

[13] bated] bastards Hanmer. 'bated ones Capell conj.

[15, 16] wed it; when ... shrinks,] Pope, wed it, when ... shrinkes: F1 F2 F3. wed it, when ... shrinks; F4.

[16] questant] F1. question F2 F3 F4. questor Collier MS.

[18] Sec. Lord.] 2. Lord Rowe (ed. 2). L. G. Ff. 1. Lord Rowe (ed. 1).

[22] Both.] Rowe. Bo. Ff.

[23] Come ... me] Come ... me [to Bert.] Pope. om. Hanmer. Come ... me [to Attendants]. Theobald.

Exit.] Pope. om. Ff. Retires to a Couch; Attendants leading him. Capell. See note (VIII).

[24, 34, 37] First Lord.] 1. Lord. Rowe. 1. Lo. G. Ff.

[25] fault, the spark.] F3 F4. fault the spark. F1 F2. fault, the spark-- Rowe. fault; the spark-- Theobald.]

[25, 35, 38] Sec. Lord.] 2. Lord. Rowe. 2. Lo. E. Ff.

[27] a coil] acoyle F2.

[27, 28] with 'Too young'] Pope. with, Too young Ff. with; 'Too young' Capell.

[29] An ... to't, boy, ... bravely] Theobald. And ... too't boy, Steale away bravely F1 F2 F3. And ... to it ... F4. And thy mind--stand to it, boy; steal away bravely. Pope.

[30] I shall stay] I stay Rowe. Shall I stay Pope.

[36] I ... our ... a tortured body] I ... this our ... A tortur'd body Hanmer. I ... our ... the parting of a tortured body Johnson conj. I ... our ... a torture Capell. I ... our ... as a tortured body S. Walker conj., reading lines 34-37 Commit ... captain. as three lines, ending accessary ... parting ... captain.

to you] t' ye S. Walker conj.

[37] captain] worthy captain Hanmer.

[39] yours] yours [measuring swords with them] Capell.

[40. a word] in a word Long MS.

[41, 42] with his cicatrice, an emblem] Theobald. his cicatrice, with an emblem Ff (sicatrice F1). he's cicatriced with an emblem Rann conj.

[44] for] F1 F2. of F3 F4.

[45] First Lord.] 1. Lord. Rowe. Lo. G. F1 F2. L.G. F3 F4. 2. Lord. Warburton. Both. Edd. conj.

[46] novices! what will ye do?] novices, what will ye do? Ff (doe F1 F2). See note (IX).

ye] you Hanmer.

[47] Stay: the king.] F2 F3 F4. Stay the king. F1. Stay; the king-- Pope. Stay with the king Grant White (Collier conj.).

Re-enter King.] Edd. See note (VIII).

[51] there do muster] there, to muster Warburton. they do muster with the Johnson conj. there do master Heath conj. they do master Collier conj. there demonstrate Anon. conj.

[51, 52] there ... gait] do muster your true gaité Becket conj. om. Collier MS.

true gait] together Hanmer.

[52] eat] dress Hanmer. they eat Singer conj.

move] F1. more F2 F3 F4.

[57] Exeunt B. and P.] Exeunt. Ff.

[58] SCENE II. Pope.

Enter L.] Enter the King and L. Pope. Enter L. hastily. Capell.

Kneeling] Johnson, om. Ff.]

[59] I'll fee] Theobald. Ile see Ff. I'll sue Staunton. I'll free Anon. ap. Halliwell conj. I beseech Keightley conj.

[59-62] Capell ends the lines man ... I would you ... mercy; and ... up.

[60] has] F1. hath F2 F3 F4.

brought] Ff. bought Theobald.

[63, 64] I would ... for't] You would ... for't? Anon. conj.

[64-70. Capell ends the lines across: ... cur'd ... eat ... will ... fox ... medicine.

[65] across] a cross F4.

[69] my noble grapes] omitted by Hanmer, ending the line at fox. aye, noble grapes Collier MS.

[70] seen a medicine] seen A medicine Anon. conj.

medicine] med'cin (in italics) Theobald. medecin Steevens.

[74] araise] raise Pope. upraise Collier MS.

Pepin] Theobald. Pippen Ff.

[75] To give] And give Capell.

in's] in his Capell. Malone supposes a line to be lost after this.

[76] And write] To write Hanmer. And cause him write Singer conj.

to her a love-line] a love-line to her Hanmer.

[77] Doctor She] Grant White. doctor she Ff. Doctor-she Theobald.

[79] convey] convay F1. convoy F2 F3 F4.

[83] Than ... weakness] Than (blame my weakness) I dare-- Becket conj.

blame] blaze Theobald conj.

[89] Exit] Theobald. om. Ff.

[90] nothing] nothings Hanmer.

Re-enter L. with H.] Enter Hellen. Ff (after line 91 come your ways).

[91] Laf. Nay, ... ways] Laf. [Returns.] Nay ... ways [Bringing in Helena. Theobald.

[95] I am] I'm Pope.

[96] Exit] Ff. Exit. Attendants retire. Capell. See note (VIII).

[97] SCENE III.] Pope.

[98-100] Ay ... him] As in Ff. As three lines, ending was ... found ... him. Hanmer. As two, ending father ... him. Capell.

[99] Gerard de Narbon] Gerardo of Narbona Anon. conj.

[100] In] One in S. Walker conj.

[101] praises] praise Theobald.

[102] On's] On his Capell.

[103] receipts] Rowe. receits Ff.

[105] the] th' Ff.

[107] two, more dear] Steevens. two: dear Ff.

[109, 110] honour ... power] power ...honour Rann (Johnson conj.).

[116] ransom] answer Steevens (1778).

[117] inaidible] inaydible F1 F2. unaydible F3 F4. unaidable Rowe. inaidable Capell.

estate] state S. Walker conj.

I say] om. Pope.

[118] stain] strain Anon. conj.

[124] mine] F1. my F2 F3 F4.

[139] miracles ... greatest] miracles ... great'st Ff. mir'cles ... greatest Theobald. Johnson supposes a line lost after this.

[142] fits] Collier (Theobald conj.). shifts Ff. sits Pope. See note (X).

[153] impostor] F3 F4. impostrue F1 F2. imposture Capell.

[158] The great'st grace lending] Capell. The greatest grace lending Ff. The Greatest lending Rowe.

[162] his] Rowe. her Ff.

[169, 170] shame ... ballads: my maidens name] Ff. shame; ... ballads my maiden's name, Theobald conj. shame; ... ballads: my maiden's name Id. conj. shame, ... ballads my maiden name Johnson conj.

[171] Sear'd otherwise, ne worse of ...] F1. Seard otherwise, no worse of ... F2 F3 F4. Sear'd otherwise no worse of worst: extended Theobald conj. Sear'd, otherwise no worse of worst extended; Id. conj. Sear'd: otherwise, the worst of ... Hanmer. Sear'd otherwise, to worst of ... Johnson conj. Fear otherwise to worst of ... Id. conj. Sear'd; otherwise the worst to ... Id. conj. Fear, otherwise, to worst of worse Heath conj. Sear'd otherwise; or, worse to ... Capell. Seard otherwise, as worse of ... Long MS. Fear'd o' the wise no worse if ... Mason conj. Sear'd otherwise; nay, worst of ... Malone conj. Scar'd otherwise; the worst of ... Id. conj. Sear'd otherwise; the worst of ... Rann. Sear'd otherwise; nay, worse of ... Singer.

ne ... extended] and worse, if worse, attended Becket conj. and, worse of worst expended Staunton conj. on worst of racks extended Anon. conj. nay, worse, if worse, extended Anon. conj.

[173, 174] speak His powerful sound] speak, It powerful sounds Hanmer. speak: His power full sounds Warburton. O powerful sound Becket conj. (transposing lines 173, 174.)

[174] within] F1. wherein F2 F3 F4.

[179] courage] courage, virtue Theobald. courage, honour Collier (Collier MS.).

[180] and prime] and pride Tyrwhitt conj. in prime Rann (Mason conj.).

[190] heaven] Theobald (Thirlby conj.). helpe F1 F2. help F3 F4.

[196] image] impage Warburton.

[201] make the] make thee Anon. conj.

thy] F1. thine F2 F3 F4.

[208] thy deed] thy meed Anon. conj.

[Flourish. Exeunt.] Florish. Exit. F1. Exeunt. F2 F3 F4.

Act II, Scene II — Rousillon. The COUNT'S palace

Enter COUNTESS and CLOWN.

Count. Come on, sir; I shall now put you to the height of your breeding.

Clo. I will show myself highly fed and lowly taught: I know my business is but to the court.

COUNT. To the court! why, what place make you special, 5 when you put off that with such contempt? But to the court!

Clo. Truly, madam, if God have lent a man any manners, he may easily put it off at court: he that cannot make a leg, put off's cap, kiss his hand, and say nothing, has neither leg, hands, lip, nor cap; and, indeed, such a fellow, 10 to say precisely, were not for the court; but for me, I have an answer will serve all men.

Count. Marry, that's a bountiful answer that fits all questions.

Clo. It is like a barber's chair, that fits all buttocks, the 15 pin-buttock, the quatch-buttock, the brawn-buttock, or any buttock.

Count. Will your answer serve fit to all questions?

Clo. As fit as ten groats is for the hand of an attorney, as your French crown for your taffeta punk, as Tib's rush 20 for Tom's forefinger, as a pancake for Shrove Tuesday, a morris for May-day, as the nail to his hole, the cuckold to his horn, as a scolding quean to a wrangling knave, as the nun's lip to the friar's mouth, nay, as the pudding to his skin.

Count. Have you, I say, an answer of such fitness for 25 all questions?

Clo. From below your duke to beneath your constable, it will fit any question.

Count. It must be an answer of most monstrous size that must fit all demands. 30

Clo. But a trifle neither, in good faith, if the learned should speak truth of it: here it is, and all that belongs to't. Ask me if I am a courtier: it shall do you no harm to learn.

Count. To be young again, if we could: I will be a fool in question, hoping to be the wiser by your answer. 35 I pray you, sir, are you a courtier?

Clo. O Lord, sir! There's a simple putting off. More, more, a hundred of them.

Count. Sir, I am a poor friend of yours, that loves you.

Clo. O Lord, sir! Thick, thick, spare not me. 40

Count. I think, sir, you can eat none of this homely meat.

Clo. O Lord, sir! Nay, put me to't, I warrant you.

Count. You were lately whipped, sir, as I think.

Clo. O Lord, sir! spare not me.

Count. Do you cry, 'O Lord, sir!' at your whipping, 45 and 'spare not me'? Indeed your 'O Lord, sir!' is very sequent to your whipping: you would answer very well to a whipping, if you were but bound to't.

Clo. I ne'er had worse luck in my life in my 'O Lord, sir!' I see things may serve long, but not serve ever. 50

Count. I play the noble housewife with the time, To entertain 't so merrily with a fool.

Clo. O Lord, sir! why, there't serves well again.

Count. An end, sir; to your business. Give Helen this, And urge her to a present answer back: 55 Commend me to my kinsmen and my son: This is not much.

Clo. Not much commendation to them.

Count. Not much employment for you: you understand me? 60

Clo. Most fruitfully: I am there before my legs.

Count. Haste you again. [Exeunt severally.

LINENOTES:

Act II, Scene II — ] SCENE IV. Pope

[1. Count.] Lady. Ff (and Lady. or La. throughout the scene).

[5] To the court] But to the court Theobald.

[6] contempt? ... court!] Pope. contempt, ... Court? Ff.

[11] court; but for me,] Rowe. court, but for me, Ff. court, but for me: Pope.

[18] serve fit] sir, fit Anon. conj. fit Anon. conj.

[20, 21] Tib's ... Tom's] Tom's ... Tib's Hawkins conj.

[36] I pray ...] F3. La. I pray ... F1 F2. Lady. I pray ... F4.

[50] but] and Hanmer.

[51, 52] Printed as prose in Ff. As verse first by Knight.

[51] housewife] huswife Ff.

[52] entertain 't] Edd. (S. Walker conj.). entertain it Ff.

[54] An end, sir; to] Rowe (ed. 2). And end sir to F1 F2. And end; sir to F3 F4.

[57] is not] isn't Hanmer.

[62] [Exeunt severally] Capell. Exeunt. Ff.

Act II, Scene III — Paris. The KING'S palace

Enter BERTRAM, LAFEU, and PAROLLES.

Laf. They say miracles are past; and we have our philosophical persons, to make modern and familiar, things supernatural and causeless. Hence is it that we make trifles of terrors; ensconcing ourselves into seeming knowledge, when we should submit ourselves to an unknown fear. 5

Par. Why, 'tis the rarest argument of wonder that hath shot out in our latter times.

Ber. And so 'tis.

Laf. To be relinquished of the artists,--

Par. So I say; both of Galen and Paracelsus. 10

Laf. Of all the learned and authentic fellows,--

Par. Right; so I say.

Laf. That gave him out incurable,--

Par. Why, there 'tis; so say I too.

Laf. Not to be helped,-- 15

Par. Right; as 'twere, a man assured of a--

Laf. Uncertain life, and sure death.

Par. Just, you say well; so would I have said.

Laf. I may truly say, it is a novelty to the world.

Par. It is, indeed: if you will have it in showing, you 20 shall read it in--what do ye call there?

Laf. A showing of a heavenly effect in an earthly actor.

Par. That's it; I would have said the very same.

Laf. Why, your dolphin is not lustier: 'fore me, I speak in respect-- 25

Par. Nay, 'tis strange, 'tis very strange, that is the brief and the tedious of it; and he's of a most facinerious spirit that will not acknowledge it to be the--

Laf. Very hand of heaven.

Par. Ay, so I say. 30

Laf. In a most weak--

Par. And debile minister, great power, great transcendence: which should, indeed, give us a further use to be made than alone the recovery of the king, as to be--

Laf. Generally thankful. 35

Par. I would have said it; you say well. Here comes the king.

Enter KING, HELENA, and Attendants.

Laf. Lustig, as the Dutchman says: I'll like a maid the better, whilst I have a tooth in my head: why, he's able to lead her a coranto. 40

Par. Mort du vinaigre! is not this Helen?

Laf. 'Fore God, I think so.

King. Go, call before me all the lords in court. Sit, my preserver, by thy patient's side; And with this healthful hand, whose banish'd sense 45 Thou hast repeal'd, a second time receive The confirmation of my promised gift, Which but attends thy naming.

Enter three or four Lords.

Fair maid, send forth thine eye: this youthful parcel Of noble bachelors stand at my bestowing, 50 O'er whom both sovereign power and father's voice I have to use: thy frank election make; Thou hast power to choose, and they none to forsake.

Hel. To each of you one fair and virtuous mistress Fall, when Love please! marry, to each, but one! 55

Laf. I'd give bay Curtal and his furniture, My mouth no more were broken than these boys', And writ as little beard.

King. Peruse them well: Not one of those but had a noble father.

Hel. Gentlemen, 60 Heaven hath through me restored the king to health.

All. We understand it, and thank heaven for you.

Hel. I am a simple maid; and therein wealthiest, That I protest I simply am a maid. Please it your majesty, I have done already: 65 The blushes in my cheeks thus whisper me, 'We blush that thou shouldst choose; but, be refused, Let the white death sit on thy cheek for ever; We'll ne'er come there again.'

King. Make choice; and, see, Who shuns thy love shuns all his love in me. 70

Hel. Now, Dian, from thy altar do I fly; And to imperial Love, that god most high, Do my sighs stream. Sir, will you hear my suit?

First Lord. And grant it.

Hel. Thanks, sir; all the rest is mute.

Laf. I had rather be in this choice than throw 75 Ames-ace for my life.

Hel. The honour, sir, that flames in your fair eyes, Before I speak, too threateningly replies: Love make your fortunes twenty times above Her that so wishes and her humble love! 80

Sec. Lord. No better, if you please.

Hel. My wish receive, Which great Love grant! and so, I take my leave.

Laf. Do all they deny her? An they were sons of mine, I'd have them whipped; or I would send them to the Turk, to make eunuchs of. 85

Hel. Be not afraid that I your hand should take; I'll never do you wrong for your own sake: Blessing upon your vows! and in your bed Find fairer fortune, if you ever wed!

Laf. These boys are boys of ice, they'll none have 90 her: sure, they are bastards to the English; the French ne'er got 'em.

Hel. You are too young, too happy, and too good, To make yourself a son out of my blood.

Fourth Lord. Fair one, I think not so. 95

Laf. There's one grape yet; I am sure thy father drunk wine: but if thou be'st not an ass, I am a youth of fourteen; I have known thee already.

Hel. [To Bertram] I dare not say I take you; but I give Me and my service, ever whilst I live, 100 Into your guiding power. This is the man.

King. Why, then, young Bertram, take her; she's thy wife.

Ber. My wife, my liege! I shall beseech your highness, In such a business give me leave to use The help of mine own eyes.

King. Know'st thou not, Bertram, 105 What she has done for me?

Ber. Yes, my good lord; But never hope to know why I should marry her.

King. Thou know'st she has raised me from my sickly bed.

Ber. But follows it, my lord, to bring me down Must answer for your raising? I know her well: 110 She had her breeding at my father's charge. A poor physician's daughter my wife! Disdain Rather corrupt me ever!

King. 'Tis only title thou disdain'st in her, the which I can build up. Strange is it, that our bloods, 115 Of colour, weight, and heat, pour'd all together, Would quite confound distinction, yet stand off In differences so mighty. If she be All that is virtuous, save what thou dislikest, A poor physician's daughter, thou dislikest 120 Of virtue for the name: but do not so: From lowest place when virtuous things proceed, The place is dignified by the doer's deed: Where great additions swell's, and virtue none, It is a dropsied honour. Good alone 125 Is good without a name. Vileness is so: The property by what it is should go, Not by the title. She is young, wise, fair; In these to nature she's immediate heir, And these breed honour: that is honour's scorn, 130 Which challenges itself as honour's born, And is not like the sire: honours thrive, When rather from our acts we them derive Than our foregoers: the mere word's a slave Debosh'd on every tomb, on every grave 135 A lying trophy; and as oft is dumb Where dust and damn'd oblivion is the tomb Of honour'd bones indeed. What should be said? If thou canst like this creature as a maid, I can create the rest: virtue and she 140 Is her own dower; honour and wealth from me.

Ber. I cannot love her, nor will strive to do't.

King. Thou wrong'st thyself, if thou shouldst strive to choose.

Hel. That you are well restored, my lord, I'm glad: Let the rest go. 145

King. My honour's at the stake; which to defeat, I must produce my power. Here, take her hand, Proud scornful boy, unworthy this good gift; That dost in vile misprision shackle up My love and her desert; that canst not dream, 150 We, poising us in her defective scale, Shall weigh thee to the beam; that wilt not know, It is in us to plant thine honour where We please to have it grow. Check thy contempt: Obey our will, which travails in thy good: 155 Believe not thy disdain, but presently Do thine own fortunes that obedient right Which both thy duty owes and our power claims; Or I will throw thee from my care for ever Into the staggers and the careless lapse 160 Of youth and ignorance; both my revenge and hate Loosing upon thee, in the name of justice, Without all terms of pity. Speak; thine answer.

Ber. Pardon, my gracious lord; for I submit My fancy to your eyes: when I consider 165 What great creation and what dole of honour Flies where you bid it, I find that she, which late Was in my nobler thoughts most base, is now The praised of the king; who, so ennobled, Is as 't were born so.

King. Take her by the hand, 170 And tell her she is thine: to whom I promise A counterpoise; if not to thy estate, A balance more replete.

Ber. I take her hand.

King. Good fortune and the favour of the king Smile upon this contract; whose ceremony 175 Shall seem expedient on the now-born brief, And be perform'd to-night: the solemn feast Shall more attend upon the coming space, Expecting absent friends. As thou lovest her, Thy love's to me religious; else, does err. 180 [Exeunt all but Lafeu and Parolles.

Laf. Do you hear, monsieur? a word with you.

Par. Your pleasure, sir?

Laf. Your lord and master did well to make his recantation.

Par. Recantation! My lord! my master! 185

Laf. Ay; is it not a language I speak?

Par. A most harsh one, and not to be understood without bloody succeeding. My master!

Laf. Are you companion to the Count Rousillon?

Par. To any count, to all counts, to what is man. 190

Laf. To what is count's man: count's master is of another style.

Par. You are too old, sir; let it satisfy you, you are too old.

Laf. I must tell thee, sirrah, I write man; to which 195 title age cannot bring thee.

Par. What I dare too well do, I dare not do.

Laf. I did think thee, for two ordinaries, to be a pretty wise fellow; thou didst make tolerable vent of thy travel; it might pass: yet the scarfs and the bannerets about thee 200 did manifoldly dissuade me from believing thee a vessel of too great a burthen. I have now found thee; when I lose thee again, I care not: yet art thou good for nothing but taking up; and that thou'rt scarce worth.

Par. Hadst thou not the privilege of antiquity upon 205 thee,--

Laf. Do not plunge thyself too far in anger, lest thou hasten thy trial; which if--Lord have mercy on thee for a hen! So, my good window of lattice, fare thee well: thy casement I need not open, for I look through thee. 210 Give me thy hand.

Par. My lord, you give me most egregious indignity.

Laf. Ay, with all my heart; and thou art worthy of it.

Par. I have not, my lord, deserved it.

Laf. Yes, good faith, every dram of it; and I will not 215 bate thee a scruple.

Par. Well, I shall be wiser.

Laf. Ev'n as soon as thou canst, for thou hast to pull at a smack o' the contrary. If ever thou be'st bound in thy scarf and beaten, thou shalt find what it is to be proud of 220 thy bondage. I have a desire to hold my acquaintance with thee, or rather my knowledge, that I may say in the default, he is a man I know.

Par. My lord, you do me most insupportable vexation.

Laf. I would it were hell-pains for thy sake, and my 225 poor doing eternal: for doing I am past; as I will by thee, in what motion age will give me leave. [Exit.

Par. Well, thou hast a son shall take this disgrace off me; scurvy, old, filthy, scurvy lord! Well, I must be patient; there is no fettering of authority. I'll beat him, by 230 my life, if I can meet him with any convenience, an he were double and double a lord. I'll have no more pity of his age than I would have of--I'll beat him, an if I could but meet him again.

Re-enter LAFEU.

Laf. Sirrah, your lord and master's married; there's 235 news for you: you have a new mistress.

Par. I most unfeignedly beseech your lordship to make some reservation of your wrongs: he is my good lord: whom I serve above is my master.

Laf. Who? God? 240

Par. Ay, sir.

Laf. The devil it is that's thy master. Why dost thou garter up thy arms o' this fashion? dost make hose of thy sleeves? do other servants so? Thou wert best set thy lower part where thy nose stands. By mine honour, if I were but 245 two hours younger, I'd beat thee: methinks't, thou art a general offence, and every man should beat thee: I think thou wast created for men to breathe themselves upon thee.

Par. This is hard and undeserved measure, my lord.

Laf. Go to, sir; you were beaten in Italy for picking a 250 kernel out of a pomegranate; you are a vagabond, and no true traveller: you are more saucy with lords and honourable personages than the commission of your birth and virtue gives you heraldry. You are not worth another word, else I'd call you knave. I leave you. [Exit. 255

Par. Good, very good; it is so then: good, very good; let it be concealed awhile.

Re-enter BERTRAM.

Ber. Undone, and forfeited to cares for ever!

Par. What's the matter, sweet-heart?

Ber. Although before the solemn priest I have sworn, 260 I will not bed her.

Par. What, what, sweet-heart?

Ber. O my Parolles, they have married me! I'll to the Tuscan wars, and never bed her.

Par. France is a dog-hole, and it no more merits 265 The tread of a man's foot: to the wars!

Ber. There's letters from my mother: what the import is, I know not yet.

Par. Ay, that would be known. To the wars, my boy, to the wars!

He wears his honour in a box unseen, 270 That hugs his kicky-wicky here at home. Spending his manly marrow in her arms, Which should sustain the bound and high curvet Of Mars's fiery steed. To other regions France is a stable; we that dwell in't jades; 275 Therefore, to the war!

Ber. It shall be so: I'll send her to my house, Acquaint my mother with my hate to her, And wherefore I am fled; write to the king That which I durst not speak: his present gift 280 Shall furnish me to those Italian fields, Where noble fellows strike: war is no strife To the dark house and the detested wife.

Par. Will this capriccio hold in thee, art sure?

Ber. Go with me to my chamber, and advise me. 285 I'll send her straight away: to-morrow I'll to the wars, she to her single sorrow.

Par. Why, these balls bound; there's noise in it. 'Tis hard: A young man married is a man that's marr'd: Therefore away, and leave her bravely; go: 290 The king has done you wrong: but, hush, 'tis so. [Exeunt.

LINENOTES:

Act II, Scene III — ] SCENE V. Pope

[1] Laf.] Ol. Laf. Ff (and throughout the scene).

and] yet Anon. apud Halliwell.

[2] persons] person F3 F4. reasons Long MS.

familiar, things] Theobald. familiar things Ff. familiar things, Steevens.

[6] Par.] Ber. S. Walker conj.

[7] latter] later Hanmer.

[8] Ber.] Par. S. Walker conj.

[10, 11] Par. So ... Paracelsus. Laf. Of all ...] Par. So I say. Laf. Both ... Paracelsus, of all ... Johnson conj. Par. So I say. Laf. Both ... Paracelsus. Par. So I say. Laf. Of all ... Edd. conj.

[11] Laf.] Ol. Laf. F1 F3 F4. Ol. Fal. F2.

[16] a--] an-- Rowe.

[20] in showing] in shewing F1 F2. in the shewing F3 F4. a showing Rann (Tyrwhitt conj.).

[23] it; ... said the] it, ... said the F4. it, ... said, the F1 F2 F3. it, ... said; the Capell.

[24] dolphin] Dauphin Theobald conj. (withdrawn).

'fore] Capell. fore F1. for F2 F3 F4.

[27] facinerious] Ff. facinorous Steevens.

[31-34] Laf. In a most weak-- Par. And ... king, as to be--] Laf. In a most ... king. Par. As to be-- Rann (Johnson conj.). Laf. In ... weak-- Par. Ay, so I say. Laf. And debile ... king, as to be [after a pause] generally thankful Edd. conj.

[33] give us a further] give us a further Warburton.

[34] alone] F1. only F2 F3 F4.

[36] SCENE VI. Pope.

say] F1. said F2 F3 F4

[37] Enter ...] Ff (after line 35).

[38] Lustig] Lustique F1 F2. Lustick F3 F4. Lustigh Capell.

[39] whilst] F1. while F2 F3 F4.

[40] coranto] carranto Ff. corranto Rowe.

[41] Mort du vinaigre] Mor du vinager Ff. Mort du vainqueur Collier.

[43] Exeunt some attendants. Capell.

[51] sovereign] sovereign's Collier MS.

[54, 55] mistress Fall,] Rowe. mistress; Fall Ff.

[54] [coming from her Seat, and addressing herself to the Lords. Capell.

[55] marry ... one!] Par. Marry ... one! Tyrwhitt conj.

[58] writ] with Collier MS.

[60] [She addresses her to a Lord. Ff.

[60, 61] Gentlemen ... health] Arranged as in Capell. Printed as prose in Ff; as two lines by Theobald, ending restor'd ... health.

[67] choose; but, be refused,] Rann. choose, but be refused; Ff. chuse; but being refused Hanmer.

[67-69] We blush ... again] Kin. We blush ... again F3 F4.

[68] Let the] Let not F3 F4.

death] dearth Warburton conj.

cheek] cheeks F3 F4.

[69] King.] om. F3 F4.

[72] imperial Love] imperiall loue F1. imperiall Iove F2. impartiall Jove F3. impartial Jove F4. impartial love Warburton.

[73] stream] steam Collier MS.

[74] is mute] are mute Pope.

[75] Laf.] Par. Theobald conj.

[76] Ames-ace] F1 A deaus-ace F2 F3 F4.

[78] threateningly] threatingly F2.

[82] Love F1 F2. Jove F3 F4.

[83] all they] they all Capell conj.

An] Capell. And Ff. If Pope.

[84, 85] to the] to'th Ff.

[89] fairer] fair Rann. ever] F1. ere F2 F3 F4.

[90, 91] have her] haue heere F1. of her Rowe.

[90-92] S. Walker would read as three lines of verse, ending her ... English ... got 'em.

[92] 'em] them Capell.

[93] Hel.] F3 F2. La. F1 F2.

[96, 98] Laf. There's ... already] Laf. There's ... yet,-- Par. I am sure ... wine.-- Laf. But ... already Theobald.

[96] thy] F1. my F2 F3 F4.

[99] [To Bertram] Rowe.

[105, 107] Know'st thou not ... her] Arranged as in Pope; printed as prose in Ff.

[106] has] h'as F1 F2. hath F3 F4.

[112] my wife! Disdain Rather] she my wife! Disdain rather Hanmer.

[114] only title] But title Hanmer. only lack of title S. Walker conj.

[116] Of colour] Alike of colour Capell.

[117] stand] Rowe (ed. 2). stands Ff.

[118] so] F1. of F2 F3 F4. om. Long MS.

[121] the name] a name Collier conj.

[122] place when] Theobald (Thirlby conj). place, whence Ff.

[123] by the] by th' Ff.

[124] additions swell's] F1. addition swell's F2. addition swells F3 F4. additions swell Malone.

[125] honour.] honour, Ff.

[125, 126] Good ... so:] Good a lone, Is good without a name? Vilenesse is so: F1 F2. Good alone, ... name? Vileness is so: F3. Good alone, ... name. Vileness is so: F4. good ... name, in't self is so: Hanmer. good alone Is good; and, with a name, vileness is so: Warburton. good alone Is good, without a name vileness is so: Johnson. Virtue alone Is good without a name; Helen is so: Johnson conj. good alone Is good, without a name; in vileness is so Steevens conj. good alone Is good;--without a name, vileness is so Mason conj.

[127] it is] is is F1.

[128] young] good Warburton. sprung Becket conj.

[131] honour's born] honour-born Hanmer.

[132] thrive] F1. best thrive F2 F3 F4.

[134] word's] F2 F3 F4. words, F1.

[135] grave] grave: Ff.

[137, 138] tomb Of ... indeed.] Theobald (Thirlby conj.). tomb. Of ... indeed, Ff.

[146] defeat,] Ff. defend Theobald. defeat,-- Id. conj.

[155] travails] trauailes F1. travailes F2. travells F3. travels F4.

[159] throw] through F2.

care] F1 F2. cares F3 F4.

[160] staggers and the] staggering and Long MS.

the careless] F1. careless F2. the cureless S. Walker conj.

[161] both] om. Theobald.

[162] Loosing] Let loose Hanmer.

[163] Speak: thine] Speak, thine F1 F2 F3. Speak thine F4.

[167] bid it] Ff. bid Rowe.

[169] praised] prised Warburton.

who, so] who's so Long MS.

[172] to] F1. in F2 F3 F4.

[175] this] F1. the F2 F3 F4.

[175-177] whose ... And be] what ... Shall be Johnson conj.

[176] now-born] now born F3 F4. now borne F1 F2. new-born Warburton.

[180] [Exeunt...] Exeunt. Parolles and Lafew stay behind, commenting of this wedding. Ff.

[181] SCENE VII. Pope.

[199] thou] F1 F2. if thou F3 F4.

[200] bannerets] F1 F2. banners F3 F4.

[208] if--] Theobald. if, F1 F2. is, F3 F4.

[209] lattice] F3 F4. lettice F1 F2.

[210] for] om. F3 F4.

[217] wiser.] wiser-- Theobald.

[219] o' the] Rowe (ed. 2). a' th Ff.

[220] shalt] shall F1.

[222, 223] in the default] on thy defaults Hanmer.

[226, 227] for doing ... leave] Put in the margin as spurious by Hanmer.

[226] past; as I will] past; * * * as I will Warburton, who supposes a line to be lost. past; as I will be Capell conj. past, so I will by thee Staunton conj.

[229] scurvy lord] scabby lord Collier conj.

[238, 239] he ... whom] he my good lord, whom Rowe (ed. 2). he, my good lord, whom Pope.

[239] whom] he whom Capell.

[243] o'] Rowe (ed. 2). a Ff.

[246] methinks't] Dyce (S. Walker conj.). methink'st Ff. methinks Rowe (ed. 2).

[253, 254] commission ... heraldry] Ff. heraldry ... commission Hanmer. condition ... heraldry Collier (Collier MS.).

[256] SCENE VIII. Pope.

[257] Re-enter B.] Enter Count Rossillion. Ff (after line 255).

[259] What's] What is F4.

[260, 261] Although ... her] Printed as prose in Ff, as verse first by Rowe (ed. 2).

[265, 266] France ... wars] Printed as verse in Ff, as prose by Pope.

[266] wars!] wars, Bertram! or wars, Rousillon! Anon. conj.

[271] kicky-wicky] kickie wickie F1. kicksie wicksie F2 F3. kicksy wicksy F4. kicksy-winsy Collier conj.

[274, 275] regions France] Pope. regions, France Ff. regions! France Capell.

[282] war] warres F1.

[283] detested] Rowe. detected Ff. See note (XI).

[286] to-morrow] even to-morrow Hanmer. betimes to-morrow Steevens conj.

[290] her bravely; go] her; bravely go Delius.

Act II, Scene IV — Paris. The King's Palace.

Enter HELENA and CLOWN.

Hel. My mother greets me kindly: is she well?

Clo. She is not well; but yet she has her health: she's very merry; but yet she is not well: but thanks be given, she's very well and wants nothing i' the world; but yet she is not well. 5

Hel. If she be very well, what does she ail, that she's not very well?

Clo. Truly, she's very well indeed, but for two things.

Hel. What two things?

Clo. One, that she's not in heaven, whither God send 10 her quickly! the other, that she's in earth, from whence God send her quickly!

Enter PAROLLES.

Par. Bless you, my fortunate lady!

Hel. I hope, sir, I have your good will to have mine own good fortunes. 15

Par. You had my prayers to lead them on; and to keep them on, have them still. O, my knave, how does my old lady?

Clo. So that you had her wrinkles, and I her money, I would she did as you say. 20

Par. Why, I say nothing.

Clo. Marry, you are the wiser man; for many a man's tongue shakes out his master's undoing: to say nothing, to do nothing, to know nothing, and to have nothing, is to be a great part of your title; which is within a very little of 25 nothing.

Par. Away! thou'rt a knave.

Clo. You should have said, sir, before a knave thou'rt a knave; that's, before me thou'rt a knave: this had been truth, sir. 30

Par. Go to, thou art a witty fool; I have found thee.

Clo. Did you find me in yourself, sir? or were you taught to find me? The search, sir, was profitable; and much fool may you find in you, even to the world's pleasure and the increase of laughter. 35

Par. A good knave, i' faith, and well fed. Madam, my lord will go away to-night; A very serious business calls on him. The great prerogative and rite of love, Which, as your due, time claims, he does acknowledge; 40 But puts it off to a compell'd restraint; Whose want, and whose delay, is strew'd with sweets, Which they distil now in the curbed time, To make the coming hour o'erflow with joy, And pleasure drown the brim.

Hel. What's his will else? 45

Par. That you will take your instant leave o' the king, And make this haste as your own good proceeding, Strengthen'd with what apology you think May make it probable need.

Hel. What more commands he?

Par. That, having this obtain'd, you presently 50 Attend his further pleasure.

Hel. In every thing I wait upon his will.

Par. I shall report it so.

Hel. I pray you. [Exit Parolles.]

Come, sirrah. [Exeunt.

LINENOTES:

Act II, Scene IV — ] SCENE IX. Pope

The King's Palace.] Another room in the same. Capell.

[2-5] S. Walker would read as four lines of verse, ending health ... not well ... wants ... well.

[3] but thanks] thanks Hanmer.

[10] she's] F1. she is F2 F3 F4.

[11] in earth] on earth Hanmer.

from whence] whence Rowe (ed. 2).

[15] fortunes] Capell (Heath conj.). fortune Ff.

[23] shakes out] speaks out Warburton. shapes out Anon. conj. shakes to Anon. conj.

[27] thou'rt] Rowe. th' art Ff. Before God thou'rt Anon. conj.

[28, 29] knave ... knave; ... me thou'rt] knave, ... knave, ... me th' art F1 F2. knave, ... knave, ... th' art F3 F4. knave; thou art a knave; and I am before thee that art Hanmer.

[28] thou'rt] Capell. th' art Ff.

[33] find me? The search] Rowe. find me? Clo. The search Ff. find me? Par. Go to, I say: I have found thee: no more; I have found thee, a witty fool. Clo. The search Collier (Collier MS.).

[39] rite] right Capell.

[40] due, time claims] duteous claim or duty's claim Anon. conj.

[41] to] F1 F2. by F3 F4. on Capell.

[42] is] are Hanmer.

[43] curbed] cup of Collier conj.

[46] o'] Rowe. a' Ff.

[53] [Exit Par.] Ff (after so).

[you. Come] Theobald. you come Ff.

[Exeunt.] Exit. Ff.

Act II, Scene V — Paris. The Kings Palace.

Enter LAFEU and BERTRAM.

Laf. But I hope your lordship thinks not him a soldier.

Ber. Yes, my lord, and of very valiant approof.

Laf. You have it from his own deliverance.

Ber. And by other warranted testimony.

Laf. Then my dial goes not true: I took this lark for 5 a bunting.

Ber. I do assure you, my lord, he is very great in knowledge, and accordingly valiant.

Laf. I have then sinned against his experience and transgressed against his valour; and my state that way is 10 dangerous, since I cannot yet find in my heart to repent. Here he comes: I pray you, make us friends; I will pursue the amity.

Enter PAROLLES.

Par. These things shall be done, sir. [To Bertram.

Laf. Pray you, sir, who's his tailor? 15

Par. Sir?

Laf. O, I know him well, I, sir; he, sir, 's a good workman, a very good tailor.

Ber. Is she gone to the king? [Aside to Parolles.

Par. She is. 20

Ber. Will she away to-night?

Par. As you'll have her.

Ber. I have writ my letters, casketed my treasure, Given order for our horses; and to-night, When I should take possession of the bride, 25 End ere I do begin.

Laf. A good traveller is something at the latter end of a dinner; but one that lies three thirds, and uses a known truth to pass a thousand nothings with, should be once heard, and thrice beaten. God save you, captain. 30

Ber. Is there any unkindness between my lord and you, monsieur?

Par. I know not how I have deserved to run into my lord's displeasure.

Laf. You have made shift to run into't, boots and spurs 35 and all, like him that leaped into the custard; and out of it you'll run again, rather than suffer question for your residence.

Ber. It may be you have mistaken him, my lord.

Laf. And shall do so ever, though I took him at's 40 prayers. Fare you well, my lord; and believe this of me, there can be no kernel in this light nut; the soul of this man is his clothes. Trust him not in matter of heavy consequence; I have kept of them tame, and know their natures. Farewell, monsieur: I have spoken better of you 45 than you have or will to deserve at my hand; but we must do good against evil. [Exit.

Par. An idle lord, I swear.

Ber. I think so.

Par. Why, do you not know him? 50

Ber. Yes, I do know him well, and common speech Gives him a worthy pass. Here comes my clog.

Enter HELENA.

Hel. I have, sir, as I was commanded from you, Spoke with the king, and have procured his leave For present parting; only he desires 55 Some private speech with you.

Ber. I shall obey his will. You must not marvel, Helen, at my course, Which holds not colour with the time, nor does The ministration and required office On my particular. Prepared I was not 60 For such a business; therefore am I found So much unsettled: this drives me to entreat you, That presently you take your way for home, And rather muse than ask why I entreat you; For my respects are better than they seem, 65 And my appointments have in them a need Greater than shows itself at the first view To you that know them not. This to my mother: [Giving a letter.

'Twill be two days ere I shall see you; so, I leave you to your wisdom.

Hel. Sir, I can nothing say, 70 But that I am your most obedient servant.

Ber. Come, come, no more of that.

Hel. And ever shall With true observance seek to eke out that Wherein toward me my homely stars have fail'd To equal my great fortune.

Ber. Let that go: 75 My haste is very great: farewell; hie home.

Hel. Pray, sir, your pardon.

Ber. Well, what would you say?

Hel. I am not worthy of the wealth I owe; Nor dare I say 'tis mine, and yet it is; But, like a timorous thief, most fain would steal 80 What law does vouch mine own.

Ber. What would you have?

Hel. Something; and scarce so much: nothing, indeed. I would not tell you what I would, my lord: faith, yes; Strangers and foes do sunder, and not kiss.

Ber. I pray you, stay not, but in haste to horse. 85

Hel. I shall not break your bidding, good my lord.

Ber. Where are my other men, monsieur? Farewell. [Exit Helena.

Go thou toward home; where I will never come, Whilst I can shake my sword, or hear the drum. Away, and for our flight.

Par. Bravely, coragio! [Exeunt. 90

LINENOTES: