第3章

EnterPAROLLESguarded，andFirstSoldierBERTRAMAplagueuponhim!muffled!hecansaynothingofme：hush，hush!FirstLordHoodmancomes!PortotartarosaFirstSoldierHecallsforthetortures：whatwillyousaywithout’em？PAROLLESIwillconfesswhatIknowwithoutconstraint： ifyepinchmelikeapasty，Icansaynomore。FirstSoldierBoskochimurcho。FirstLordBoblibindochicurmurco。FirstSoldierYouareamercifulgeneral。OurgeneralbidsyouanswertowhatIshallaskyououtofanote。PAROLLESAndtruly，asIhopetolive。FirstSoldier[Reads]’Firstdemandofhimhowmanyhorsethedukeisstrong。’Whatsayyoutothat？PAROLLESFiveorsixthousand；butveryweakandunserviceable：thetroopsareallscattered，andthecommandersverypoorrogues，uponmyreputationandcreditandasIhopetolive。FirstSoldierShallIsetdownyouranswerso？PAROLLESDo：I’lltakethesacramenton’t，howandwhichwayyouwill。BERTRAMAll’sonetohim。Whatapast—savingslaveisthis!FirstLordYou’redeceived，mylord：thisisMonsieurParolles，thegallantmilitarist，——thatwashisownphrase，——thathadthewholetheoricofwarintheknotofhisscarf，andthepractiseinthechapeofhisdagger。SecondLordIwillnevertrustamanagainforkeepinghisswordclean。norbelievehecanhaveeverythinginhimbywearinghisapparelneatly。FirstSoldierWell，that’ssetdown。PAROLLESFiveorsixthousandhorse，Isaid，—— Iwillsaytrue，——orthereabouts，setdown，forI’llspeaktruth。FirstLordHe’sverynearthetruthinthis。BERTRAMButIconhimnothanksfor’t，inthenaturehedeliversit。PAROLLESPoorrogues，Iprayyou，say。FirstSoldierWell，that’ssetdown。PAROLLESIhumblythankyou，sir：atruth’satruth，theroguesaremarvellouspoor。FirstSoldier[Reads]’Demandofhim，ofwhatstrengththeyarea—foot。’Whatsayyoutothat？PAROLLESBymytroth，sir，ifIweretolivethispresenthour，Iwilltelltrue。Letmesee：Spurio，ahundredandfifty；Sebastian，somany；Corambus，somany；Jaques，somany；Guiltian，Cosmo，Lodowick，andGratii，twohundredandfiftyeach；mineowncompany，Chitopher，Vaumond，Bentii，twohundredandfiftyeach：sothatthemuster—file，rottenandsound，uponmylife，amountsnottofifteenthousandpoll；halfofthewhichdarenotshakesnowfromofftheircassocks，lesttheyshakethemselvestopieces。BERTRAMWhatshallbedonetohim？FirstLordNothing，butlethimhavethanks。Demandofhimmycondition，andwhatcreditIhavewiththeduke。FirstSoldierWell，that’ssetdown。 Reads’Youshalldemandofhim，whetheroneCaptainDumainbei’thecamp，aFrenchman；whathisreputationiswiththeduke；whathisvalour，honesty，andexpertnessinwars；orwhetherhethinksitwerenotpossible，withwell—weighingsumsofgold，tocorrupthimtorevolt。’Whatsayyoutothis？ whatdoyouknowofit？PAROLLESIbeseechyou，letmeanswertotheparticularoftheinter’gatories：demandthemsingly。FirstSoldierDoyouknowthisCaptainDumain？PAROLLESIknowhim：a’wasabotcher’s’prenticeinParis，fromwhencehewaswhippedforgettingtheshrieve’sfoolwithchild，——adumbinnocent，thatcouldnotsayhimnay。BERTRAMNay，byyourleave，holdyourhands； thoughIknowhisbrainsareforfeittothenexttilethatfalls。FirstSoldierWell，isthiscaptaininthedukeofFlorence’scamp？PAROLLESUponmyknowledge，heis，andlousy。FirstLordNaylooknotsouponme；weshallhearofyourlordshipanon。FirstSoldierWhatishisreputationwiththeduke？PAROLLESThedukeknowshimfornootherbutapoorofficerofmine；andwrittomethisotherdaytoturnhimouto’theband：IthinkIhavehisletterinmypocket。FirstSoldierMarry，we’llsearch。PAROLLESIngoodsadness，Idonotknow；eitheritisthere，oritisuponafilewiththeduke’sotherlettersinmytent。FirstSoldierHere’tis；here’sapaper：shallIreadittoyou？PAROLLESIdonotknowifitbeitorno。BERTRAMOurinterpreterdoesitwell。FirstLordExcellently。FirstSoldier[Reads]’Dian，thecount’safool，andfullofgold，’——PAROLLESThatisnottheduke’sletter，sir；thatisanadvertisementtoapropermaidinFlorence，oneDiana，totakeheedoftheallurementofoneCountRousillon，afoolishidleboy，butforallthatveryruttish：Iprayyou，sir，putitupagain。FirstSoldierNay，I’llreaditfirst，byyourfavour。PAROLLESMymeaningin’t，Iprotest，wasveryhonestinthebehalfofthemaid；forIknewtheyoungcounttobeadangerousandlasciviousboy，whoisawhaletovirginityanddevoursupallthefryitfinds。BERTRAMDamnableboth—sidesrogue!FirstSoldier[Reads]’Whenheswearsoaths，bidhimdropgold，andtakeit； Afterhescores，heneverpaysthescore： Halfwonismatchwellmade；match，andwellmakeit； Hene’erpaysafter—debts，takeitbefore； Andsayasoldier，Dian，toldtheethis，Menaretomellwith，boysarenottokiss： Forcountofthis，thecount’safool，Iknowit，Whopaysbefore，butnotwhenhedoesoweit。 Thine，ashevowedtotheeinthineear，PAROLLES。’BERTRAMHeshallbewhippedthroughthearmywiththisrhymein’sforehead。SecondLordThisisyourdevotedfriend，sir，themanifoldlinguistandthearmipotentsoldier。BERTRAMIcouldendureanythingbeforebutacat，andnowhe’sacattome。FirstSoldierIperceive，sir，bythegeneral’slooks，weshallbefaintohangyou。PAROLLESMylife，sir，inanycase：notthatI amafraidtodie；butthat，myoffencesbeingmany，Iwouldrepentouttheremainderofnature：letmelive，sir，inadungeon，i’thestocks，oranywhere，soImaylive。FirstSoldierWe’llseewhatmaybedone，soyouconfessfreely； therefore，oncemoretothisCaptainDumain： youhaveansweredtohisreputationwiththedukeandtohisvalour：whatishishonesty？PAROLLESHewillsteal，sir，aneggoutofacloister： forrapesandravishmentsheparallelsNessus：heprofessesnotkeepingofoaths；inbreaking’emheisstrongerthanHercules：hewilllie，sir，withsuchvolubility，thatyouwouldthinktruthwereafool：drunkennessishisbestvirtue，forhewillbeswine—drunk；andinhissleephedoeslittleharm，savetohisbed—clothesabouthim；buttheyknowhisconditionsandlayhiminstraw。Ihavebutlittlemoretosay，sir，ofhishonesty：hehaseverythingthatanhonestmanshouldnothave； whatanhonestmanshouldhave，hehasnothing。FirstLordIbegintolovehimforthis。BERTRAMForthisdescriptionofthinehonesty？ Apoxuponhimforme，he’smoreandmoreacat。FirstSoldierWhatsayyoutohisexpertnessinwar？PAROLLESFaith，sir，hehasledthedrumbeforetheEnglishtragedians；tobeliehim，Iwillnot，andmoreofhissoldiershipIknownot；except，inthatcountryhehadthehonourtobetheofficerataplacetherecalledMile—end，toinstructforthedoublingoffiles：IwoulddothemanwhathonourIcan，butofthisIamnotcertain。FirstLordHehathout—villainedvillanysofar，thattherarityredeemshim。BERTRAMApoxonhim，he’sacatstill。FirstSoldierHisqualitiesbeingatthispoorprice，Ineednottoaskyouifgoldwillcorrupthimtorevolt。PAROLLESSir，foraquartd’ecuhewillsellthefee—simpleofhissalvation，theinheritanceofit；andcuttheentailfromallremainders，andaperpetualsuccessionforitperpetually。FirstSoldierWhat’shisbrother，theotherCaptainDumain？SecondLordWhydoesbeaskhimofme？FirstSoldierWhat’she？PAROLLESE’enacrowo’thesamenest；notaltogethersogreatasthefirstingoodness，butgreateragreatdealinevil：heexcelshisbrotherforacoward，yethisbrotherisreputedoneofthebestthatis： inaretreatheoutrunsanylackey；marry，incomingonhehasthecramp。FirstSoldierIfyourlifebesaved，willyouundertaketobetraytheFlorentine？PAROLLESAy，andthecaptainofhishorse，CountRousillon。FirstSoldierI’llwhisperwiththegeneral，andknowhispleasure。PAROLLES[Aside]I’llnomoredrumming；aplagueofalldrums!Onlytoseemtodeservewell，andtobeguilethesuppositionofthatlasciviousyoungboythecount，haveIrunintothisdanger。YetwhowouldhavesuspectedanambushwhereIwastaken？FirstSoldierThereisnoremedy，sir，butyoumustdie：thegeneralsays，youthathavesotraitorouslydiscoveredthesecretsofyourarmyandmadesuchpestiferousreportsofmenverynoblyheld，canservetheworldfornohonestuse；thereforeyoumustdie。Come，headsman，offwithhishead。PAROLLESOLord，sir，letmelive，orletmeseemydeath!FirstLordThatshallyou，andtakeyourleaveofallyourfriends。 UnblindinghimSo，lookaboutyou：knowyouanyhere？BERTRAMGoodmorrow，noblecaptain。SecondLordGodblessyou，CaptainParolles。FirstLordGodsaveyou，noblecaptain。SecondLordCaptain，whatgreetingwillyoutomyLordLafeu？ IamforFrance。FirstLordGoodcaptain，willyougivemeacopyofthesonnetyouwrittoDianainbehalfoftheCountRousillon？ anIwerenotaverycoward，I’ldcompelitofyou： butfareyouwell。 ExeuntBERTRAMandLordsFirstSoldierYouareundone，captain，allbutyourscarf；thathasaknoton’tyetPAROLLESWhocannotbecrushedwithaplot？FirstSoldierIfyoucouldfindoutacountrywherebutwomenwerethathadreceivedsomuchshame，youmightbeginanimpudentnation。Fareyewell，sir；IamforFrancetoo：weshallspeakofyouthere。 ExitwithSoldiersPAROLLESYetamIthankful：ifmyheartweregreat，’Twouldburstatthis。CaptainI’llbenomore； ButIwilleatanddrink，andsleepassoftAscaptainshall：simplythethingIamShallmakemelive。Whoknowshimselfabraggart，Lethimfearthis，foritwillcometopassthateverybraggartshallbefoundanass。 Rust，sword？cool，blushes!and，Parolles，liveSafestinshame!beingfool’d，byfoolerythrive! There’splaceandmeansforeverymanalive。 I’llafterthem。 ExitSCENEIV。Florence。TheWidow’shouse。EnterHELENA，Widow，andDIANAHELENAThatyoumaywellperceiveIhavenotwrong’dyou，OneofthegreatestintheChristianworldShallbemysurety；’forewhosethrone’tisneedful，EreIcanperfectmineintents，tokneel： Timewas，Ididhimadesiredoffice，Dearalmostashislife；whichgratitudeThroughflintyTartar’sbosomwouldpeepforth，Andanswer，thanks：Idulyaminform’dHisgraceisatMarseilles；towhichplaceWehaveconvenientconvoy。YoumustknowIamsupposeddead：thearmybreaking，Myhusbandhieshimhome；where，heavenaiding，Andbytheleaveofmygoodlordtheking，We’llbebeforeourwelcome。WidowGentlemadam，YouneverhadaservanttowhosetrustYourbusinesswasmorewelcome。HELENANoryou，mistress，EverafriendwhosethoughtsmoretrulylabourTorecompenseyourlove：doubtnotbutheavenHathbroughtmeuptobeyourdaughter’sdower，AsithathfatedhertobemymotiveAndhelpertoahusband。But，Ostrangemen! Thatcansuchsweetusemakeofwhattheyhate，Whensaucytrustingofthecozen’dthoughtsDefilesthepitchynight：solustdothplayWithwhatitloathesforthatwhichisaway。 Butmoreofthishereafter。You，Diana，UndermypoorinstructionsyetmustsufferSomethinginmybehalf。DIANALetdeathandhonestyGowithyourimpositions，IamyoursUponyourwilltosuffer。HELENAYet，Iprayyou： Butwiththewordthetimewillbringonsummer，Whenbriersshallhaveleavesaswellasthorns，Andbeassweetassharp。Wemustaway； Ourwagonisprepared，andtimerevivesus： All’swellthatendswell；stillthefine’sthecrown； Whate’erthecourse，theendistherenown。 ExeuntSCENEV。Rousillon。TheCOUNT’spalace。EnterCOUNTESS，LAFEU，andClownLAFEUNo，no，no，yoursonwasmisledwithasnipt—taffetafellowthere，whosevillanoussaffronwouldhavemadealltheunbakedanddoughyyouthofanationinhiscolour：yourdaughter—in—lawhadbeenaliveatthishour，andyoursonhereathome，moreadvancedbythekingthanbythatred—tailedhumble—beeIspeakof。COUNTESSIwouldIhadnotknownhim；itwasthedeathofthemostvirtuousgentlewomanthatevernaturehadpraiseforcreating。Ifshehadpartakenofmyflesh，andcostmethedearestgroansofamother，I couldnothaveowedheramorerootedlove。LAFEU’Twasagoodlady，’twasagoodlady： wemaypickathousandsaladserewelightonsuchanotherherb。ClownIndeed，sir，shewasthesweetmarjoramofthesalad，orrather，theherbofgrace。LAFEUTheyarenotherbs，youknave；theyarenose—herbs。ClownIamnogreatNebuchadnezzar，sir；Ihavenotmuchskillingrass。LAFEUWhetherdostthouprofessthyself，aknaveorafool？ClownAfool，sir，atawoman’sservice，andaknaveataman’s。LAFEUYourdistinction？ClownIwouldcozenthemanofhiswifeanddohisservice。LAFEUSoyouwereaknaveathisservice，indeed。ClownAndIwouldgivehiswifemybauble，sir，todoherservice。LAFEUIwillsubscribeforthee，thouartbothknaveandfool。ClownAtyourservice。LAFEUNo，no，no。ClownWhy，sir，ifIcannotserveyou，Icanserveasgreataprinceasyouare。LAFEUWho’sthat？aFrenchman？ClownFaith，sir，a’hasanEnglishname；buthisfisnomyismorehotterinFrancethanthere。LAFEUWhatprinceisthat？ClownTheblackprince，sir；alias，theprinceofdarkness；alias，thedevil。LAFEUHoldthee，there’smypurse：Igivetheenotthistosuggesttheefromthymasterthoutalkestof； servehimstill。ClownIamawoodlandfellow，sir，thatalwayslovedagreatfire；andthemasterIspeakofeverkeepsagoodfire。But，sure，heistheprinceoftheworld；lethisnobilityremainin’scourt。Iamforthehousewiththenarrowgate，whichItaketobetoolittleforpomptoenter：somethathumblethemselvesmay；butthemanywillbetoochillandtender，andthey’llbefortheflowerywaythatleadstothebroadgateandthegreatfire。LAFEUGothyways，Ibegintobeawearyofthee； andI telltheesobefore，becauseIwouldnotfalloutwiththee。Gothyways：letmyhorsesbewelllookedto，withoutanytricks。ClownIfIputanytricksupon’em，sir，theyshallbejades’tricks；whicharetheirownrightbythelawofnature。 ExitLAFEUAshrewdknaveandanunhappy。COUNTESSSoheis。Mylordthat’sgonemadehimselfmuchsportoutofhim：byhisauthorityheremainshere，whichhethinksisapatentforhissauciness； and，indeed，hehasnopace，butrunswherehewill。LAFEUIlikehimwell；’tisnotamiss。AndI wasabouttotellyou，sinceIheardofthegoodlady’sdeathandthatmylordyoursonwasuponhisreturnhome，I movedthekingmymastertospeakinthebehalfofmydaughter；which，intheminorityofthemboth，hismajesty，outofaself—graciousremembrance，didfirstpropose：hishighnesshathpromisedmetodoit：and，tostopupthedispleasurehehathconceivedagainstyourson，thereisnofittermatter。Howdoesyourladyshiplikeit？COUNTESSWithverymuchcontent，mylord；andI wishithappilyeffected。LAFEUHishighnesscomespostfromMarseilles，ofasablebodyaswhenhenumberedthirty：hewillbehereto—morrow，orIamdeceivedbyhimthatinsuchintelligencehathseldomfailed。COUNTESSItrejoicesme，thatIhopeIshallseehimereI die。Ihavelettersthatmysonwillbehereto—night：Ishallbeseechyourlordshiptoremainwithmetilltheymeettogether。LAFEUMadam，IwasthinkingwithwhatmannersImightsafelybeadmitted。COUNTESSYouneedbutpleadyourhonourableprivilege。LAFEULady，ofthatIhavemadeaboldcharter； butI thankmyGoditholdsyet。 Re—enterClownClownOmadam，yonder’smylordyoursonwithapatchofvelveton’sface：whethertherebeascarunder’torno，thevelvetknows；but’tisagoodlypatchofvelvet：hisleftcheekisacheekoftwopileandahalf，buthisrightcheekiswornbare。LAFEUAscarnoblygot，oranoblescar，isagoodliveryofhonour；sobelikeisthat。ClownButitisyourcarbonadoedface。LAFEULetusgoseeyourson，Iprayyou：I longtotalkwiththeyoungnoblesoldier。ClownFaiththere’sadozenof’em，withdelicatefinehatsandmostcourteousfeathers，whichbowtheheadandnodateveryman。 ExeuntACTVSCENEI。Marseilles。Astreet。EnterHELENA，Widow，andDIANA，withtwoAttendantsHELENAButthisexceedingpostingdayandnightMustwearyourspiritslow；wecannothelpit： Butsinceyouhavemadethedaysandnightsasone，Towearyourgentlelimbsinmyaffairs，BeboldyoudosogrowinmyrequitalAsnothingcanunrootyou。Inhappytime； EnteraGentlemanThismanmayhelpmetohismajesty’sear，Ifhewouldspendhispower。Godsaveyou，sir。GentlemanAndyou。HELENASir，IhaveseenyouinthecourtofFrance。GentlemanIhavebeensometimesthere。HELENAIdopresume，sir，thatyouarenotfallenFromthereportthatgoesuponyourgoodness； Antherefore，goadedwithmostsharpoccasions，Whichlaynicemannersby，IputyoutoTheuseofyourownvirtues，forthewhichIshallcontinuethankful。GentlemanWhat’syourwill？HELENAThatitwillpleaseyouTogivethispoorpetitiontotheking，AndaidmewiththatstoreofpoweryouhaveTocomeintohispresence。GentlemanTheking’snothere。HELENANothere，sir!GentlemanNot，indeed： HehenceremovedlastnightandwithmorehasteThanishisuse。WidowLord，howweloseourpains!HELENAALL’SWELLTHATENDSWELLyet，Thoughtimeseemsoadverseandmeansunfit。 Idobeseechyou，whitherishegone？GentlemanMarry，asItakeit，toRousillon； WhitherIamgoing。HELENAIdobeseechyou，sir，Sinceyouareliketoseethekingbeforeme，Commendthepapertohisgracioushand，WhichIpresumeshallrenderyounoblameButrathermakeyouthankyourpainsforit。 IwillcomeafteryouwithwhatgoodspeedOurmeanswillmakeusmeans。GentlemanThisI’lldoforyou。HELENAAndyoushallfindyourselftobewellthank’d，Whate’erfallsmore。Wemusttohorseagain。 Go，go，provide。 ExeuntSCENEII。Rousillon。BeforetheCOUNT’spalace。EnterClown，andPAROLLES，followingPAROLLESGoodMonsieurLavache，givemyLordLafeuthisletter：Ihaveerenow，sir，beenbetterknowntoyou，whenIhaveheldfamiliaritywithfresherclothes；butIamnow，sir，muddiedinfortune’smood，andsmellsomewhatstrongofherstrongdispleasure。ClownTruly，fortune’sdispleasureisbutsluttish，ifitsmellsostronglyasthouspeakestof：Iwillhencefortheatnofishoffortune’sbuttering。 Prithee，allowthewind。PAROLLESNay，youneednottostopyournose，sir； Ispakebutbyametaphor。ClownIndeed，sir，ifyourmetaphorstink，I willstopmynose；oragainstanyman’smetaphor。Prithee，gettheefurther。PAROLLESPrayyou，sir，delivermethispaper。ClownFoh!prithee，standaway：apaperfromfortune’sclose—stooltogivetoanobleman!Look，herehecomeshimself。 EnterLAFEU Hereisapurroffortune’s，sir，oroffortune’scat，——butnotamusk—cat，——thathasfallenintotheuncleanfishpondofherdispleasure，and，ashesays，ismuddiedwithal：prayyou，sir，usethecarpasyoumay；forhelookslikeapoor，decayed，ingenious，foolish，rascallyknave。Idopityhisdistressinmysimilesofcomfortandleavehimtoyourlordship。 ExitPAROLLESMylord，Iamamanwhomfortunehathcruellyscratched。LAFEUAndwhatwouldyouhavemetodo？’Tistoolatetoparehernailsnow。Whereinhaveyouplayedtheknavewithfortune，thatsheshouldscratchyou，whoofherselfisagoodladyandwouldnothaveknavesthrivelongunderher？There’saquartd’ecuforyou：letthejusticesmakeyouandfortunefriends： Iamforotherbusiness。PAROLLESIbeseechyourhonourtohearmeonesingleword。LAFEUYoubegasinglepennymore：come，youshallha’t； saveyourword。PAROLLESMyname，mygoodlord，isParolles。LAFEUYoubegmorethan’word，’then。Coxmypassion! givemeyourhand。Howdoesyourdrum？PAROLLESOmygoodlord，youwerethefirstthatfoundme!LAFEUWasI，insooth？andIwasthefirstthatlostthee。PAROLLESItliesinyou，mylord，tobringmeinsomegrace，foryoudidbringmeout。LAFEUOutuponthee，knave!dostthouputuponmeatonceboththeofficeofGodandthedevil？Onebringstheeingraceandtheotherbringstheeout。 TrumpetssoundTheking’scoming；Iknowbyhistrumpets。Sirrah，inquirefurtherafterme；Ihadtalkofyoulastnight：thoughyouareafoolandaknave，youshalleat；goto，follow。PAROLLESIpraiseGodforyou。 ExeuntSCENEIII。Rousillon。TheCOUNT’spalace。Flourish。EnterKING，COUNTESS，LAFEU，thetwoFrenchLords，withAttendantsKINGWelostajewelofher；andouresteemWasmademuchpoorerbyit：butyourson，Asmadinfolly，lack’dthesensetoknowHerestimationhome。COUNTESS’Tispast，myliege； AndIbeseechyourmajestytomakeitNaturalrebellion，donei’theblazeofyouth； Whenoilandfire，toostrongforreason’sforce，O’erbearsitandburnson。KINGMyhonour’dlady，Ihaveforgivenandforgottenall； Thoughmyrevengeswerehighbentuponhim，Andwatch’dthetimetoshoot。LAFEUThisImustsay，ButfirstIbegmypardon，theyounglordDidtohismajesty，hismotherandhisladyOffenceofmightynote；buttohimselfThegreatestwrongofall。HelostawifeWhosebeautydidastonishthesurveyOfrichesteyes，whosewordsallearstookcaptive，Whosedearperfectionheartsthatscorn’dtoserveHumblycall’dmistress。KINGPraisingwhatislostMakestheremembrancedear。Well，callhimhither； Wearereconciled，andthefirstviewshallkillAllrepetition：lethimnotaskourpardon； Thenatureofhisgreatoffenceisdead，AnddeeperthanoblivionwedoburyTheincensingrelicsofit：lethimapproach，Astranger，nooffender；andinformhimSo’tisourwillheshould。GentlemanIshall，myliege。 ExitKINGWhatsayshetoyourdaughter？haveyouspoke？LAFEUAllthatheishathreferencetoyourhighness。KINGThenshallwehaveamatch。IhaveletterssentmeThatsethimhighinfame。 EnterBERTRAMLAFEUHelookswellon’t。KINGIamnotadayofseason，ForthoumaystseeasunshineandahailInmeatonce：buttothebrightestbeamsDistractedcloudsgiveway；sostandthouforth； Thetimeisfairagain。BERTRAMMyhigh—repentedblames，Dearsovereign，pardontome。KINGAlliswhole； Notonewordmoreoftheconsumedtime。 Let’staketheinstantbytheforwardtop； Forweareold，andonourquick’stdecreesTheinaudibleandnoiselessfootofTimeStealserewecaneffectthem。YourememberThedaughterofthislord？BERTRAMAdmiringly，myliege，atfirstIstuckmychoiceuponher，eremyheartDurstmaketooboldaheraldofmytongueWheretheimpressionofmineeyeinfixing，Contempthisscornfulperspectivedidlendme，Whichwarp’dthelineofeveryotherfavour； Scorn’dafaircolour，orexpress’ditstolen； ExtendedorcontractedallproportionsToamosthideousobject：thenceitcameThatshewhomallmenpraisedandwhommyself，SinceIhavelost，haveloved，wasinmineeyeThedustthatdidoffendit。KINGWellexcused： Thatthoudidstloveher，strikessomescoresawayFromthegreatcompt：butlovethatcomestoolate，Likearemorsefulpardonslowlycarried，Tothegreatsenderturnsasouroffence，Crying，’That’sgoodthat’sgone。’OurrashfaultsMaketrivialpriceofseriousthingswehave，Notknowingthemuntilweknowtheirgrave： Oftourdispleasures，toourselvesunjust，DestroyourfriendsandafterweeptheirdustOurownlovewakingcriestoseewhat’sdone，Whileshamefulllatesleepsouttheafternoon。 BethissweetHelen’sknell，andnowforgether。 SendforthyouramoroustokenforfairMaudlin： Themainconsentsarehad；andherewe’llstayToseeourwidower’ssecondmarriage—day。COUNTESSWhichbetterthanthefirst，Odearheaven，bless! Or，eretheymeet，inme，Onature，cesse!LAFEUComeon，myson，inwhommyhouse’snameMustbedigested，giveafavourfromyouTosparkleinthespiritsofmydaughter，Thatshemayquicklycome。 BERTRAMgivesaringBymyoldbeard，Andeveryhairthat’son’t，Helen，that’sdead，Wasasweetcreature：sucharingasthis，Thelastthate’erItookheratcourt，Isawuponherfinger。BERTRAMHersitwasnot。KINGNow，prayyou，letmeseeit；formineeye，WhileIwasspeaking，oftwasfasten’dto’t。 Thisringwasmine；and，whenIgaveitHelen，Ibadeher，ifherfortuneseverstoodNecessitiedtohelp，thatbythistokenIwouldrelieveher。Hadyouthatcraft，toreaveherOfwhatshouldsteadhermost？BERTRAMMygracioussovereign，Howe’eritpleasesyoutotakeitso，Theringwasneverhers。COUNTESSSon，onmylife，Ihaveseenherwearit；andshereckon’ditAtherlife’srate。LAFEUIamsureIsawherwearit。BERTRAMYouaredeceived，mylord；sheneversawit： InFlorencewasitfromacasementthrownme，Wrapp’dinapaper，whichcontain’dthenameOfherthatthrewit：nobleshewas，andthoughtIstoodengaged：butwhenIhadsubscribedTomineownfortuneandinform’dherfullyIcouldnotanswerinthatcourseofhonourAsshehadmadetheoverture，sheceasedInheavysatisfactionandwouldneverReceivetheringagain。KINGPlutushimself，Thatknowsthetinctandmultiplyingmedicine，Hathnotinnature’smysterymorescienceThanIhaveinthisring：’twasmine，’twasHelen’s，Whoevergaveityou。Then，ifyouknowThatyouarewellacquaintedwithyourself，Confess’twashers，andbywhatroughenforcementYougotitfromher：shecall’dthesaintstosuretyThatshewouldneverputitfromherfinger，Unlessshegaveittoyourselfinbed，Whereyouhavenevercome，orsentitusUponhergreatdisaster。BERTRAMSheneversawit。KINGThouspeak’stitfalsely，asIloveminehonour； AndmakestconjecturalfearstocomeintomeWhichIwouldfainshutout。IfitshouldproveThatthouartsoinhuman，——’twillnotproveso；—— AndyetIknownot：thoudidsthateherdeadly，Andsheisdead；whichnothing，buttocloseHereyesmyself，couldwinmetobelieve，Morethantoseethisring。Takehimaway。 GuardsseizeBERTRAM Myfore—pastproofs，howe’erthematterfall，Shalltaxmyfearsoflittlevanity，Havingvainlyfear’dtoolittle。Awaywithhim! We’llsiftthismatterfurther。BERTRAMIfyoushallproveThisringwaseverhers，youshallaseasyProvethatIhusbandedherbedinFlorence，Whereyetsheneverwas。 Exit，guardedKINGIamwrapp’dindismalthinkings。 EnteraGentlemanGentlemanGracioussovereign，WhetherIhavebeentoblameorno，Iknownot： Here’sapetitionfromaFlorentine，WhohathforfourorfiveremovescomeshortTotenderitherself。Iundertookit，Vanquish’dtheretobythefairgraceandspeechOfthepoorsuppliant，whobythisIknowIshereattending：herbusinesslooksinherWithanimportingvisage；andshetoldme，Inasweetverbalbrief，itdidconcernYourhighnesswithherself。KING[Reads]Uponhismanyprotestationstomarrymewhenhiswifewasdead，Iblushtosayit，hewonme。NowistheCountRousillonawidower：hisvowsareforfeitedtome，andmyhonour’spaidtohim。HestolefromFlorence，takingnoleave，andIfollowhimtohiscountryforjustice：grantitme，O king!inyouitbestlies；otherwiseaseducerflourishes，andapoormaidisundone。 DIANACAPILET。LAFEUIwillbuymeason—in—lawinafair，andtollforthis：I’llnoneofhim。KINGTheheavenshavethoughtwellontheeLafeu，Tobringforththisdiscovery。Seekthesesuitors： Gospeedilyandbringagainthecount。 IamafeardthelifeofHelen，lady，Wasfoullysnatch’d。COUNTESSNow，justiceonthedoers! Re—enterBERTRAM，guardedKINGIwonder，sir，sithwivesaremonsterstoyou，Andthatyouflythemasyouswearthemlordship，Yetyoudesiretomarry。 EnterWidowandDIANA Whatwoman’sthat？DIANAIam，mylord，awretchedFlorentine，DerivedfromtheancientCapilet： Mysuit，asIdounderstand，youknow，AndthereforeknowhowfarImaybepitied。WidowIamhermother，sir，whoseageandhonourBothsufferunderthiscomplaintwebring，Andbothshallcease，withoutyourremedy。KINGComehither，count；doyouknowthesewomen？BERTRAMMylord，IneithercannorwilldenyButthatIknowthem：dotheychargemefurther？DIANAWhydoyoulooksostrangeuponyourwife？BERTRAMShe’snoneofmine，mylord。DIANAIfyoushallmarry，Yougiveawaythishand，andthatismine； Yougiveawayheaven’svows，andthosearemine； Yougiveawaymyself，whichisknownmine； ForIbyvowamsoembodiedyours，Thatshewhichmarriesyoumustmarryme，Eitherbothornone。LAFEUYourreputationcomestooshortformydaughter；youarenohusbandforher。BERTRAMMylord，thisisafondanddesperatecreature，WhomsometimeIhavelaugh’dwith：letyourhighnessLayamorenoblethoughtuponminehonourThanfortothinkthatIwouldsinkithere。KINGSir，formythoughts，youhavethemilltofriendTillyourdeedsgainthem：fairerproveyourhonourThaninmythoughtitlies。DIANAGoodmylord，Askhimuponhisoath，ifhedoesthinkHehadnotmyvirginity。KINGWhatsay’stthoutoher？BERTRAMShe’simpudent，mylord，Andwasacommongamestertothecamp。DIANAHedoesmewrong，mylord；ifIwereso，Hemighthaveboughtmeatacommonprice： Donotbelievehim。O，beholdthisring，WhosehighrespectandrichvalidityDidlackaparallel；yetforallthatHegaveittoacommonero’thecamp，IfIbeone。COUNTESSHeblushes，and’tisit： Ofsixprecedingancestors，thatgem，Conferr’dbytestamenttothesequentissue，Hathitbeenowedandworn。Thisishiswife； Thatring’sathousandproofs。KINGMethoughtyousaidYousawonehereincourtcouldwitnessit。DIANAIdid，mylord，butloathamtoproduceSobadaninstrument：hisname’sParolles。LAFEUIsawthemanto—day，ifmanhebe。KINGFindhim，andbringhimhither。 ExitanAttendantBERTRAMWhatofhim？ He’squotedforamostperfidiousslave，Withallthespotso’theworldtax’danddebosh’d； Whosenaturesickensbuttospeakatruth。 AmIorthatorthisforwhathe’llutter，Thatwillspeakanything？KINGShehaththatringofyours。BERTRAMIthinkshehas：certainitisIlikedher，Andboardedheri’thewantonwayofyouth： Sheknewherdistanceanddidangleforme，Maddingmyeagernesswithherrestraint，Asallimpedimentsinfancy’scourseAremotivesofmorefancy；and，infine，Herinfinitecunning，withhermoderngrace，Subduedmetoherrate：shegotthering； AndIhadthatwhichanyinferiormightAtmarket—pricehavebought。DIANAImustbepatient： You，thathaveturn’doffafirstsonoblewife，Mayjustlydietme。Iprayyouyet； Sinceyoulackvirtue，Iwillloseahusband； Sendforyourring，Iwillreturnithome，Andgivememineagain。BERTRAMIhaveitnot。KINGWhatringwasyours，Iprayyou？DIANASir，muchlikeThesameuponyourfinger。KINGKnowyouthisring？thisringwashisoflate。DIANAAndthiswasitIgavehim，beingabed。KINGThestorythengoesfalse，youthrewithimOutofacasement。DIANAIhavespokethetruth。 EnterPAROLLESBERTRAMMylord，Idoconfesstheringwashers。KINGYouboggleshrewdly，everyfeatherstarsyou。 Isthisthemanyouspeakof？DIANAAy，mylord。KINGTellme，sirrah，buttellmetrue，I chargeyou，Notfearingthedispleasureofyourmaster，WhichonyourjustproceedingI’llkeepoff，Byhimandbythiswomanherewhatknowyou？PAROLLESSopleaseyourmajesty，mymasterhathbeenanhonourablegentleman：trickshehathhadinhim，whichgentlemenhave。KINGCome，come，tothepurpose：didhelovethiswoman？PAROLLESFaith，sir，hedidloveher；buthow？KINGHow，Iprayyou？PAROLLESHedidloveher，sir，asagentlemanlovesawoman。KINGHowisthat？PAROLLESHelovedher，sir，andlovedhernot。KINGAsthouartaknave，andnoknave。Whatanequivocalcompanionisthis!PAROLLESIamapoorman，andatyourmajesty’scommand。LAFEUHe’sagooddrum，mylord，butanaughtyorator。DIANADoyouknowhepromisedmemarriage？PAROLLESFaith，IknowmorethanI’llspeak。KINGButwiltthounotspeakallthouknowest？PAROLLESYes，sopleaseyourmajesty。Ididgobetweenthem，asIsaid；butmorethanthat，helovedher： forindeedhewasmadforher，andtalkedofSatanandofLimboandofFuriesandIknownotwhat：yetI wasinthatcreditwiththematthattimethatI knewoftheirgoingtobed，andofothermotions，aspromisinghermarriage，andthingswhichwouldderivemeillwilltospeakof；thereforeIwillnotspeakwhatIknow。KINGThouhastspokenallalready，unlessthoucanstsaytheyaremarried：butthouarttoofineinthyevidence；thereforestandaside。 Thisring，yousay，wasyours？DIANAAy，mygoodlord。KINGWheredidyoubuyit？orwhogaveityou？DIANAItwasnotgivenme，norIdidnotbuyit。KINGWholentityou？DIANAItwasnotlentmeneither。KINGWheredidyoufindit，then？DIANAIfounditnot。KINGIfitwereyoursbynoneofalltheseways，Howcouldyougiveithim？DIANAInevergaveithim。LAFEUThiswoman’saneasyglove，mylord； shegoesoffandonatpleasure。KINGThisringwasmine；Igaveithisfirstwife。DIANAItmightbeyoursorhers，foraughtIknow。KINGTakeheraway；Idonotlikehernow； Toprisonwithher：andawaywithhim。 Unlessthoutell’stmewherethouhadstthisring，Thoudiestwithinthishour。DIANAI’llnevertellyou。KINGTakeheraway。DIANAI’llputinbail，myliege。KINGIthinktheenowsomecommoncustomer。DIANAByJove，ifeverIknewman，’twasyou。KINGWhereforehastthouaccusedhimallthiswhile？DIANABecausehe’sguilty，andheisnotguilty： HeknowsIamnomaid，andhe’llswearto’t； I’llswearIamamaid，andheknowsnot。 Greatking，Iamnostrumpet，bymylife； Iameithermaid，orelsethisoldman’swife。KINGShedoesabuseourears：toprisonwithher。DIANAGoodmother，fetchmybail。Stay，royalsir： ExitWidowThejewellerthatowestheringissentfor，Andheshallsuretyme。Butforthislord，Whohathabusedme，asheknowshimself，Thoughyetheneverharm’dme，hereIquithim： Heknowshimselfmybedhehathdefiled； Andatthattimehegothiswifewithchild： Deadthoughshebe，shefeelsheryoungonekick： Sothere’smyriddle：onethat’sdeadisquick： Andnowbeholdthemeaning。 Re—enterWidow，withHELENAKINGIstherenoexorcistBeguilesthetruerofficeofmineeyes？ Is’trealthatIsee？HELENANo，mygoodlord； ’Tisbuttheshadowofawifeyousee，Thenameandnotthething。BERTRAMBoth，both。O，pardon!HELENAOmygoodlord，whenIwaslikethismaid，Ifoundyouwondrouskind。Thereisyourring； And，lookyou，here’syourletter；thisitsays： ’WhenfrommyfingeryoucangetthisringAndarebymewithchild，’&；c。Thisisdone： Willyoubemine，nowyouaredoublywon？BERTRAMIfshe，myliege，canmakemeknowthisclearly，I’llloveherdearly，ever，everdearly。HELENAIfitappearnotplainandproveuntrue，Deadlydivorcestepbetweenmeandyou! Omydearmother，doIseeyouliving？LAFEUMineeyessmellonions；Ishallweepanon： ToPAROLLES GoodTomDrum，lendmeahandkercher：so，Ithankthee：waitonmehome，I’llmakesportwiththee： Letthycourtesiesalone，theyarescurvyones。KINGLetusfrompointtopointthisstoryknow，Tomaketheeventruthinpleasureflow。 ToDIANA Ifthoube’styetafreshuncroppedflower，Choosethouthyhusband，andI’llpaythydower； ForIcanguessthatbythyhonestaidThoukeep’stawifeherself，thyselfamaid。 Ofthatandalltheprogress，moreorless，Resolvedlymoreleisureshallexpress： Allyetseemswell；andifitendsomeet，Thebitterpast，morewelcomeisthesweet。 FlourishEPILOGUEKINGTheking’sabeggar，nowtheplayisdone： Alliswellended，ifthissuitbewon，Thatyouexpresscontent；whichwewillpay，Withstrifetopleaseyou，dayexceedingday： Oursbeyourpatiencethen，andyoursourparts； Yourgentlehandslendus，andtakeourhearts。