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^ APPLIED IIU^GE
'653 East Mam Street
Rochester. New rork 14609 USA
(^16) 432- 0300 -Phone
(716) 288- 5989 - Fa,
m
THE PEOPLE'S LIBRARY
PLAYS AND POEMS
VOLUME THREE
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
_:iA-
EDITOR'S NOTE
Born in |S64, i.he son ..f . I t
, --con. ,. .e<=kcr ..f... f.,,,, ,, 1^^^;
»^ncM he v.„ fw,.n:v..,f,rc.e- .„,h .„c ;[,c few
n -.oKn.,cc /,.c,., of ..•uU.,;H..;re-. c.., |y !,/« ' I
ie a.l. J ,, no, „,„, jj^, ^j /
dchnue.. furtlu-r recorded of f„m. and h"n
wiUi ,..ur feather.. !,v a broth, r i Ijvwright
who .u:...3.s .ha. Siukc.peare-,hen an I o
a w .i as pMywrUer-ha3 Lccn poaching on
nis l.urary preserves.
That he commenced Ins work as an adapter
.'eredTr 'V' '".r" genius soon
tnnn ""'' 8"'"'^'' ''^'' ^"^ '^e Won-
kier n 2 estcem-nav. veneration -of all his
conle.:.,orar,.s. Take .nto account. ,00 a
charn-.tny per.onal.tv, a capacity for the en.ov-
Tn "^'''"•^,."' '^"^ f"'!- combi.,ed v,.h-a
^upreme k.nahne.s and gentleness of nat.,;
and no explapufon j. then necessary fcr b!u.f
Hen Jonsons endearing "Gentle S.ake
dk""^ -r"-"' ^"«" °f Avon.- •■ 1
oved the man. he wrote. " and do h. roj
fm^m.mory. on this s.de idolatry, as much
When worldly success came to Shakespeare
h s ,„nd reverted immediately ,0 l.is oved
Stratford, and h,« savmgs were inve-ed in
pro,.er.y m aad around the .own. On April
.e. w h honoured bur.al ,n ,he chancel of
■' P"^'-^^' church of his birthplace.
!
CONTENTS
THE TRAOF^DY OF KINO RICICAKl) II
THE TRAORDY OF KIXG Rr( HARD III
LOVKS LABOUR '3 LOST
MACBETH
MEASURE FOR MEASURE .
THE MERCHAXT OF VEN'ICE
THE MERRV WIVES OF \VLVr).^,OR
A MIDSUMMER-NIOHTS DREAM
MUCH ADO ABOUT .\OTHI\G
OTHELLO. THE MOOli OF VEN'ICE
PERICLES. PRINX'E OF TYRE .
GLOSSARY
PAOK
9
73
157
221
277
341
•ini
4(U
-11
S69
647
705
'::<V.'
THE TRAGEDY OF
KING RICHARD THE SECOND
mT:^M^mm^
DRAMATIS PEIISOX.E
Kino Richard the Skcovd
JoiiM OF Gafn't, Did-e of Lancaster \
Eo.MrND OF Laxolev, Dide of York J ""''^''* '^ '^'' ^^^m
'Jfttrwards Kinrj Henri/ IV
DriCE OF AuMEiiLK, ,sY;n ^, //„■ D(<A-p of York
TiroMAs .Mowbkav, Z)wAt of Norfolk
DtJKE OK SlJUREV
Earl of SALisnunv
Lord Berkley
BuSilY \
Baoot - Bcrvayif'^ to Khrr, Richard
Green '
Earl of Northoihekland
Hexry Percy, /u'.v ao.'*
Lord Ross
Lord Willocohby
Lord Fitzwater
Bishop of Carlisle
Abbot of Wc-st7nii}slrr
Lord Marshal, and another lord
Sir Pierce of Extox
Sir Stephen' Scrooi'
Captain of a band of Welshmen
Queen to Kin/ Richard
Duchess of Gloster
DtTCHESs OF York
Lo'l;/ attending on the Qvcen
Lords, Heralds, Offic'ers, Soldiers, two Card
Groom, and other Attoiubinis.
eners. Keeper, I^Iessengor,
SCESE.— D is perscdly in England and Wales
10
m^,:j^!mm^^(^^^^s^^^^^^m:
f
i
THE TRAGEDY OF
KING RICHARD THE SECOND
ACT ONE
Scene I.— London. A Room in the Palace
Enter King Richahd and John of Gaunt, with
other Nobles, and Attendants
T-To^; H'^^' ^'"^ l^"*^" °' *^'^""*' time-honoured Lancaster
Hast thou, according to thy oath and band "^^'^i-er.
Brought hither Henry Hereford thy bold son
Here to make good the boisterous late appeal
Which then our leisure would not let us hear
Against the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray ?
Gaunt. I have, my liege.
Tf ?!; !!!f^' , 7u^^ mf .'moreover, hast thou sounded him
If he appeal the duke on ancient malice
Or worthily, as a good subject should.
On some known ground of treachery in him *>
Gaunt. As near as I could sift him on that argument
On some apparent <langer seen in him guxutni,
Aimed at your highness,— no inveterate malice
K. Rich. Then call them to our presence : face to face
And frowning brow to brow, ourselves will hear
The accuser and the accused freely speak.
Tj-^u t , , [t-Jxennt some Attendant's
High-stomached are they both and full of ire '^"^"'^'''^'^
In rage deaf as the sea, hasty as fire.
Re-enter Attendants, with Bolingbroke and
Norfolk
Boling. May many years of happy days befall
My gracious sovereign, my most loving liege '
T- %'';u ^J^^^' "^""^ "'^"^ ^^"^'' «tl^^^r's happiness ;
biitil the heavens, envying earth's good hap
Add an immortal title to your crown I '
K. Rich. We thank you both : yet one but flatters us
As well appeareth by the cause vou come • "'''-'-^" "»,
Namely, to appeal each other of high treason —
Lousin of Hereford, what dost thou object
Against the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray <>
T *u''J- J: '^st '--Heaven be the record to my speccli I—
In the devotion of a subject's love, ^ ^ptccu ;
Tendering the precious safety of my prince
And free from other misbegotten hate '
Come I appellant to this princely presence.—
11
,:ZJ^A>^
KING RICHARD II
Act I Sc i
Now, riiomos Mowhrny, do I turn to thoo
^"^ "»V"^^"^y grcoting\vdI ; for "l at speik
My body shall make good upon this earll/ *
Or my aivine soul answer it in i)c„ven '
rhou art a traitor and a miscreant
Too good to be so, and too barl lo Ive
Since the mo: fair and crysUd is ti J'ky
rhe uglier see. i the clouds that in i '{ v
'^"ih Ttlul troM"'- ^' '' '^''^^^'^ '^^^ote,
vMin a foul traitor s nunc stt!;i I thv thrmf
The bi ter clamour of two eager tongues
Can arburate this cause betAvlxt us twain '
The blood ,s hot that must be cooled or this
rfrst n^, f '^'"^ '''"^ "^"«*^t at all to say.
Set ing aside his high blood's roya y, ^^'"''^•
f dn ^VT- ^' "^ kinsman to my liege
I do defy him, and I spit at himf ^ '
Call him a slanderous coward, and a villiin •
Which to maintain, I would allow himors*
^\en to the frozen ridges of the \lns
Or any other ground inhabitable^ ^'
Where ever Englishman durst set his foot
Mean ime, let this defend my loyalty -
By all my hopes, most falsely dotl he'lie
.doling, pai^ trembling cowar( u-A j ihm.
Discla,n,ing here the kindred o? the kng "" "'^^' °^''°^'
And lay aside my high blood's roy.irv
nSv'd'; "^V'^^^'i-nce. makes' IS to except •
As?o t.L'. nn '^ ^""^l '"" ^^'^ '^ "^^^h Strength '
BvUi't and^.lTlh' ^^^^o^'''^ Pawn, then stoop.
\\Mn , ^" ^^'^ "**^^ of knighthood else
Wl it iTn^e^'^i"^^^"^^ "^^^•' arm to arm!
nV I .?k?if '' "' *^^" '^^"-'^t ^«^«e de'vise.
Which cs,.\,tur • , P ' ."^"^ ^y that sword I swear
pn^;;?^:;';Va?;;sri^^^--^^^-s,
Or chivalrous design of kniehtfv trial •
And when I mount, alive may I not I'oht
If I be traitor or unjustly fight I °
K. lUch. What doth our cousin lay to Mowbray's charge '>
12
iSfflBSsi'.:.?^
Act I Sc i
KING RICHARD II
I i
It must be great that can inherit us
That Mmvb™ h-aTh 1' ' '^'"^- !"-^ ""= ""'» P™ve il true
Like rSe'-frlJi'.'o'- r^-l r-oUTii-h^ir'"^'"^"'^-
Be^,les, I say, and will in battle prove
?Lt n';- "^ ■^'''"^■horo, to the fartl^.°t verge
I at nn't'J? '"""y?" "y English eye.*
crpf!^/;n7c°,';--,^^«,"jjt-^^
SS?S'"^^-oK.eath.
s h°"i.^Ti,rsSi-g'At7"«-r™' - -- ■■
;ven from the tongueless caverns of the earth
AnS"llVrIr- '""' ""Sh '"asUser^entT •
Now by my sceptre's awe I make a vo'w
Such nc,.rnbour nearness to our sacred blood
l'.runs?ooninlf""^'"^ ^^"^' nor'pSiili '
H^is Sfr sBrt Tr"'"'^^ ""^ "^y "P^^^^^t soul.
lie IS our subject, Mowbray, so art thou •
lVr'''''TtTVr'''?' ''- thee allow.'
Throulrh ^h'? ' i "'^'''™^'^' ""^ ''^^^ ^« ^o thy heart
Disbursed I duly to his ilighness^ o dTers •
For t^h t'^r'^ '''''"''' ^^y consent *
1 or that my sovereign iiege was in mv debt
L Don rcm-n nH<.'- ff - -'^-r - '" »"y "toe
k;'^^^ 1 n -li.-t . 1. 1 ,, uCur account.
Neglected my sworn duly in tharcase^.-
KING RICHARD II
Act I Sc i
For you, my nohle Lord of Lancaster,
I he honourable father to my foe,
Once did I lay an ambush for your life
A trespass that doth vex my grieve,i soul ;
iiut, ere I last received the sacrament
1 did confess it, and exactly begged
Your grace's pardon, and I hope I h,-i<l it
This IS my fault : as for the rest appc; led.
It issues from the rancour of a villain
A recreant and most degenerate traitor :
Which in myself I boldly will defend •
And interchangeably hurl down my gage
Lpon this overweening traitor's foot
To prove myself a loyal gentleman
Even in the best blood chaml>ered in his bosom
In iiaste whereof, most heartily I pray
Your highness to assign our trial day.
Le(''s nm-l t^h^^ll'^r' "'"'•'', gentlemen, be ruled by me
Let s puigo this choler without letting blood •
This we prescribe, though no plivsieian '
Deep malice makes too deep incision • '
I^orgct, forgive ; conclude, and be agreed •
Our doctors say this is no month to bleed -1
Good uncie, let this end where it begun •'
^aiirU ] o be a make-peace s!;all becnme mv a^tp •
Throw down, my son, the Duke of Norfc>l?s\" ^^ ^ ""
Grint ' ^'''^''^^' ^J'^"^^' ^''^^vn his. '
ObXnce bids I should not bid again''"''"' ^'''^' ''''''' •
My life th.;u .U^^^i:^'--^ :^hy foot.
The one my duty owes ; but mv fair nana *
Dcsp.le ot c eath that lives upon my gravi
To dark (hsiionour's use tiKni shall not ha^e
I am .hsgraced, impeaciu.!. and bafHe 1 ere'-
P creed to the soul with sian.ler's venome rsnear •
lie wlmh no bahn can cure but his Et blood '
^^hlch breathed this poison.
Give iue ids -i^e • linn, r^ i^"!^'' '""f ''^ withstood.
V .r V 'K~r •~"f^"s make leopards lame
-. . ' "V . "■- ■• ''^'^■'■' ioam or iiainted clav
A lewe m a ten-times barred-u,, ehest ^"
Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast.
-Mine honour is my life, both grow in one :
J 4
h'^s:aams^^x^'::m
Act I Sc U
KING RICHARD II
Take honour from me, and my li/o is done.
Then, dear my liopc, mine honour let me try '
In that I live, and for that will I die. '
K.liicli. Cousin, throw do^vn your gage : do you bc^in
BoUng. O, God defend my soul from such delp sin!
Shall I seem crest-fall'n in my father's sioht ?
Or with pale beggar-fear impJach my iiei"ht
before this out-dared dastard ? Ere mv'to
4,v ., , . — - •-'iv- iiiv longue
Shall wound mnie honour with sucii feeble wrong
Or sound so base a parle, my teeth shall tear
I he slavish motive of recanting fear.
And spit it bleeding, in his high disgrace.
Where shame doth harbour, even in Mowbray's face.
w?- !"'■''■ ^^'^ ^■^'■^ ""^ ^«^" to sue, but to cimman^d''-""
Which since we cannot do to make you friends "'^ '
Be ready, as your lives shall answer it '
At Coventry, upon Saint Lambert's day •
There shall your swords and lances arbitrate
The swelling difference of your settled hate
Since we cannot atone you, we shall see
Justice design the victor's chivalry.
Marshal, command our olllcers-at-arms
Be ready to direct these home-alarms. [Exeunt
Scene II.— The Same. A Room in the Duke of
Lancastek's Palace
Enter Gaunt and Dcchess of Gloster
Gaunt. Alas 1 the part I had in Gloster's blood
Doth more solicit me than your exclaims
To stir against the butchers of his life
But since correction lieth in those h.nds
Which made the fault that we cannot correct
Put we our quarrel to the will of Heaven • '
Who, when they sec the hours ripe on eai'th,
Will rain hot vengeance on ollenders' heads
Hon "i ^'""l^ brotherhood in t hee no sharper spur •>
Hath love in thy old blood no living (ire '■> ^ '
Edward's seven sons, whereof thyself art one.
Were as seven vials of his sacred blood
^nn^r'?*?'"' '^^'^"^1^^'=^ springing from one root :
Some of those seven are dried by natures coursp
some of those branches by the DestinLs cut"
iut Thomas, my dear lord, mv life, mv Gloste-
One vial tull of Edward's sacred blood " '
One flourishing branch of his most roval root
s cracked and all the precious liquor spilt •
is hacked down, and his summer leaves all faded,
15
KING RICHARD II
Act I Sc ii
By envy's hand and murder's bloody axe
An, (jaunt, his blood was thine 1 thif iw^'j n,„*
Made him a man, and thouch thou liv'o ■ n,) . .u- .
Yot art thou slain in him. ^Thou dosi conse-nt "'''''
In that thou seest thy wretched brother die
\Vho was the model of thy father's life
In i.,fr"-^ patience. Gaunt, it is despair •
In sufTering thus thy brother to be s au-' i.rod
1 hou show St the naked pathway to tHy I fe
Teaching stern murder how to butcher u'e'
P^i,^^"^5 ^" "'"«" "^^" ^ve entitle patie ce"
Thr iA f ^ '^y. ' *° safeguard thine own life
His di^ty^nl^^;.;:]'!^ Sj^^^
An angry arm agm„sl ilis minister ""
Gaun,. T'To'/"u,-etui,™'7 ' »'"Pl''l" "ly^c,. 7
Dach. Why Ihcn l\^i r' <^l"<™Pi"n and Opfcnce.
Thou go'st toVovo"',ry" -'.rS iu°" '^''""^ ^
Our cousin Hertford an.l toll Mo^vl'r v rmi,,
O, sit my hushnna's wron' s on Hnri7 ,• "
Thatlt may c-nlor I-uUl""; Mowta^'s L^^^^'"'
As^muS g^o'fsta "S'llieJ aTgl' ^^,!;-^-- ^
Psorr-i-;*-,' !;- -a , f •
ThjS iLi'lrari;T,'„';L\t''Sri'y'.-.
A snau remembpT- mnm r>! i i ■ - '^ »
^idCK, and what shall eoo.? r.]r\ Vor] m
An^w l,t h. it' ""^^«^J^J^n stones ? '
And vshat hear there for welcoine, but my groans ?
16
Act I Sc Hi
KING RICHARD II
To s^ u ?'""^^"" mo. lot i.im not erne there
To sroK out sorrow that dwells evorvwi ere
nc.solatc (lesolafo will I honco. and Til •
1 he iast leave oniu. takes mywcepirg eye. [E.ennt
Scene III.-Gosford Green, near Coventry
Lists set out, and a throne. JieraUl,, etc., attending
hntcr the Lord Marshal and Altmerie
tvoiiFOLK, m armour, prmde.l by a HerJld
ot'ht ;:;' nf ^^'/^ k,u-,ht^ho'^uM'vA>Iate I)
Tn r» 1 f •' "'y ^"y*»^^y ^"fi truth ^
/Lr '/."^\'''""' "^"'^ *"s suocecdhu' issue
Against the Duke of H'-reford thn :r,.^!of'
And, by the grace of God and t ^ifn^t^^zn"'''
Jo prove lum, in defending of myse f '
And, as I truly hght, defend me Heaven I
Trumpet sounds. Enter UouxumioKF
preceded by a Herald '
A. Rich, Marshal a -.J- v.r--- ,. t ■ ^ ■
Both who he is. and \s:^,y L eoSelh 'fim/" ^""''
Thus plated in habiliments ofTi ''^'''
And formally according to our aw'
iJepose lum in the justice of his eause.
17
in armour.
>i J.M
KING RICHAFiD 11
Act I Sc jii
is thy naino, nrnl wlnrefore c-om'st thou
Mar. What
lutiior,
Before Kin« Riclianl in his royal lists ?
Against whom cotnest thou ? and wluit 's thy quarrel ?
Speak hke a true knight, so defend thee lleaVen '
lioling Harry of Hereford. Laneaster. and Uerhy.
Am I ; who ready hen- do stand in arms
ro prove by (lod's giaec. and mv hodv's 'valour
Tu 1 u ' P" Thomas .Nh.wiu-iiy. Duke of Norfolk,
inat he s a traitor foul and dangerous
To God of heaven. Kin;,' liiehard. and to me •
And, as I truly figlU, def.-nd me Heav;ii !
Mar. On pain of deatli. no person he so bold
Or darmu-hardy as to toueh the lists,
Hxcept the marshal and sueh officers
Appointed to direet lluse fair di sii^ns.
noling. Lord marsiial, let me kiss my suvercifin's hand
And bow my knee before his ma jest v '
For Mowbray and myself are like two men
That vow a long and weary pilgrimage ;
Inen let us take a een-monious leave
And loving farewell of our several friends
Mar. The appellant in all duty greets' vour highness
And craves to kiss your hand and tr,!-e liis'leave ^ '
K. Rich. \\\' will descend, an.l fold iiini in our arms
Cousm of Hereford, as thy cause is right
So be thy fortune in this royal (iglit '^
Farewell, my blood ; which if to-iiav thou s'lcd
Lament we may, but not revenge fliee dvr.d *
Boling. O, let no noble eve nrofane ;• (ear
For me, if I be gored witli Mowbray's sneir
As confident as is the falcon s flight
Against a bird, do I with Mowbray fi'^ht —
My loving lord, I take my leave of ymi •'
Of you, my noble cousin. Lord Aumerje'-—
Not sick, althou,'.:li I have to do will; dcMh
But lusty, young, and eheeriv draMin- iireith
Lo, as at English feasts, so I rej'reel
Thc-^ daintiest last, to nu.ke the end most sweet :
U thou, the earthlv aullior of my l>lood —
Whose youthful spi-it. in me re-'-cnerate
Doth with a two-fold vigour lift me up '
To reach at victory above my head, -
Add proof unto mine armour witli tliv or r-ers
And with fhy blessings steel my lauee's xn^inl '
1 hat It iuay enter Mowbray's wax.m coat
-.na furuish n-w the nam.- nf Jolm o" Gaunt
iiven m the lusty haviour of his son
R.^-wm'-L^^^r i'l ^-'^ ""'''• ""''''^^ '""^'^ thee prosoerous I
Be swift nke lightning in the execuLion,
13
.:4^i£^^.
Art I Sc Hi
KING RICHARD II
And !(>| ihy blows, doubly rcMoubl^d.
Fall like aina/liif' thunder on llie casque
nr thy adverse pernicious enemy:
Roiisu up thy youthful blood, be valiant and live
JloUny Mnu- innocency and Saint Ccoikc to thrive I
^or. However God or fortune cast my lol.
There l.vcs or dies, true to Kin.it Hiehards throne
A loyal, just, and u|,ri«:it gentleman.
Never did cai)tive with a freer heart
Cast oil his chains of bondage and embrace
His golden uncontrolled enfrancliiseinent
More than my dancing' soul doth celebrate
This feast of battle with mine adversary
Most mighty iiege, and n»y comi)anion 'peers,
1 ake from my moulh the wish oi" happy years •
As gentle and as jn<und as to jest '
(io I to light : trulii hath a quiet breast.
K. Rich. Farewell, my lord : securely I espy
Virtue with valour crouched in tlunc eye —
Order the trial, marshal, and begin.
Mitr. IliM-ry of Hereford, I.:incaster, and Derby,
licceive thy lance ; and God defend the right I
Holing. Strong as a tower in ho[)c, 1 cry Amen.
"] Go bear this lance to Thomas,
Mar. ' f To an 00'
Duke of No
First Her. Harrv
c, , , , . ' Hereford, Lancaster, ani Deruv
btands here for Ciod, nis sovereign, and himsel
On pam to be found faise and recreant
To prove the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray
A traitor to liis God, his king, and ! im ;
And dares him to set forward to the light.
.S*r. /ie." Here standeth Thomas Mowbray, Duke of
NorioUv,
On pain lo ne found false and recreant,
Both to defend himself, and to aiiprove
lienry of Hereford, Lancaster, and Derby,
To Ciod, his sovereign, and to him. disloyal-
t:ourageously, and with a free desire.
Attending but the signal to beuin.
Mar. Sound, trumpets ; and set forward, combatants.
ot t .. . . I A chanic sounded
Stay, stay, the king liath thrown his warder down
AnVi'h f^' I^""^ \'"") ^''^' ^'^ ^''''''' '"^'Inif^ts and tiieir spears,
And both return back to their chairs a"ain —
\\ithdruw with us ; and let the trumnets sound
NViiue we return these dukes what we decree.—'
Draw near, '"^ ^^''^ f^''"''^'^
.\nd list what with our council we have done
For that our kingdom's earth should not be soiled
19
^12iSJfe^JSlk?-i^X.
Ifkk^t^.^^.T'JL
KING RICHARD 11
Act I Sc iii
\Vith tli.il chiir blood which it hath fostered ;
And f..r our t-yes do hate the dire aspect
Of civil wounds i)louRh('d lip with mi«l»bours' swords •
Ami for we Hunk Ihe eagle-whinod pride *
Of sky-nspirin« and ambitious tliouchts,
\v ilh rival hatiuK envy, set on vou
lo wake our penro, which in our country's cradle
l>raws the sweet infant breath of «enlle slee
W h h.^?..'""'"' "'r ''^^^ I'-'i'^'^Tous untuned drums.
\N ith harsh resounding truniMets' dreadful bray
And uralinK shock of wrathful iron arms. ^
Mi«ht from our quiet conlines fri«ht fair peace
And make us wade even in our kindred's blood-
nurefore. we banish you our t.rrifories •—
\ou cousin Hereford, upon p.ir. of life. *
JUI wice nvc summers have eiiriched our fields
Shall not rc«reet our fair dominions,
But tread the stranger paths of banlsliment.
">''n,j \ our will Le done : this must my comfort be -
ll>.- sun tua warms you here shall shine on nu '
An. those his golden beams to you here lent '
Shall point on me and pld my banishment.
wi.Vi, . -..u^'""'""'' '"'" ^"'•^' remains a heavier doom
Which I with some unwHlingness pronounce; '
T ■ "y;^'«^^' ''"^"•s «'"ll not <let( rminate
1 no dateless hmit of thy dear exile
The hopeless word of " never Lo return "
lireathe I af^ainst thee, upon pain of life.
\„i ^. ^,*'ep^'y senlence, my most sovereign lieoe
And all unlooked for from your highness' mouth ^
A .learer merit, not so deep a mairJi
As to be cast forth in the common air
Have I deserv(^d at your highness' hands.
1 lie language I have learned these forty veirs
My native t-nglish, now I must forego ;
And now my tongue's use is to me no more
I nan an unstringed viol, or a harp ;
Or hke a cunning instrument cased 'up
Or, being open, put into ids hands
That knows no touch to tune the harmony
Within my mouth you have engaoled my tongue
Doubly portcullised with my teeth and ''ps,
And dull, unfeeling, barren ignorance
Is m de my gaoler to attend on me.
I am too old to fawn upon a nurse.
Too far in years to be a pupil now ;
wt!-"\,^^ V"^' srntiiiee ihcn but speechless death.
K Pirh' "iFh'^'I^'^!? ^'""^ l^rcathing native breath ?
A luch. It bools thee not to he compassionate •
After our sentence plaining come? too late.
Act J Sc iii
KING RICHARD II
N.>r, Thon thus I turn mc from my colMltr^• s li-ht
To awe I In solemn shn.Irs of .ndless ..iyht. ^ ( ,Mirin,
A. Pich. I^cturn npnln. nn.l Ink. an onth with Hue ^
I-ay on our royal sword yoi.r banished hnnds ;
Swoar by Ihc duly that y,. owe to (i..,!.—
Our pnrt tlurein wt- banish with v.ursflvrs—
Id keep the oath that wc adniinisltr :
You never shall, so help vou I ruth md Cod
Knihnice each other's love in bntiishmrnt. *
^or never look upon each other's f.ioe
Nor never write repreet. nor reeoneile '
This lowering tempest of your lH)in.-I)red liate •
Nor never by advis(^d purpose meet
To plot, contrive, or compiot nnv ill
Ciainst us, our state, our subjects, or our land
Doling. I swear.
Nor. And I, to keep all this.
Bohng Norfolk, so far. as to mine enemy •
liy this time, had the king permitted us.
unc of our souls had wandered in the nir
Banished this frail sepulchre of our desh'
As now our Oesh is banished fron. this land •—
Confess thy treasons, ere thou Hv tlie r.alm \
Since thou hast far to go, bear not along
The cloggmg burden of a guilty soul.
Nor. No, Rolingbroke ; if ever I were traitor.
My name be blotted from the book of life
And I from heaven banisncd, as from hence.
?ni om'I* *^°" '''■*; T"'''' *''""' =>"'' I rfo know ;
And all too soon, I fear, the king shall rue.—
Farewell my liege.— Now no way can I strav •
Save back to England, all the world's my way.' \F^it
K. Rich. I ncle, even in the glasses of thine eves '
I see thy grievM heart : thy sad aspect ^
Hath from the number of liis banished years
Plucked four awry.-[ro Bolingbroke] Six froz-n
winters spent, iii»/.^n
Return with welcome home from banishment
Pnn^ ir^* • "^•' ^''"S a time lies in one little word I
Four laggmg wmters and four wanton springs
End m a word : such is the breath of kings
Hp fh^r; S*'^"^ ""y ^*''S<^' *^^^t i" regard of me
S!f r...^'^''' '°"'' y^'^" «' "ly s«n's exile.
But little vantage shall I reap thereby •
tor, ere the six years that he hath to sp-nd
Can change their moons and bring their times about
My oil-dned lamp and time-bewasted lighr '
Shall be extinct with age and endless ni-M;t •
My inch of taper will be barnt and done '
And blindfold death not let me see my son.
21
KING RICHARD II
Act I Sc iii
K. i?a/i Why, uncle, thou hast many years to live
*;hnrf""'' ^^^ "^^.^ '^'""t^' J^i"^'' tl^^t thou cans? i ve"-
Shorten my days thou canst with sullen sorroCv ^ *
And pluck nights from mc, but not 'end a morrow I
1 hou canst help Time to furrow me with a^J
liut stop no wrinkle in his pilgrimage • " '
1 hy word is current with him for my death •
But dead, thy kingdom cannot buy me breath
\vt:. , ll T*^^ ^°" ^^ banished upon good advice
^^hcreto thy tongue a party-verdict gave '
Why at our justice seem'st thou then to lower ■>
Gaunt. Things sweet to taste prove in digestion snnr
^,ou urged me as a judge ; but I had rather '
\ou would have bid me argue like a father
U, had It been a stranger, not my child,
To smooth his fault I should have been more mi^i
A partial slander sought I to avoid
Ai"o*! '? ,^^^, sentence my own life destroyed.
Alas, I looked when some of you should sav
1 was too strict, to make mine own awav •
But you gave leave to my unwilling tongue
Against my will to do myself this wrong.^
A. Rich. Cousin, farewell ;— and, uncle bid him ^n •
Six years we banish him ; and he shall go *
[Flourish. Exeunt King Richard and Train
ThJ!"tl:. '/° 't''^''^^ purpose dost thou hoard thy words
Bollnn ?h"'" '.' "^ e^-^'^"^i"g to thy friends ? ^ ^'^''
vvh tf" .^ ^^^'^ ^"" ^^^' to take my leave of vou
When the tongue's office should be prorli'al ^
To breathe the abundant dolour of the heart
Gaunt. Thy grief is but thy absence for a time
Joy absent, grief is present for that lime
\V hat IS six winters ? they are quickly gone
To men in joy ; but grief makes one houi^ ten
Call It a travel that thou tak'st for pleasure
VVH- K r J^^ ^'^^'■^ ^^"^ sjgh ^vhen I miscall it so
Which finds it an enforced pilgrimage '
Gaunt. The sullen passage of thy weary stcos
Fsteem a foil, wherein thou art to set ^
the precious jewel of thy home-return
Win 1 F- ^""^ '■''ther, every tedious stVide I mak£
Will but remember me what d.-n] of ^^^.•1d
1 wander from the jewels that I love
i^lust I not serve a long apprentioeliood
io foreign passages ; and in the end,
22
Baling.
Gaunt.
Baling,
Gaunt.
Baling.
S39!»fieri
Act I Sc iv
KING RICHARD 11
Having my freedom, boast of notliin^ else
iail thai I was a journevman to grirf >
Oaunl. All places that the eve^uf I I-avcn visits
Are to a wise man ports and happy ha. ens
leach thy necessity to reason thus :
Inere is no virtue like necessity
Think not it was the king did banish thee,
But thou the km- ; woe doth tlie heavier sit
Where it perceives it is but faintly borne
Go, say I sent thee forth to purchase honour.
And not the km.; ---xiled thee ; or supjjuse,
Devoiinng pestilence hangs in our air,
And thou art Hying to a fresher iime
Look, what thy soui holds dear, im;,gine it
To he that way thou go'st, not whence thou com'st
Suppose the singing birds musicians
he grass whereon thou tread'st the presence strewed
I he tlowers fair ladies, and thy steps no more '
I han a delightful measure, or a dance
i;or gnarling sorrow hath less power to bite
the man that mocks at it and sets it light
Rv t.,'i"?- ^' ''''\" 'T" ''"'^ "" ^"•^' '^^ his hand
By thinking on the frosty Caucasus ?
Or cloy the hungry edge of appetite
jiy bare imagination of a feast ''
Or wallow naked in December snow
By thinking on fantastic sunmier's heat ''
O, no : the apprehension of the good
Gives but the greater feeling to the worse •
i;ell sorrow s tooth doth never rankle more
Than when It biles but lanceth not the sore
HoT t''!," ^'^"1'.'' ^'''''*-^' "^>' son, I'll brii:g thee on thv wav
adieiu ' ^"^'""^'^ ground, farewell ; sweet soil.
My mother, and my nurse, that bears me vet '
\\here'er I wander, boast of this I can
Though banished, yet a true-born Englishman. [Exeunt
Scene IV.— The Court
Enter King Richard, B.^got, and Queen, at one door ■
AUMEULE at another
Hnw Ill'y- ^T^, "^''^ observe.-Cousin Aumerie,
Ho\v far brougiit you higii Hereford on his wav ?
Aum. I brouaiil liinh Heri>fnr'' if i—i- --" '■ •
Bui to the next liighway, and th^reYMt mm""" '"'
i;;m 'Fnti h ,''^' ^^'""^ '^"'' "^ ^^''^ting tears were shed "
23
KING RICHARD II
Act I Sc iv
Awaked the sleeping rheum and so bv chance
Did grace our holJow parting with a tear
hTm ? ^^'^''^ '''''* "'"' ''°"'*"' '^''"" y*^^ P^^ttd with
Au n. " Farewell " :
^.fn'l.'iH''" ""^ ''/''""^ disdained that my tongue
Should so profane the word, that taught me craft
To counterfeit oppression of such grief
That words seemed buried in my sorrow's grave
A^^' *• , '^ °"^ cousin, cousin ; but 't is donht
\Vhen time shall call him home from banishment
Whether our kinsman come to see his friends '
SnJ >rHM'' courtship to the common people.
How he did seem to dive into their he ts
With humble and familiar courtesy •
What reverence he did throw away on slaves
ind n^^tH' ''f'r^^ ^'^^^ ^he cLft of Ses
And patient undorbearing of his fortune.
Off L f-^"! ^'''""^' *^'*'' ^^e'^ts with him.
Off goes his bonnet to an oyster-wench ;
A ^r^e of draymen bid God speed him vvell
\mh''' T^h' 'f "'^ '' ""'' ^"PP'^ k-"
uitn— Thanks, my countrymen, my lovin-^ friends • "
As were our England in reversion his ^ ' "
And he our subjects' next degree in hope
Expedient manage must be made, my lie .^e'
Ere urtherleisure yield them fur'the? mean's
1-or their advantage and your highness' loss
A. Hicfi. We will ourself in person to this w-ir •
tnd'rh' ''V^ '''''^'''' ^^^t'^ too great a cour *
And liberal largess, are grown somewhat li^tht
^^ e are enforced to farm our royal realm
Uie revenue whereof shall furnish us
Uur substitutes at home shall have blank charters
NV hereto when they shall know what men are Vi h
1 lu-y snail subscribe them for large sums of 'o-d '
And send them after to supply our 'x"n-s
For we will make for IrelaAd presently. '
Enter Bushy
Bushy, what news ?
Bushj. Old John of Gaunt is grievous sirk, my lord,
24
Act IT Sci
KING RICHARD II
Suddenly taken ; and hath sent post-haste
lo entreat your majcsLy to visit him
A. Rich. Whore lies he ?
Busliif. At FJy House.
To^heH him ^ZJT '^' ?'*^' '" '^'' P'lysician's mind,
10 nelp him to his .crave immediaLcIv '
The lining of his colier^ shall make coats
lo deck our soldiers tor these Irish wars —
f.ome frenUomen. let 's all go visit him : "
1 ray God we may make haste and come too late 1
\E.veunt
ACT TWO
ScKXK I.— London. A Room in Ely House
Gaunt on a couch ; the D-.kk ok York and others standing
by him
Gaunt. Will the king come, that I mav breathe mv list
In wholesome counsel to his urslaid yoi-[ii ^ ' '^^
^ ork Vex not yourself, nor si rive not with your br'-ath •
For all in vain comes counsel to his car '
Gaunt. O. but they say the tonijues of dvin^^ men
I-.nforce attention like deep liarmonv •
\\here words are scarce they are seldom spent in vain
For they breathe truth that breathe th.ir^word in pain
He that no more must say is lislcned more,
rhan they whom youth and case have taught to alose •
More a^e m.n-s ends marked than their lives before • '
A .u f *i'"-^ ^""' ^'^"d "^"^^'^ «t the close.
As the last taste of sweets, is sweelest last,
\\rit in remembrance more than things long past
Though Richard my life's counsel would nol, hear,
I\.y death s sul tale may yet undeaf his ear.
Ae „^/ •■ "* i-^^ '^ Stopped vdth other nattering sounds
As praises of his state : then there are fond rounds,
Lascivious nicires. tu whose venom sound
1 he open ear of youth doth alwavs listen :
i^rport of fasliions in proud Italy,
Vhose ni mners still our tardy apish nation
Li.-ips a.flor in base imitation
\Mu're doth the worhl Ihrusl forth a vanity.
So iL be new, there 's no respect how Niie,
J hat IS not quickly buz/^d into his ears '^
Then all loo late comes counsel to be heard
^^here will doth muiiny with wiL's resard '
..i''.^'^^ ^"'' ""'^ \M;use way himself will choose •
GauT VoiW \"'%''^ ""'^ '^'^^ ^''■^'''' ^^'iit"t'^-" lose.
Gaunt. Melhinks. I am a prophet new insnired
And thus, expiring, do forcfeii of aim :- '""P"^"^'
25
KING RICHARD II
Act II Sc i
Th ! ^.u ^'^'^^"^ °' '^i"gs, this sccptered isle
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars '
?h!.' f\'' ^t*^"' <Jemi-paradise ;
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war
Th s happy breed of men, this little Vv'oi'ld
This precious stone set in the silver sea
Or Ts aT'^' \' i" '^^ ^"^'^'^ "f ^^ ^'«^> '
\'n Lf ?.?'^^ ^-^f'^n^ive to a house.
Against the envy of less hapt)ier lands •
A s?H?;-,s;;1r.?•.■^■r^■-^-
wS"^' ^"""^^ ^" ^'ith the tH'™kant sea
Of wTterv N^n'.r ^^^'^ ^^^'^ the^nJls ;i;ge
A'";/, Whir' r^;""^^^ uncle^LancaTer ?
Old Gaunt, indeed VnSi^nnt'^'i"'-^^ ^-omposition !
Within me grief hath kenfft^^-" ^T" °^^ '
And ^vi.^ oKcf • ^ ^^P*^ ^ tedious fast :
2"° ;'"0 'Abstains from moat thi< i- --f - . ^
The pleasure that some fathers fc'ed u] ',' n
26
m^m^b4;^&m
Act II Sci
KTNG RICHARD II
f
i
Is my strict fast, I mean my children's looks :
And {herein fasting hast thou made me L'aunt
Gaunt am 1 for the grave, gaunt as a grave.
Whose hollow womh inherits nought but bones.
Cnnnf x^ ""^ ■'"'^ "'^", P'^y "^ "''^'"'y ^^''fh Uieir names ?
Uaiint. No, misery makes sport to mock itself.
Since thou dost seek to kill my name in me
1 mock my name, great king, to flatter thee'
K. Rich. Should dyinr? men natter with those that live •'
y,"""?- NO' nO' men living natter those that die
A. Hich Thou, now a-dying, say'st thou flatlcr'sl me
Gaunt. O, no ; thou diest, though I the sicker be.
A. liich I am in health, I breathe, and see thee ill
Tii •"""'• ,^°'^' ^^ ^^^^ "^^de me knows I see thee ill';
111 in myself to see, in thee seeing ill.
Thy death-bed is no lesser than thy land,
Wh( rem thou liest in reputation sick ;
And thou, too careless patient as thou art,
Committ'st thy 'nointed body to the cure
Of those physicians that first wounded thee
A thousand flatterers sit within thy crown, *
\Vhose compass is no bigger than thy head.
And yet, incagcd in so small a ver^e.
The waste is no whit lesser than t\y land
O, had thy grandsire, with a prophet's eye.
Seen how his son's son should destroy his sons
From forth thy reach he would have laid thv shame
Ueposing thee before thou wert possessed, " *
Which art possessed now to depose thyself
vV hy, cousin, wert thou regent of the world.
It were a shame to let this land bv lease ;
But for thy world enjoying but this land.
Is it not more than shame to shame it so ''
Landlord of England art thou now, not king :
Thy state of law is bondslave to the law
And —
K. Rich. And thou a lunatic lean-witted fonl
Presuming on an ague's privilege,
Dar'st with thy frozen admonition
\l^Y.^?^^^ ""^ ^^^^^' chasing the royal blood
With fury from his native residence.
Now, by my seat's right royal majesty,
Wert thou not brother to great Edward's son,
I his tongue, that runs so roundly in thy head.
Should run thy head from thy unrevereut shoulders
oau/i/ O, spare me not, my brother Edward's son,
l^or that I was his father Edward's son.
That blood already, like the pelican,
Hast thou lipped out, and drunkenly caroused.
My brother Gloster, plain well-meaning soul,—
27
KIXG RICHARD II
Act II Sc i
An,l thy unki„ES1,eTikc°r„'„t', '':•■■« '
(;<'nvcy me to ,„v " | Jn' '""""'" "« '-
Love tlipy to li-.. 1 ,^ ' , " '" '">■ Krave :
yioii.^Uiatl vearull,o„ourI,avc
p-A'^.'i''- And let them fk^'l'lV!?™,'' °"' ,'"' ''''' 1'"-'' m/.
°>v^A ' Sel';?,";,™;' ''"'^ 'eomfu^;'' rl;*"^ "-■•■ ■•
'-": H,gM. you s.y true: as HcrCord-s .ovo. so
' ^'"="s. so mine ; and all be as it is.
maj?s%."'«=' 0"' G»"n' commends him to vour
Xo"r"- ^"-' says ho 7
Worts: 'f.,^?';-,? *!"r'«^ inst;?mc"n°t"r'= ' "" '= ^■^■^'■
york. Be York ih „,";?'"■ '"'"' '^P-'nt.
But only u,oy, h,r ^^^' ?„M^.r" ^''^
Shall tcn.k-r d„,y mrfc me sulK'™' ' '^''' "ov. long
H.ve e 'iS'et;'; ™:;"^^.-™ ,^f «-.-.
n™7ifo°ia^t^:^;t^,e°'r^™:-"'«""'-:
OfwhomthyiJitr^pti--- ,
** a^Ls, Was xirst ;
28
Scl
Act II Scl
KING RICHARD II
O my licgc,
In war was never lion raced more liiree
Yorl ^^'' "''''''^' '^"^^t's the matter ?
\ol . f .^*''^."''"^*' ^"^J succession •>
•NO^v, afore Go-l.-God forbid, 1 sav true '
JZ th ^7""-f""y sei/.e Her'eford^s rl"l'is~
^v , " ^^^ letters-patents that he hath '
; y his attorneys-seneral to sue
; !is livery, and deny his olu^red homace
T , ,^ bad courses may be understood '
/v. ;^zc/j. Go, JJusiiy. to the I-Ti nf \VMf . • ^''-^'^
1 JM liim repair to us to Ely Hculse '''''^' '^'"^"-'^^ :
\A " m".. -_^"^*ii!^*:>o. io-morro\v novf
T'^^^'^i for Ireland ; and 't is tinu I trow -
-nd w. create, in absen-;.. of o ■" I'f ""^^ '
0.ir m.de York lord .ov^noroKnoiand-
1-or he IS just, and ahvuys loved us uSII-l
29
KING RICHARD II
Act II Sc 1
North.
Ross.
^Vi[lo.
A'orlli.
Ross.
Come on, our qiKcn : to-morrow must we part •
I>c merry for our time of stay is short ^ '
IHourish. Exeunt Kin,, Queen, Annurle, Rush,;
Well, lords, the Duke of Lnncast^r'i's' de"-fd''"''^'
And hv.n« too ; for now his son is dike
hare y m title, not in revenue
Richly in both, if juslice had her riffht
"mor^^- 'P"'" "'' '"'"•' • -'" "^ l>lm ne'er .p„k
^il'y" a? "'y '•^""'^ -'K'"" 1° <io tl.Cf harm !
'""ricrefruV""' """■ """'"»' »P-k^t" the Duke cl
If it be so, out with it boldly, man •
guick is mine ear to hear of good towar.Is him
Ross. No -ood at all that 1 can do for l in
Of noble blood m this declining land
1 je king IS not himself, but basely led
wirtiv la hate, g;>inst any of us ail
lliat will the king severely prosecute
Gamst us our lives, our children, and our heirs
But ;'hat' ^"""'^'"=«. »"1 I wot n'J? wS f'~
Vom;, \v, ? M "■'""•'' """> l'"°nie of th s'
His bun|e„so„f'';a^'ur a/,^;t ;;fj, ^.'^ ---
•".'by llie robbing oj Ibe banisiicd i!uke
iet seek no .slirlf".- to o,.^;,) :,,,,' ^^ ^"^fe'
VVe see tin- whv! sit sov<^ u'^nou^l:;,\l\'
i^'^s^. \v c s.c t.e very wrack that we ii.ust siuTcr ;
.10
Sci
Act II Sc il
KING RICHAHD II
And unavoldfd is the d.m-or now
Him- near Iho Ihliii^s „f „ur ,„,„(„;.i f,
Vj-e three arc ,„., l';Lr;'!r„;t'sp^,::,' H"''"'' ^
nu> nrst dci)u-lin.q of tlu- kins fur IrcZt^
f, h.n we slK.Ji shake oil our slavisl y Le
Im out our drooping counlrVs broken v^n.
Hcdeem from brokin'^ n-iwn ti,„ i.i ^\"/ ''-'
Wipe o.n„e dust ti^^ ^i^^z^::::-::^^''-'
A u make u:.l, majesty look like its..[f 1^ ^'
i\ ;'> ^^■'^^"l^-inposttoHavensi.ur. '
Ma> ..nd be secr<'t, and myself v.ii) .-o.
Jlcss.
]Vil/u.
unS:-
ui'MechrLiMstothcmtlintfenr.
'J'o lioise, to
Ifo'd ou' niv h..'..; "'•-"/t"'""s to incm tlint
i^^^d ou. my horse, and i will first be there.
[Exeunt
Sc... I, Th= S.„nc. An Apartment In the Pabco
^ f.nlcr Ql!:en-, Bushv, and Hvgot
As my sweet Richard Ye« ....,•>''' ^'■. . .
^ome unborn soi-row rino ,•„'*"";""' f'^^'^'''" •-^,
Is comin- towar-K nVn^ ^ ? fortune's wo-nb,
M..ethaawrthp^;l-',^r-,^-^ng...e.
31
^lyself,
KING RIGHAHD II
'-okin« awry ip,;,;" ^;,7,- r:>'^'^ '"''j<--^'y.
W.'iioh looked on ,s / s J ■'" '"""'^ '" ^^■-'■' .-
Of Nvl.at it is n,H*'^ -,;;;/ n?;^"^''^ '^"t slKuJo^.s
More ( Iiau your lonl's , , .,■ '""^'■'''''"^'^ 'l"^'tn,
I cannot but be sa.l, so heavy sd ^''
y;Ui%. 'T is nil inr ? / '^'' ^''"'^ ""^ «l"aik
;;rom some forefather^r -f •' J;""''^:'^ '=* slill derived
Or somelhi^., '>au'tg \SirS"i^' ^'- ^' ^
i cannot n,' "^'IS^^ '"^"" ^ -"'^^
, 1 16 nameless woe, 1 wot.
"L,tl^ SUV. your ,nu,.sly ,_.„u well ™et, .cnUc-
'^"^n""^;:^ if""'/,^ ^'■il'P.'d for !„,„„<,.
Ti. I . "* -y "am bet lootin" in thic- i.,' i
> l:c banisiied Bolin.i)rn!-, J \ , ^''"'^•
And with upliflcV ,n ,?> V'""' '"-'^^'^^'
At Havenspurg. ' '' '''^' '''''''^<i
Queen. \- ,,., --^ , . ,
^>^'cvi. Ah m-idnn''? 'V" '"^'^'"^ ^«'-l>i'l '
The Lord XorV lu ,?J!.;,,V '^ \^.^ ^''"^ = and that is worse
•' '»e Lords of l^os no;/m \ i' '""' y^""-' ^i^"'y P. rev
^Vith all their T omrful f i T'' ^^"'^ ^Villou- hbyf ^'
0>mi. We hivp . , '^'^'^^' lacli.,11 traitors ?
32
Act ri Sc ii
KING RICHARD II
Now hath my soul l,rot,^!,t forth her pro iuv •
iVave wn "f '"'"« ""^^-""'ivcro.l moth 'r '^ '
Have \\oe to w.,c-. sorrow to sorrow joined
Bush,,. Despair not, ma,i;un.
Viict'n. ,.
I ^viIl cI, .spnir. nn.l I;e at enmity "'"" ''^"''''' ""' ■
^V.th cozeninff iu.pc.-hn is a iiuKorcr
A parasite, a i<ei por-hack of death
UiUdff'll ^ ^vouhl <lissoIve the i,nnds of life
\\ lah false hope Im^'ers in txf remity
n I '■.'■'' ^"'"^'^ "'^' 1»''^'- of York
O ?ulTof c-.'r r '; f '"^ "' ""''^ ^"'^>"^ '>i '"^ed neck
O, lull of careful business are his looks—
Enlcr York
^'''Yok'°'i°:!lT?- 'I'-l^ ™'"frl.!.l<- word,.
VVho, weak with a^'e. .-annot up ni? niyself
Enter a Servant
The noM« u.o' t.rc:7,^,:''[i,rc;;;,^.^,r ^i'.^^;' -^ -^ -" ^-
Comes nishm.t m>? u-- - ' r . ."'•'^ -^ "ue of woes
^^^-"^ 33
ȣm^
M
KiXG nir.FiARD rr
Ac! II Scil
I/ow slu.ll wc do for nioncv tnr th.so wirs ?
carts. ' ' ""'''• «'^ ^''*'^' ''»'"«• ; provide some
An.l l,ri„ft away the nrmoi.r that Is I-utp r ;■ •, .
T|,,,s thrus, ,Ns.,;;,;',',;;,^,', ,;;:",,- ""-r..
11^1,,, tvo r„ . '■ '•"'"'■■ '"iisi,,, III
//(/s/(7. The wind ^it« f,;. t ^''^''""f ^orA- «nr? Qucpn
fm^orlunr^h\o to Uw enemy
it> all unpossililo.
Is nciir th
mncd.
'?,'''i'*''''f- m"' "^^^'•n^'ss to li,c kina in love
!i::t(< of Ihoso love not (ho kiin ^
I NviU to Ireland to ills majoslv
Where one n de fi^h s'^n'"' "'?"^ '"■>' =
^;^%. Well. we"may m^a^! '"'" ^'"' ^«^ *^^--
I fear me, never.
[Exeunt
34
:%jftk^
m^am
.•Stt',!
Sc ii
Ann scui
KING RICriARD 11
^"^^'^^•^ "I TlH. WJI.ls |„ filoshrshirc
nin a stran«i'r iMTc in Gl„st<., shj'n.
liul. I hi.ilnnk mo. what a wiai v \v sv
1 ■ .,l.ous,H.ssan.lp,o(vs-sof„uM::;vH^
Jiut llic-irs IS s\v(H-U-ni-,l with the in,,.- , " .
S ; nT I'r";-""' ^ '''^' •'"■'' l''^' ^vt^.rv lords
ilany, how 1?.,.;::';^? m;;":^ ^"' -'^-— ^•e^.-
"'heaiu/o'vlnr''^' '"^ '""'• ^" "^^'^ '-'rned his
P.v'^i' v'"'^'' '^ ^" ""I ^^'If' the queen ?
He was not so resf.lvw.,1 „ i, . V' ^^'^'^ '"'^ reason ?
\Vir//i IT 'ijJaii lo xxaversDiirf
Which ne'er I'u,^ ,«:.■. '.'I'' ""'J^ "«'■ '■-'^BOt '^
S^ch as u is, being t,nUcr, rL'!2i:l\iZX'' '""'""'
35
KING RICHARD II
Act II Sc iil
T^mor?"^"' clays shall rip.n, and confirm
lo more approved service and desert
I count myself in nothin;:^ else so li.ipDV
And'nJmv V'T""^'>-'"^' "'y 8ood friends ;
And as my fortune ripens ^\•ith tliy love
Mv'he rf n'"" ^'y ''''" ^"^'^- recompense :
ii/j/er Ross i/n</ Willougiiby
fii^ ^v"' '°™ '""' '•'■''''■"■'>' recompense. '
stands for my bounty.-lJut who comes here ?
Enter Beukley
North. It is my Lord of Berkley, as I /^uess
BolL ''^,v r',"' ''''''''-'' -/--^sagc^islo you.
J^oling. My lord, my answer is to Lancaskr
And I am come to seek that name in 1- n-'Iand •
And I must find that title in your tongue '
n ^r ^ '^i'.'''' ''P^y to auKlit you sav.
To you my lord, I come,-what !<;rd you will -
?hf ^ I' "^^ V '^'.'"'^'^"^ ''^'''^ «^ this land '
The Duke of \ ork, to know what pricks you on
To talie advantage of the absent tinu^
And fright our native peace with self-borne arms.
Enter York, attended
30
Act II Sc iii
KING RICHAKD II
Boling. My gracious uncle —
York. Tut, tut !
Grace me no grace, nor uncle me no uncle •
I am no traitor's uncle ; and that word " orace "
In an ungracious mouth is but profane
\Nliy have those banished and forbidden le^s
Dared once to touch a dust of England's gr'ound ?
But then more, why,-why have they dared to m^rch
So many nules upon her peaceful bosom,
l-riiihtina her pale-faced villages with war
And ostentation of despised arms *> '
Com'st 11,011 because the anointed king is hence?
^^ hy, foolish b.,y, the king is left l,ehind,
And in my loyal bosom lies his power
A\ere 1 but now the lord of such hot youth
As when brave Gaunt, thy father, and myself.
Rescued he P,lack Prince, that young Mars of nien
I-roin forth the ranks of many thousand I-Ye, d '
O. then, how quickly should tins arm of mine
iSow prisoner to the palsy, chastise tliee
And minister correction to thy fault I '
y?o/m,7. My gracious uncle, let me know my fault •
On what condition stands it, and wherein ? '
i ork. Even in condition of the worst decree
In gross rebellion, and detested treason • " '
riiou art a banished man. and here art come
Before the expiration of thy time
In braving arms against thy sovereign
Bui ,T?'r '^' V"'"' ^=i"i^''^^' I ^vas banished Hereford •
lint as 1 come, I come for Lancaster. i^i«-itiorci ,
And noble uncle. I beseech your grace,
Look on my wrongs with an indiherent eve •
^ou are my father, for methinks, in you *
I see old Gaunt alive : O, then, mv father.
\\ill you permit that I shall stand condemned
P',;? T'"^'^ ''''"''''°"^^' "^y '•'•^J^ls and royalties
r.ucked from my arms perforce, and given a^v
To upstart unthrifts ? Wherefore was I bo •>
IJ that my cousin king be King of Fn-'luid
It must be granted I am Duke^of LannlsTer
nZ vnnV f r' ^""^^'^'^' n^y "obie kinsman ;
Ilad you first died, and he been thus (rod o„wn
He should have found his uncle Gaunt a fa e?'
Jo rouse hi.s wrongs and chase them to the bay
I am denied to sue my livcrv here
And^yet my letters-patents give me leave •
--iv .iiiicr s goods are ail distrained and sold •
Who, ^''''i ?"'* ''^l' ""'' "" •'^"^'■^s cmploveS '
^^ hat would you have me do ? I am a subiect
And challenge law. Attorneys are denied me!
37
KIXG RICTIARD II
Act II Sciv
And th(T.>f,)ri' porsonallv I Iny niy rlnim
lo my ii'.li.Til;uico of fno di'si-fiii'
(7/: \',f ^'""-^ y'l"- I'rncv upon, („ do h ., rii;Id.
\Ullo. Rise nuMi l)y ii;s ondouincnts ;,it ,u;ui - .rrc-d
i or/c My lords of l-n;'!.,,,!, I.l ,„,- idl yo . Us •
I have had (ccUwa of my cousin's wion.^s ^
And laboured all 1 could to do liini vv-uC-'
Rut in this kind to come, in l.ravinf/arn'is,
Re his own carver, and cut out his way
To hud out ri;4ht will, wrong,-it may not he •
And you that do al.et him in this kind '
Cherish rebellion, and are rebels all
Rut lor h,s own : and for the ri..^ht, of that
VVe all have stron-ly sworn to give l.ini aid ;
Ami let him ne er see joy that breaks that oalh I
i ork Well well, 1 see the Issue of these arms • -
I cannot mend it, I must needs confesv '
Because my power is weak and all ill left •
Rut If 1 could, by him that gave me life '
I wou d attach you all, and make you sloop
bnto the severe)- n mercv of Hie king •
I^ut, since I cannot, be it known to voii
1 do remain as neuter. So. fare vou well -^
Lnless you please to enter in theV-sllc '
And there repose you for this ni-ht
r,!!''!!"^- 'Y' '?*^''' ''"'''^' ll^'^t ^^ve" win accept.
Rut we must win your grace to go with us ^
lo Rns ol ( astle, which, they say, is held
Ry Rushy, Ragot, and their compli-es
The caterpillars of the commonweaiih.'
Which I have sworn to w.-ed and pluck away
>vor friends, nor foes, to me welcome you arc •
Inings past redress are now with me' past care. Exeunt
ScKXK IV.— A Camp in Wales
Enlcr S.vLisnuRY and a Captain
An^h^rdK^l-'^''!;^' °^ Salishiry. we have stayed ten days
Am hardly kept our countrymen together. ^
An 1 yet we hear no tidings from the king
xherefore we will disperse ourselves: farewell
T^>t ^^""yy^^/^^'^oih.r day. thou trustv \v' i-hmin •
Tne kuig rests ail his conhdence in thee " ''•-'•^'^'" •
Th T\, . '" ^^'""^'''' "•'-' ^'"^ is dead :' we will not stav
The bay-trees in our country are all withered, ' "
38
Act III Sci
KIM; WUAlAUl) U
'P,
And niflcors fri'^lit llio fixtWl s'-iis of Jicr.vfn
llic p;ilc faced riiooii looks I,),, .dy on \\u- «;.il'
And k-:in-lookcd pro{)licts \vliisi)(T fciufiil rli;
l.icli men look sad, and ruflians danc<- and ]r-
I Iio one in fear to loser \v;iat (li^y enjoy,
Tile other to enjoy hv rafv anrl war
These sif,'ns forerun flie ri,,.,(i, or fall of kin".
I-arewell : our count r\-!ii(n
As well assured Hichard
Sal Ah Pdeiiard, xvili, Mie eyes of heavy mind
Isee thy glory liko a shoolin',' star,
I'.'ill to the base earth from tiie lirui.'inenL •
Hiy sun sets weeping in tiii^ lov.ly W( st
vVilnessing storms to come, wo^-, and unrest •
hy fn. nfis are Hed, to wait unon Ihv foes
And crossly t thy good all L>nuiv- ^oes '
■;one and Hed,
(lieir king, is dear!.
[f'til
[li^it
ACT TliiU'fi:
Scene I.— Eolin-gi;;;,,k;:\s Camp at Bristol
/•n/er BoLiNGHHOKK, Voi:::. XoHTH--,Bnnr.AND, Pr pry
\\ii.i.oL-OHHv, l; s. ; 0///re,-,s Iwhind, with Pcsmy 'urd
^ Boliiuj. Bring forth tlicse men.—
Bushy, and Green, I will not vex '.-opr soids
Since presently your souls must part vour Lodies-
\\ith too much urging your pernicious lives
Tor t were no cliarity ; yet, to wash vour Llood
I-rom oil my hands, here in the view of m^-n
1 will unfold some causes of vour deaths
\ou have misled a prince, a'roval kin-^
A liappy gentleman in blood and lineaments
L>y you unhappied and disfigured clean •
lou have in manner with your sinful hours
Made a divorce betwixt his queen and him,
tsioKe the possession of a roval bed.
And stained the beauty of a Ldr queen's cheeks
xucu'"''"' "■''''■" ^""""^ ^"-'^ «^y^s J^v vour foul wron-s.
Myself, a prince by fortune of mv blrf; ^''^^^^
Near to the king in blood, and nJar in love
1 111 you did make him misinterpret me
Have stooped my nerl: under vour iniurie^.
And sighed my Englisli breath in forfi^n ^in.-Jc
i^almg the bitter bread of banishment"; """
\\hilst you have fed upon mv signories
Disparked my parks, and felled my forest woods
irom mine own windows torn my household coa!,
3 J
KING RICHARD II
Acini Scii
l.a/od out my impress. I(«nvin« me no si^m
;>>:ivc men s opinions nnd my 11. .1^' blood,'
loshow ll.o^vr>rld 1 innu{.rnll,n.,-.n.
llus and i, more, mudi nion- l!ian twice ill ll.k
(.ondemn .u to the dealh.-See IIumu deliv roi '
lo cxccuiu.n and the hand of death
Tlv?n'!'^^• ^'"'V'''^"'""'' '' *''^' '^l'"'^^' of death to me
Than l>ohn.L;l,roke to linj'Iand.-Lords. fare^vell
\r!:. nT\ '■•■ ''•'"^"'"^ '■^- *''='^ Jl^'^'ven xvill lake our souls
And plague injuslK-e uUh the pains of lull '
Baling. My Lord Xorlhumberlan.l, see them despatched
[l:.vcu,it ^o^llnllnbt■^^an(t and others, with
rncle. you say the cpuen is at your house f ' ""' ""''""
1 u. God s sake, fauly let her be enlrealed :
111 her. I .send to her my kind conmiends :
lake special care my t^reelin^'s be delivered
Wi.h . ■<. -'.:""^'"'^'" uf mine 1 have despalched
^^]lh letters ot your love to her at lar-e
holiiin. 'I'haiiks fiMiilo iiiir.i , /• '^
To h,ht^.ith Gt;io;u.^;;;r; s-compiicor^" '^''^^ ^"^^'
Awhile to work, and after holi.Iay. ^ ' f^^,„^,^
Scene II.-The Coast of Wales. A Castle in view
Flourish: drums and truniprlr,. Enter Krvr n,r„.r.^ tu
K. Rich Barkloughly Castle call thev this at hand ?
Auni.^^^^ ea. my good lord. How brooks your grace Ihe
After late tossing on tlie breaking seas?
A hich. Needs must I like it well : I weep for iov
To stand upon my kingdom once aj^ain - ^ ^ ^'
Dear earth. I do salute thee with my hand,
Though rebels wound thee with their horses' hoofs •
As a long parted mother with her child '
Plays fondly with her tears and sm;les in mcetin'^
So. w-ct pn.g, smiling, greet 1 thee, my earth °'
And do thee favour with my roval hinds.
Nor win ul ^°^-^^';^''-"'^fo^ ^y gentle earth.
But . hV>' ''y'"^' ?'->f°^^ ^''^ ravenous sense ;
But It thy spiders, that suck up thy venom
And heavy gaited toads, lie in their w.ay
Doing annoyance to the treacherous feet
NNhich with usurninc stens <ln trn,„ni-. i'-p
)ield swinging nettles to'mine enemies-'"
And when theij. from thy bosom pluck a flower
Guard It, I pray thee, with a lurk'ng adder'
40
Act Tir Scii
Kfxr, nicriApj) ti
\Mioso ( oiible ton^Mio may wilh n inorfnl toiuf,
ll.nAv.l.Mth upon lI-ysovrniM,,-:, .■„.!. us -
Mock not my sens, ir^ss ronjurnlion, h.r<ls •'
us onrth sh.-.ll h.v,. a frHu>u. .-uul M,,.,. "sfon...
Prove ;,rmc-,J solfli-.-rs. ct. hor nrilivc ki>,"
Slinll faltiT un<ler foul nlxHion's nnns "
Hr.Ui po%v;t to kpop you kin-, in spil-. of r,II
Ihe m.-ans tliat Heaven viHris nn si, I,. e,nhr-,c..-l
Anc n-. ..e.iecte.l ; else, if lH-.v,n ^xnj '
An.l wt M,li not. Heaven's oiler we r, fusr-
Hie prolTered means of sucrour and rerlr.ss
Wh'i!!l''i, \ ',"'","'' "^y '•"•''• ^'^■■'t ^ve nr.: too remiss •
WIi.isl nolmRl.rn!-., through our s^eurifv '^'"^'^' •
Grmvs slron^^ and preat in sii!)sl,;,nce and 'in fri..n,'.
Tint uf • h'^'^^""'?"'-^''''"^ -usin :\n. nvTt , ou nol
Th^t Men the scnrchint,' eye of Heaven is Idd
-cdnnd tl,e .;loho, and ii-^hls (he lower v.orM,
_ r, >".■>. II -,111 >v Wit
Ihcn thieves and robbers ranj,'e
n!)ro,i! unseen.
In miir.lers and in outra-i'- bioodv hrr.- •
tuit wnen from under this tern strird b .;i
He fires the proud tops of the eastern i.ines
And darts his li,dU through every ,^^1; v ;,;,.
Ihen murders, treasons, and detesli.! sfas '
Stand bare and naked, treml.lin- at themselves'^ '
bo when his thief, this traitor, irolin4rok' - "
\\ho an fhis while hath revelled in the ^^^^^^
c, ' i ■'"' ^''':'^ ^vanderinJt ^vith th- Antipodes-
Shah see us nsinj? in our throne, the east
His treasons will sit blushin- in bis face'
Not able to endure the si-ht of day
V f ^;''^-;'^"-'^'i^i'<l. tremble at his "sin
Not all the water in the rouqh rude sea
Can wash the balm from an anointed lip. •
.he hrea h o worldly men cannot depose'
Hie deputy eleckd by the Lord ^
For every man that Bolinol-roke hath pressed
To lift shrewd steel against n.,r rrr. i ^'^^^^ '^
God for his Hirhard'lTat'hln^HeS; 0^"'
A glorious ange! : U,en, if angels n'h ^^
^Veak men must fall ; for Heaven ^tlll'guards the right.
Enter Salisuuuv
Welcome, mv lord. H'^v fn„ ^rr ^■.
One day loo late, i tear, my Soble lord, '
Kixr. nrcnAiU) ii
Art in S.- ii
I! itli cloiKlci! iiil thy JKippy (l;iys on c.nllx :
(*. i-.ill l):uk ycs(ir(l:iy. Itiil liiiic return.
And tiuiii slKill luivc Lwi'lvi- tliousiind lij^liliiit'; iik n :
'today, today. uiiiKip])y <lay, too laic,
()'iTtlin)v,s thy joys, friends." furl iiiic. and tiiy slal. ;
Imu- all tho Wrisluncn, lu-ariiii^ thou wirt dead,
Arc ^onc to l'.olin;4l)roko, dispersed, and lied.
Aiim. Comfort, my liepc ! why looks vonr ^lacc sr> p.de •'
K. liirli. I Jill now, the l)Ioo(l of Lwcnlv tlionsand men
Hid triumph in my face, and tiicy arc llVd ;
And till so much blood thither conic a'^ain.
Have 1 not reason to look ])alc an<l dead?
All souls that will he safe lly ironi mv side ;
l"or time hath set a blot upon my [)ri(!e.
AuiiK Cumfoii. my lie-;.' I remeniher who you arc.
h. liicli. 1 had for^'ot myself. Am 1 nt.l kin" v
Awake, thou slu,;;-,ard majesLy ! Ihou sleef)csl. " '
Is not the kiiiiji's name foriy thous.md nani<s ?
Arm. ;irm, my name ! a pritiy siihiecL >riki s
At t!iy ^reat f;lory. — Look not lo Lhe v^round.
^ faviniriles of a Kin^ : ,.;e we not luuii v
llii-li be our t!u)U;.'.!!ls. 1 know, mv uiKie York
Hath [lower enough to serve our Lurn. LuL wi,o come
here ".'
Ea'cr Scnoop
Scroop. More health and hanjuri. ss bclide mv i
Tluiu can^ my c.ire-tuned tongue ikuver him :
/v. Rich. Min." e;;r is o[)en. and mv 'leart pr-p'
The worst is Wv>!ldly loss thou cansl unf,);<i.
S.iy. is my king.iom lost ? v>!iv. "t was niv care •
Anil what loss is it to be rid (if care V ' '
Strives Doliiigbroke to be .;S ureal as we ?
(;re;!ter he shall not be ; if he serve Cod,
\Ve"ll serve liim too. and be his fcHov,- so.
Revolt our subjects ? that we cannot mend ;
i liey break their faith to God. as well as us.
< ly woe, liestrMclion. ruin. loss, decav ;
■i:;e worst is tleatii, and (ica;;i will iiave" his dav
Sr»o;>. t'.la.i am 1. thai your iii-imess is so arm.
lo i".';:r the Lidaigs of calamitv.
1 ike an U">-;,soiMi)!e slonuv dav
\Vl,,ch makes the si:ver rixer; dr(r>vn their shores
.-.s It t,ie world Were ail dissolved to tears,
So high ahu\e his liudls swells tiie rage
^'f 1 >olii!g!iroke, covering your feariul land
V.wi iMi-d i.iiKlil sLcei, and liearls harder than sie, i
W li!!e beards have armed tiieir thin an.l ha r.e-s sc',
A- Mii>l thv III I'esty ; liuys with Womens voi.HS
S!ii\e lu speak L;-, and clap tiieir ieniaie joints
4J
i-Se,
irca
IPS
S.- ii
Kf\Y, f'fr.ff -,[:[) /,
:'":■■■' -ir'-iln-' f' v
-.• '■■rf,--.
'^'> I !.
Aft rff Sr ii
f'l '-'-in ;ii,- i-Mv
Tl;y vrv li"-,fl..r,Kf, ir- ;;-,, |„ ., ,,, . ,,,, ,, ,^^^ , ^
•if flO'lMf r,it;il yew ,-!(f liri',' •':•,',;-. I . •
'wn. fli-,!-il!' '/.orr.'Ti mnti i '• r-ijv j, ;;.,'
Ar;.'iinsf t,l,v %fui. ; |,„t|, voiirr- ,;,r| '„^ )' r,.i...i
And fill rrocs u-ors- tli;,n f i,;,. ,• '.-, v^,- !-. n.iJ'
A-. ///./,, Too v.T.||. u,n ".-li'-l.oi fr-,, .t' ', fv
H Ik. ■(.,;,; M,f. f:nrl of Wi IK i,,pf. ■; ,.:,,^,.^ ,, ,^, ,
Wlinf i^ hfcoiTu- of i",i[sliv ■.' ^ 'irrr.'m ^r/r-',,' ' ''
': n;.f they Ii.-j,.-,: lot. |;,,. ,j .,,.„,,.., ^. , .. „,^.
M<-r",ijrr- our rnuVu-\ \vj!ii vk ;, j,^ " f!- -p.,-, i
fr '.V prf. . ii, fh*-ir ii-.'K.'s si,-,:i r, ,.,- f,-.^ ,,. ' '" '
I u.irr..nf. liir-V 'v,. m.^rlr- ;„.,.rr. '., ,| h I- ,{:..:<, -r,l..r.
.>*;/■'>•>;/. i' ,.f f. |..',^f: t ; - •/ rr' ■ '.•
lord.
A'. y.'/V/;. O Viil'iips - :,
fion :
Do:"^, f-.c.:;.' Tvon fo fr;\vn on
Snnkfs in my iifir' -hi,,o'l •>;frp .•.,'(" |'',.',f ^";„,. ,^,. , .,
Ihrfr- ,f.ir]r,...c. f.;,r,i o n f ■ thrifv. vok- fh n'h :<" ' ' '''' '
> pon t.!,.-ir spolf-'i co.jl.; f^,,. i; :• r,r rr,- '
M-r^?^\. ''"'■'■' '"'"• f^'-'--^^n.i:;.I,;snron.:-fv.
1 i.rns to 'lu- -,0'irf':' rn -' --..• ^' .,,.',.'■. ■, ., '
\^!!:i hr-r.'Js, rtnd no'. -AiMi i.-i;;-- -'t; ,v - 'i' V'vr - r,- .
HavefHt thn wors^. of r;,. .t ;■ , ,- Z t,.;'. „. :',;';' ^ V' ^ '•''-'^
•!'. ir.'! 'f :. r,iv
■'rio;if. r^-Ji...-)-
A am. W
n. nnd n.r- ! . :, . ,-,r sViiis
i^f^ . t,KK Of Lrr^'.-.-s. of v-or-s. nn.] f-W':,,,:;^ •
- ..*v'; d:js. oiir p:,p.':r. -nr] rx p ;^ r^,,^,. ;,,.,,,
\^r;,o sorrow on ?;.-- b.- m of V.u^ r-r^n
Lei 's rhoose fixer;:' r,r^ rin^l taik of n-j's •
-\nd Vet r.'^r- so— f'.r -• n.if c--- w-- -rr^M .■"-
^::;V,; onr <:.-;. ::.;.-fl ,^,-,,;;os to !;ir> --ro 'Hf "
f->n- I:i:r!s. our Ii- -s. and ai! :-r ; ;oiin'n-;r,-.v .'o
Aivi noth.nj rw) -A- caii or;r ,.-> n bu-. j;. i:i':" ■ '
And tnai. sni :!; model of tl ■• Ic----^ r^n^h
ror bod s s.ike. i.-L i.s <:f un, -i •-,. rr. ■ ^ l
And tell sad sfories of ti- doath'of kin'^s"'--
How some Pavr- been depos-d. some si.i7n 'in n-^r
^o.ne nuur,..-- .jv the ,j:>-,s:s thev ha^ .- d^nrs-d
Some poisoned by thdr wives, some sleepin; kd'.d
All murdered :-:,.,r within the hollow rro'va
i nnu rounds tl;- mortal temples of a k--
Keeps Death his coiirt, and 'there the antic sits.
43
in V :'ak
KNG RICHARD II
Act III Soil
Srnmii'4 liis sf;ili« nnd Rrinninf! nf his pomp ;
Allowiiif^' liiin :i broalli, n Ml lie snMu«.
To inon;uTliiso. Uv fo:\ro(l. nnd kill wilh looks ;
Iiifiisin':,' him willj self anrl vriin coticcil.
As if this Ih'sh whicii walls ahout oiir lilo
Were brass imprci;iiahl(> ; and humoured Ihiis,
Conu's at the last, and wilh n lilllo pin
Roros throu«!i iiis casl.c^ wall, and — fan-wol! kin;^ I
Cover your lioads. ami mock not (Icsh and hlood '
NVilh sulcmn rcvfroncc ; throw away respect.
Tradition, form, and ceremouioiis duly.
For you have hut mistook me all this while :
I live with hread like you, feel want, taste f^Vief,
Need friends,
Suhjeclcd llms, how can you say to mo,
I am a kinn ?
lUthop. My lord, wise men ne'er wail their prosonl woes
I.ut presently prevent the wa\s to w;,il.
To fear the foe. since fear opnresselli slrenmii,
Ciives. in your weakness. slreii,:;th unto your r(»e,
And so your follies lit^ht a.aainst yourself.
Fear, and he slain ; no worse can com(> to fiRht :
And flj^ht and die is deatli destrovint; death ;
Where fearing dyiri^ pays <leath servile hrcalh.
Aiim. My father hath a ])ower ; inquire of him ;
And learn to make a body of a limb.
K. Rich. Thou chid'sl me \vell.— Proud Roiiu'-broke. I
come
To change l)lows with thee for our day of doom.
This a«uc-lit of fear is over-blown ;
An easy task it is to win our own. —
Say. Scroop, where lies our uncle with his power ?
Speak sweetly, man, although thy looks be sour. "
Scroop. Men judue by the complexion of the s,.v
The state and iiiclirialion of the day ;
So may you by my dull and hcavv eve.
My tongue hath but a heavier talc'lo say.
I play the torturer, by small and siuall.
To lengthen out the worst that must be spoken.
\our uncle York is joined vdth RoIingi)roke,
And all your northern castles yielded up.
And all your southern genllemen in arms
Upon his parly.
K. Kick. Thou hast said enough. —
Bcshrew thee, cousin, which dirlst \ead me forth
Of that sweet way I was in to dernnir !
What say you now ? what comfort have we now ?
By Heaven, I '11 hate him everlastingly
That bids mo be of comfort any more.
Go to Flint Castle : there I '11 pine away ;
44
Act III Sciii
KING lUCIlAl'.D II
A Kui^'. woes sl.'ivc, slii.II kiiijilv \v<;c ol.. v.
Tluil iHAvcr J ii:;v,.. (Ii;,cli;upc ;"i,ii.! Id IJHrii "o
i'> «;ir tlic |;ii!(l tlKil jjatli .soiiii' liopc lo 'row'J
1-or I liiivc ri.xic. !.. t n,, man spr;,k an:, in
'lo ;illtr lliis, for rouiisci is |,iii v;.iii.
Aum. My lii-o,., one v.or<].
A. n/rli. I,^. ,1,,,.^ ,j„, ,1,^1,;^,,. vvrou"
1 liat woiimls iiic wilii tlio l];ittcMc.s ol iiis Ir.fr'iif
DisclKir-^'c my UAUnwrs : It t tliciii |. .■„(•.• jrv.'v
iTuin liichurd'b i.i-ht to iiulinMbruki:'b lair day. [l-xeunt
ScKNii III.— Wiiles. A Plain before Flint Castle
J-iiter, with drum and colours, Bolingi.hokf. and Forces ■
\ouK, NoHTiiL-.MUKULAND, and others '
liolinq So that by this inteliij^once we learn.
Tiie Welshmen are dispersed; and Salisbury
Is {4one to meet the kin-,', who lately landed
With some fpv private friends upon this coast.
Aor//i T he news is very fair and «ood, my lord •
Richard not far from hence hath hid his head
Tm .Tv r-'^Tr",*'^ H"'''V *'"^ ^^'■^ Northumberland,
1 o say KiMf^ Richard :— alack, the heavy dav
When such a sacred kinK should hide his head 1
,,.^^''/^- , The time hath been,
Would you have been so briei with him, he would
Jiave been so brief with you to shorten you
1-or taking so the head, your whole head's length.
Yow"^' T^^""^^ ''^^' ,"""'"• ^"''^"••'- ^1^^" yo" should.
York. Take not, good cousin, furt!:er than you should
Lest you mistake : the heavens are o'er your head '
T^ufit""^' • ^'iT': '^' ""'^'^' : ^"'1 I not oppose
MNself against their will.— But who comes here ?
Enter Peiicy
Welcome, Harry : W'hat, will not this castle yield ?
A^ ff'/'u ^''' f^'^'" '°y^"y ^^ manned, my lord.
Against thy entrance. "^ '
noting. Royally ?
Why, it contains no king ?
It dS™„tato a king: KinjRiSdTaf '""•
%\-::iiii the limits oi yond iime and stone
'^."'J„)^''t^ him are the Lord Aumerle, Lord Salisbury
Sir Stephen Scroop ; besides a clergyman ""^^"^^y*
Of holy reverence, who, I cannot leafn
A orth. O, belike it is the Bishop of Carlisle.
45
XIN'G RICHAI'.D II
Act III Sciil
IJolimj. [Tn N<)iiTi;iMiir.nL.\Nr).) Noble lord
(.o lo Iho rudi- rihs of lliat ;ii:( ii-nt castle.
'Ihrouf^li bia/.on Iruiupit siiul tlio breath of parle
Into his ri!i!i( (1 ears.
And thus deliver: [Fenrv HoIid'Jhroko
On both his knees dolli kiss Kin- liieiiards hand.
And sends allot,'iaiiee and true laitli of heart
To his most royal i)erson ; hither coiiie.
Even at his feet to lay my arms and power,
Provided that my banisiinient repealed.
And lands restored aqain, be freely .-granted.
If not, I'll use the advantaf^• of my puv, 't
And lay the summers dust with slu)\vers of blood
Hamed from the ^vouuds of slaughtered •Cm-lis^ine-i •
The which, how far oil from tiie mind of IJolia^bioke '
It IS, such crimson temnest sIiokM bedreneh
'Ihe fresh green lap of fair Kinj; liicliard's land,
My stoopiuf,' duty tenderlv shall show.
Go, sitjnify as much, while here we march
Upon the grassy carpet of this j)lain
Let's march without the noise of threatening drum.
Ihat from the castle's tattered battlements
Our fair appointments may be well perused.
Methinks King i'.iehard and myself should meet
\Mlh no less terror than the elements
Of lire and water, Avhen their thundering shock
At meeting tears the cloudy elieeks of heaven.
iW he the hre, I '11 be the vielding water •
The rage be his, while on the earth I rain
Aly wa'.ers,— on the earth and not on him
March on, and mark King Richard how lie looks.
A parle;j sounded and ai.swcrcd by another trumpet
wulun Fluunsli. En'cr on the walls iCisv, Richaud,
the Bishop of Caulisli., Aumhkle, Sciiuop, and
^ "^?'i?^:u ^i'f' ^''''' ^^''^" Txicliard doth himself appear.
As doth the blushing discontented sun
From out the liery portal of the cast.
When he perceives the envious clouds are bent
To d,ni his glory and to stain the track
Of his bright passage lo the Occident.
, Y''.'-': , ^'^^ l"^^'^ 'i^- I'k^ a l^ins : behold his eye.
As bright as is the eagle's, lightens forth
Com rolling majesty. Alack, alack, for woe.
Ihat any harm should stain so fair a show I
A. liicli [To Northumberland] We arc amazed: and
thus long have we stood
To watch the fearful bending of tliy knoo
''--"-use v;c thousht OMrself tl;y lav.ial king:
Act III Sciil
KING HICIIARD II
And if we hv, how dnrc t!iy joints for/^et
'I'o pay their awful (hity to our i)reseiice ?
If wc he not. stiow us llie hand of Cod
That hath dismissed us from our stewardsiiip ;
For well we know, no hand of hlood and bone
Can f^ripe t!ie sacred handle of our sceptre,
t'nlcss he <lo profane, steal, or usurp.
And though you think that all. as vou have done,
Have torn their souls by turning iheni from us.
And we are barren and l>ereit of friends,
Yet know, my master, C.od omnipotent.
Is mustering' in his clouds on our behalf
Armies of pestilence ; and thev sliall slrike
Your children yet unborn and unbef^ol.
That lift your vassal hands aj^'airist my head.
And threat the glory of my precious crown.
Tell BolinRbroke, for yond, niethinks, he stands,
That every stride he makes ui)on niv land
Is dan.'^erous treason : he is come to o[)e
The purple testament of bleedin;^ war ;
Hut ere the crown he looks for live in pe::ce.
Ten thousand bloody crowns of mothers' sons
Shall ill become the nower of En[^land"s face,
Change the comi)lexion of her maid-pale peace
To scarlet indignation, and bedcAv
Her pastures' grass with faithful Hnglish blood.
North. The King of Heaven forbid our lord the kln«
bhould so with civil and uncivil arms °
He rushed upon ! Thy thrice-noble cousin
Harry Holingi^roke doth humbly kiss thy hand ;
And by the honourable tomb he swears
That stands upon your royal grandsirc's bones,
And by the royalties of both your bloods.
Currents that spring from one most gracious head.
And by the buried hand of warlike Giiunt,
And by the worth and honour of Idmself,
Comprising all that may be sworn or said,—
His coming hither hath no further scope.
Than for his lineal royalties, and to beg
Enfranchisement immediate on his knees :
^\hlch on thy royal party granted once,
I lis glittering anrs he v.iil commend to rust.
His barljed steeds to stables, and his heart
1 o faithful service of your majesty.
This swears he, as he is a prince, is just :
AiKi, as I am a genlleman, 1 credit him.
K. Rich. Northumberland, say thus the king returns :-
His noble cousin is right welcome hither ;
And ail the number of his fair demands
Shall be accomplished without contradiction.
47
KING RICllAUlJ II
Act ill Sc iu
With ull Itu' Kiiuioits ulti ranee Ihou hast,
Speak to his gcnllc luaiiii^; kiml coiiiuuiuls.—
{Sorllui.nbirirtil rciircs to l!.)lintf[)ruli,
[To Aiinirrh\ \\\- do (k'[>ase ouisi-lf, coubia, do wc not,
To look so poorly, and to spoak so fair V
Sli::ll wo call back Norlliuiulicrland, and siiui
Dcliancc to Uk' Irai'.or, and so dii- ?
Atim. Nt), };ood my Lord : let's li;;ht willi unillr words.
Till time loud IViiiids, and frii-iuls llu ir iKipful swoidh.
A', liirli. O tiod, O God I that e'er this tongue ol inine,
That laid the stiiUnee of dread banislnneut
On yon i)roud man. should take it oil a^ain
^Vilil Nvor.ls of sooth ? O, that 1 were as great
As is my uri( 1. or lesser than my name.
Or that I could forj.et what I have been,
Or not reuKiuber what I must be now I
Swell'st Ihou, proud lieart? I'll give thee scope to heat.
Since foes have scope to beat both thee and me.
Aiim. Northumberland comes back from lJo!in;ibroke.
h. Rich. What must the kin;4 do now V .Must he submit ?
The kin;4 sliall do it. .Must he be deposed ?
The liiiifi shall lie contented. Must he lose
The name of kint; ? o' God's name, let it go :
I'll give my jewels for a set of beads,
My gorgeous palace for a hermitage.
My gay apparel for an alms-man's gown,
My figured goblets for a dish of wood.
My sceptre lor a palmer's walking-stalT,
My subjects for a pair of carved saints.
And my large kingdom for a little grave,
A little little grave, an obscure grave ;
Or I 'II be buried in the king's highway.
Some way of common trade, wiiere sui>jects' feet
May hourly trami)le on their sovereign's head ;
I'or on my heart they tread, now whilst I live.
And buried once, why not upon mv head ? —
Aumerle, thou wcepsl ; my tender-hearted cousin I —
^Ve '11 make foul weather with despisi-d tears ;
Our sighs and they shall lodge the summer corn,
And make a dearth in this rev-lling land.
Or shall wc play the wantons wilh our woes.
And make some pretty match with shed(!ing tears ?
As thus ; -to drop them still upon one place.
Till they have fretted us a pair of graves
Within tlie earth ; and. therein laid.—" There lies
Two kinsmen, digged their graves with wecuinL' eve': "
V\ouid not tiK;, 1,1 do well ?— AVell, well, I sec
I talk but i<Ly, and you mock at mc. —
Most mighty piince,"'my Lord Northumberland,
What says King BoUnghroke ? will his majesty
48
Act 111 Sciv
KING RICHARD II
(live liulianl l».ave to livr till Richard die ?
Y I iiialvi' a 1( ^;, and lJolui>;i)rol\c iaVb -ay.
^ .\arlli. My lord, in llic l)asc tourflu' dolii attend
To spiak uilli yuu ; ni..y 'si |)!iase you to roinr down ?
/v. liicli. Down, down. 1 cunif ; lilvc ylislcrinii I'liaeton,
Wanting tlie manage of unruly judes.
Ill tin- Ikim- court V iJase court, where kind's grow base,
'!(» come at traitors' callb. and do them pace.
In the l)ase court ? Come down V Down, court 1 down,
kin^: !
Lor night-owlb shriek where mounting larks sliouhi sinR.
„ ,. [l^xcunl /com ubove
Bolmfj. ^Vhal says his majesty ?
^'^''ll'- Sorrow and grief of heart
^^akes him s|)oak fondly, like a trantic man :
Yet he is come.
EnUr Kixa Ricuauo, and his Attendants, bcloiu
nolinij. Stan<l all apart.
And show fair duty to his majesty. —
My gracious lord,— [Knaling
A. Jiicli. l-air cousin, you debase your princely knee.
To make tiie hasi- earth proud with kissing it :
Me rather had my heart naght feel your love
'llian my unpleased eye see your courtesy.
I'p, cousin, u|) : your heart is up, I know.
Thus high at least, although your knee be low.
liolinij. My gracious lord, I conu> but for mine own.
A'. Rich. Your own is yours ; and 1 am vours, and all.
Ilohnij. So far be mine, my most redouUed lord,
As my true service shall deserve your love.
A', liich. \Vell yuu deserve : they well deserve to have
1 hat know the slrong'st and surest way to get. —
I ncie, give me your liand : nay, dry your eves ;
Tears show their love, hut want their remedies. —
Cousin, 1 am too young to be your lallier,
'I'hough you are old enough to be my heir.
^Vhat yuu will have, I'll give, and wUling too ;
1-or do we must what force will liave us do.—
Set on tuwar<U London : — Cousin, is it so ?
^{'■liihj.^ Yea, uiy good lord.
^'- '^^"-''''- Then I must not say no.
[Flourish. Exeunt
ScENi: IV.— Langley. The Duke of Yoiik's Garden
Enter the Quee.n and two Ladies
Queen. What sport shall we devise here in this garden,
io drive away the heavy thought of care ?
7''(rs7 J.rdtj. Madam, we '11 f>lay at bowls.
4U
•'s::
'■^^i^v!-^.
?^.->>;
KING RICHARD II
Act III Sc iv
Queen. 'T will make me think the world is full of rubs,
And that my fortune runs against the bias.
First Lady. Madam, we'll dance.
Queen. My legs can keep no measure in delight.
When my poor heart no measure keeps in grief :
Therefore, no dancing, girl ; some other sport.
First Ladi]. Madam, we will tell talcs.
Queen. Of sorrow, or of joy ?
First Ladij. Of cither, madam.
Queen. No, of neither, girl ;
For if of joy, being altogether wanting.
It doth remember me the more of sorrow ;
Or if of grief, being altogether had.
It adds more sorrow to my want of joy ;
For what I have, I need not to repeat.
And what I want, it boots not to complain.
First Lady. Madam, I'll sing.
„ Qiifen. 'T is well that thou hast cause :
But thou shouldst please me better, wouldst thou weep.
First Lady. I could weep, madam, would it do' vou
good. ■^
Queen. And I could sing, would weeping do me good,
And never borrow any tear of thee.
But stay, here come the gardeners :
Let 's step into the shadow of these trees.
My wretchedness unto a row of pins,
They'll talk of state ; for every one doth so
Against a change : woe is forerun with woe.
[Queen and Ladies retire
Enter a Gardener and two Servants
Gard. Go, bind tliou up yond dangling apricocks,
\vhich, like unruly children, make their sire
Stoop with oppression of their prodigal weight :
Give some supportancc to the bending twigs.— ^
Go thou, and like an executioner
Cut off the heads of too-fast-growing sprays.
That look too loity in our commonwealth :
All must be even in our government. —
You thus employed, I will go root away
The noisome weeds, that without profit suck
The soil's fertility from wholesome flowers.
First Scro. Why siiould we, in the compass of a pale
Keep law, and form, and due proportion, '
Showing, as in a model, our lirm state.
When our sea-walled garden, the whole land.
Is full of weeds, her fairest flowers choked up.
Her fruit-trees all unprsniof!, her hedges ruined
Her knots disordered, and her wholesome herbs'
Swarming with caterpillars ?
50
Act III Sc iv
KING RICHARD II
Gard. Hold thy peace.
He that hath sutlered this disordered spring,
Hath now himself met with the fall of leaf :
The weeds that his broad-spreading leaves did shelter,
That seemed in eating him to hold him up.
Are plucked up, root and all, by Bolingbroke ;
I mean, the Earl of Wiltshire, Bushy, Green.
First Serv. What, are they dead ?
Gard. They are ; and Bolingbroke
Hath seized the wasteful king. — O, what pity is it
That he hath not so trimmed and dressed his land
As we this garden I We at time of year
Do wound the bark, the skin of our fruit-trees,
Lest, being over-proud in sap and blood,
With too much riches it confound itself :
Had he done so to great and growing men.
They might have lived to bear, and he to taste.
Their fruits of duty. All superfluous branches
We lop away, that bearing boughs may live :
Had he done so, himself had borne the crown,
Wiiich waste of idle hours hath quite thrown down.
First Serv. What, think you then, the king shall be
deposed ?
Gard. Depressed he is already ; and deposed,
'T is doubt, he will be. Letters came last night
To a dear friend of the good Duke of York's,
That tell black tidings.
Queen. O, I am pressed to death through want of
speaking. [Coming forw.u-d
Thou, old Adam's likeness, set to dress this garden,
How dares thy harsh-rude tongue sound this unpleasin«
news ? °
What Eve, what serpent hath suggested thee
To make a second fall of cursed man ?
Why dost thou say King Richard is deposed ?
Dar'st thou, thou little better thing than earth.
Divine his downfall ? Say, where, when, and how
Cam'st thou by these ill tidings ? Speak, thou wretcli.
Gard. Pardon me, madam : little joy have I
To breathe these news, yet what I say is true.
King Richard, he is in the mighty hold
Of Bolingbroke ; their fortunes both are weighed :
In your lord's scale is nothing but himself.
And some few vanities that make him light :
But in the balance of great Bolingbroke,
Besides himself, are all the English peers.
And with that odds he weighs King Richard down.
Jfost you Lo Loudon, and you'll find it so ;
I speak no more than every one doth know.
Queen. Nimble mischance that art so light of foot,
51
m.tim>LmM^m^^i;
KING RICHARD H
Act IV Sc i
Doth not lliy embassage belong to mc,
And am 1 last that knows it ? O, thou think'st
lo serve me last, that I may longest keep
Thy sorrow in my l)rcast.— C .me, ladies, go
To meet at London London's king in woe.
What I was 1 born to this, that my sad look
Should grace the triumph of great Bolingbroke ?—
(jardener, for telling me this news of woe.
Pray God the plants thou graft'st may never grow.
., J ,. ,^ I f'^xeunt Queen and Ladies
Gard Poor Queen I so that thy slate might be no worse,
I would my skill were subject to thy curse —
Here did she fall a tear ; here, in tids place,
I 11 set a bank of rue, sour herb of grace ;
Rue, even for ruth, here shortly shall be seen,
In the remembrance of a weeping queen. [Exeunt
ACT FOUR
Scene I. — London. Westminster Hall
The Lords Spiritual on the right side of the throne ; the Lords
Temporal on the left ; the Commons below
Enter Bolingbroke. Aumerle, Surrey, Northumber-
land, Percy, Fitzwater, another Lord, the Bishop
OF Carlisle, the Abbot of Westminster, and Attend-
ants. Ofjicers behind, with Bagot
Doling. Call forth Bagot.—
Now, Bagot, freely speak thy mind.
What thou dost know of noble Gloster's death,
^^^lo wrought it with the king, and who performed
The bloody ofTice of his timeless end.
Bagot. Then set before my face the Lord Aumerle.
Baling. Cousin, stand forth, and look upon that man.
Bagot. My Lord Aumerle, I know your daring tongue
Scorns to unsay what once it hath delivered.
In that dead time when Gloster's death was plotted
I heard you say.—'- Is not my arm of length, '
That reacheth from the restful English court
As far as Calais, to mine uncle's head ? "
Amongst much other talk, that very time,
I heard you say that you had rather refuse
The offer of an hundred thousand crowns
Than Bolingbroke's return to England ;
Adding withal, how blest this land would be
In this your cousin's death.
\x'f'"i"^' u „ T . Princes, and noble lords,
W hut answer shall I make to this base man ?
■■■^»v
Act IV Sc I
KING RICHARD 11
Shall I so much dishonour my fair stars,
On equal terms to jjivc him chastisement ?
Either I .nust, or have mine honour soihcl
With the attainder of his slanderous lips. —
There is my Rage, the manual seal of death,
Thatmarks thee out for hell : I say, thou lirst,
And will maintain \vhat thou hast snifl is false.
In thy heart-blood, though brinf? all too b.';se
To stain the temper of my kniqhllv sworrl.
Doling. Bapot, forbear ; thou shalt not take it up.
Aum. Excepting one, I would he were the best
In all this presence that hath moved me so.
Fitz. If that thy valour stand on svmpathies.
There is my gage, Aumerle, in gage to Thine.
By that fair sun which shows me where thou stand'st,
I heard thee say, and vauntingly thou spak'st it,
That thou wort cause of noble Gloster's death.
If thou dcny'st it twenty times, thou licst ;
And I will turn thy falsehood to thy heart.
Where it was forg(''d, with my rapier's point.
Aurr Thou dar'st not, coward, live to see that day.
Fitz. Now, by my soul, I would It were this hour.
Aum. Fitzwater, thou art damned to hell for tius.
Perctj. Aumerle, thou liest ; his honour is as true
In this appeal as thou art all unjust ;
And, that thou art so, there I throw my page.
To prove it on thee to the cxtremest point
Of mortal breathing. Seize it, if thou dar'st.
Avm. An if I do not may my hancls rot ofli
And never brandish more revengeful steel
Over the glittering helmet of my foe !
Lord. I task the earth to the"like, forsworn Aumerle ;
And spur thee on with full as many lies
As may be hoUa'd in thy treacherous car
From sun to sun. There is my honour's pawn :
Engage it to the trial, if thou dar'st".
Aum. Who sets me else ? by Heaven, I'll throw at all.
I have a thousand spirits in one breast.
To answer twenty thousand such as you.
Surrey. My Lord Fitzwater, I do remember well
The very time Aumerle and you did talk.
Fifz. 'T is very true : you were in presence then ;
And you can witness with me, this is true.
Siirreij. As false, by Heaven, as Heaven itself is true.
Filz. Surrey, thou licst.
Surrey. Dishonourable boy 1
That lie shnll lie so hcnvv on rv,-" sword
That it shall render vengeance and revenge
Till thou the lie-giver and that lie, do lie
In earth as quiet as thy father's skull.
53
iX^^^^-^'
KING RICHARD II
Act IV Sc i
In proof whfeof, there is my lionoiir's pawn :
Engage it to the trial, if thou dnrst.
Fitz. How fondly dost thou spur a forward horse I
If I dare cat, or drink, or breathe, or live,
I dare meet Surrey in a wilderness,
And spit upon him, whilst I say, he lies.
And lies, and lies. There is my bond of faith,
To tie thee to my strong correction.
As I intend to thrive in this new world,
Aumcrle is guilty of my true appeal.
Besides, I heard the banished Norfolk say.
That thou, Aumerle, didst send two of thy men
To execute the noble duke at Calais.
Aum. Some honest Christian trust me with a gage.
That Norfolk lies, here do 1 throw down this,
If he may be repealed to try his honour.
J^oUr.fj. Those dilTercnces sliall all rest uiidor gage,
lill Norfolk be repealed : repealed he shall be.
And, though mine enemy, restored i\<,::\[n,
To all his lands and signorics ; when he's retunud
Against Aumerle we will enforce his trial. '
Bishop. That honourable day shall no'cr be seen.
Many a time hath banished Norfolk fought
I'or Jesu Christ in glorious Christian field.
Streaming the ensign of the Christian cross
Against black pagans, Turks^ and Saracens ;
And, toiled with works of .var, retired liiinseif
To Italy, and there at Venice gave
His body to that pleasant country's earth,
And his pure soul unto his captain Christ. '
Under whose colours he had fought so long.
Boling. Why, bisliop, is Norfolk dead '.''
Bishop. As surely as I live, my lord.
r^r^f'"F- ,/?'f^^ P*^^*=^ conduct his sweet soul to the bosom
Of good old Abraham 1 — Lords appellants,
^our diilerences shall all rest under gage
Till we assign you to your days of trial.
Enter York, attended
York. Great Duke of Lancaster, I ccme to thoe
From plume-plucked Richard, who with willing suul
Adopts thee heir, and his high sceptre yields
To the possession of thy royal hand.
Ascend his throne, descending now from him
And long live Henry, of that name the Fourth !
^Jol'ng- In God's namo, 111 ascend the regal throne.
^^ Bishop. Marry, God forbid !—
V\'orst in this royal presence may I speak
Yet best beseeming me to speak the truth.
\\ ould God, that any in this noble presence
64
Act IV Sc i
KING RICHARD II
Were enou.-i^h noble fo be uprifiht judge
Of noble llichard : then true noblesse would
Learn him forbearance from so foul a wronfi.
What subject can give sentence on his kins •'
And who sits here that is not Ricliard's subjccl ?
'ihicvcs are not judfjed, but they are by to hear,
Although apparent guilt be seen in llicm ;
And shall the figure of God's majesty,
His captain, steward, deputy elect,
Anointed, crowned, planted' nianv venrs,
Be judged by subject and inferior breMth.
And ho himself not present ? O, forfend it, God,
That, in a Christian climate, souis refined
Sliould show so heinous, black, obscene a deed !
I speak to subjects, and a subject speaks.
Stirred up by God, thus boldly for his king.
My Lord of Hereford here, whom vou call king,
Is a foul traitor to proud Hereford's king ;
And if you crown him, let me proj/iusv.
The blood of English shall manure the' ground,
And future ages groan for this foul act ;
Peace shall go sleep with Turks and infidels,
And in this scat of peace tumultuous wars
Shall kin with kin and kind with kind confound ;
Disorder, horror, fear, and mutiny,
Shall here inhabit, and this land be called
The field of Golgotha and dead men's skulls.
O, if you raise this house against this house,
It will the wofuUcst division prove.
That ever fell upon this cursed earth.
Prevent it, resist it, let it not be so,
Lest child, child's children, cry against you— woe I
/<orth. Well have you argued, sir ; and for vour pains.
Of capital treason, we arrest you here.
My Lord of Westminster, be it your charge
To keep him safely till his day of trial.—
May it please you, lords, to grant the commons' suit *>
Bohng. Fetch hither Richard, that in common view
He may surrender ; so we shall proceed
Without suspiciun.
][^^!^- I ^^ill be his conduct. {Exit
Holing. Lords, you that here are under our arrest
Procure your sureties for your davs of answer.— '
[To the Bishop] Little are we beholding to your love
And httle looked for at your helping hands. '
."- Titer York, with King Rich\rd, and OfRcers
bearing the crown, etc.
K. Rich. Alack, why am I sent for to a king
Before I have shook off the regal thoughts
65
KING RICHARD H
Act rv Sc I
Crve sorrow •,ea'vra;'h°;:'rCo7m?'' '"""^ ^
The'? to" sTf \h™ ^'^ ' "^" ■■™™''<T
Am I both priest nnd elerk" weU th7„' "."""' '
To Harry IJolingbrok?. ''°''"
^. /?/c/j. Give me the crown w<.,.«
crown ; crown.— Here, cousin, seize tlie
Here, cousin,
SC4']^l'-«^,L';-,«-^,» .hat .. ,,„^
K. Rich. My cro"/",",^"'' '''«" ""lin'J to rciRn.
Bolinq p^rfl'^rJ, ^"^ ^ ^'"^ of those.
The cares g?v " ? have ' Z "7 '■'"' ^^^" ^
They tend thTcro wn yet s m ^i^^'^^.^'-^y '
Boling. Are vou ronilff ^ J^^ ^^ *h«y stny.
ii:. i?fc/,. u/no f""^^^^^ to resign the cronn ?
Therefore no n?.,' for Trcs^n'i^Ti^^ ' ""^' "°^^'"S be,
TaLThi^ i"^ ''''' ' ^^'*" ""^ o myself -
The pride of kfnX c ^ ^r^'^^'" '"^ ^^^nd,
WithVne o^^^tt^rsTvJ.lh "^ ""' "'^ ^'^^^t J
With mine o^ hands I Sv. ^''''^ "^^ ^^''"''
With mine own ton^l',?^,? mTrac.'^d'T^?'
With m ne own hrnuh ,.li "^ "»> Sacrcu slate.
All pomp anrmSy Td^o Xr^s^^ ^^ ^^^- .'
My manors, rents, revenues, I foTego /
56
M
)
Act IV Sc i
KING RICHARD II
1
My acts, decrees, and statutes, I denv •
God pardon all oaths that are broke to me I
God keep all vows unhroke, th/t swear^o thoi. f
AnS'th^'nn '"-^i "?/'""§ "^^'^' ^vitl. nothing g?£ved
And soon Ik; Richard in an earth y pU '
?nH T^^^ lV"g Ilonry. unkinged hFo ard snvs
Cv^'tror^?:.^';.^;;^^^'^^^ «^ --'^^- ^'y^^^i:
SaSX^?;?^-fStiK
If thy o lences were upon record, ""^^e^iand,
^Nould It not shame thee, in so fair a troon
rhor?'^^ ^ 'f f "^'^ ^^ ^^'^"^ ? " thou wouldst
There shouh St thou fmd one heinous iticle-
Containina the deposing of a king '^^'^^^'—
turu^^'^'n^ l^r '^^°"g ^•^^'-ant of an oath _
A„.i yet sa,. waUr'^HLTt.iljrio Tm'uS"™' "' ^
5"t M'.'^y ."^iin so. a sort ot traitors here ,
r^ay It 1 turn nunc eyes upon myself
I find myself a truitor vith the rest
10 un<leck tire pompous body of a kins •
ProudtnT.I'''"' •■";"■ ^"""ignly a s?fve,
Nof nf ^I'an.s^^r'dr ,°Li';^;;;,\\-l^„rt[tie"^"'""« n.-.
Thnt T I ^"^"^i^^-" "AlacK, the heavy day I
1 hat I have worn so many winters out
And know not now what name to call myself
Z\ T ^ ^'T ^ "^o'^kery king of snow^
Standmg before the sun of Bolingbroke
57
KING RICHARD H
Act IV Sc I
North.
K. Rich.
Baling.
North.
K. liich.
To melt myself nway in water drops I—
Good kin^'.-in-cat kin^'.-and yet not f,'really good
An If my word be sterling yet in Enj-Iand ^ ^ '
Let It command a mirror hither straight,
1 hat it may show mc what a face I have
Smce it is bankrupt of his majesty
Holing. Go some of you and fetch a looking-glass.
Road o'er this paper, while tllf gLTclolh^J^J;.';/
. I-iend I thou tormenfst me ere I eon ' < hd '
Lrgc It no more, my lord Northumberland
n-nor'/'^^r^ ''■'" ""t ^'^^'" ^^ satisliec!
wTu T r '^y ^"''" '^^ satisfied : I'll read enniH.i,
When I do sec the very book indeed ^'^'''
Where all my sins are writ, and that's myself.
Re-enter Attendant with a glass
Give me that glass, and therein will I read —
No deeper wrmkles yet ? Hath sorrow struck
So many blows upon this face of mine
And made no deeper wounds ?— O llatterins cH..
Like to my followers in prosperity. '^"'""^ glass.
Thou dost beguile me. Was this face the face
That every day under his household roof
Tinf nP n " thousand men ? Was this the face
w.« ^h'^V'^'"" "^''^ '"^k« beholders wink '>
Was this the face that faced so many follies
A brimo al '''^^S°""^<^ed by Bolingbroke?
A britt e glory shineth in this face :
As brittle as the glory is the face ;
Mark, silent king, the moral of this sport
How soon niy sorrow hath destroyed my face
Thp'chl'f'' * Say that again,
-nie shadow of my sorrow ? Hal let's see •-
T IS very true, my grief lies all within •
And these external nanners of lament'
Are mere y shadows to the unseen grief
That swells with si'ence in the tortured soul •
Ihere lies the substance : and I thank theV km«
For thy great bounty, that not on ly givit' ' ^'
Me cause to wail, but teachest me the way
?nd th^f "^ '^' "^"^'^- I'" bee one boon,
SlKdU obt^h? it"; "'" ^^^"'^^ y-"- —
T'rL . T. • ^''"^^ '*' ^^'^ cousin.
A. Rich. Fair cousin ' ? I am greater than a king :
58
T
w^'t^iWmL
Act V Sc i
^jmrn^^ii^-'M^
KING RICHARD II
Boling.
K. Rich.
Holing.
K. Rich.
Boling.
K. Rich.
Yet ask.
And sh;«ll I have it ?
For, when I was a king my flatterers
Were tlien but subjects ; beiii^t now a su!)icct
I have a kiiif,' Iu'rt> to my nattcrer. '
Boin« so great, I have no need to hoc.
liotinff. -' ' ^
K. Rich.
You sliall.
Why then, give me leave to ^'o.
Whitlier ?
Wliither you will, so I wore from your sii,'hts
Go, some of you ; convev him to the Tower
^» f • *, ' ?"?'.' ■ ^^""^^'cy ?-<:onv(y(rs are you ail,
Ihat rise thus nuTibly l)y a true l<inf;'s full.
r,^,. ^ „, , V-^xeunt King Richard and Guard
Boling. On Wednesday next we solemnly set down
Our coronation : lords, prepare yourselves
(/ixeun/ allbul the Abbot, Bif-.hr.p of Carlisle, and .iumerlc
Abbot. A woful pageant have we here beheld
cK^.w"''^-. J'"; ^^■°''''' '"^ ^^"^« '■ ^''^ (-'Jilfiren yet'unborn
Shall feel this day as sharp to them as thorn.
Aum. You holy clergymen, is there no plot
To rid the realm of this pernicious blot ?
Abbot. Before I freely speak my mind herein.
You shall not only take the sacrament
To bury mine intents, but also to ellect
Whatever I shall happen to devise.
I see your brows are full of discontent.
Your heart of sorrow, and your eves of tears •
Come home with me to supper : Twill lay
A plot, shall show us all a merry day. [Eveunl
ACT FIVE
Scene I.— London. A Street leading to the Tower
Enter Queen and Ladies
Queen. This way the king will come ; this is the way
to Juhus Csesar's ill-erected tower,
To whose flint bosom my condemned lord
Is doomed a prisoner by proud Boiingbroke
Plere let us rest, if this rebellious earth
Have any resting for her true king's queen.
Enter King Richard and Guards
But soft, but see, or rather do not see
My fair rose wither : yet look up, behold,
That you in pity may dissolve to dew,
69
KING RICHARD II ^ct V Sc
And wash him fresh n^ain with trup-love tears —
Ah, thou, the model whero ol.I Troy did stand.
Ihou map of honour, lliou Kin« Hicliard's tomb
u"hi"^ V,"f •^'/^"'^' Ihou most beauteous inn,
;;.P> shouhl hard-f.ivoured Rriel bo lodged hi Ihec
When trnuupii is become an nle-house «ucst •'
tA;/!""''' ^'°'? .""^ ''■'^'' f'''"^^"^- ^■'''' \voman,"do not so,
To make my end too sudden : lenrn, good soul,
lo thmk our former stale a hai)nv dream •
From which awaked, the truth of what we are
Shows us but tins : I am sworn brother, sweet.
To grim Necessity ; and he and I
Tnl! Hn-P, "^ 'J?^'"': ^'" •'"''^^'•- ^ ^''^ t»>^e to France,
And cloister thee in some religious house •
Our holy lives must win a new worlds crown,
^\IncIl our profane hours here have stricken down.
Queen. \\ hat is my Richard both in shaF.e and mind
Transformed and weakened ? ilath lioiing broke ,1 H,osed
T une intellect ? I lath he been in thy heart V '^'°'*''^
The hon, dying, thrustelh forth his paw,
And wounds the earth, if nothing else, with rage
To be o erpowered ; and wilt thou, pupil-like,
Take thy correction mildly, kiss the rod
And fawn on rage wit!i base humilily,
NMiich art a lion and a king of beasts ?
T i^"""//'^^'- '"^ '^•"° "^' beasls, indeed ;" if aught but beasts
I had been still a happy king of men. '
Good sometime queen, prepare thee hence for France •
Think I am dead, and thai even here thou tak'st *
As from my death-bed, my last li ing leave
In \yinter's tedious nights sit by the Ure
\Vit!i good old folks, and lei them tell the tales
Of woful ages long ago belid ;
And ere Ihou bid good nigiit, to quit their grief,
Tell thou the lamenlable fall of nu.
And send the hearers weeping to tlu ir bods •
for why the senseless brands will svmpathise
The heavy accenl of thy moving ton"uc
And in compassion weep the lire out''-
And some will mourn in aslies, some coal-black.
I'or the deposing of a rightful king.
Enter Nortiiumberland, attended
North. My lord, the mind of Bolingbroke is chinspr? •
You must to Pomfret, not unto the TrX - ^ "
And, madam, there is order ta'en for you •
With all swift speed you must away to l-Yance
A. Rich Northumberland, thou ladder wherewithal
The mountmg Bolingbroke ascends my throne,
CO
Act V Sc I
KING RICHARD II
The time shall not be many hours of nj^e
More than it is, ere foul sin R;iliu'iiiis head
Shall break into corruption. Thou shiiit think,
Though he divide the realm, and give thee half,
It is too little, hilping him to all ;
And he shall think that thou, which know'st the way
To plant unrightful kinqs. wilt know again,
Beinq ne'er so little urged, another w;:y
To pluck him headlong from the usurped throne.
The love of wicked frion<is converts to fear ;
That fear to hate ; and hate turns one or both
To wortliy danger and deserved death.
North. My guilt be on my head, and there an end.
Take leave, and part, for you must part forthwith.
K. Rich. Doubly divorced I— liad men, ye violate
A two-fold marriage ; 'twixt my crown and me.
And then betwixt me and my married wife. —
Let me unkiss the oath 'twixt thee and me ;
And yet not so, for with a kiss 't was made.
Part us, Northumberland : I towards the north.
Where shivering cold and sickness pines tlie clime ;
My wife to France,— from whence, set forth in pomp.
She came adorncJd hither like sweet May,
Sent back like Hallowmas or short'st of day.
Queen. And must we be divided ? must we part ?
K. Rich. Ay, hand from hand, my love, and heart from
heart.
Queen. Banish us both, and send the king with me.
North. That were some love, but little policy.
Queen. Then whither he goes, thither let me go.
K. Rich. So two, together weeping, make one woe.
Weep thou for me in France, I for tlice here ;
Better far oil than near, be ne'er the near.
Go, count thy way with sighs, I mine with groans.
Queen. So longest way shall have the longest moans.
A'. Rich. Twice for one step I'll groan, the way being
short.
And piece the way out with a heavy heart.
Come, come, in wooing sorrow let's be brief.
Since, wedding it, there is such leniith in grief.
One kiss shall stop our mouths, and dumbiv part:
Thus give I mine, and thus take I thy heart". [They kiss
Queen. Give me mine own ap;iin • 't were no good part
To take on me, to keep and kill thy heart.
«, ^ [They kiss again
&o, no^Y 1 nave mine own again, be gone,
That I -nay strive to kill it with a groan.
K. Rich. We make woe wanton with this fond delay :
Once more, adieu ;— the rest let sorrow say.
[Exeunt
61
KING RICHARD II
Act V Sc ii
Scene II. Loiulon.
A Room
Palac
In Uic Dlki; of Y
DllK s
Knter Yohk and his Drcnr.ss
puch. My lord, you lold nw you vould (dl the rest
Wlien wcciuMU made you brc: k tlii" story oil",
Of our two cousins coiuitifi iiilo London'
York. Wlitro did 1 kuse V
yxP^"'^- , ^l- *'»:'l siHl stop, my lord
\\luTe nulo luis-ov.rncd h.n.ids. from ^vin<lo^vs• toi)s
Ihrcw dusi and ruhhish on Kiua Ricliard's hoad '
lorA- 'iiun, as I said, the duke, great liolingbroki..
Mounted upon a hot and liery stood,
WiMch Ids aspirinfj ridor s.onud to know,
w.'^',' slow but slaloly paco kept on his eouric,
NVhile all i.-n-uos etiod— '• God save lliee. Rolinr^brokc I "
^ou woulu liavo lliought the very v>indows spake
So many greedy looks of younp and old
Throu.Lih casern, nts darted their desiring eyes
Upon Ills visaf-e ; and that all the walls
With painted imagery had said at once,—
^xruM^^ preserve thee 1 welcome, Rolingl)rokc I "
NNhilst he, from one side to the other lurnin"
Rarcheaded, lower than his proud steed's nc^'k,
Respake them thus,-" I thank you, countrymen:"
And thus still doing, thus he passed along
iJuch. Alas, poor Richard 1 >vliere rode he the whilst ?
i orL: As in a theatre, the eyes of men,
After a well-graced actor leaves the stage
Are idly bent on him that enters next
Thinking his prattle to be tedious ;
••ven so, or with much more contempt, men's eves
Old scowl on Richard : no man cried. Cod save h.im :
No joyful tongue gave him his welcome home :
Rut dust was thrown upon his sacred head
NVhich with such gentle sorrow he sliook oil
His face still combating with tears and smiles,
The badges of his grief and patience,
Th!\/'''''l "°i ^°'^' f?'' '°'^^" ^^'■^'"S l>uri)osc-, steeled
The hearts of men. hey must perforce have melted.
And barbarism itself have pitied him
But Heaven hath a hand in these events
To whose high will we boui ,1 our calm contents.
10 Rolmgbroke are we sworn subjects now,
VNhose state and honour 1 for aye allow.
I)i.c7j. Here comes my son Aumerle.
But That is lost for being Richard's frienT''^' *'^'' ''"' '
And, madam, you must call him Rutland n(«w.
62
Act V Sc ii
KING RICHARD II
I am In r):iriiamont pledge for liis Irulh
And lasting fealty to the new-made king.
Enter AuMEiiLE
Ikich. Welcome, my son. Who arc the violols now.
That strew the prcin lap of tlie new-come spring ?
Aiim. Madam, I know not. nor I greatly care not;
God knows. I had as lief be none, as one.
York. Well, bear you well in this new spring of lime,
Lest you be cropped before you ccnnc to i)rlme.
What news from Oxford ? hohl those jousls and triumphs ?
Auni. bor aujtiit 1 know, mv lord, Ibey do.
York. You will be there. I know.
Aum. If God j)revenL me nol, I i)urpose so.
York. What seal is that, that hanj.'s without thy bosom ?
Yea, look'sl thou pale ? let me see the writing.
Aum. My lord, 't is nothifig.
y^^fk. No matter then who sees it :
I Will be satisfied, let me see the writing.
/ uin. I do beseech your grace to pardon me.
II is a matter of small eonserjuence.
Which for some reasons I would not have seen.
York. Which for some reasons, sir, 1 mean to sec.
I fear, I fear, —
Diich. What should vou fear ?
"r is nothing but some bond that he is entered into
For g;iy apparel 'gainst the triumph day.
York. Hound to himself ? what doth be with a bond
That he is bound to ? Wife, thou art a fool.—
Hoy, lot me see the writing.
Aum. I do beseech you, pardon me : I may not show it.
\ork. I will be satisfied : let me see it, 1 say.
rr. , , , . . I -""nalclics it, and reads
Treason I foul treason !— Villain 1 traitor ! slave I
Duch. What is the matter, mv lord ?
York. IIo I who is within there ?
Enter a Seruant
„ , - , . Raddle my horse.
IjOcI for his mercy I what treaclierv is here !
Duch. Why, what is it, my loi d ?
VorA-. Give me my boots, 'l say : saddle my horse.—
XT . . , [Exit Scnant
Now, by mine honour, by my life, mv troth,
I vill appeach the villain.
-^^'^ WhP^t's the matter ?
York. Peace, foolish woman.
Duch. I will not peace.— What is the matter. Aumerle ?
Aum. Good mother, be content : it is no mere
Than my poor life must answ er.
63
.^■^:;:.^£
KING RICHARD II
Act V Sc iii
Duch.
York.
Thy life answer ?
Bring me my boots ; I will unto the king.
Re-enter Servant, with boots
him, Aumerle.— Poor boy, thou art
Duch. Strike
amazed,—
Hence, villain : never more come in my sight.
V , r^. ,^ , [Exit Servant
York. Give me my boots, I say.
Duch. Why, York, what wilt thou do ?
Wilt thou not hide the trespass of thine own ?
Have we more sons, or are we like to have ?
Is not my teeming date drunk up with time,
And wilt thou pluck my fair son from mine age,
And rob me of a hnppy mother's name ?
Is he not like thee ? is he not thine own ?
York. Thou fond, mad woman.
Wilt thou conceal this dark conspiracy ?
A dozen of them here have ta'en the sacrament.
And interchangeably set down their hands
To kill the king at Oxford.
,^.^.'.";^- ... ^« shall be non
We 11 keep him here : then, what is that to him /
York. Away, fond woman 1 were he twenty times
My son, I would appeach him.
A "^t".^' . Hadst thou groaned for him.
As I have done, thou 'dst be more pitiful.
But now I know thy mind ; thou dost suspect
That I have been disloyal to thy bed ;
And that he is a bastard, not thy son.'
Sweet York, sweet husband, be not of that mind j
He is as like tliee as a man mny be.
Not like to me, nor any of my kin,
And yet I love him.
^°''^' *« . Make way, unruly woman 1 [Exit
Duch. After, Aumerle I Mount thee upon his horse •
Spur, post, and get before him to the kin-/.
And beg thy pardon ere he do accuse thee.
I '11 not be long behind ; though I be old,
I doubt not but to ride as fast as York :
And never will I rise up from the ground.
Till Bolingbroke have pardoned thee. Away 1 be gone.
[Exeunt
Scene III.— Windsor A Room in the Castle
Enter Bolingbuoke as King ; PEncv, and other Lords
.-r^^^/",?-..^^'''" "^ ^"'^^ *^" ^^ °^ T^y unthrifly son ?
T is full three months since I did see him lust
If any plague hang over us, 't is he.
64
mm
Act V Sc iii
KING RICHARD II
I would to God, my lords, he might be found :
Inquire at London, 'monsst the taverns there,
For there, they say, he daily doth frequent,
With unconstrained loose companions,
Even such, they say, as stand in narrow lanes
And beat our watch and rob our passengers ;
While he, young wanton, and effeminate boy.
Takes on the point of honour, to support
So dissolute a crew.
Percy. My lord, some two days since I saw the prince,
And told him of these triumphs held at Oxford.
Doling. And what said the gallant ?
Percy. His answer was, — he would unto the stews.
And from the common'st creature pluck a glove.
And wear it as a favour ; and with that
He would unhorse the lustiest challenger.
Baling. As dissolute as desperate ; yet through both
I see some sparkles of a belter hope.
Which elder days may happily bring forth. —
But who comes here ?
i
your
Enter Aumerle
Aum. Where is the king ?
Baling. Wiiat means
Our cousin, that he stares and looks so wildly ?
Aum. God save your grace. I do beseech
majesty.
To have some conference with your grace alone.
Baling. Withdraw yourselves, and leave us here alone.—
.-^^ . [Exeunt Percy and Lord!?
vVhat IS the matter with our cousin now ?
Aum. For ever may my knees grow to the earth,
»r X . [Kneels
-My tongue cleave to my roof within my mouth.
Unless a pardon ere I rise or speak.
Baling. Intended or committed was this fault ?
If on the first, how heinous e'er it be.
To win thy aftor-love, 1 pardon thee.
Aum. Then give me leave that I may turn the key,
That no man eiiler till my tale be done.
Baling. Have thy desire.
,, , ,„,. . [Aumerle locks the door
iorAr. [Within] My liege, beware 1 look to thyself:
Thou hast a traitor in thy presence there.
Baling. Villain, I'll make thee safe. [Drawing
Aum. Stay thy revcngeiui hand : thou hast no cause to
fear.
York. [Wilhin] Open the door, secure, fool-hardy
ft • "^
king:
38 —
65
KING RICHARD II
Shall 1 for love speak treason to thy face ?
Open the door, or I will break it open.
[liolingbroke unlocks the door.
ActV Sciii
\gbroke unlocks the door, and a/lerwards l.cht
il again
Enter York
Boling. What is the matter, uncle ? speak •
Recover breath : tell us how nei-.r is dan-'er
That we may arm us to encounler it.
York. Peruse this wrihr.^ liere, and thou shalt know
i he treason thai my haste forbids me show
Aum. Remember, as thou reaii'st, Ihy promise nast •
I do repent me ; read not my name there ; ^ '
My heart is not confederate with my hand
\ork 'T was. Mllain, ere tiiy hand did'sct it down -
I tore It from the traitor's bosom, kin" ■
I-ear, and not love, begets his penitenc'e.
tor.aet to pity him, lest thy pity prove
A serpent that will stint? thee to'the heart
n /^'"'".'•i' M^ ^^^'i"0"s, strong, and bold conspiracy I—
O loyal father of a treacherous son I ^
Thou sheer, immaculate, and silver foimtain
1-rom >vhence this stream throu.yli nuuldv Dassa'^es
UM\ held his current, and defiled hhiiseli !
ihy overllow of good converts to l,i,A ■
And thy abundant goodness shall excuse
llus (u-adly blot in thy digressing son
\ork. So shall my virtue be his vice's bawd,
V"V, •'/.''•'^'^ spend mine honour with Ids slvmic
As t!n-iltless sons their scraping father:,' .'old • '
Mme honour lives when his dishonour dil's '
Or my shamed life in his dishonour lies • '
;i hou lull'st me in his life ; giving him breath,
ihe traitor lives, the true man's put to d-ith
^""tl me'in.'"^ ^^'^'^'' ^''^ ' "'^' "^SeVlor God's sake
^'''^' crv '>^*'"^ shrill-voiced suppliant makes this ea-er
Duck. A woman, and thine aunt, great kin" • 't is T
Speak with me, pity me, open the door • ° '
A be,'gar be-s that never begged before.
Bolmj. Our scene is altered from a serious thin"
And now changed to " The Beggar a..d the King."-'
;\l> dauL^crous cousin, let your mother in •
I knoNV she 's conic to pray for your foul sin.
.. ^"'''i' Y ^^'"." ''" V^rdon, whosoever pray.
.More sins for this forgiveness prosper m-.y.
Ihis festered joint cut oil, the rest rests sound :
1 las. let alone, will all tiie rest confound.
GO
J
Act V Sc iii
KING RICHARD II
i
Enter Duchess
Duch. O king believe not this hard-hearted man •
Love, lovin« not itself, none other can.
^ih/i^n" T'l"," ^'■•»"^''= woman, what dost thou make here ?
Sh dl thy old dugs once more a traitor rear '^
Duch. Sweet York, he patient. Hear me, gentle liege.
noHng. Rise up, good aunt. [Kneels
Forever will I walk upon my knoes'"' ^'"'' ^ "*'' ^'''''^' ''
And never see day that the happy sees,
J dl thou give joy ; until thou bid me joy,
Ly pardoning Ilutiand, my transgressing boy
Aum. Unto my mother's prayers 1 bend my knee.
York. Against them both my true joints bended^bcf^^^
111 may'st thou thrive, if thou grant any grace 1 ^^^""'^^^
puck. Pleads he in earnest ? look upon his f
His eyes do drop no tears, his prayers are jest •
His words come from his mouth, ours from our breast •
1 le prays but famtly, and would be denied ; '
^^e pray with heart, and soul, and all beside :
His weary joints would gladly rise, I know •
Our knees shall kneel fill to the ground they grow •
His prayers are full of false hypocrisy ;
(•urs of true zeal and deep integrity
Our prayers do out-pray his ; then let them have
that mercy which true prayers ought to have
Boling. Go?d aunt, stand up.
n.'?"f^'' J „ ^ ^^y* <io not say— stand ut) •
But -pardon" first, and afterwards " stand up " ^
An If I were thy nurse, thy tongue to teach.
Pardon should be the first word of thy speech
I never longed to hear a word till now ;
Say " pardon," king ; let pity teach thee how :
1 he word is short, but not so short as sweet •
ww''^ ^'^^ "i?-f^*'"J ^^'' ^'"Ss' mouths so meet.
Ah mi' I ^^°'' l^^""^ P^^'^"" P^don to destroy ?
^h' ,^y,^P"r husband, my hard-hearted lord. ^
I^. V^. '^ \^''' .^■'''^ '^"^'^ ^g«"'^t the word I
Speak " pardon " as 't is current in our land ;
Ihe chopping French we do not understand.
Ihine eye begins to speak, set thy ton^^'ic- thrr,.
Ur in thy piteous heart plant thou\hh^°ear '''
that hearing how our plaints and prayers do pierce
Pity may move thee " pardon " to rehearse
Jioling. Good aunt, stand up.
67
KING RICHARD II
Act V Sc V
Diich. I do not sue to stand ;
Pardon is all the suit I have In hand.
Baling. I pardon him, as God shall pardon me.
Duch. O hnppy vanta^^c of a kneeling knee 1
Yet am I sick for fear : speak it again ;
Twice saying pardon doth not pardon twain.
But makes one pardon strong.
Boling. With all my heart
I pardon him.
Duch. A god on earth thou art.
Bolinq. But for our trusty brother-in-law, and the abbot,
With all the rest of that consorted crew.
Destruction straight shall dog them at the heels. —
Good uncle, help to order several powers
To Oxford, or w here'cr these traitors are :
They shall not live within this world, I swear ;
But I will have them, if I once know where.
Uncle, farewell, and cousin too, adieu :
Your mother well hath prayed, tnd prove you true.
Duch, Come, my old son : I pray God make thee new.
[Exeunt
Scene IV
Enter Sin Pierce of Exton and a Servant
Exton. Didst thou not mark the king, what words he
spake ?
" Have I no friend will rid me of this living fear ? "
Was it not so ?
Scrv. Those were his verv words.
Exton. " Have I no friend ? " quoth he : he spake it
twice.
And urged it twice together, did he not ?
Serv. He did.
Exlon. And, speaking it, he wislly looked on me.
As who should say, — I would thou wert the man
That would divorce this terror from my heart ;
Meanmg, the king at Pomfret. Come, "let 's go :
I am the king s friend, and will rid his foe. [Exeunt
Scene V.— Pomfret. The Dungeon of the Castle
Enter Kino RiciiAno
K. Rich. I have been studying how I may compare
This prison where I live unto the world :
And for because the world is populous.
And here is i.ot a creature but myself,
I Ciinn .!o it ;— yet I'll hammer 't out.
My bvani 111 prove the female to my soul ;
CS
J
Act V Sc V
KING RICHARD II
My soul the father : and those two higct
A generation of still-breeding thoughts,
And tljese same thoughts people this little world ;
In humours like the people of tliis world,
For no thought is contented. Tiie belter sort, —
As thoughts of things divine, — are intermixed
With scruples, and do set the word itself
Against the word :
As thus, — " Come, little ones ; " and then again,—
" It is as hard to come, as for a camel
To thread tiic postern of a needle's eye."
Thoughts tending to ambition, tlioy do i)lot
Unlikely wonders : how those vain weak nails
May tear a passage llirougii the flinty ribs
Of this hard world, my ragged prison wnils ;
And, for they cannot, die in their own pride.
Thoughts tending to content ilatter themselves
That they arc not the first of fortune's slaves,
Nor shall not be the Inst ; like silly bei'gars.
Who, sitting in the stocks, refuge llieir slunie.
That many have, and others must sit tiiere :
And in this thought thoy find a kind of ease,
Bearing their own misfortune on the back
Of such as have before endured the like.
Thus play I, in one person, many people.
And none contented : sometimes am 1 king ;
Then treason makes me wish myself a beggar,—
And so I am : then, crushing peruny
Persuades me I was better when a king ;
Then am I kinged again, and, by-and-by,
Ihink that I am unkinged by liolingbroke,
And straight am nothing. — But whate'er I am,
Nor I, nor any man, that but man is,
With nothing shall be pleased till he be eased
With being nothing. — [i\/iistc] Music do I hear ?
Ha, ha ! keep time : — How sour sweet music is
When time is broke, and no proportion kept !
So is it in the music of men's lives.
And here have I the daintiness of ear
To check time broke in a disordered string ;
But, for the concord of my state and time.
Had not an ear to hear my true time biuke.
I wasted time, and now doth lime waste me ;
For now hath time made me his numbering clock :
My thoughts are minutes, and with sighs they jar
Their watches to mine eyes, the outwrnd watch,
Whereto my finger, like a dial s point,
Is pointing still, in cleansing them from tears.
Now for the sound that tells what hour it is
Are clamorous groans that strike upon my heart,
69
'^m-i^^i^^'^
ii
M
KING RICHARD II
Act V Sc V
IM
WTilch IS the bell : so sighs, and tears, and Ri();ms,
Show minutes, times, and hours ; but my time
liuns posting on in Bolingbroke's proud joy.
While I stand fooling here, his Jack o' the clock.—
This music mads me ; let it sound no more ;
For though it hath holp madmen to their wits,
In me it seems it will make wise men mad.
Yet bli ssing on his heart that gives it me 1
For 't is a sign of love, and love to Richard
Is a strange brooch in this all-hating world.
Enter Groom
Groom. Hail, royal Prince I
K. Rich. Thanks, noble peer :
The cheapest of us is ten groats too dear.
Wiiat art thou ? and how com'st thou hither now ;
Where no man never comes, but that sad dog
That brings me food to make misfortune live ?
Groom. I was a poor groom of thy stable, king.
When thou wert king ; who, travelling towards York,
With much ado, at length have gotten leave
To look upon my sometimes master's face.
O, how it yearned my heart, when I beheld
In London streets that coronation day.
When Boliniibroke rode on roan Barbary, —
That horse th:;t thou so often hast bestrid.
That horse that I so carefully have dressed I
K. Rich. Rode he on Barbary ? Tell uie, gentle friend.
How went he under him ?
Groom. So proudly, as if he disdained the ground.
K. Rich. So proud that Bolingbroke was on his back 1
That jade hath eat bread from my royal hand ;
This hand hath made him proud with clapping him
Would he not stumble ? would he not fall down— *
Smce pride must have a fall—and break the neck
Of that proud man that did usurp his back ?
Forgiveness, horse ! why do I rail on thee.
Since thou, created to be awed by man.
Wast born to bear ? I was not made a horse,
And yet I bear a burden like an ass,
Spur-galled, and tired, by jauncing Bolingbroke.
Enter Keeper, with a dish
Keep [To the Groom] FeUow, give place, here is no
longer slay.
K. Rich. 11 thou love me, 't is time thou wert away.
Groom. \Vhat my tongue dares not, that my heart shall
s^y- [Exit
Keep. My lord, will 't please you to fall to ?
A'. Rich. Tasle of it first, as thou art wont to do.
70
.J
■iff; r.''>~^
M
Act V Sc vl
KING RICHARD II
Keep. My lord, I dare not : Sir Pierce of Exion,
Wlio late cnmc from tlic kin}„% commands the contrary.
K. liicli. The devil laivc Ilenry of Lancaster, imd IIkh I
Patience is stale, and I am weary of it. [Heals the Keeper
Keep. Help, lielp, help 1
Enter Sm Pierce of Exton, and Servants, armed
K. Rich. How now I what means death in this rude
assault ?
Villain, thine own hand yields thy death's instrument.
[Snatching a weapon, and Ixilling one
Go thou, and fill another room in hell.
[ fie kills another : then Kxton strikes him down
That hand shall burn in never-quenching lire,
That stafif^'crs thus my person. — Exton, t!iy fierce hand
Hath with the king's b!oo<l stained the kings own land.
Mount, mount, my soul I thy seat is up on high ;
Whilst my gross ilesli sinks downward, here to die. [Dies
Exton. As full of valour as of royal blood :
Both have I spilt ; — O, would the deed were good I
For now the devil, that told me I did well.
Says that this deed is chronicled in hell.
This dead king to the living king I'll bear : —
Take hence the rest, and give them burial here. [Exeunt
Scene VI. — Windsor
Flourish.
An Apartment in the Castle
Enter Bolingbi'.oke and York, I'ith Lords
and Attendants
Baling. Kind uncle York, the latest news we hear
Is that the rebels have consumed with fire
Our town of Cicester in Gloslershire ;
But whether they be ta'cn, or slain, we hear not.
Enter Nothumberland
Welcome, my lord : what is the news ?
Xorth. First, to
Thy sacred state wish I all happiness.
The next news is, — I have to London sent
The heads of Salisbury, Spencer, Blunt, and Kent.
The manner of their taking may appear
At large discoursed in this paper here.
[Presenting a paper
Baling. We thank thee, L^ontle Percy, for thy pains ;
And to thy worth will add right worthy gains.
Enter Fitzwater
Fitz. My lord, I have from Oxford sent to London
The heads of Brocas and Sir Bennet Seely,
71
KING RICHARD II
Act V Sc vi
Two of llic dangerous consorted traitors
That sought at Oxford thy dire overthrow.
Boling. Thy pains. Fitzwater, shall not be forcot :
Right noble is thy merit, well I wot.
Enter Pehcy, with the IJisuop of Carlislk
MTw^"^'''' 7'"^ ^""^ conspirator, Abliot of Westminster,
VMlh clog of conscience and sour melancholy,
Hath yielded up his body to the grave ;
But here is Carlisle living', lo abide
Thy kingly doom, and sentence of his pride.
Buliiiij. Carlisle, this is your doom : —
Choose out some secret place, some reverend room,
More than thou hast, and with it joy thy life ;
So, as thou llv'st in peace, die free from strife :
For though mine enemy thou hast ever been,
High sparks of honour in thee have I seen.
Enter Exton, wilJi Attendants bearing a coffin
Exton. Great king, within this coflln I present
Thy burTcd fear ; herein all breathless lies
The mighliesl of thy greatest enemies,
Richard of Dordeaux, by me hither brought.
Boling. Exton, 1 thank thee not ; for thou hast wrought
A deed of slander, with thy fatal hand.
Upon my head and all this famous land.
Exton. From your own mouth, my lord, diti I this deed.
noting. 1 hey love not poison that do poison need.
Nor do I thee : though I did wish him dead,
I hate the murderer, love him murdered.
The guilt of conscience take thou for thy labour.
But neither my good word, nor princely favour':
\\ith Cain go wander through the shades of niglit.
And never show thy head by day nor light.—
Lords, 1 protest, my soul is full of woe
That blood should sprinkle me to make me grow •
Conic, mourn with me for that I do lament,
And pu! on sullen black incontinent.
I'll make a voyage to the Holy Land,
To wash this blood olY from my guilty hand.
'^'prch sadiy after ; grace mv mournings here.
In wec^>ii!g afici this untimely bier. [Exeunt
72
■ ;W1V«ii
M^'^^^^'W^i^;^-^
itiS
.',Tl-#W
> :'fS
vl
THE TRAGEDY OF
KING RICHARD THE TPIIRD
73
mmdi..'. .^He '^^
DRAMA nS PERSOX/E
Krxo EnwAnn thf, Fouuth
EowAun. J'rtnce of Wales, afterwanli King Edward V ^ ,„^ f„ tj,„
RiCHAKD, Duke of Ycrk } 7;,,,^
GrroROK, Duke of Clarenci ^ 1
Ric lARD. Duke of Gloater, afterwards King Richard I!! (to the King
A I/O mg eon of Clarenoe
n-i^ iY, Earl of Richmond, afterwards King Henry VH
Ca.idinal BociiicmiCB, Archbishop of Canterbury
Thomas Rotheuham, Archhi.thop of York
John Morton, Ui.-<hup of Ely
Duke of Bdckinoiiam
Dhke of Norfoi^
Eart, of SnRREY, ^/«r son
Eari. Rivers, brother to EUzrihcth
MARQcrs OF Donsirr, and Lo:id Grev, sonata Elizahelh
Eart, of Oxro5:i>
f.oRD HvsTixas
Lord Stanley
Loun Lo\n:L
Sir RicfARP Ratcuff
Sir Jami:s Tyjuiul
Sir Thomas Vauohav
^JIB ^\■I^UA^I Catesqy
Sir James Blount
Sir Walter Herhert
Sir RonEiiT JJivvkkvbuiiy, Lieutenant of the Tower
CHRtSToriiizR Urswicic, a priest. Another Prictt
Trf.s.sel find Berkeley, attending on Lady Anne
Lord Mayor of London.
Sht.iffof Wiltshire
ELiZAnr:Tn, queen to King Edward IV
3.T.VUOARET, tfidow of King Henry VI
Duchess of York, mother to King Edward IV
Lai>v Anne, uidow of Edward, Prince of Wales, son to Kinn Henr»
VI, afterwards married to Richard '
A young Daughter of Ckirence (Marqaret Plantaqexet)
Gho.t. of U^.se mnra^r-M by RieharJ III., Lords, an,! ..tl.or
Atton(Lmts;u Pursuivant, Scrivenor. Citizens, Murd-rors.
Messengers, Soh.ii.Td, etc. '
SCENK.— England
74
^j^i^s^sek
T
,m^rM::M.-M.^
i
THE TRAGEDY OF
KING RICHARD THE THIRD
ACT ONE
Scene I.— London. A Street
/in/cr Richard, Duke of Glostkh, sohis
GJx Now Is the winter of our discontent
Made filorious summer by tills sun of York ;
And nil the clouds that loured upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
Now are our brow s bound with victorious wreaths •
Our bruiscid arms hung up for monuments ;
Our stern alarums changed to merry meetin"s.
Our dreadful marches to delightful measures? '
Grim-visaged War hath smoothed his wTiiikled front •
And now, instead of mounting bai bdd steeds
To fright the souls .f fearful adversaries,
He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber
To the lascivious pleasing of a lute.
But I, that am not shaped for sportive tricks.
Nor made to cot rt an amorous looking-gljiss';
I, that am rudely stamped, and want love's majrstv
To strut before a wanton ambling nymph ;
I, that am curtailed of this fair proportion,
Cheated of feature by dissembling nnlure,
Deformed, unfinished, sent before my tune
Into this breathing world, scarce half made up.
And that so lamely and unfasluonable
That dogs bark at me as I halt by them ; —
Vvhy, I, in this weak piping* time of peace.
Have no delight to pass away the time,
Unless lo spy my <=hadow in the sun
And descant on i me own deformity :
And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover
To entertain these fair well-spoken days, '
I am determined to prove a villain
And hate the idle plensures of these days.
Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous,
By drunken prophecies, libels and dreams,
To set my br-^Uicr Clarence and the king
In deadly hate the one against the other :
And if King Edward be as true and just
As I am subtle, false and treacherous,
This day should Clarence closely be mewed un
About a prophecy, which says that G '
75
;;:srtfMUT:r
jtmijjJt
KING RICIIAHD HI
Act I l:c I
Of ridward's heirs the murdiiiT shall be. —
Uivo, llioiijilils. <l()wn to my soul : here Qnrcnce comes.
Kn/(.T Ci.AHENCic, fjiinrded. and BuvKtcNmrnY
Brother, pooil «l:iy : what means this arnidd j^uurd
Tliat waits upon your grace ?
Clar. Mis majesty,
Tencleriii'^ my person's safety, hat!) ai>[)oijileLl
This con(hict to convey me to the Tower.
(ilo. I i)on what cause ?
Clar. necausc my name Is George.
Glo. Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours ;
He should, for that, commit your Ko<ifalhers :
O, belike liis majesty hath some inlent
Tiiat you shall be ncw-chrisLencd in the Tower.
But what's the matter. Cl.iierue '? may I know ?
Clar. Yea, Richard, when I know ; for I protest
As yet I do not : but, as I cm le.irn,
He hearkens after prophecies and dreams ;
And from the cross-row plucks the letter G
And says a wizard told him tliat by G
His issue disinherited should be ;
And. for my name of Georfie begins with G,
It follows in his thought IliaL I am he.
These, as 1 learn, and such like toys as these
Have moved his highness to commit me now.
(ilo. Why, this it is, when men arc ruled by women. —
'T is not til'- king thai sends you to the Tt)wcr ;
My Lady Grey his wife, Clar'-nce, 't is siie
That tempts him to this harsh extremity.
Was it not she and that good man of worship,
Anthony Woodville, her brother there,
That niade him send Lord Hastings to the Tower,
From whence this i)resent day he is delivered ?
We arc not safe, Clarence ; we are not saie.
Clar. By heaven. I think, there s no man is $■ cure
But the queen's kindred and niglit-walking iieralds
That trudge betwixt the king and MisLress Shore.
Heard ye not what an humble suppliant
Lord Hastings was to her for his cielivery ?
iilo. Humbly complaining to her deity
Got my lord chr.niberJain his liberty.
I '11 tell you what, I think it is our way.
If wc will keep in favour with the king,
To be hi-r men and wear her livery :
The jealous o erworn widow and Herself,
Since that our brother dubbed them gentlewomen,
^\re mighty gossips in this monarchy.
Bruk. IJesccch your graces both to pardon me ;
His majesty hath slrailly given in charge
76
i
Act I Scl
KING RICHARD III
That no man shall have private conference,
01 vvhat (Itj^rce soever, N\ilh his brother.
(jIo. Even so ; an 't [ik-ase your worship, Urakcnbury.
You may partake of anything we say :
We speak no treason, man ;— we say tiie khig
Is wise and virtuous, and liis nobie "queen
Well struck In years, fair, and not Jealous ;—
We say that Shore's wife hath a pretty foot,
A cherry lip, a bonny eye, a passing pleas! ni? tongue ;
And the queen's kindred are made pentlefulks :
How say you, sir ? can you deny all this ?
Brak. With this, my lord, mysolf have nauqht to do.
Clo. Nau;;ht to do with Mistress Shore I I tell thee, fellow.
He that doth nauj^ht with her, excepting one.
Were best he do it secretly, alone.
Jirak. What one, my lord ?
Gh. Her husband, knave : wouldst thou betray me ?
Brak. I beseech your grace to pardon me, and withal
Forbear your conference with the noble cliiko.
Clar. We know thy charge, Urakenbury. and will obey.
Glo. Wc are the queen's abjects, and must obey.
Brother, farewell : I will unto the king ;
And whatsoe'er you will employ me in.
Were it to call King Edward's widow sister,
I will perform it to enfranchise you.
Meantime, this deep disgrace in brotherhood
Touches me deeper than you can Imagine.
Clar. I know it pleaseth neither of us well.
Glo. Well, your imprisonment shall not be long ;
I will deliver you, or else lie for you :
Meantime, have patience.
Clar. I must perforce. Farewell.
[Exeunt Clarence ^ Bntkenbury, and Guard
Glo. Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return.
Simple, plain Clarence I I do love thee so,
That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven,
If heaven will take the present at our hands.
But who comes here ? the new-delivered Hastings ?
Enter Lord Ha-stings
Hast. Good time of day unto my gracious lord I
Glo. As much unto my good lord chamberlain !
Well are you welcome to the open air.
How halh your lordship brooked imprisonment ?
Hast. With patience, noble lord, as prisoners must :
But I shall live, my lord, to give them lliunks
That were the cause of my imprisonment.
Glo. No doubt, no doubt ; and so shall Clarence too ;
For they that were your enemies are his,
And have prevailed as much oa him as you.
77
KING RICHARD III
Act Scii
Hast. More pity Ihat the eagle should be mewed,
While kites and buzzards prey at liberty.
Glo. What news abroad ?
Hast. No news so bad abroad as this at home ;
The king is sickly, weak and melancholy,
And his physicians fear hhn mightily.
Glo. Now, by Saint Paul, this news is bad indeed.
O, he hath kept an evil diet long.
And overmuch consumed his royal person :
'T is very grievous to be thought upon.
What, is he in his bed ?
Hast. He is.
Glo. Go you before, and I will follow you.
[Exit Hastings
He cannot live, I hope ; and must not die
Till George be packed with post-horse up to heaven.
I '11 in, to urge his hatred more to Clarence,
With lies well steeled with weighty arguments ;
And, if I fail not in my deep intent,
Clarence hath not another day to live :
Which done, God take King Edward to his mercy,
And leave the world for me to bustle in I
For then I '11 marry Warwick's youn{;est daughter.
What though I killed her husband and her father ?
The readiest way to make the wench amends
Is to become her husband and her father :
The which will I ; not all so much for love
As for another secret close intent,
Uy marrying her which I must reacli unto,
liut yet 1 run before my horse to market :
Clarence slill breathes ; Edward still lives and reigns :
When they are gone, then must I count my gains. [Exit
Scene II. — The Same. Another .Street
Enter the corpse uf King Henry the Sixth, borne in an
open (ofjin, Gentlemen willi halberds to fjiiard it, amontj
them TiiEssi:!. and Uehkelev, Lady Anne being the
mourner
Anne. Set down, set down your honourabic load, —
!f honour may be shrouded in a hearse, —
Whilst 1 ;i\vhi!e obsequiously lament
The unlirr.ely lail of virtuous Lancaster.
[ The l/rarers scl down the cofjin
Poor J;ey-cold figure of a holy king !
i'alc ashes (if tlic house of Luiuasler I
i'liou bloodless remnant of that royal blood I
IJc t lawful that 1 invocatc thy gliosi,
'i'o hear the lauui.latioiis of poor Ainie,
Act I Sc ii
KING RICHARD III
I
J
Wife to thy Edward, to thy slaughtered son,
Stabbed by the selfsame hand that made these wounds 1
Lo, in these windows that let forth thy life,
I pour the helpless balm of my poor eyes.
O, curs6d be the hand that made these holes !
Curs6d the heart that had the heart to do it !
Cursdd the blood that let this blood from hence I
More direful hap betide that hated wretch.
That makes us wretched by the death of thee.
Than I can wish to adders, spiders, toads,
Or any creeping venomed thing that lives t
If ever he have child, abortive be it,
Prodigious, and untimely brought to light,
Whose ugly and unnatural aspect
]May fright the hopeful mother at the view ;
And that be heir to his unhappiness I
If ever he have wife, let her be made
As miserable by the death of him
As I am made by my poor lord and thee I
Come, now towards Chertscy with your holy load,
Taken from Paul's to be interred there ;
And still, as you are weary of the weight.
Rest you, whiles I lament King Henry's corse.
Enter Gi-oster
Glo. Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down.
Anne. What black magician conjures up this licnd.
To slop devoted charitable deeds ?
Glo. Villains, set down the corse ; or, by Saint Paul,
I '11 make a corse of him that disobeys.
Gent. My lord, stand back, and let the coflin pass.
Glo. Unniannered dog I stand thou, when I command :
Advance thy halberd higher than my breast.
Or, by Saint Paul, I '11 strike thee to my loot,
And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness.
[The beartrs ^ct down the coffin
Anne. What, do you tremble ? are you all alraiJ ?
Alas, I blame you not ; for you are morlal.
And mortal eyes cannot endure I he devil. —
Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell 1
1 hou hadst but power o'er his mortal body.
His soul thou canst not have ; therefore, l)e gone.
Glo. Swe'ct saint, for charity, be not so ciust.
Anne. Foul devil, lor God's sake, hence, and trouble
us not ;
For thou hast made the happy earth thy ln.1!,
I'illed il with cursing cries and deep e\ci liuis.
If thou tldight to view thy hcmous deeds,
Behold this pattern of thy butcheries.
O, gentlemen, see, sec ! dcnd Henry's v;ounas
7 'J
KING RICHARD III
Act i Sc ii
B!I'h^hlif.h''?P"V^ "'°")''' ^"d ^l^'^d afresh 1-
lilusli, blush, thou lump of foul dcforrniiv •
Fp nn ''m ^ P'-^'^t-nce that exhah-s this blood
Thv 1 H ^u '"'''^y ''^''"'' ^^'^^'^ >io i^iood dwells :
1 hy dcH-d, inhuman and unnatural,
1 rovokcs this delut^c most unnatural.—
O Cod uhjch this blood niad'st, revenge his death '
O ciu-th. which this blood drink'st, revfn." Ids denU, '
of .'.'.H ''^'''" '^''^ li«l'tnln« strike the mirdtrcr utad
Or « rlh cape open wide, and eat him quick. '
^^.llch h s hell-govcrncd arm hath butchered I
w. • , .''-^' ^'"" '^""^v "** rules of charily
^n/jc. \dlain, thou know'st no law of God nor m5»n •
No beast so berce but knows some touch of pUy' ™^" '
A } ^ '^""^^' ^^^^' ""^ therefore am no beast
rr\^? ^vonderful when devils tell Z ?ruth1 '
6/0 More xvonderful, when angels are so anurv
V.uchsale, divine perfection af a woman, ^^
1 these siipiHJscd evils to give me leave
l3y circumstanee but to acquit myself
For n"'' ."^ ""'■'"*^^^"' dt-fused infection'of a man.
For Ihese known cviis, but to give me leave,
liv «ircuinslance, to curse thv cursed self
Olo. Wurer than tongue can name thee, let me havP
Some patient leisure to excuse myself ^
Anne. I'ouler llian heart can think thee thou cin^f m-^i-..
No excuse curnnt. but to hang thyself "'^™'*^''
Olo. By such (h-spair. I should accuse myself
n,u ',"a„ , h..y :,re. and, ^..i^SHli^il^Vf'Zr ""' ^''' ■
Olo. 1 did not kill your husband
Anne. ,,., ,, . ,
^lo. Nay. he is dead ; and slain bv^ IK^a^^ tluf"''"
Anne. In thy foul throat thou liest : Queeru irS sau
I l^vhiH Tr"' '"^^'^''r ^'""'^•"f^ '" his blood" '"''
But that thy brothers beat aside the point. '
Whirl, I • Tl? P'""'"'^^'^* ^y her slanderous ton-ue,
\/i/" • I '"'." \vast provoked by thv bloody mind
\\hich never dre.mt on aught bul butchciks-
Didst thou not kill this king V -^'»-'i^s» •
(jIo. J .
^nnc. Dost grant me, hedgehog /thenTbod L.r:,nt n,... f o.^
ms^mr^mm^mt.
Act I
do.
Anne.
do.
Anne.
do.
I - Scii j^Ij^^Q RICHARD III
Thou mayst be damned for that wicked deed I—
O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous I
\nn. "^ w ''•"•'■ '."*' '''^ ^^*"« "^ h'^^ven, that hath him.
t?o jIV^ 'n ^'r'"' '^'''■^'■^ ^hou shall never come
do. Let hun thank me. that holp to send him tnither
tor he was liticr for that place than earth '
^i/m<r And thou unfit for any place but hell.
Ann. Mf' *'"'' P'''*''' '''''^' *' y'^" ^i^^ J^t^ar me name it.
Anne. Some dungeon.
.,, ^ ^ Your bed-chamber.
Ill rest betide the chamber where thou liest I
bo will It, madam, till I lie with you
I hope so.
r,.. ^^. , I l^now so. But, gentle Ladv Anne
To leave this keen encounter of our wits
And fall somewhat into a slower method,—
Js not the causer of the timeless deaths
Of tliese Planlagencts, Henry and Edward,
As blameful as the executioner V
Anne. Thou art the cause, and most accursed effect
O/o ^our beauty was the cause of that ellect •
Your beauty, which did haunt me in my sleep
1 o undertake tin death of all the world,
Iso I might live one hour in your sweet bosom
Tut"'"'' -.".^ Ihmight that, I tell tliee. homicide-,
these nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks.
Olo I hese eyes could not endure that beauty's wreck •
You should not blemish it, if 1 stood by : '
As all the world is cheered by the sun
So I by that ; it is my day, mv life '
^/me. Dlack night o'ershade thy day, and death thy life '
do Curse no thyself, fair creature ; thou art both *
Anne. I would I were, to be revenged on thee.
Olo. It IS a (luarrel most unnatural,
To be revenged on him that loveth you.
Anne. It is a quarrel just and reasonable.
To be revenged on him that slew my husband.
Did H tnh' /''♦!; ^T" V^'"' '''''^y- «^ ^hy husband,
Uid It to help thee to a belter husband
Anne. His better doth not breathe upon the earth
do. He lives that loves thee belter than he couid."
Name him.
Plantagenet.
the selfsame name, but one of better nature
\\ here is he V
Why dost thou spi! at me "'''• ^'^''' '''''' *"' ^'^'"
Anne. \Vould it were mortal poison, for thy s\kc !
Anne,
do.
Anne.
do.
Anne.
do.
a
0.
:Ncvci- tamo poison from so sweet a place.
HI
KING RICHARD III
Act I Sc ii
Anne. Never hung poison on a fouler toad.
Out of my sight I thou dost infect my eyes
JL, "^'^ir ?J?.' ^'''^"-'^ ^'"^^' ''»^e infected mine,
r/n T ^"Vi'^i^'^y '''*''*' basilisks, to strike thee dead 1
Glo. I would they were, that I might die at once •
For now they kUl me with a living death '
lu^^J/^u •' ^'""//rop mi"^ have drawn salt tears.
Shamed their aspect with store of childish drops :
These eyes, which never shed remorseful tear
No, when my father York and Edward wept '
To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made
When black-faced ClifTord shook his sword at him •
Nor when thy warlike father, like a child,
Told the sad story of ray father's death.
And twenty times made pause to sob and weep
That all the standers-by had wet their cheeks
Like trees bedashed with rain : in that sad tune
My manly eyes did scorn an humble tear ;
And what these sorrows could not thence exhale
Thy beauty hath, and made them blind with weooinc
I never sued to friend nor enemy ; ' ^'
My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing words •
IJut, now thy beauty is jiroposed mv fee.
My proud heart sues and prompts my tongue to speak.
rp , , . ,, ,. l-^'^'<-' louks scorn fit II I r at him
reach not thy lips such scorn, fur tlicv were made
i'or kissing, lady, not for such contempt.
If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive,
frM'-'l^'""^ ^ ^^^^ ^'^<^^' ^his sharp-pointed sword ;
Which if thou please to hide in this true bosom.
And let the soul forth that adoreth thee
I lay it naked to the deadly stroke.
And humbly beg the death upon my knee
Vn^ H^^!!' ["'-^^ '''' ^""f "' ?P"' •' ^^"^ '"J"''' ^'' '■' ""■^/' his sword
Nay, do not pause ; for I did kill King Henrv —
lUit 't was thy beauty that provoked mo
Nay, now dispatch ; 't was I that stabbed voung Edward —
But 't was thy heavenly face that set me'on. '^'"''''''^'^
-r ,1. , 4u . . [^ lie lets fall the sword
I ake up the sword again, or take up me.
T '•,','"''■. Z'^''^^' dissembler : though I NNish thy death
I will not be thy executioner. '
C.Jo. TlK'n bid mc kill myself, and I will lio it
An.lL>. 1 have already.
e ^'^'\' .. . Tush, that was in thy ra"e •
Speak It a.yinn. and, even with the word ° '
This hand, which for tiiy love did kill thy love.
.)lin!i lor thy love kill a far trmr love :
To both their deaths shait thou be acccsiary
Anne. 1 would 1 knew tliy lic;iit.
b2
vmskw
Act I Sc ii
KING RICHARD HI
Glo. T is figured in my tongue.
i^/"^^*mJ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ are false.
Olo. Tlicn never man was true.
Anne Well, veil, put up your sword.
IL ^^i *^^^ "^y P^^'^e is made.
r/n n ^ "!' M*"?' y^'^ '^now hereafter.
G/o. But shall I live in hope ?
Anne All men, I hope, live so.
o/o. Vouchsafe to wear this rinc
Anne. To take is not to give
E^^nsoJj^^^a^I^Ji^^
Wear both of them, for both of them are thine
Rnfhii^y P^' ^'^'^^^^ suppliant may
But beg one favour at thy gracious hand
And presently repau- to Crosby Place '
Where, after I have solemnly interred
vL '■f f ^ monastery this noble king,
i Si'l'w f I".f '''■' V^^' ^"y '•epentant tears,
1 VMil \Mth all expedient duty see you •
Tote y„;™',;lre '^^^'^^^ ■"-" " i°^^ "- t«o.
Ilcssol and Berkeley, go along xvili, me.
ow. Bid mc farewell.
liufsh^ce you teach me ho'w lonaTt'.; you''"" '""^'^ '
Imaguic 1 have said farcNvell already
Glo. Sirs, take'uiX'c^^? ''"''''' ^--'' -^ ^-^'/^y
gS'- No, to Whitefriars ;"?K^:^;S^?:;^'m!r^^ ^
Was ever woman in tlu. humour woo'd ?'""' ''''•' '"'' '''"'"'
Was ever woman in this humour won ?
\v f 't 'I';'" '~^"t I will not keep her Ion"
What I , that killed her Imsband and 1 is Au.- r
^^^tlw.M^'' •" I''' '''-''''' ^-^I'-^-nH'st hate '
\\ tl cui.es m her mouth, tears in her eyes
1 iic bleeding witness of her hatred by • '
Haynig (io.l, her eonseience, and tliese'hir^; ■„ i. ^
A.u! 1 no thing to D.ck my suit witlKd *'^"""' ="'*'
ikiL the piam devil and dissembling looks
And yet to win her. -nil the w-v'-t i r - ^. • ,
•».•?
^.S&^i^l^K'Js
Acl I Sc U;
KING RICHARD III
Hath she forgot ah-oadv that brave prince
lMl\v;.ril her Jurd, whom I, some tliroe months since.
blabbed m niy anc;ry mood at Tewksbury ?
A swcL'ltT and a h)velirr f'pniloman,
framed in the prodi^'alily of nature,
Young, valiant, wise, and, no dou!)t. rir^ht royal
J he spacjous world cannot again nllord • '
And will she yet debase her eyes on me '
That cropped the gohlen prime of this sweet prince
And made her widow to a woful bed ? '
On me, whose all not equals Edward's moiety 1
On me, that halt and am uushopen thus ? '
My dukedom to a begparlv denier,
I do mistake my person all this while :
Lpon my life, she linds, although I cannot,
I^lyself to be a marvellous proper man
I '11 be at charges for a looking-glass.
And entertain some score or two of tailors
To study fashions to adorn niv bodv :
Since 1 am crejit in favour with myltlf,
I will maintain it with some little cost. '
liut first I '11 turn yon fellow in his grave;
And then return lamenting to my love '
Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought 'a glass,
that 1 may see my sliadow as 1 pass. [Exit
Scene III.— The Palace
I^nler Queen Elizaueth, Loud Rivers, and Lord Grey
lUv. Have patience, madam : there 's no doubt his
majesty "uut ui^
Will soon recover his accustomed health
Grcj. In that you brook it ill, it makes him worse :
Therefore, for God's sake, entertain good comfort
Ami cheer his ^lace with quick and mcrrv words'
y, X^ ^^ }^*^ ^'•■^■^■'' *''^'*^'' ^^''^"^ NvoukrbLliilc of me ''
uii>. No other harm but loss of such a lord
Q. L/jr. The loss of such a lord includes ail harm
Ore,;. 1 MO heavens have blessed you with a goodly son
To be your couilurter when he is gone.
Q. Lit:. Oh, be is young, and his minority
is put unto the trust of lliehard Gloster,
A man tliat lovi-s not me, nor none of you
Jiw. Is it conciiHled he shall be prr.tect'or ?
Q. Lliz. l[ IS (iitnniiiied, not concluded vet •
Bulsoitmuslbc, if the king miscarry. "
L'nter Duckingua.m tind :, wli-.v
Grey. Here como the lords uf iiueknmiiam and Stanh-v.
Buck. Gu(;J 1.
"■'J
84
Act I Sc iii
KING RICHARD III
n rhr Th '!}"^'^« yo"[ malosty joyful ns you have been !
T«;/ ^h*^ Countess nichm.mrl,.oo(lmvLoidof Stanley
To your «oo.i prayers >viil scarctiy say a.nen. ^'
yi, Stanley, notwithstanding she 's your '.\ife
Ami loves not me, be you, good lord, assured
1 Hate not you for her proud arroc?anc<>.
.S7on. I do beseech you, either' not believe
1 he envious slanders of her false accusers ;
Or, If she be accused in true report,
Bear %vith her weakness, whici., I think, proceeds
iTom wayward sickness, and no Rroun.ied malice.
Stan. But now the Duke of Buckingham and i
Are come from visitinj? his majesty.
Q. E/zz. What likelihood of his amendment, lords ?
Buck Madam, jTood hope ; his ^ace speaks cheerfully.
Q. biz. God grant him health ! Did you confer with him?
mick Ay madam : he desires to make atonement
Retwixt the Duke of Gloster and vour brothers,
And betwixt them and my lord chainluTiain :
And sent to warn them to his royal presence
(). Eli:. Would all were well 1-but that wdl never be-
I fear our happiness is at the height.
Enler Gloster, Hastings, and Dorset
Gh. They do me VTong. and I will not endure t :
Who are they that complain unto the king
That I, forsitoUi. am stern and love Iheni not ?
By holy Paul, tiiey love his grace but ligiiily
That h.I his ears v.ith such dissentious rumours.
liccause I cannot ilalLcr and speak fair.
Smile in mens faces, smooth, dereive ami co"
Duck with French nods and apish courtesy,
I must be held a rancorous enemy.
Cannot a plain man live and tiiink no harm
But thus his simi)le truth must be abuse*! '
By silkon, sly, insinuating Jacks ?
Tiio. To whom in ail tliis presence spc.-.ks vour ^vnce ">
-.r, ''o*'^^^*'' '^■"^itliasl nor honesty nor Kiao °
When have I injured thee ? when done thee wrong ?
Or tnee ? or thee ? or any of your taction ?
A plague upon you all I His royal person —
\\liom God pr-. serve boUer Mian vou would wish I—
(.annof be (piiet scarce a bre.idung-whi'e
Biit you must trouble him with lewd cuniplaints
T. ■/•'"■ J;''"'^'^'' "^ Gloster. you mistake the iuatter.
1 he king, of his own royal disposiiion,
Afi<l not provoked by any suilor else,
_"viming. b.iike, ai your interior li;iired
Which in your outward actions sliows itself
85
i^.':Mat
KING RICHARD III
Act I Sc iii
Against my kindred, brothers, and myself,
Malces him to send ; that thereby he may gather
Tlic ground of your Ul-wiU, and so remove it.
Glo. I cannot tell : the world is grown so bad,
Tlial ^^Tens m alee prey where eagles dare not perch :
Mncc every Jack became a gentleman,
^''?''e s.many a gentle person made a Jack
Glostcr^*""*'' *'°"'''' """^ ^"^"^ y^"' "^«^n»ng' brother
You envy my advancement, and my friends' •
Cod grant we never may have need of you I
n„r hV.n'"*''"^'-"''' ^"""^ ^'■'''"'' ^''-'t ^^« '''-^^e need of you :
Our brollier is imprisoned by vour means, ^
Myself disgraced, j.ikI the nobility
il'^i'^.'", ^'''?^<''"Pt ; Nvhilst many fair promotions
Are daily given to ennoble those
That scarce, some two days since, were worth a noblo.
y. tin By him that raised me to this careful h. i'ht
From that contented hap which I enjoyed °
I never did incense his majesty '
Against the Duke of Clarence, but have been
An earnest advocate to plead for him.
My lord, you do me shameful injury.
Falsely to draw mo in tluse vile suspects.
Of m't r nr^'S\"''y- '^""^ ^''^'^ >'"" ^^^''-^ "ot the cause
n ^^ ^^r^ Hastings' late imprisonment.
Riv. She may, my lord, for—
Glo. She may. Lord Rivers I why, who knows not so ?
She may do more, sir, than denying tlu-t •
She may help you to many fair preferments.
And then deny her aitling hand therein
And lay those honours on your high deserts
I<ii>. ^^ hat, marry, may she?
Gin What, marry, may she I marry with a king
A bachelor, a handsome striolin't too •
I WIS your gran«lani had a worscr match
Q. hltz. I\Iy Lord of Gloster, I have too Ion" borne
\our blunt uphraidings and your bitter scoffs •"
By heaven. I will acquaint his inajestv
With those gross taunts 1 often iiave endured.
1 naa rather be a country servant-maid
Than a great queen, with this condition,
1o be thus taunted, scorned, and stormed at :
L:nier Quekn IMaugaret, behind
Small joy have I in being England's queen.
Q. Mar. [Aside] And lessened be that
lieseech tlu's •
Thy honour, state and seat is due to me.—
86
small, God. I
^^^^ S^'" KING RICHARD III
T«n'^*. ^'^^^.^ ' ^^^""^^ y°" ^^ ^'^'^ tt-lllng of the kinR ?
Tell him. and spare not : look, whnt I have said
1 will avouch in presence of the king :
I dare adventure to be sent to the Tower.
T IS time to speak,- my pains are quite forpot.—
Thn., 1 . '^"''1' ^{"t''levill I remember them too well:
Thou slew'st my husband Henry in the Tower,
And bdward, my poor son. at Tcwksbury —
T tvi^o ^■'■'i ^,"" ^v^.'"^^"^^n. yea. or your husband king.
I was a pack-horse in bis Rreat affairs ;
A wccder-out of his proud adversaries,'
A liberal rcwnrdtT of his friends •
To roynlisc iiis I)lood I spilt mine own.—
^OT'''ihh'^"''^^ ^^' ""'^ "^"'^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^'°°^ ^^^" ^'"^
Gh Tn all which timo you and your husband Grcv
Were faclioiis for tiie house of Lancaster •
And Rivers so were you. W;is nol your husband
In Marparel's battle at Saint Alban's slain ?
T-rt mo put in your minds, if you forpcf
xJn^ >'"" 'lave heen ere now. and what vou are ;
Willial, what I have been, and what I am -
Q-^lar. [Aside] Amurderousvillain.and so .sfilUhouart. - •
Olo. Poor ClaroMco did forsiiko his fafhor. Warwick •
/!' L""^ forswore himself.-v Inch Josu pardon !- '
Q. Mar. \Asi(h'] Which God revt'n"(« ' -
Glo To fight on Edward's parly for the crown •
And for his meed, poor lord, ho is mowed up
I won d to God my heart wore flint, like Edward's;
Or I-.dward s soft and i)i!iful. like mine •
1 am too childisli-foolisli for this world —
Thou cacodcnion I There thy kingdom is
w, •"^' , ^''' ^''"■'' ^^ <''oster, in those busv days
\\hich here you urge to prove us enemie.s
\\c followed then our lord, our lawful kint •
So should we you, if you should be our lung "
Glo. If I st-.ould be I I had rather be a nodiir •
n r, ^°"^ "'^' '^''''^'■^' ^'^^ thought of it I
(J. /^/ir As ill tie joy, my lord, as von suppose
A t^-A, "'^ ^"'«y- ^vere you this roun<ry's kiiin
As little joy may you suppose in me.
That I enjoy, being the queen thereof —
Q Mar. [Asi<le\ As little joy onjovs the queen thereof-
For I am she, and altogellier jovlrss ^ inereol .
I can no longer hold me patient \ Adnnn^-inr,
Hear me. vou wranPlin" Mi.nt^c «Ko* #-,i. _... l-^"^'ancing
in sharing that which you have'pilied'fn.nru.e !
^. hich of you trembles not that looks on me ?
87
KING RICHARD III
Act I Sc Ui
If not, that, I beina qupcn, you bow like subjects.
Yet that, by you dt'posed, you quake like rebels ?
O Rcntle villain, do not turn nway I
Glo. Foul wrinkled witch, what inak'st Ihou In my sight ?
Q. Mar. But repetition of what thou hast marred ;
That will I make, before I let thee go.
Cilo. Wert tliou not banished on pain of death ?
Q, Mar. I was ;
Hut I do find more pnin In banishnipul
Than deatli can yield me here by my abode.
A husband and a son thou ow'st to me ; —
And thou a kingdom ; — all of you allegiance :
The sorrow (hat I have, by right is yours.
And all the pleasures you usurp are mine.
Glo. The curse my noble father laid on thee.
When thou didst crown his warlike brows with paper
And with thy scorns drew'st rivers from his eyes,
And then, to dry them, gav'st the duke a clout
Steeped in the faultless blood of prctly iUitland, —
His curses, then from bitterness of soul
Denounced apainst thee, are all fall'n upon thee ;
And God. not we, halh plagued thy bloody deed.
Q. FJiz. So just is God, to rij^ht the innocent.
llnst. O, 't was the foulest deed to slay that babe,
And the most merciless that e'er was heard of I
Rio. Tyranls themselves wept when it was reported.
Dor. No man hut prophesied revenge for it.
Buck. Northumberland, then present, wept to see it.
Q. Mar. What ! were you snarling all before I came,
Ready to catch each other by the throat.
And turn you ail your hatred now on me ?
Did York's dread curse prevail so mutii with hoaven
That Henry's death, my lovely Hdward's death.
Their kingflom's loss, my woful banishment.
Could all but answer fur that peevish brat V
Can curses pleree the clouds and eulcr heaven ?
Why, then, give way, dull clouds, to my quick curses I
If not by war, by surf it die your kin^'.
As ours by murder, to make him a kitig I
Edward thy son, which now is Prince of Wales,
For Edward my son, which was Prince of Wales,
Die in his youth by like untimely violence I
Thyself a queen, for me that was a queen.
Outlive thy glory, like my wretched self 1
Long maysl liiou live to wail thy children's loss ;
And see another, as I see thee now.
Decked in thy riqhts, as thou art stalled in mine I
Long die thy bajjpv days before thy death ;
And, af'cr many lenglhencd hours of grief
Die, neither mother, wife, nor England s queen I—
8S
Act I Sc ill
KING RICHARD III
Rivers and Dorset, you wore sf.mdors l)v.—
And so wast thou, Lord Hastings,— when mv son
Uas stabbed with bloody da«fi/rs': God. l7"y Ifm,
J hat none of you may live your natural age,
Hut by some unlooked nocldcnt cut olT 1
o\nr''^^^ "?V' "^y '^'i^T' "'"^^ '^«l'^"' Withered hag!
If heaven have any Rrievous pi ague in store
Exceeding those that I can w.,h upon thee,
O, let them keep it lilj ihy sins be ripe
And then hurl down Iheir indignation'
On thee, the frouhlcr of the i)oor world's peace !
1 he worm of consci.-nco still begnow thy soul I
1 by fn. nds siispcrt for lijutors >vliile thou liv'st
And take deep traitors for thy dearest friends 1 '
No sleep close ni> that dcidiv eye of thine
An '^w'^ ^? ^^''''''* ^"'"'^' 'o^nlf^Jitin^' dream
AHnghts thee with a hell of ui^Iy devils I
hou elvish-marke.l, abortive, rooting hog I
I iiou that ^vast sealed in thv nativity
1 he slave of nat;ire and the" son of hell !
Jhou slander of Ihy mother's heaw womb I
Ihou loathed issue of thy father's loins 1
Thou rag of honour I thou detested— •
Glo. Margaret.
Q. Mar. Richard I
Th^^i^h'^V:"^^ T'^'y ^^-' '«^ I hljfho'u'ght^''-
n uVr ^'"i^ "''"'*! "'^ •'^" ^»>^'^« ^^'^^^- "anus
Q. Mar. ^Vhy, so I did ; but looked for no renlv
O, let me make the period to my curse 1 ^^ *
O Fli^ 'Vh""'"/'-'' "'"'' """^ *''"^^ '" "Margaret."
yourself"' '''' ^'^" ^'■'^"'^'^^ your 'curse against
Vhx/.^ n.w'.VT ^''''"^-'^ '^"''"' '^'•'^'" "«""sh of my fortune !
vy strew St thou sugar on that bottled spider
^\ hnsc deadly web cnsnareth thee about «>
r?u\ ^""".,;'^0" ^vhefst a knife to kill Ibyself.
lo h'.n n''"'^ come when thou shall wish for me
in J r , '^""^.^'"^t poisonous buneh-baeked toad
y/as/ Palse-boding woman, end thv frantic cuise
Lest to thy banu thou move our patiehel' '
liiv %. r vl "'''"":; "''"" ^'*'"' y"'' '•^^•♦^ «» moved nu-ne
duty. ^ '''" '''''''^' ^■"'' ^^"^'^ ^'^ ^^^"^"'t ""ur
nv,^:, ^^'"■- 7° ^'''■^'^ "'^ '•''*^"' >■«" ^^ Should do me d-. -
Wn me to bo vuur queen, and you my subjects • "'
O. seive me well, and teach yourselves that duty i
8;^
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KING RICHARD III
Act I Sc iii
Dor. Dispute not with her ; she is lunatic.
Q. Mar. Peace, master marquess, you are malapert :
Your fire-ncw stamp of honour is scarce current.
O, that your young nobility could judge
What 'twere to lose it and be miserable !
They that stand high have many blasts to sliake them ;
And if they fall, they dash themselves to pieces.
Gin. Good counsel, marry : learn it, learn it, marquess.
Dor. It toucheth you, my lord, as mucli as me.
Gh. Yea, and much more : but I was born so high,
Our aery buildeth in the cedar's top.
And dallies with the wind and scorns the sun.
Q. Mar. And turns the sun to shade ; alas ! alas I
Witness my son, now in the shade of death ;
Whose bright out-shining beams thy cloudy wrath
Hath in eternal darkness folded up.
Your aery buildeth in our aery's nest.
O God, that seest it, do not suffer it ;
As it was won with blood, lost be it so !
Buck. Peace, peace ! for shame, if not for charity.
Q. Mar. Urge neither charity nor shame to me :
Uncharitably with me have you dealt,
And shamefully by you my hopes arc butchered.
My charity is outrage, life my sluime ;
And in that shame still live my sorrow's rage I
Buck. Have done, have done.
Q. Mar. O princely Buckingham, I '11 kiss thy hand.
In sign of league and amity with llioe :
No-.*' fair befall thee and thy noble house
Thy garments are not spotted with our blood,
Nor thou within the compass of my curse.
Buck. Nor no one here ; for curses never pass
The lips of those that breathe them in the air.
Q. Mar. 1 11 not believe but they ascend the sky.
And there awake God's gentle-sleeping peace.
O Buckingham, take heed of yonder dog !
Look, when he fawns, he bites ; and when he bites,
His venom tooth will rankle to the death :
Have not to do with him, bewrre of him ;
Sin, death, and hell have set their mrirks on him.
And all their ministers attend on him.
Glo. What doth she say, my Lord of Buckingham ?
Buck. Nothing that I respect, my gracious lord.
Q. Mar. What, dost thou scorn me for my gentle
counsel ?
And soothe the devil that I warn thee from ?
O, but remember this another day.
When he shall split thy very heart with sorrow.
And say poor Margaret was a prophetess 1 —
Live each of you the subjects tc his hate,
90
-i^;'^M^^iMDdi^
Act I Sc iii
KING RICHARD III
And he to yours, and all of you to God's 1 \ExU
Hast. My hair doth stand on end to hear her curses.
^w. And so doth mine : I muse why she 's at liberty.
^hn hofi K^r."' '''''T ^" = ^y G"^'s holy mother,
She hath had too much wrong ; and I repent
My part thereof that I have done to her
Q. Eliz^ I never did her any, to my knowledge.
Glo But you have all the vantage of her wrong.
I was too hot to do somebody good.
That is too cold in thinking of it now
Marry, as for Clarence, he is well ropnid •
He is franked up to fatting for his pains ;
God pardon I hem that are the cause of it I
t/1"'' ^ \^^tuous and a Christian-like conclusion.
To pray for them that have done scathe to us.
Uo. So do I ever : [Aside] being well advised,
l^or had I cursed now, I had cursed myself.
Enter Catesby
Gates. Madam, his majesty doth call for you —
And for your grace,— and you. my noble lords.
R,n w ^'^^^.^^y' '^^'^^ '^^"le. Lords, will you go with us 7
Hw. We wait upon your grace. •' »
rin T ^<. *i, , [Exeunt all but Glosler
Glo. I do the wrong, and first begin to brawl.
The secret mischiefs that I set abroach
I lay unto the grievous charge of others.
Clarence, whom I. indeed, have laid in darkness.
1 do beweep to many simple gulls ;
Namely, to Hastings, Stanley, Buckingham ;
And say it is the queen and her allies
That stir the king against the duke my brother
iNow, they Lelieve it ; and withal whet me
fo be revenged on Rivers, Vaughan, Grey :
?"n iu \f'^^ ' ^"^' '^'^"» a piece of scripture.
Tell them that God bids us do good for evU •
And thus I clothe my naked villany
With old odd ends stolen out of holy writ ■
And seem a saint, when most I play the d'evU.
But, soft 1 here come my executioners.
Enter two Murderers
How now, my hardy, stout, resolved mates I
Are you now going to dispatch this deed ?
First Murd. We are, my lord ; and come to have the
warrant, "*^
That we may be admitted where he is
Glo. Well thought upon ;— I have it here about me.
men you have done, repair to Crosby S.' '^' "^"''""^
91
!:.=^Sll.
KING RICHARD III
Act I Sc iv
But, sirs, be sudden in the execution.
Withal obdurate, do not hear him plead ;
For Clarence is well-spoken, and perhaps
May move your hearts to pity, if you mark him.
First Murd. Tut, tut, my lord, we will not stand to prate ;
Talkers are no good doers : be assured
We come to use our hands and not our tongues.
Glo. Your eyes drop millstones, when fools' eyes drop
tears :
I like you, lads ; — about your business straight ;
Go, go, dispatch.
First Murd. We will, my noble lord. [Exeunt
Scene IV. — London. A Room in the Tower
Enter Clarence and Brakenbury
Brak. Why looks your grace so heavily to-ddy ?
Clar. O, I have passed a miserable night,
So full of ugly sights, of ghastly dreams,
That, as I am a Christian lalUiful man,
I would not spend another such a night.
Though 't were to buy a world of happy days, —
So full of dismal terror was the thne !
Brak. What was your dream, my lord ? I pray you
tell me.
Clar. Mothought that I had broken from the Tower,
And was embarked to cross to Burgundy ;
And, in my company, my brother Glosler,
Who from my cabin tempted mc to walk
Upon tlie hatches : thence we looked toward England,
And cited up a thousand fearful times,
jjuring the wars of York and Lancaster
That had befall'n us. As we paced along
Upon the giddy footing of the hatches,
Methought that Glosler stumbled ; and, in falling,
Struck me, that thought to stay him, overboard
Into the tumbling billows of the main.
Lord, Lord, methought, what pain it was to drown I
Wliat dreadful noise of waters in mine ears !
What ugly sights of death within mine eyes 1
Methought I saw a thousand fearful wrecks ;
Ten thousand men that fishes gnawed upon ;
Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pciu:l,
Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels,
All scattered in the bottom of the sea:
Some lay in dead men's skulls ; and, in those holes
Where eyes did once inhabit, there were crept,—
As 'twere in scorn of eyes,— rellecting gems,
92
Act I Sc iv
KING RICHARD III
That wooed the slimy bottom of the deep,
And mocked the dead bones that lay scattered by.
Brak. Had you such leisure in the time of death
To gaze upon the secrets of the dorp ?
Clar. Methou.<,'ht I had : and often did I strive
To yield the ghost : but still tlie envious flood
Kept in my soul, and would not let it forth
To seek the empty, vast and wandering air.
But smothered it within my panting bulk,
Which almost burst to belch it in liic sea.
Brak. Awaked you not with this sore agony ?
Clar. O, no, my dream was lengthened after life ;
O, then began the tempest to my soul,
Who passed, raethought, the melancholy flood.
With that grim ferryman which poets write of.
Unto the kingdom of perpetual night.
The first that there did greet my stranger soul
Was my great father-in-law, renowned Warwick •
Who cried aloud, " What scourge for perjury
Can this dark monarchy atlord false Clarence ? "
And so he vanished : then came wandering by
A shadow like an aagel, with brii^iiL hair
Dabbled in blood ; and he shrid^cd out aloud,
"Clarence is come,— false, fiecling, perjurea Qarence :
ihat stabbed me in the held by Tc\\ksbury ;
Seize on him. Furies, take him to vour torments 1 "
With that, melhouglit, a legion of "foul fiends
Environed me, and howled in mine ears
Such hideous cries, that with the very noise
I trembling waked, and for a season after
Could not believe but that I was in hell,—
Such terrible impression made the dream.
Brak. No marvel, lord, though it affrighted vou :
I am afraid methinks to hear you tell it.
Clar. O Brakenbury, I have done those things
WTiich now bear evidence against my soul,
For Edward's sake ; and see how he requites nie !
O God I if my deep prayers cannot aupease Lhce,
But thou wilt be avenged on my niisdeetis.
Yet execute thy wrath in nie alone,
O, spare my guiltless wife and my poor children I—
Keeper, I prilliee, sit by me awhile :
iMy soul is heavy, and 1 fain would sleep.
Brak. I will, my lord : God give your grace good rest !—
c , , [Clarence sleeps
Sorrow breaks seasons and rei>osing huurs.
Makes tlic night morning, and the noon-tide night
Prmces have but their titles for their glories.
An outward honour for an inward toil ;
And, for unfelt imaginations,
93
.^S'A^^
KING RICHARD III
Act I Sc iv
They often feel a world of restless cares :
So that, between their titles and low name
There 's nothing dillers but the outward fame.
Enter the two Murderers
First Murd. Ho I who's here ?
nrak. What would'st thou, fellow ? and how tam'st
thou hither ?
First Murd. I would speak with Clarence and I came
nit her on my legs.
Brak. What, so brief ?
otc. Murd. 'T is better, sir, than to be tedious. Let
nim see our commission ; talk no more.
. , . \ lirakenburij reads it
hrok. I am, m this, commanded to deliver
The noble Duke of Chirence to your hands :
I will not reason what is mennt'horebv.
Because I will be guiltless of the meaning,'.
Here are the keys, - there sits the duke asleep :
I '11 to the king ; and signify to him
That thus I have resigned my charge to you.
First Murd. You may, sir, 't is a point of wisdom : fare
^°o^'H^; . [Exit Brakmbuni
Sec. Murd. What, shall we stab him ns he sleeps ">
First Murd. No ; then he will say 't was done cowardly
when he wakes.
Sec Murd. WTien he wakes ! why, fool, he shall never
wake till the judgment-day.
First Murd. Why, then he '11 say we stabbed him sleeping
Sec. Murd. The urging of that word " judgment " hath
bred a kind of remorse in me.
First Murd. What, art thou afraid ?
Sec. Murd. Not to kill him, having a warrant for it :
but to be damned for killing him, from the which no
wai-rant can defend us.
First Murd. I thought thou hadst been resolute.
So I am, to let him live.
I '11 back to the Duke of Gloster, and tell
Nay,^ I prithee, stay a little ; I hope my
't was wont to hold me but
Sec. Murd.
First Murd.
bim so.
Sec. Murd.
holy humour will change ;
while one tells twenty
First Murd. How dost thou feel thyself now '^
Sec. Murd. Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are
yet within me
First Murd.
done.
Sec. Murd.
First Murd.
Sec. Murd.
Remember our reward when the deed's
Zounds, he dies : I had forgot the reward.
Where 's thy conscience now?
In the Duke of Gloster's purse.
94
Act I Sc iv
KING RICHARD III
Firs! Miird. ?o when ho opens his purse to give us our
reward, thy conscience Hies out.
Sec. Miird 'T is no maltcr, let it go ; there 's few or
noni will entertain it.
First Miird. Whot il' it come to thee .Ttain "^
Sec. ,Vurd I '11 not meddle with it :-it is a dangerous
lung: it makes a man a coward: a man cannot steal,
but It accuseth him ; a man cannot swear, but it checks
lum ; a man cannot lie with his neighbour's wife, but
It detects him: 'tis a blushinj.! shamei:.st spirit that
mulinies in a man's bosom ; it (ills one full of ohslaclcs •
It made me once restore a purse of gold that by chance
I tound ; it bej,'-ars any man that keeps it : it is turned
out of all towns and cities for a dangerous thin" • and
every man that merms to live well endeavours to Trust to
himself and to live without it.
J'irst Miird. Zounds, it is even now at my elbow, ner-
suadmg me not to kill the duke. ^'uuw, per
Sec Murd Take the devil in thy mind, and believe him
not: he would insuuinle with thoe but tu make thee si-'h
with""*' ^'*'^"^''' ^ ^"^ strong-framed, he cannot prevail
Sec. Murd. Spoke like a tall fellow that respects his
reputation. Come, sliall we fall to work ?
First Murd. 'j'ake him over tiie costard with the hilts
of thy sword, and then throw him into the malmsey-butt
in the next room. "^
Sec. Murd O excellent device I make a sop of him.
First Murd. Soft, he wakes.
Sec. ■'Jurd. Strike I
First Murd. No, we '11 reason with him.
give me a cup
Clar. [irakinj]. \Vhere art thou, keeper
of N.ine.
rZ'r'^^"/,fr T.""" '^'''" ^''7*^ '•'"' ""^""''' iv.ylord, anon.
Llur. In God s name, what art thou ?
Sec. Murd. A man, as you are.
Clar. But not, as I am, roval.
Sec. Murd. Nor you, as we are, loyal.
C/ar Thy voice is tlumder, but thy looks arc hun^ble
Ua. . How dandy and how deadly dost thou speak I
lour eyes do menace me : why look you pale *>
Who sent you hither ? Wherefore do you cume ?
Both. To, to, to —
Clar. To murder me ?
Bath. Ay, ay.
Clar You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so
And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it '
V> herein, my friends, have I oflended vou '>
I irsi Murd. OlTended us you have not, but the king.
95
KING RICHARD III
Act I Sc Iv
Clar. I shall be reconciled to lum arjain.
Spc. Murd. Never, my lord ; Ihertlure prepare to die.
Clar. Are you called forth from out a wiv id of men
To slay the innocent ? Wiiat 's my olTcnce ?
Where is the evidence that doth accuse me ?
What lawful quest have given their verdict uj>
Unto the frowning judj^e ? or who pronounced
The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' dealh ?
Before I be convict by course of law,
To threaten me with death is most unlawful,
1 charge you, as you hope to have redemption
By Christ's dear blood slied for our grievous sins,
That you depart, and lay no hands on me :
The deed you undertake is damnable.
First Murd. What we will do, we do upon command.
Sec. Murd. And he that hath commanded is our kujg.
Clar. Erroneous vassals 1 the great King of kings
Hath in the tables of his law commanded
That thou shalt do no murder : will you, then,
Spurn at his edict and fullU a man's ?
Take heed : for he holds vengeance in his hands
To hurl upon their heads that break his law.
Sec. Murd. And that same vengeance doth he hurl on
thee
For false forswearing, and for murder too :
Thou didst receive the sacrament to fight
In quarrel of the house of Lancaster.
First Murd. And, like a traitor to the name of God,
Didst break that vow; and with thy treacherous blade
Unripp'dst the bowels of thy sovereign's son.
Sec. Murd. Whom thou wert sworn to cherish and defend.
First Murd. How canst thou urge God's dreadful law to us,
When thou hast broke it in such dear degree ?
Clar. Alas 1 for whose sake did I that, iil deed ?
For Edward, for my brother, for his sake :
He sends you not to murder me for tliis ;
For in that sin he is as deep as I.
If God will be revenged lor this deed,
O, know you yet, he doth it publicly :
Take not the quarrel from his powerful arm ;
He needs no indirect nor lawless course
To cut off those that have oilended him.
First Murd. Who made thee, tl:en, a bloody minister,
W'hen gallanl-sprincing brave Plautagcnet,
That princely novice, was struck dead by thee ?
Clar. My brother's love, llic devil, and my rage.
First Murd. Thy brother's love, our duty, and thy fault.
Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee.
Clar. If you do love my Lrolher, hate not me;
I am his brother, and I love him well.
96
Act I Sc iv
KING RICHARD III
If you be hired for meed, go back auain,
And I will send you to my brolhcr (Hosier,
Who shall reward you heller for my hie
Than Edward will for tidin':s of my dcalh.
Sec. Murd. You are deceived, your brolher Glosttr
hates you,
Clar. O, no. he loves me, and he holds mc deir :
Go you to him from me.
{^f^f^- Ay, so wc will,
Clar. Tell him, when that our princely father Yo-k
Blessed his three sons wilh his viclorioiis arm,
And charged us from his sonl lo love each other
He little thoii^lit of this divided friendship : '
Bid Gloster think of this, and he will weep
First Murd. Ay, millstones ; ns he lessoned us to weep,
Clar. O, do nol slander him "■ he is kind
First Murd. Right,
As snow in harvest.— Come you deceive yourself:
T IS he that sends us to destroy you here,
Clar. It cannot be ; for he bewepl my fortune
And hugged me in his arms, and swore, with sobs, '
Ihat he would labour my delivery.
Sec. Murd. Why, so he doth, when he delivers you
rrom this earth's thraldom to the joys of heaven
First Murd. Make peace wilh God, for you must die
my lord. '
Clar. Hast thou that holy feeling in thy soul.
To counsel me to make my peace with God,
And art thou yet to thy own soul so blind,
That thou wilt war with God by murdering me ?
Ah, sirs, consider, he that set you on
To do this deed will hate you for the deed.
Sec. Murd. What shall we do ?
^S!nh t T l-.elent, and save your souls.
Which of you, if you were a prince's son,
Being pent from liberty, as I am now.
If two such murderers as yourselves came lo you
Would not entreat for life ?
First Murd. Relent ! 't is cowardly and womanish,
Clar. Not to relent is beastly, savage, devilish,—
My friend, I spy some pity in thy looks ;
O, if thine eye be not a flatterer.
Come thou on my side, and entreat for me,
As you would beg, were you in my distress :
A begging prince what beggar pities not ?
Sec. Murd. Look behind you, my lord.
First Murd. Take that, and that : if all
do,
I 'II drown you in the malmsey-butt within,
[Exit with the body
this will not
[Stabs him
38-D
97
KING RICHARD III
Act II Scl
St'c. Mura. A bloody deed, and desperately dispatched t
How liiiii, like Pilate, would I wnsh my hands
Of this most grievous guilty murder done I
Re-cnier First Murderer
First Miird. How now I what mean'st thou, that thou
help'st nie not ?
By heavens, the duke shall know how slnek thou art !
Sec. Murd. I would he knew that I luid saved his brother I
Take thou the fee, and tell him what I say ;
For I repent mc that the duke is slain. [Exit
First Murd. So do not I : go, coward as thou art 1
Xow must I hide his body in some hole,
Until the duke take order for his burial :
And wiien I have my meed, I will away ;
For tills wiil out, and here I must not stay. [Exit
ACT TWO
Scene I. — London. A Room in the Palace
Enter King Edward led in sick. Queen Elizaueth,
DonsET, KivEits, Hastings, Buckingham, Ghey, and others
K.
so
now have I done
ijood
dav's
Ediv. Why,
w ork : —
You peers, con'.inue this united k-aj^uc :
I every day expecL an embassage
From my Redeemer to redeem me hence ;
And now in peace my soul shall part to lieaven,
Since I have set my friends at peace on enrlli.
Rivers and Hastings, lake each other's hand ;
Dissemble not your hatred, swear your love.
liiv. By heaven, my heart is purged from grudging hale ;
And w ith my hand I seal my true heart's love.
Hast. So thrive I, as I truly swear the like 1
K. Ediv. Take heed you dally not l)efore your king ;
Lest he that is the supreme King of kings
Confound your hidden falsehood, and award
Hiiher of you to be the others end.
Hast. So prosper L as I swear perfect love I
Riv. And I. as I love Hastings wilh niy heart !
K. Ediv. Madam, yourself are not exempt in tlils,
Kor your son Dorser, — Buckingham, nor you ; —
You have been factious one against the other.
Wife, love Lord Hnsiin-';. ]ct him kiss your hand ;
And what you do, do il unfcigned'y.
Q. Eliz. There, Hastings ; 1 ^YilI never more remember
Oi;r lormer haired, so tluive I and mine I
0«»
rj
:vlv--
3roJr„l.l^->
Act II Sci
K.
KING RICHARD III
mtrqurr'*' '"^'^'^^ '"'" ^-H-»ngs. love lord
Dor. This interchange of love, I here orotesf
Ll on my part shall be unviolablc. ^ '
Mast. And so swear I. x-rh . ,.
And make me happy in your unify. ""
hil ifa/e' ^""'' ''^''^'"^"^^ Buckingham doth turn
DotTr^.H K'^'"' *^"1 '^'^'^ ^" ^"teous love
Doth cherish you and yours, God punish nie
Wh ' \^u '" ^^""^^ ^^'h^''-'^ I expect mosl^vc I
^^hc„ I have most need to employ T?riend
And nios assured that he is a friend. '
Deep ho low, treacherous, and lull of guile.
Be he unto me !-this do I beg of (iod
^V hen I am cold in zeal to you or yours r r/,.„ u
Buck. And, m good time, here comes the noble duke.
Enter Gloster
Made peace ot enmity, fair love of hate
ito^V hf " '!J°,"i"" ™°"8-lnce""d peers.
Af n«sA?^^jf„e'ei;°;;.^p";^f':;-'s-'«" "^«--
S^l?'re'a"'f;'l'r^'°'-™8 -">'«.
If I unwittingly, or in mv rage.
Have aught committed that is hardly borne
By any m this presence, I desire
To reconcile me to his friendly peace •
T IS death to me to be at enmity ; '
I hate It, and desire all good men's love.-
Wh ch J wi^f"' ^ ^"^'•^''^t t^"e peace of vou,
Uhu h I will purchase with my duteous scrvicP
Of you, my noble cousin Buckingham" ''^'''~•
ui you Lord Rivers.— and Lord (-■ve^r ^r .'.,
Tha tail wiUiout desert have frowned' on me •-
Dikes, earls, lords, gentlemen ;-indeed of a'lL
ilfh'^J ^"°'' ^^""^ l^nglishiuan alix^ ' ""^ ^^^
\Mth wnom my soul is any jot at odds
99
lamMLMt^
KING RICHARD HI
Act II Scl
More than the infant that is born to-night:
I tiianlc my God for my humility.
Q. Eliz. A holy day shall this be kept hereafter :—
I would to Goil all strifes were well compounded. —
My sovereign lord, I do beseech your highness
To lake our brother Clarence to your gract*.
Glo. Why, madam, have 1 ollered love for this,
To be so llouted in this royal presence ?
Who knows not that the noble duke is dead ?
[They all slurl
You do him injury to scorn his corse.
Rw. Wlio knows not he is dead ! Who knows he is ?
Q. Eliz. All-seeing heaven, wliat a world is this I
Buck. Look I so pale. Lord Dorset, as the rest ?
Dor. Ay, my good lord 4 and no one in this presence
But his red colour hath forsook his cheeks.
K. Edir. Is Clarence dead ? The order was reversed.
(Jlo. But he, poor 3oul, by your Ihst order died,
And that a winged .Mercury did bear ;
Some tardy cripple bore the countermand.
That came too lag to see him buried.
God grant that some, less noble and less loyal.
Nearer in bloody thoughts, but not in blood.
Deserve not worse than wretched Clarence did,
And yet go current from suspicion !
Enter Stanley
Stan. A boon, my sovereign, for my service done 1
K. Edw. I i)ray thee, peace : my soul is full of sorrow.
Stan. I will not rise, unless your highness grant.
K. Edw. Then speak at once what is it thou demand'st.
Stan. The forfeit, sovereign, of my servant's life ;
Who slew to-day a riotous gentleman
Lately attendant on the Duke of Norfolk.
K. Edw. Have I a tongue to doom my brother's death,
And shall that tongue give pardon to a slave ?
..ly brother killed no man, his fault was thought.
And yet his punishment was bitter death.
Who sued to me for him ? who, in my rage.
Kneeled at my feet, and bade me be advised ?
Who spoke of brotherhood ? who spoke of love ?
Who told lue how the poor soul did forsake
The niifsiiiy Warwick, and did light for me ?
W^ho told me, in the field by Tewksbury,
When Oxford had me down, he rescued me.
And said, " Dear brother, live, and be a king " ?
Whf> told me, when wc both lay in the field
Frozen almost to death, how he did lap me
Even in his garments, and did give himself.
All thin and naked, to the numb cold night ?
100
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Act II Sell
KING RICIIAUD III
All this from my rpmcmbrancc hrulish vrralh
binfully piiiokod, nnd not a man of vou
Had so imifli t;iacc to put it in my mind.
liut when your carters or your waiflns-vassals
Have done a drunken slauphter. and defaced
I he prccit.is Image of our dear Hedeemer
^ou stralKhl are on your knees for pardon, pardon ;
And I, unjustly too, must prant It you:-
liut for my lm)lher not a man would speak,—
Nor I, ungracious, speak unto myself
J'or him, poor soul. 'Ihc proudest of you all
Have been beholding to him in his !in< •
\elL none of you would once plead for l-.ih Iif.> -
God, I fear tiiy justice will take hold
On me and you, and mine and yours for this 1
Come, Hastings, help me to my closet. Ah !
Poor Clarence I
[Exeunt King and Queen, Ilastinrfs, nivers,
rin Tu- 1 *u * ,. - Dorsel and (ireu
Glo This is the fruit of rashness !— Marked vou not
Ho^y that the guilty kindred of the queen
Looked pale when they did hear of Claren-e' death ?
O, they did urge it still unto the kin" •
Ood will revenge it.— Hut come, let us in,
1 o comfort Edward with our company
Buck. We wait upon your grace. [Exeunt
Scene II.— Another Room in the Palace
Enter the Duchess of York, with a Son and Daughter of
Clarence
Boy.
Duch.
Boy.
And cry
Girl.
Tell me, good grandam, is our fatlicr dead ?
No, boy.
w^i^^.M°y°"^^'""8your hands, and beat your breast
O Clarence, my unhappy sen I "
A ^ „ ^ ^° y°" ^°°^ o" "s, and shake your head
And call us wretches, orphans, castaways, '
If that our noble father be alive ?
Duch. My pretty cousins, you mistake mc both :
I do lament tne sickness of the king, '
As loth to lose him, not your father's death :
It were lost sorrow to wail one that 's lost
Th.l!ir.J^^^^^' ^'i^^.'^^"!' yo" conclude that he is dead.
The king my uncle is to blame for lliis :
Svrt,^^'"./*^^'^"^*^ ^^ ' ^^'h"'" I ^^j'l importune
With daily pravers all to th^i ♦'fTect
Girl. And so will I.
iSl^n^i ^^^""f ' l'"'^^''"^' peace ! the king doth love you well •
Incapable and shallow innocents, co,uuv%tu.
You cannot guess who caused your father's death.
101
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KING RICHARD III
Act II Sc ii
eep,
Boy. Grandam, wc can ; for my good uncle Glostcr
Told me, the king, provoked to t by the queen,
Devised impeachments to imprison him :
And when my uncle told me so, he wepi.
And pitied me, and kindly kissed my cheek ;
Bade me rely on him as on my father,
And he would love me dearly as his child.
Duch. Ah, that deceit should steal such gentle shapes,
And with a virtuous vizor hide foul guile 1
He is my son ; yea, and therein my shame ;
Yet from my dugs he drew not this deceit.
Son. Think you my uncle did dissemble, g.andam ?
Duch. Ay, boy.
Son. I cannot think it.— Hark I what noise is this ?
Enter Queen Elizabeth, with her hair about her ears;
Rivers and Dorset after her
Q. Eliz. O, who shall hinder me to wail and
To chide my fortune, and torment mvsolf ?
I '11 join with black despair against my soul.
And to myself become an enemy.
Duch. What means this scene of rude impnt'Vnce ?
Q. Eliz. To make an act of tragic violence :
Edvv-ard, my lord, your son, our king, is dead.
Why grow the branches when the root is gone *>
Why wither not the leaves that want their sap ?
If you will live, lament ; if die, be brief.
That our swift-winged souls may catch the king's ;
Or, like obedient subjects, follow him
To his new kingdom of perpetual rest.
Duch. Ah, so much interest have I in thy sorrow
As I had title in thy noble husband I
I have bewept a worthy husband's death.
And lived by looking on his images :
But now two mirrors of his princely semblance
Are cracked in pieces by malignant death.
And I for comfort have but one false glass,
That grieves me when I see my shame in him.
Thou art a widow ; yet thou art a mother,
And hast the comfort of thy children left thee :
But death hath snatched my husband from mine arms
And plucked two crutches from my feeble hands, -
Edward and Clarence. O, what cause have I,—
Thine being but a moiety of my grief,—
To overgo thy plaints and drown thy cries 1
Son. Good aunt, you wept not for our father's death !
How can we aid you with our kindred tears *>
Daughter. Our fatherless distress we left unmoaned ;
Your widow-dolour likewise be unwept !
Q. Eliz. Give me no help in lamentation ;
102
Act II Sc ii
KING RICHARD III
I am not bnrren to bring forll) complaints :
All springs reduce their currents to mine lycs,
That I, being governed by the watery moon.
May send forth plenteous tears to drown the world I
Ah for my husband, for my dear lord Edward 1
C/Ji7, Ah for our father, for our dear lord Clarence !
Duch. Alas for both, both mine, Edward and Clarence I
Q. Eliz. What stay had I but Edward ? and he 's gone.
Chil. What stay had we but Clarence ? and he 's gone.
Duch. What stays had I but they ? and they are gone,
Q. Eliz. Was never widow had so dear a loss !
Chil. Were never orphans had so dear a lossl
Duch. Was never mother had so dear a lossl
Alas, I am the mother of these moans I
Their woes are parcelled, mine arc general.
She for an Edward weeps, and so do I ;
I for a Clarence weep, so doth not she :
These babes for Clarence weep, and so do I ;
I for an Edward' weep, so do not they ;
Alas, you three, on me, threefold distressed.
Pour all your tears ? I am your sorrow's nurse.
And I will pamper it with lamentations.
Dor. Comfort, dear mother : God is much displeased
That you take with unthankfulncss his doing :
In common worldly things, 't is called ungrateful,
W'th dull unwillingness to repay a debt
Which with a bounteous hand was kindly lent ;
Much more to be thus opposite with heaven
For it requires the royal debt it lent you.
Riv. Madam, bethink you, like a careful mother.
Of the young prince your son : send straight for him ;
Let him be crowned ; in him your comfort lives :
Drown desperate sorrow in dead Edward's grave.
And plant your joys in living Edward's throne.
Enter Gloster, BucKiNoiiAAf, Stanley, Hastings,
Ratcliff, and others
Glo. Madam, have comfort : all of us have cause
To wail the dimming of our shining star ;
But none can cure their harms by wailing them. —
^Madam, my mother, I do cry you mercy ;
I did not see your grace :~hnmbly on niv knee
I crave your blessing.
Duch. God bless thee ; and put meekness in thy mind
Love, charity, obedience, and true duty !
Glo. Amen ; [ Asidr] nncl make me die a good old man '—
That is the butt-end of a mother's blessing :
I marvel that her grace did leave it out.
Buck. You cloudy princes and heart-sorrov.ing peers
That bear this mutual heavy load of moan, '
103
r
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KING RICHARD III
Act II Sc Ui
Now cheer each other in each other's love :
Though we have spent our harvest of this king,
We arc to reap the harvest of his son.
The broken rancour of your high-swoln hearts,
But lately splintered, knit, and joined together,
Must gently be preserved, cherished, and kept :
Me seemeth good, that, with some little train.
Forthwith from Ludlow the young prince be fetched
Hither to London, to be crowned our king.
Riv. Why with some little train, my Lord of Buckingham?
Buck. Marry, my lord, lest, by a multitude,
The new-healed wound of malice should break out ;
Which would be so much the more dangerous.
By how much the state 's green and yet ungoverned ;
Where every horse bears his commanding rein.
And may direct his course as please himself,
As well the fear of harm as harm apparent.
In my opinion, ought to be prevented.
Glo. I hope the king made peace with all of us ;
And the compact is firm and true in me.
Riv. And so in me ; and so, I think, in all :
Yet, since it is but green, it should be put
To no apparent likelihood of breach,
WTiich haply by much company might be urged :
Therefore I say with noble Buckingham,
That it is meet so few should fetch the prince.
Hast. And so say I.
Glo. Then be it so ; and go we to determine
Who they shall be that straight shall post to Ludlow.
Madam, — and you, my mother, — will you go
To give your censures in this business ?
[Exeunt all but Buckingham and Gloster
Buck. My lord, whoever journeys to the prince.
For God's sake, let not us two stay at home ;
For, by the way, I '11 sort occasion.
As index to the story we late talked of.
To part the queen's proud kindred from the prince.
Glo. My other self, my counsel's consistory,
My oracle, my prophet ! — My dear cousin,
I, like a child, will go by thy direction.
Towards Ludlow then, for we '11 not stay behind.
[Exeunt
Scene III. — London. A Street
Enter two Citizens, meeting
First Cit. Good morrow, neighbour, well met: wliither
away so fast?
Sec. Cit. I promise you, I scarcely know myself :
Hear you the news abroad ?
104
J
'^^^sim^smm-
Act II Sciii
KING RICHARD III
^,^''^^ C//. Ay,— that the kin^ is dead.
Sec. Cit. Ill news, by 'r lady ; seldom comes the better :
I fear, I fear 't will prove a giddy world.
Enter another Citizen
Third Cit. Neighbours, God speed I
■^i'":^^/^''- Give you good morrow, sir.
Ihird Cit. Dolh the news hold of good King Edward's
death ?
Sec. at. Ay, sir, it is too true ; God help, the while !
Tliird Cit. Then, masters, look to see a troul)louR world
First Cit. No, no ; by God's good grace his son shall rfir-n.
Third Cit. Woe to that land that 's governed by a chifd J
Sec. Cit. In him there is a hope of government,
That, in his nonage. Council under him,
And in his full and ripened years himself,
No doubt, shall then, and till then, govern well.
First Cit. So stood the state when Henry the Sixth
Was crov.ned in Paris but at nine months old.
Third Cit. Stood the state so ? No, no, good friends, God
wot ;
For then this land was famously enriched
With politic grave counsel ; then the king
Had virtuous uncles to protect his grace.
First Cit. Why, so hath this, both by his father and
mother.
Third Cit. Better it were they all came by his father
Or by his father there were none at all ; '
For emulation now, who shall be nearest.
Will touch us all too near, if God prevent not.
O, full of danger is the Duke of Gloster !
And the queen's sons and brothers haught and proud •
And were they to be ruled, and not to rule,
This sickly land might solace as before.
First Cit. Come, come, we fear the worst : all will be well
Third Cit. When clouds are seen, wise men put on their
cloaks ;
When great leaves fall, then winter is at hand ;
When the sun sets, who doth not look for night ?
Untimely storms make men expect a dearth.
All may be well ; but, if God sort it so,
'T is more than we deserve, or I expect.
S''c. Cit. Truly, the hearts of men are full of fear ;
Ye cannot reason almost with a man
That looks not heavily and full of dread.
Third Cit. Before the days of chanse, still is it so:
iiy a divme instinct men's minds mistrust
Ensuing danger ; as. by proof, we see
The waters swell before a boisterous storm.
But leave it all to God. — Whither away ?
38-D* 105
T
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•I
i
It ^
KING RICHARD III
Act II Sciv
Sec. at. Marry, we were sent for to the justices.
Third Cil. And so was I : I '11 bear you company.
{Exeunt
Scene IV. — London. A Room in the Palace
Enter the Archhishop of York, the young Dl'ke of York,
Queen Elizabeth, and the Duch:^s of York
Arch. Last nighf. I hear, they lay at Northampton;
At Stony-Stratford will they be to-night :
To-morrow, or next day, they will be here.
Duch. I long with all my heart to see the prince :
I hope he is much grown since last I saw him.
Q. Eliz. But I hear, no ; they say my son of York
Hath almost overta'en him in his growth.
York. Ay, mother ; but I would not have it so.
Duch. Why, m.y young cousin, it is good to grow.
York. Grandam, one night, as we did sit at supper,
My uncle Rivers talked how I did grow
More than my brother : " Ay," quoth my uncle Glostcr,
" Small herbs have grace, great weeds do grow apace : "
And since, methinks, I would not grow so fast.
Because sweet flowers are slow, and weeds make haste.
Duch. Good faith, good faith, the saying did not hold
In him that did object the same to thee ': .
He was the wrctched'st thing when he was young.
So long a-growing and so leisurely.
That, if his rule were true, he should be gracious.
Arch. \Vhy, madam, so, no doubt, he is.
Duch. I hope he is ; but yet let mothers doubt.
York. Now, by my troth, if I had been remembered,
I could have given my uncle's grace a flout,
To touch his growth nearer than he touched mine.
Duch. How, my pretty York ? I prithee, let me hear it.
York. Marry, they say my uncle grew so fast
That he could gnaw a crust at two hours old :
'T was full two years ere I could get a tooth.
Grandam, this would have been a biting jest.
Duch. I prithee, pretty York, who told thee this ?
York. Grandam, his nurse.
Duch. His nurse I why, she was dead ere thou wert born.
York. If 't were not she, I cannot tell who told me.
Q. Eliz. A parlous boy : — go to, you are too shrewd.
Arch. Good madam, be not angry with the child.
Q. Eliz. Pitchers have ears.
Arch. Here comes a messenger.
Enter a Messenger
What news ?
Mess. Such news, my lord, as grieves me to report.
106
Act III Sc i
KING RICHARD III
Q. Eliz. How doth the prince ?
■?f^*!' „r. V^qW, madam, and in health.
Duch. What is thy news then ?
Mess. Lord Rivers and Lord Grey are sent to Pomfret,
With them Sir Thomas Vaughan. prisoners.
Duch. Who hath committed tlicm ?
Mess. The mighty Dukes
Gloster and Buckingham.
Q- f-^li^' For what ofTcnce ?
Mess. The sum of all I can. I have disclosed ;
Why or for what these nobles were committed
Is all unknown to me, my gracious lady.
Q. Eliz. Ay me, I see the downfall of our house J
The tiger now hath seized the gentle hind ;
Insulting tyranny begins to jet
Upon the innocent and awe'ess throne : —
Welcome, destruction, blood, and massacre 1
I see, as in a map, the end of all.
Duch. Accursed and unquiet wrangling days.
How many of you have mine eyes beheld I
My husband lost his life to get the crown ;
And often up and down my sons were tossed.
For me to joy and weep their gain and loss :
And being seated, and domestic broils
Clean over-blown, themselves, the conquerors,
Make war upon themselves ; brother to brother.
Blood to blood, self against self : O, preposterous
And frantic outrage, end thy damned spleen ;
Or let me die, to look on death no more !
Q. Eliz. Come, come, my boy ; we will to sanctuary.—
Madam, farewell.
^"c/i. stay, I will go with you.
Q. Eliz. You have no cause.
A ^^f{!'-x,- , -^^■^' gracious lady, go :
And thither bear your treasure and your goods.
For my part, I '11 resign unto your grace
The seal I keep ; and so betide to me
As well I tender you and all of yours I
Come, I '11 conduct you to the sanctuary. [Exeunt
a
ACT THREE
Scene I.— London. A Street
The trumpets sound. Enter the young Prince, the Dukes
OF Gloster, and BuckixNgham, Cardinal Bourckier
Catesby, and others '
Buck. Welcome, sweet prince, to London, to your chamber.
G/o. Welcome, dear cousin, my thoughts' sovereign :
1 he weary way hath made you melancholy,
107
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KING RICHARD III
Act III Sci
Prince. No, uncle ; but our crosses on the way
Have made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy :
I want more uncles here to welcome me.
Glo. Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years
Hath not yet dived into the world's deceit ;
Nor more can you distinguish of a man
Than of his outward show, wliich, God he knows,
Seldom or never jumpelh with the heart.
Those uncles which you want were dangerous ;
Your grace attended to their sufjnred words,
But looked not on the poison of their hearts :
God keep you from them, and from such false friends I
Prince. God keep me from ialse friends 1 but tiiey were
none.
Glo. My lord, the mayor of London comes to greet you.
Enter the Lord Mayor, and his train
Max], God bless your grace with health and happy days I
Prince. I thank you, good my lord ;— and thank "you all.
I thouglit my mother, and my brother York,
Would long ere this have met us on the way :
Fie, what a slug is Hastings, that he comes not
T(i tell us whether they will come or no I
Buck. And, in good lime, here comes the sweating lord.
Enter Lord Hastings
Prince. Welcome, my lord: what, will our mother
come ?
Hast. On what occasion, God he knows, not I,
The queen your mother, and your brother Y'ork,
Have taken sanctuary : the tender Prince
Would fain have come with me to meet your gi-ace,
But by his mother was perforce withheld.
Buck. Fie, what an indirect and peevish course
Is thi'5 of hers I Lord cardinal, will your grace
Persuad, the queen to send the Duke of York
Unto his princely brother presently ?
If she deny, — Lord Hastings, go with him,
And from her jealous arms pluck him perforce.
Card. My Lord of Buckingham, if my weak oratory
Can from his mother win the Duke of York,
Jixpect him here ; but if she be obdurate
To mild entreaties, God in heaven forbid
We should infringe the holy privilege
Of blessed sanctuary 1 not' for all this land
Would I be guilty of so deep a sin.
Buck. You are too senstless-obslinate, my lord.
Too ceremonious and traditional :
Weigh it but with the grossness of this age,
You break not sanctuary in seizing him.
108
Act III Sc i
KING RICHARD III
The benefit thereof is always granted
To those whose dealings have deserved the place,
And those who have the wit to claim the place :
This prince hath neither claimed it nor deserved it ;
Therefore, in mine opinion, cannot have it :
Then, taking him from thence that is not there,
^ ou break no privile^'e nor charter there.
Oft have I heard of sanctuary men ;
Bill sanctuary children ne'er till now.
Card. My lord, you shall o'er-rule my mind for once.
Come on. Lord Hastini^s, will you go with me ?
Ilasl. I go, my lord.
Prince. Good lords, make all the speedy haste you may.
„ , ^, [Exeunt Cardinal an^i Husiuij's
bay, uncle Gloster, if our brother come,
Where shall we sojourn till our coronation ?
Glo. Where it seems best untw >our royal self.
If I may counsel you, some day or two
Your highness shall repose you at the Tower :
Then where you please and shall be thought most fit
Tor your best health and recreation.
Prince. I do not like the Tower, of any place.
Did Julius Cxsar build that place, my lord ?
■.^r?"f*"" . ^^ ^^^' "^y gracious lord, begin that place ;
vvhich, smce, succeeding ages have re-edified.
Prince. Is it upon record, or else reported
Successively from age to age, he built it ?
Buck. Upon record, my gracious lord.
Prince. But say, my lord, it were not registered,
ZMethinks the truth should live from age to age
As 't were retailed to all posterity, *
Even to the general all-ending day.
Glo. [Aside] So wise so young, they say, do ne'er live
long.
Prince. What say you, uncle ?
Glo. I say, without characters frme lives long
[Aszrfe] Thus, like the formal vice, Iniquity,
I moralise two meanings in one word.
^^r^.L^"^^- ^^^^ Julius Caisar was a famous man :
With Avhat his valorr did enrich his wit.
His wit set down to make his valour live :
Death makes no conquest of this conqueror ;
I'^or now he lives in fame, though not in life. —
I '11 tell you what, my cousin Buckingham,—
Buck. What, my gracious lord ?
Prince. An if I live until I be a man,
I '11 win our ancient right in France again.
Or die a soldier, as I lived a king.
Glo. [Aside] Short summers lightly have a forward
sprinj
109
Y'^ ■
ZSifffV
KING RICHARD III
Act III Sci
Buck. Now, in good time, Iiere comes the Dulce of York.
Enter York, Hastings, and the Cardinal
Prince. Richard of York I how fares our loving brother ?
York. Well, my dread lord ; so must I call you now
Prince Ay, brother,— to our grief, as it is yours :
Too late he died that might have kept that title.
Which by his death hath lost much majesty.
Glo. How fares our cousin, noble Lord of York ?
York. I thank you, gentle uncle. O, my lord.
You said that idle weeds are fast in growth :
The prince my brother hath outgrown me far
Glo. He hath, my lord.
J/^^*" r^ . . ■^"^ therefore is he idle ?
(jjo. O. my fair cousin, I must not say so.
York. Then is he more beholding to you than I.
Glo. He may command me as my sovereign ;
But vou have power in me as in a kinsman.
York. I pray you, uncle, give me this dagger.
Glo. My dagger, little cousin ? with all my heart
Prince. A beggar, brother ?
YorA-. Of my kind uncle, that I know will give :
Being but a toy, which is no grief to give.
Glo. A greater gift than that I '11 give my cousin.
York. A greater gift I O, that 's the sword to it.
Glo. Ay, gentle cousin, were it light enough.
York. O, then, 1 see, you '11 part but with light gifts :
In weightier things you '11 say a beggar nay.
Glo. It is too heavy for your grace to wear.
YorA-. I weigh it lightly, were it heavier.
Glo. What, would you have my weapon, little lord ?
York. 1 would, that I might thank you as you call me
Glo. How ?
York. Little.
Prince. My Lord of York will still be cross in talk:
Uncle, your grace knows how to bear with him.
York. You mean, to bear me, not to bear with me :
Uncle, my brother mocks both you and me ;
Because that I am little, like an ape,
He thinks that you should bear me on your shoulders
Buck. [Aside to Hasting] With what a sharp-provided
wit he reasons I
To mitigate the scorn he gives his uncle.
He prettily and aptly taunts himself:
So cunning and so young is wonderful.
Glo. My lord, will 't please you pass along !
Myself and my good cousin Buckingham
Will to your mother, to entreat of her
To meet you at the Tower and welcome you.
YorA-. What, will you go unto the Tower, my lord ?
110
Act III Sci
KING RICHARD III
Prince. My lord protector needs will have it so.
York. I shall not sleep in quiet at llie Tower.
Glo. Why, what should you fear ?
York. Marry, my . • le Clarence' angry ghosL :
My grandam told me he was murdered there.
Prince. I fear no uncles dead.
Glo. Nor none that live, 1 hope.
Prince. An if they live, I hope I need not fear.
But come, my lord ; and with a heavv heart.
Thinking on them, go I unto the Tow'er.
[A Scnnel. Exeunt all but Glostcr, Buckingham,
and Calesbi/
Buck. Think you, my lord, this little prating York
Was not incensed by his subtle motlier
To taunt and scorn you thus opprobriously ?
Glo. No doubt, no doubt : O, 't is a parlous boy :
Bold, quick, ingenious, forward, capable :
He 's all the mother's, from the top to toe.
Buck. Well, let them rest.— Come hither, Catesby.
Thou 'rt sworn as deep to effect what we intend
As closely to conceal what we impart :
Thou know'st our reasons urged upon the way ;
What think'st thou ? is it not an easy matter
To make William Lord Hastings of our mind,
For the instalment of this noble duke
In the seat royal of this famous isle ?
Gate. He for his father's sake so loves the prince,
That he will not be wuii to aught against him.
Buck. What think'st thou, then, of Stanley ? will not he ?
Gate. He will do all in all as Hastings doth.
Buck. Well, then, no more but this : go, gentle Catesby
And, as it were far off, sound thou Lord Hastings,
How he doth stand affected to our purpose ;
And summon him to-morrow to the Tower,
To sit about the coronation.
If thou dost find him tractable to us.
Encourage him, and show him all our reasons :
If he be leaden, icy-cold, unwilling,
Be thou so too ; and so break off your talk.
And give us notice of his inclination :
For we to-morrow hold divided councils.
Wherein thyself shalt highly be employed.
Glo. Commend me to Lord William : tell him, Catesby,
His ancient knot of dangerous adversaries
To-morrow arc let blood at Pomfret Castle ;
And bid my friend, for joy of this good news,
Give Mistress Shore one gentle kiss the more.
Buck. Good Catesby, go, effect this business soundly.
Gate. My good lords both, with all the heed I can.
Glo. Shall we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep ?
Ill
%*i^'
KING RICHARD III
Act III ScU
Cate. You shall, my lord.
Glo. At Crosby Place, there shall you find us both.
r. f XT . (iix/7 Calesbu
Buck. Now, my lord, vhat shall we do, if we perceive
Lord Hastings will not yield to our complots ?
Glo. Chop off his head, man— somewhat we will do :—
And, look, when I am king, claim thou of me
The earldom of Hereford, and the movables
Whereof the king my brother stood possessed.
Ihick. I '11 claim that promise at your grace's hands
Glo. And look to have it yielded with all kindness
Come, let us sup betimes, that afterwards
We may digest our complots in some form. [Exeunt
Scene II. — Deforc Lord Hastings' House
Enter a Messenger
Mess. My lord 1 mv lord I
Host. [ Within] Who knocks ?
Mess. One from the Lord Stanley.
Jlast. What is 't o'clock ?
Mess. Upon the stroke of four.
Enter Hastings
Hast. Cannot thy master sleep these tediovs niglits ?
Mess. So it appears by that I have to say.
Iirst, he commends biin to your noble sell
Hast. What then ?
Mess. Tiien certifies your lordship that this night
He dreamt the boar had razed off his helm :
Besides he says there are two councils held ;
And that may be determined at the one
Which may make you and him to rue at the other.
Therefore he sends to know your lordship's pleasure —
If presently you will take horse with him
And with all speed po3t with him towards the north
To shun the danger that his soul divines. '
Hast. Go, fellow, go, return unto thy lord :
Bid him not fear the separated councils :
His honour and myself arc at the one.
And at the other is my good friend Catesby ;
Where nothing can proceed that touchelh us
^yhereof I shall not have intelligence.
Tell him his fears are shallow, wanting instance :
And for his dreams, I wonder he 's so fond
To trust tlK- mockery of uiiquieL slumbers :
To lly the boar before the boar pursues
Were to incense the boar 1o follow us
And make pursuit where he did mean no chase.
112
Act III Scii
KING RICHARD III
Go, bid thy master rise and come to me ;
And we will both toRcther to the Tower,
Where, he shall see, the boar will use us kindly.
Mess. I 'II go, my lord, and toll him what you say.
[Exit
Enter Cateshy
Cate. Many good morrows to my noble lord !
llast. (lood morrow, Cafcsby; you arc early stirring:
What news, what nt'ws, in this our tottering state ?
Catc. It is a reeling world, iiuleed, my lord ;
And I billcve 't will never stand upright
Till h.ciiard wear the garland of the realm.
Ilast. I low ! wear the garland I dost thou mean the
crown ?
Cate. Ay, my good lord.
Hast. I '11 have this crown of mine cut from my shoulder?
Ere I will see the crown so foul misplaced.
But canst thou guess that he dotli aim at it ?
Cate. Ay, on my life ; and hopes to find you forward
Upon his party for the gain thereof :
And thereupon he sends you this good news. —
That this same very day your enemies.
The kindred of the queen, must die at Pou t.
Ifast. Indeed, I am no mourner for tlia. news.
Because they have been still my adversaries :
But, that I '11 give my voice on Richard's side
To bar my master's heirs in true descent,
God knows I will not do it, to the death.
Cate. God keep your lordship in that gracious mind !
Hast. But I shall laugh at this a twelve-monlh hence.
That they who brought me in my muster's hate
I live to look upon their tragedy.
I toll thee, (Cateshy, —
Catc. What, my lord ?
[last. Vse a l'orlni;iht make me older,
I "11 send some packing that yet think not on it.
Cute. 'T is a vile thing to die, my gracious lord,
When men are unprepared and look not for it.
Hast. O monstrous, monstrous I and so falls it out
With Rivers, Vaughan, Grey : and so 't will do
With some men else, who think thoniselvos as safe
As thou and I, who, as thou know'st, are dear
To princely Richard aiid to Buckingham.
Catc. The princes both make high account of you ;
[Aside] For they account his head upon the bridr'o
Hast. 1 know they do ; and I have well deserved it.
Enter Lord Stanley
Come on, come on ; where is your boar-spear, man I
Fear you the boar and go so unprovided ?
113
r
KING RICHARD III
Act III Sell
Slan. My lord, fjood morrow; — Rood morrow, Catcsby: —
^ou may jost on. but. |)y Hr. holy rood,
I do not like tluse several eomicils, I
Ilast. My lord.
I hold my life as dear as you do yours ;
And never in my life I do protesl".
Was It more preeious to me Hum t is now :
Think you, hut lijai I know our sUite serurc,
I would be so triumphant as I ;un ?
Stan The lords at Pomfrc I. when Ihey rode from London,
VVcre jocund, and supj)osed their state were sure —
And they indeed had no rause to mistrust -
Rut yet, you see, how soon the day oereast.
T his sudden stab of raneour I misdoubt :
Tray God, I say, I prove a needless coward ! -
NN hat, shall wc toward the Tower? the day is spent
Hast Come, come, have with ymi. Wot you wh.at, my
lord ? " ' J
To-day the lords you talk of are beheaded.
Stan They, for their truth, might better wear their
heads
Than some that have accused them wear their hats,
liut come, my lord, let us away.
Enter a Pursuivant
Ilast. Go on before ; I '11 talk with this good fellow.
„„,.. . , , , {Exeunt Stiinli!/ and Cutesbij
How now, sirrah I how goes the world with thee ''
lurs. Tlie belter that your lordsliip please to ask.
ilast. I tell thee, man, 't is better with me now
Ihan when I met thee last where now wc meet:
Then was I going prisoner to the Tower,
By the suggestion of the queen's allies ;
Hut now, I tell thee— keep it to tliysclf
This day those enemies arc put to death,
And I in better state than e'er I was.
Purs. God hold it, to your honour's good content I
Gramercy, fellow : there, drink that for me.
^ - . I Throws him his purse.
God save your lordship ! [Exit
Enter r Priest
Well met, my lord ; I am glad to sec your honour.
I thank thee, good Sir .John, with all my heart.
1 m in your debt lor your last exercise •
Come tlie next Sabbath, and I will content you.
[He whispers in hi$ car
Enter Buckingham
v«?,w^'- Y'^f' talking with a priest, lord chamberlain ?
^ our friends at Pomfret, they do need the priest ;
114
Hast.
Purs.
Priest.
Iliisl.
'..>»*- -^je*::'*.- 5
Act III Sclv
KING RICHARD III
Your lionour linth no sliriviiiK work in hand.
Jinsl. (;oo(l faith, and when I in*'t this holy man.
Those men you talk of came into tiiy mind.—
What, go you toward the Tower ?
T ^^"n*- .^ ''"• "'y '"'"'' ' ''"^ '""« ' cannot stay there :
I shall return before your lordship thence.
Haift 'Tis like enough, for I slay (iinmr there
liuck [Aside] And supper too, although thou know'st
it not.
Come, will you go ?
^'"*'- I 'I' ^''liL upon your lordship. [Exeunt
Scene HI.— Pomfrct Castle
Enter Sin RrciiARi) Ratcmff. ivilh halberds, carrying
RivEns, Ghey, and Vai-uiian to death
Riv. Sir Richard Ratcliff, let mc tell thee this :
To-day shall thou behold a subject die
For truth, for duty, and for loyalty.
Grey God ' on the prince from all the pack of you 1
A knot you are ( damned blood-suckers.
n°,"^* r.X°" "^'^ ^hat shall cry woe for this hereafter
Jiat. nispatch ; the Imiit of your live., is out
liw. V, Pomfret, Pomfret I O thou bloody prison,
ratal and ommous to noble peers !
Within the guilty closure of thy walls
Richard the Second here was hacked to death •
And, for more slander to thy dismal seat,
We give thee up our guiltless blood to drink
Grey. Now Margaret's curse is fallen ui)on our hends,
For standing by when Richard stabbed her son
Riv. Then cursed she Hastings, then cursed she Bucking-
ham, °
Then cursed she Richard. O, remember. God,
To hear her prayers for tlicm, as now for us 1
And for my sister and her princely sons,
Be satisfied, dear God, with our true blood
Which, as thou know'st, unjustly must be spilt.
liat. Make haste ; the hour of death is expiate
Hio Lome, Grey.— come, Vaughan,— let us all em-
brace :
Farewell, until we meet again in heaven. [Exeunt
Scene IV.— London. A Room in the Tower
Buckingham, Stanley, Hastings, the Bishop op Ely
Ratcliff, Lovel, with others, at a table '
Hast My lords, at once: the cause why we are met
is, to determine of the coronation.
In God's name, speak :— when is the royal day ?
115
KING RICHARD III
Act III Sc iv
Buck. Are all things fitting for that royal time ?
Stan. It is, and wants but nomination.
Ely. To-morrow, then, I judge a happy day.
Buck. Who knows the lord protector's mind herein ?
Who is most inward with the noble duke ?
Ely. Your grace, wc think, should soonest know his mind.
Buck. We know each other's faces ; for our hearts
He knows no more of mine than I of yours, '
Nor I of his, my lord, than you of mine.
Lord Hastings, you and he arc near in love.
Hast. I thank his grace, I know he loves me well •
But, for his purpose in the coronation, '
I have not sounded him, nor he delivered
His gracious pleasure any way therein :
But you, my noble lords, may name the time :
And in the duke's behalf I 'II give my voice.
Which, I presume, he '11 take in gentle part.'
Ely. In happy time, here comes the duke himself.
Enter Gloster
Glo. My noble lords and cousins all, good morrow.
I have been long a sleeper ; but, I trust,
My absence doth neglect no great design,
Which by my presence might have b'^en concluded.
Aur^i"^^' T ^'^^ "°^ ^°" ^^^^^ "P°" yo"'" cue, my lord,
\\ illiam Lord Haslmgs had pronounced your part —
I mean, your voice,— lor crowning of the king.
T r-^'^,^" , {^^" "^y ^°^^ Hastings no man might be bolder :
His lordship knows me well, and loves me well.
My lord of Ely, when I was last in Holborn,
I saw good strawberries in your garden there :
I do beseech you send for some of them.
Ely. Marry, and will, my lord, with all my heart
Glo. Cousm of Buckingham, a word with you.
^ . , , .^ , , ,, [Draivinfj him aside
Catesby hath sounded Hastings in our business.
And finds the testy gentleman so hot.
As he will lose his head ere give consent
His master's son, as worshipful he terms it
Shall lose the royalty of England's throne.'
Buck. Withdraw you hence, my lord, I '11 follow you.
e, ,^, , l-^-^'^ Gloster, Buckingham iollowinq
Stan. We have not yet set down this day of triumph
lo-morrow, ni mine opinion, is too sudden :
For I myself am not so well provided
As else I would be were the day prolonged.
Re-enter Bishop of Ely
Ely. Wliere is my lord the Duke of Gloster ?
I have sent for these strawberries.
110
[Exit
Act III Sc iv
KING RICHARD III
Hast. His grace looks cheerfully and smooth to-day ;
There 's some conceit or other likes him well
When he doth bid good morrow with such spirit.
I think there 's ne'er a man in Christendom
That can less hide his love or hate than he ;
For by his face strait^ht shall you know his heart.
Stan. What of his heart perceive you in his face
By any likelihood he showed to-day ?
Hast. Marry, that with no man here he is offended ;
For, were he, he had shown it in his looks.
Re-enter Glosteh and Buckingham
Glo. I pray you all, tell me what they deserve
That do conspire my death with devilish plots
Of damned witchcra't, and that have prevailed
Upon my body with their hellish charms ?
Hast. The tender love I bear your grace, my lord.
Makes me most forward in this nobl.' presence
To doom the oflenders, whatsoe'er they be :
I say, my lord, they have deserved death.
Glo. Then be your eyes the witness of this ill :
See how I am bewitched ; behold mine arm
Is, like a blasted sapling, withered up :
And this is Edward's wife, that monstrous witch,
Consorted with that harlot strmnpet Shore,
That by their witchcraft thus have marked me.
Hast. If they have done this thing, my gracious lord, —
Glo. If 1 thou protector of this damned strumpet,
Tellest thou me of " ifs " ? Thou art a traitor :
Off with his head 1 Now, by Saint Paul I swear
I will not dine until I see the same.
Lovel and Ratclilf, look that it be done :
The rest, that love me, rise and follow me.
[Exeunt all but nasfir.gs, Ratcliff. and Lovel
Hast. Woe, woe for England 1 not a whit for me ;
For I, too fond, might have prevented this.
Stanley did dream the boar did raze his helm ;
But I disdained it, and did scorn to fly :
Three times to-day my foot-cloth horse did stumble.
And startled, when he looked upon the Tower,
As loth to bear me to the slaughter-house.
O, now I want the priest that spake to me :
! nov' repent I told the pursuivant.
As t were triumphing at mine enemies.
Mow they at Pomfrct bloodily were butchered.
And I myself secure in grace and favour.
O .Margaret, Margaret, now thy heavy curse
Is lighted on poor Hastings' wretched head !
Rat. Dispatch, my lord; the duke would be at dinner:
Make a short shrift ; he longs to sec your head.
117
KING RICHARD III
Act III Sc V
Hasl. O momentary pracc of mortal men.
\Vhich we more hunt for than the grace of C.od!
Who builds his hopes in air oi your fair looks,
Lives like a drunken sailor on a mast,
Ready, with every nod, to tumble down
Into the fatal bowels of the deep.
Lov Come, come, dispatch ; 't is bootless to exclaim.
Jiast. O bloody Richard I miserable EnRland !
I prophesy the fearfull'st time to thee
That ever wretched age hath looked upon.
Come, lead me to the block ; bear him my head •
They smile at me who shortly shall be dead. ' [Exeunt
Scene V. — The Tower-walls
Enter Glosteu and Buckixgham, in rotten armour,
marvdlous ill-favoured
Glo. Come, cousin, canst thou quake, and chance thy
colour, " "^
Murder thy breath in middle of a word,
And then begin again, and slop again,
As if thou wert distraught and mad with terror *>
Buck. Tut. I can counterfeit the deep tragedian ;
^pcak and look back, and pry on every side
Tremble and start at wagging of a straw,
Intending deep suspicion : ghastly looks
Are at my service, like enforce'd smiles ;
And both are ready in their olTices,
At any time, to grace my stratagems.
But what, is Catesby gone ?
Glo. He is ; and, see, he brings the mayor along.
Buck. Let me alone to entertain him.
Enter the Mcujor and Catesby
Lord Mayor, —
Glo. Look to the drawbridge there I
Buck. Hark I a drum.
Glo. Catesby, o'erlook the walls.
Buck. Lord mayor, the reason we have sent for vou-
Glo. Look back, defend thee,— here are enemies ^
Buck, God and our innocence defend and guard us I
Glo. Be patient, they are friends,— RatchfT and Lovel.
Enter Lovel and Ratcliff, with Hastings' head
Lav. Here is the head of that ignoble traitor,
1 he dangerous and unsuspected Hastings.
T f'^°: , -^^ ^*''*'' ^ ^'^"''^'^ ^^^ "^^"' ^'i^it f must weep.
I took him for the plainest harmless creature
That breathed upon this earth a Christian •
Made him my book, wherein my soul recorded
118
JMMM
Act ill Scv
KING RICHARD III
The history of all her secret thoughts :
So smooth he daubed his vice with show of virtue,
That, his apparent open guilt omitted, —
I mean, his conversation witii Shore's wife,
He lived from all attainder of sus])oct.
liiick. Well, well, he was the covtrt'st sheltered traitor
Tliat ever lived.
Would you imagine, or almost believe,—
Were 't not that, by great preservation.
We hvc to tell it you,— the subtle traitor
This day had plotted, in the counoii-liouse
To murder me and my good Lord of Gloster ?
May. What, had he so ?
Glo. What, think you we are Turks or infidels ?
Or that we would, against the form of law.
Proceed thus rashly to the villain's death,
But that the extreme peril of the ca e,
The peace of England and our persons' safety.
Enforced us to this execution ?
May. Now, fair befall you ! he deserved his death -
And you, my good loids, both liave well proceeded
To warn false traitors from the like attempts.
I never looked for better at his hands.
After he once fell in with Mistress Shore.
Glo. Yet had not we determined he should die
Until your lordship came to see his end ;
Which now the loving haste of these our friends.
Somewhat against our meaning, have prevented :
Because, my lord, we would have had you hear
The traitor speak, and timorously confess
The manner and the purpose of his treason ;
That you might well have signified the same
Unto the citizens, who haply may
Misconstrue us in him and wail his death.
May. But, my good lord, your grace's word shall serve
As well as I had seen and heard him speak :
And doubt you not, right noble princes both,
But I '11 acquaint our duteous citizens
With all your just prrceedings in this case.
Glo. And to that end we wished your lordship here.
To avoid the censures of the carping world.
Buck. But since you come too late of our intent,
Yet witness what you hear we did intend :
And so, my good lord mayor, we bid farewell.
^, ^ ,, ,, [E^it Lord Mayor
(iln. Go-, after, after. con^Jin Buckingham.
The mayor towards Guildhall hies him In all post:—
There, at your meetest vantage of the time,
Infer the bastardy of Edward's children :
Tell them how Edward put to death a citizen,
119
r
KING RICHARD III
Act III Scvi
Only for saying he would mako his son
Heir to the crown ; meaning indeed his house.
Which, by the sign thereof, was termed so.
Moreover, urge his hateful luxury,
And bestial appetite in change of lust ;
Which stretched to their servants, daughters, wives,
Even where his lustful eye or savage heart,
^yithout control, listed to make a prey.
Xay. for a need, thus far come near my person :—
Tell them, when that my mother went with child
Of that unsatiate Edward, noble York
My princely father then had wars in iMance ;
And, by just computation of the time.
Found that the issue was not his betiot ;
Which well appeared in his lineaments,
Being notiiing like the noble duke my father:
liut touch this sparingly, as 'twere far oil' ;
Because you know, my lord, my mother lives.
Buck. Fear not, my lord, I '11 play the orat .
As if the golden fee for which I plead
Were for myself : and so, my lord, adieu.
Glo. If you thrive well, bring them to Baynard's Castle ;
Where you shall find me well accompanied
With reverend fathers and Mell-learned bishops.
Bii<^k. I go ; and towards three or four o'clock
Look for the news that the Guildhall allords. [Exit
(do. Go, Lovel, with all speed to Doctor Shaw, —
[To Caie.] Go thou to Friar Penker ;— bid them both
Meet me within this hour at Baynard's CasLle.
[li.reunt all but Glosler
iNow will I in, to take some privy order.
To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight ;
And to give notice, that no manner person
Have any time recourse unto the princes. [Exit
Scene VI.— The Same. A Street
Enter a Scrioener. with a paper in his hand
Scriv. This is the indictment of the good Lord H;;stings ;
Which in a set hand fairly is engrossed.
That it may be this day read o'er in Paul's.
And nicTk how well the sequel hangs togctiier: —
Eleven hours I spent to write it over,
For yesternight by Catesby was it brought me ;
The precedent was full as long a-doing :
And yet within these live hours Hastings lived,
Untainted, unexamined, iree, at liberty.
Here 's a good world the while ! Why who 's so gross.
That cannot see this palpable device ?
Yet who 's bold, but says he sees it not ?
120
Act in Scvii
KING RICHARD III
Bad is the world ; and all will come to nauRht,
Wlien such ill dealing must be seen in thought. [Exit
Scene VII.— Court of Baynard's Castle
Enter Gloster and Buckingham, at several doors
Glo. How now, how now 1 what say the citizens ?
Buck. Now, by the holy mother of our Lord,
The citizens ar" mum, say not a word.
Glo. Touched you the bastardy of Edward's children?
Buck. I did ; with this contract with Lady Lucy,
And his contract by deputy in France ;
The insatiate greediness of his desires,
And his enforcement of tlie city wives ;
Mis tyranny for trifles ; his own bastardy, —
As being got, your father then in France,
And his resemblance, being not like the duke :
Withal I did infer your lineaments, —
Being the right idea of your father.
Both in your form and nobleness of mind ;
Laid open all your victories in Scotland,
Your discipline in war, wisdom in peace,
Your bounty, virtue, fair humility ;
Indeed, left nothing fitting for the purpose
Untouched, or slightly handled, in discourse :
And when mine oratory grew toward end,
I bid them that did love their country's good
Cry " God save Richard, England's royal king I "
Glo. And did they so?
Buck. No, so God help me, they spake not a word ;
But, like dumD statuas or breathing stones.
Stared each on other, and looked deadly pale.
Which when I saw, I reprehended them ;
And asked the mayor what ...oant this wilful silence :
His answer was, the people were not wont
To be spoke to but by the recorder.
Then he was urged 1o tell my tale again,
" Thus saith the duke, thus hath the duke inferred ; "
But nothing spake in warrant from himself.
When he had done, some followers of mine own.
At lower end of the hall, hurled up their caps,
And some ten voices cried " God save King Richard ! "
And thus I took the vantage of those few,
" Thanks, gentle citizens and friends," quoth I ;
" This general applause and loving shout
Argues your wisdoms and your love to Richard : "
And even here brake off, and catne away.
Glo. What tongucless blocks were they I would they not
speak ?
121
KING RICHARD III
Act III Scvl
Buck. No. by my troth, my lord.
Glo. Will not the mayor then and his brotiiren come *>
Buck. The mayor is litre at liand: intend some fear :
Be not you spoke with, but ])y n)if,'hty suit :
And look you get a prayer-book in your hand.
And stand betwixt two churchmen, good my lord :
For on that ground I *11 build a holy descant :
And be not easily won to our request :
Play the maid's part,— still answer nay, and take it.
o/o. I go ; and if you plead as well for them
As I can say nay to thee for myself.
No doubt we 11 bring it to a happy issue.
Buck. Go, go, up to the leads ; the lord mavor knocks
\Exit
Gtoslcr
Enter the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens
Welcome, my lord : I dnncc attendance here :
I thmk the duke will not be spoke withal.
Enter from the Castle Gates by
Here comes his servant: how now, Catesbv
What says ho ? '^'
Cale. My lord, he doth entreat your grace
To visit him to-morrow or next day :
He is within, with two right reverend fathers
Divinely bent to meditation ; '
And in no worldly suit would he be moved
To draw him from his holy exercise
Buck. Return, good Catesby, to the gracious duke ;
Tell him, myself, the mayor and aldermen.
In deep designs and matters of great moment
No less importing than our general good.
Are come to have some conference with his grace
Gate I '11 signify so much unto him straight. * \Exit
Buck. Ah, ah, my lord, this prince is not an Edward I
He is not lolling on a lewd day-bed,
But on his knees at meditation ;
Not dallying with a brace of courtesans,
But meditating with two deep divines ;
Not sleeping, to engross his idle body,
But praying, to enrich his watclilul soul:
Happy were England, would this gracious prince
lake on himself the sovereignly thereof:
But, sure. I fear, wc shall not vin him to 't
May. Marry, God forbid his grace should say us nay 1
Buck. I fear he will. Here Catesby comes again.
Re-enter Catesby
Now, Catesby, what says his grace ?
Gate. He wonders to wliat end you have assembled
122
Act III Scvii
KING RICHARD III
[Exit Calcsbif
Such troops of citizens to come to him,
His grace not being warned thcn-of before :
He fears, my lord, you mean no «ood to iiim.
Buck, Sorry I am my noble cousin should
Suspect me, that I mean no good to him ;
By heaven, we come to him in perfect love ;
And so once more return and tell his f;race.
When holy and devout religious men
Are at their beads, 't is h ird to draw them thence,—
So sweet is zealous contemplation.
Enter Gloster aloft, between two Bishops. Catesby returns
May See, where he stands between two clergymen '
Buck Two props of virtue for a Ciiristian prince.
To stay him from the fall of vanity :
And, see, a book of prayer in his hand,
True ornament to know a holy man. —
Famous Plantagenet, most gracious prince,
Lend favourable ears to our request ;
And pardon us the interruption
Of thy devotion and right Christian zeal.
Glo. My lord, there neeas no such apology :
I rather do beseech you pardon me.
Who, earnest in the service of my God,
Neglect the visitation of my friends.
But leaving this, what is your grace's pleasure ?
Buck Even that, I hope, which pleaseth God above,
And all good men of this ungoverned isle.
Gto. I do suspect I have done some ollence
That seems disgracious in the city's eyes.
And that you come to reprehend my ignorance.
Buck. You have, my lord: would it might please your grace
At our entreaties, to amend that fauP ! j b ,
Glo. Else wherefore breathe I in a Christian land f
Buck. Know then, it is your fault that you resign
ihe supreme seat, the throne majcstical,
The sceptered office of your ancestors.
Your state of fortune and your due of b'-th,
The lineal glory of your royal house.
To the corruption of a blemished stock :
Whilst, in the mildness of your sleepy thoughts-
Which here we waken to our countrv's good —
This noble isle doth want her proper "limbs ;
Her face defaced with scars of infamy.
Her royal stock graft with ignoble plants,
And .almost shouldered in the swallowing gulf
Of dark forgctfulncss and deep oblivion.
Which to recure, we heartily solicit
Your gracious self to take on you the charge
And kingly government of this your land"; —
123
m^^'x^fffsn
KING RICHARD III
Act III Sc vii
Not as protector, steward, substitute,
Or lowly factor for another's gain :
But as successively, from blood to blood,
Your right of birth, your empery, your own.
For this, consorted with tlic citizens.
Your very worshipful and loving friends,
And by their vehement instigation.
In this just suit come I to move your grace.
Glo. I cannot tell If to depart in silence
Or bitterly to speak in your reproof
Best fitteth my degree or your condition :
If not to answer, you might haply think
Tongue-tied ambition, not replying, yielded
To bear the golden yoke of sovereignty,
Which fondly you would here impose on me ;
If to reprove you for this suit of yours,
So seasoned with your faithful love to me,
Then, on the ether side, I checked my friends.
Therefore, to speak, and to avoid the first.
And then, in speaking, not to incur the last.
Definitively thus I answer you.
Your love deserves my thanks ; but my desert
Unmeiitable shuns your high request.
First, if all obstacles were cut away.
And that my path were even to the crown.
As the ripe revenue and due by birth ;
Yet so much is my poverty of spirit,
So mighty and so many my defects.
As I had rather hide me from my gr-^atness, —
Being a bark to brook no mighty sea.
Than in my greatness covet to be hid,
And in the vajjour of my glory smothered.
But, God be thanked, there is no need of me,
And much I need to help you, if need were ; —
The royal tree hath left us royal fruit,
AVhich, mellowed by the stealing hours of time.
Will well become the seat of majesty,
And make, no doubt, us happy by his reign.
On him I lay what you would lay on me, —
The right and fortune of his hnppy stars ;
Which God defend that I should wring from him I
Buck. My lord, this argues conscience, in your grace
But the respects thereof are nice and trivial,
All circumstances well considered.
You say that Edward is your brother's son :
So say we too, but not by Edward's wife ;
For xirst he was contract to Lady Lucy —
Your mother lives a witness to his vow, —
And afterwards by substitute betrothed
To Bona, sister to the King of France.
124
Pll^J^i^tii^mS^..
Act III Scvii
KING RICHARD III
These both put by, a poor petitioner,
A care-crazed mother of a many children,
A beauty-waning and distressed widow.
Even in the afternoon of her best days,
Made prize and purchase of his wanton eye.
Seduced the pitcli and height of liis dccjrce
To base declension and loathed bigamy :
By her, in his unlawful bed, he got
This Edward, whom our manners call the prince.
More bitterly could I expostulate.
Save that, for reverence to some alive,
I give a sparing limit to my tongue.
Then, good my lord, take to your royal self
This proffered benefit of dignity ;
If not to bless us and tlie land withal.
Yet to draw forth your noble ancestry
From the corruption of abusing time.
Unto a lineal true-derived course.
May. Do, good, my lord ; your citizens entreat
you.
Buck. Refuse not, mighty lord, this pro (Te red love.
Cate. O, make them joyiul, grant their lawful suit I
Glo. Alas, why would you heap tiicse cares on me ?
I am unfit for state and majesty : —
I do beseech you, take it not amiss ;
I cannot nor i will not yield to you.
Buck. If you refuse it, — as, in love and zeal.
Loth to depose the child, your brother's sou ;
As well we know your tenderness of heart.
And gentle, kind, effeminate remorse.
Which we have noted in you to your kin,
And egally indeed to all estates, —
Yet whether you accept our suit or no.
Your brother's son shall never reign our king ;
But we will plant some other in the throne,
To the disgrace and downfall of your house :
And in this resoiuLion lu>re we leave you. —
Come, citizens: zounds, I 11 en.. °at no more.
Glo. O, do not swear, my lord of Buckingl;am.
[Exit Buckingham with some of the Citizens
Gate. Call them again, sweet prince, accept their suit.
If you deny them all the land will rue it.
Glo. Would you enforce me to a world of care ?
Call them again. [Catesbij goes to the Mayor, etc., and then
exit.] I am not made of stones.
But penetrable to your kmd entreats.
Albeit against my conscience and my soul.
Re-enter Buckingham and Catesby, the Mayor, etc, coming
forward
125
KING RICHARD III
Act IV Sc i
Cousin of IJuckinRliam. and you snoc. crave men
Since you will buckle fortune on my back
I o bear her burden, whether I will or no,
I must have patience to endure the load •
liut If black scandal or foul-faced reproach
Attend the sequel of your imposilioii,
\our niere enforcement shall acquittance me
•rom all the impure blots and stains Iheivof •
I'or God He knows, and you mi;v i)artly see,
now far I am from the desire of this.
May. God bless your grace ! we see it, and will sav it
iilo In saymf,'so, youshallbutsay the triilh ' '
Buck. Then I salute you with this'kinolv tlMe-
Lonj; hve Kinj,' Richard, England's worthy "king' '
Mai/. (111,1 Cii. Amen.
niick. To-morrow may it please you to I>e crowned "
JiicL. To-morrow, then, we will attend vour L'race •
And so most joyfully we take our leave ' '
(>lo. (.ome. let us to our holv task :!"ain —
farewell, good cousin ;— farewell; gentle friends. [Exeunt
ACT FOUR
Scene I.— London. Before the Tower
Enter, on one side. Queen Elizabeth, Duchess of Yobk
«n.MARQUEss OF DousET .• On the other, An.xe, Drr fu ss
OF GLosTEn, leadinc, Lvov Maroare; Plantvgenet
Clahexce's young Dnwjhtcr ^iniagenet,
Z)ar// \Vho meets us here ? my niece Plnntagenct
Led m the hand of her kind aunt of Gloster"' ^
Now, for my life, she 's wandering to the Tower.
On pure hear s love, to greet the tender princes
Daughter, well met. ^ "'^i-a.
A K ''"'"■ , . , ^^^ gi'^'e your graces both
A happy and a joyful time of day '
tnni'"' ^-^Y'^X^^' ^?, ^'•'"' S^^'^ sister • \Vhilher away ">
Anne No farther than the Tower ; and as I mwK^
Lpon the like devotion as yourselves ' ^ "''
lo pratulate the gentle princes there.
Q. hliz. Kind sister, thanks: we'll enter all to-ethrr
And, m good time, here the lieutenant comes. ^°°'^^'^'^-
Enter Buakexbuuy
rtow doth the prmce, and mv vouhp son of Yo"'- ■>
^>rau. Right well, dear n^adam. ^ By your patience
I may not suiler you to visit them ; ^ P-i^'c^ice,
.he kmg hath strailly charged the contrary,
y. i:.az . ihe king ! who 's that ?
126
M€^^m^s:^
. ±_ll- fh^^ik!^LjL^.^i^t^'^*
Act IV Sc i
KING RICHARD III
nrak. I in-an the lord protector.
ijH\ ^r^''- "''^ ^"'"'' ■"•^•i^^t '>'"> from thnt kingly title
Hath he set bounds between their love and me >
I am their mother ; who shall bar me from Ih-ni f
Duch. I am their father's mother ; I w!:. see Uiem
j^nne. Their aunt I am in law, in love tlicir inolii-r :
Then brmj; me to their sights ; I '11 bear thy blame
And take thy odice from thee, on my peril!
lirak. No, madam, no,— T may r.ot leave it so :
I m bound by oath, and therefore pardon me. \Ei
it
Enter SrANLKV
A "^/"t"',, ^^^^ '"^' '^""^ '"''^'^ >'"'"' •'"<li<^s, one hour hence,
And I 11 saJute your grace of York as motlier.
And reverend h)oker on. of two fair queens.
[To Anni'\ Come, madam, you must straight to West-
minster,
There to be crowned Richard's royal queen.
^Q- ^^''-- Ah, cut my lace in sunder.
That my pent heart may have some scope to beat
Or else I swoon with this dead-killing news !
Anne. Despiteful tidings ! O unpleasing news I
^or Be of good cheer :— mother, how fares your fracc *>
Q. Lliz O Dorset, speak not to me, get thee hence!
Death and destruction dog thee at tlie heels ;
Thy mother's name is ominous to children.
If thou wilt outstrip death, go cross the seas
And live with Richmond, from the reach of tiell:
Go, hie thee, hie thee, from this slaughter-house,
Lest thou increase the number of the dead.
And make me die the thrall of Margarol's curse,—
Nor mother, wife, nor England's counted queen.'
T f^\ J"" of wise care is this your counsel, madam.—
lake all the swift advantage of the liours •
\ou shall have letters from me to mv son '
In your behalf, to meet you on the way :
Be not ta'en tardy by imwise delay.
Duch. O ill-dispersing wind of misery 1 —
my accursed womb, the bed of death I
A cockatrice hast thou hatched to the world,
\\hose unavoided eye is murderous.
Stan. Come, madam, come ; I in all haste was sent.
Anne. And I in all unwillingness will go
1 would to God that the inclusive verge
Of golden metal that must round my Tjrow
Wore rcd-liot steel, to sear me to the JMaln I
Anointed let me be with deadly venom,
And die, ere men can s;*y. God save liie queen !
Q. Lliz. Go, go, poor soul, I eiavy not thy glory ;
To feed my humour, wish tliysclf no harm.
127
KING RICHARD III
Act IV Sc ii
■;■■ jf •
Anne. No ! why ? — When he that Is my husband now
Came to mc, as I followed l^k-nry's corse,
When scarce Ihe blood was well washed from his hands
Which issued from n»y otlier angel husband
And that dead saint which then 1 weepiny followed ;
O. when, I say, I looked on Richard's face,
This was my wish, — " Be thou," quoth I, " ac( iirsed,
For making me, so young, so old a wiilow I
And, when thou wcd'st, let sorrow haunt thy bed ;
And be thy wife — if any be so mad —
As miserable by the life of Ihec
As thou hast made me by my dcp- ord's death I "
Lo, ere I can repeat this curse a^.- .>,
liven in so short a space, my woman's heart
Grossly grew captive to his honey words,
And proved the subject of mine own soul's curse,
Which ever since liath k«pt mine eyes from rest ;
For never yet one hour in his bed
Have I enjoyed the golden dew of sleep.
But have been waked by his timorous dreams.
Besides, he liates me for my fatlier \Varwick ;
And will, no doubt, shortly be rid of me.
Q. Eliz. Poor heart, adieu ! I pity lliy complaining.
Anne. No more than from my suul 1 mourn for yours.
Q. Eliz. Farewell, thou woful wclcomer of glory !
Anne. Adieu, poor soul, that tak'sl thy leave of it !
Duch. [To Dorset] Go thou to Riclimond, and good
fortune guide thee I
[ To Anne] Go thou to Richard, and good angels guard Ihce 1
[To Queen Eli:.] Go thou to sanctuary, and good thoughts
possess thee !
I to my grave, where peace and rest lie with me !
Eighty odd years of sorrow have I seen,
And each hour's joy wrecked with a week of teen.
Q. Eliz. Stay, yet look back with me unto the Tower. —
Pity, you ancient stones, those tender bubes
Whom envy hath immured within your walls,
Rough cradle for such little pretty ones I
Rude r.'.gged nurse, old sullen playfellow
For tender princes, use my babies well I
So foolish sorrow bids your stones farewell. [Exeunt
Scene II. — London. A Room of State in the Palace
Sennet. Enter RiciiARn, croamed ; Dcckixgiiam,
Catesby, a Page, and others
K. Rich. Stand all apart.— Cousin of Buckingham, —
Buck. My gracious sovereign ?
K.Rich. Give me thy hand. [Ascendeth the throne.] Thus
high, by thy advice
128
Act IV Sc ii
KING HICHAHD III
And thy assistance, is KIhr Hlthartl seated:
IJul shall we wear Uu-sc h;jiiours for a day ?
Or sh;'.ll they last, and we rejoice in then"! ?
liuck. Slill li • they and for ever let lliem I ist I
A. Hich O liackinKhain. „ow do I play the loueii.
To try if thou be lurreiiL «<»!(! iiuKed :—
YounR ICdward lives : think now what I would spoak
liuik. Say on. my loving lord.
A', liich. Why, liiKkiii«ham, I say, I wouh' he kini'.
liuck. Why, so you are, my thri-e n nowiu'd Vu-<u-
K. Rich Ha I am I king ? 't is so : - but Ldwar.l lives.
JJuck. True, nolde prince.
„./':/!'.''''• . ..„ , O bitter consequence,
II hat hdward sfill should live 1 " True, noble prince I "—
i.ousm, thou wert not wont to be so dull :
Shall I be i»lain V— I wish the bastards «lead ;
And I would have it suddenly performed.
What sayst thou now ? speak suddenly ; br, brief
Buck. Your grace may do your pleasure.
h liicli Tut. tut. thou art all ice, thy kindness freezes :
Say, have I thy consent that they shall die ?
IJuck. Give me some breath, some little pans.-, my lord,
Ik- fore I positively speak heri'in : i - j .
I will resolve your grace immediately, i/.-t//
Gate. [Aside to a sUmdcr-bij] The king is angry: see he
bites the lip. '' '
K. Rich. I will converse with iron-willed fools
.„,,,. ,. , {l^c^icmda jrom his throne
And unrcspectivo boys . none ure for me
That look into me with considerate eyes:
High-reaching Buckingham grows circumspect —
Boy ! —
Page. My lord ?
A'. Rich. Know'st thou not any whom corrupting gold
\\ould tempt unto a close exploit of death ? ' =" !=
i'age. My lord. I know a discontented genlleman
Whose humble means match not his haughty mind •
Gold were as good as twenty orators.
And will, no doubt, tempt him to any thinf
A'. Rich. What is his name ?
^u'^'-^n- u T .. , His name, my lord, is Tvm-1.
A. Rich. I partly know the man : go, call him hillar.
The deep-revolving witty Buckingham " ""'''
No more shall be the neighbour to my counsels:
Hath he so long held fMit v-ith mc unlirtd
And stops he now for breath ?— Weil, be 'it so.
Enter St.wley
How now! what news with vou ?
38 — E
12a
KING RICHARD III
Act IV Sc II
Stan My lord. I hear the Marquis Dorset 's fled
10 Richmond, in those parts beyond the seas
Where he abides. [Stands apart
Tw f t^ome hither, Catesby I Rumour it abroad
That Anne, my wife, is very grievous sick :
I will take order for her keeping close.
Inquire me out some mean-born gentloman
Whom I will marry straight to Clarence' daughter :—
The boy is foohsh, and I fear not him —
Look, how thou dream'st I— I say again, give out
That Anne, my wife, is sick and like to die :
About it ; for it stands me much upon,
To stop all hopes whose growth may damage me.
I must be married to my brother's daughter '"^' ^ " ^
Or else my kingdom stands on brittle gl:<ss -^
Murder her brothers, and then marry her '
Uncertain way of gain I But I am in
So far in blood, that sin will pluck on sin •
Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye.
Re-enter Page, with Tyrkel
Is thy name Tyrrel ?
Tyr James Tyrrel, and your most obedient subject
A. Rich. Art thou, indeed ?
V'^'^h;.! T^ . wi- ^''"^'? ^^' "^>' gracious soverdgr..
A. Rich Dar St thou resolve to kill a friend of mine f
lyr. Ay, my lord ;
But I had rather kill two enemies.
A'. Rich. Why, there thou hasc it : two deep enemies.
Foes to my rest and my sweet sleep's disturbers
Are they that I would have thee deal upon •— '
Tyrrel, I mean those bastards in the Tower.
'lijr. Let me have open means to come to them.
And soon I '11 rid you from the fear of them
K. Rich. Thou sing'st sweet music. Hark, come hither
1 yrrel : '
Go, by this token :--rise, and lend thine ear
There is no more but so :— say it is done,
And I will love thee, and prefer thee for it.
Tijr. 'Tis done, my gracious lord.
K. Rich. Shiill we hear from thee, Tyrrel
Tijr, Yc shall, my lord.
Re-enter Bucki- -uam
Buck. My lord, I have conside in my mind
The late demand that you did so; d ire in
K. Rich Weil let that pass. F. is. ;led to Richmond
Buck. I hear that news, my lord.
K. Ricli. Stanley, he is your wife's son :— well, look to it.
130
[ Whispers
ere vv-e sleep ?
[Exit
Act IV Sc iii
KING RICHARD III
, '■ <'°;W™i of Hereford ,md the mov4 ,b e '
A- S y°';PTif 1 I should possS
D,d pre I„.,y lh;,t )!iehmond should h^'ki ,g,^
iiuc/f. My lord ' —
^^^ i';;c,,.^'^,Ji;:hVo"„;i^i'°^^-,S ?tL-ifSe7er
The mayor in courtesy showed me the -astl '
And called .t Rougemont : at ^vhlcl nam. l\f ,w ,
\T'T, " ^.^^.^ °^ ^'-'''^"^^ told me on " '^"'^'^^'
l;":^i^^?iVrri^"i'^^^^^^--^^^^^^^^^^
A. /{/c/j. Ay, what 's o'clock '>
Jiun. I am thus bold to put your f^race in minH
Of what you promised me. ° "'"
|^|.'%pon the stroke of^n"' ''"' '''^'' '^ ^'^''^^''^ '
Buck. Why let It strike ■> ^^'". l"^' H strike.
''■ 's'trolce ""'"'" """• ■""= ^ ■">='- "■»" koep'st the
^ctc..-i^;oXSe's7,^-7-r;;„ri^^^
^i"cA-. Is it even so ■> rewardf 1u"m!v '/ ^"^ ^^'''■■•^•'■"://'""'
lo Liocknock. ^vh,le my fearful head is on. [Exit
Scene III.— Another Room in the Palace
Enter Tyiuiel
Ti,T^^' P^^ tyrannous and bloody d^ cd is dono
The most arch act of piteous massLre "''""
^i.to c-.ti yet tnis land was cuiltv of
Dighton and Forrest, whom I did si born
io do this ruthless piece ot butchery
'though they were lleshed
villains, bloody dogs.
131
KING RICHARD III
Act IV Sc iU
Mcltina Willi tenderness and kind compassion.
Wepl like two children in their deaths' sad story.
" ho thus," quoth Dighton, " lay tiiose tender bnbes : "
" Thus, thus," quoth Forrest, " girdling one another
^^ilhin their innocent alabaster arms :
Their lii)s were four red roses on a stalk,
\Vhich in their summer beauty kissed each other.
A book of prayers on their inflow lay ;
Which once," quoth Forrest, " almost champed my mind ;
But O 1 the devil "—there the villain stoppVd ;
Whilst Dighton thus told on:—" We smolhercd
The most replenislicd sweet work of nature
That from the prime creation e'er she framed."
Hence both are ^one with conscience and remorse ;
They could not speak ; and so I left them both.
To bring this tidings to the bloody king :—
And here he comes.
Enter King Richard
All health, my sovereign liege I
K. Rich. Kind Tyrrel. am I hr.ppy in thv news ?
Tur. If to have done the thing you gave "in charge
Beget your hapjiiness, be happy then,
For it is done.
A', liich. But didst thou see them dead ?
Tijr. I did. my lord.
J'^- Jiicfi- And buried, gentle Tvrrel ?
Tyr. The chaplain of the Tower haili buried them ;
But where, to say the truth, I do not know.
7v. liich. Come to me, Tyrrel, soon at after supper,
When Ihou shall tell the process of their death.
.Meantime, but think how I may do thee good,
.\n(l be inheritor of thy desire.
r'arewell till then. [Exit Tyrrel
The son of Clarence have I pent up close ;
His daughter meanly have I malciied in marriage ;
The sons of Edward sieep in Abrali;im"s bosom,
.\nd Anne my wife balh bid the world good night.
Now, for I know the Breton Richmond ;iims
At young Elizabeth, my brother's dauj^hler.
And, by that knot, looks proudiv on tlie crown,
To her I go, a jolly thriving wooer.
Enter Catesuy
Calc. My lord,—
K. Jlich. Good news or bad, that thou com'st in so
bluntly ?
Gate. B;Hi news, my lord : l-:iy is fled to Richmond ;
And Buckingham, backed Avith the harlv Welslmien,
Is in the lield, and slil! his power increaseth.
132
Act IV Sc iv
KING RICHARD III
K. Rich. Ely with Richmond troul)los me more near
T' m Buckingham and his rasli-leviod strcnath,
Coiiie, — I have learned that fearful commenlin"
Is leaden servitor to dull delay ; "
Delay leads impotent and snail-paced beggary :
Then fiery expedition be my wiua,, °
Jove's Mercui-y, and herald for a king!
Come, muster men : my counsel is my shield ;
We must be brief when traitors brave the field. [Exeunt
Scene IV.— Before the Palace
Enter Queen Margaret
Q. Mar. So, now prosperity begins to mellow
And drop into the rotten mouth of death.
Here in these confines slily have I lurked,
To watch the waning of mine enemies.
A dire induction am I witness to,
And will to France ; hoping the consequence
\\ ill prove as bitter, black, and tragical - -
Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret : who comes here ?
Enter Quei:n Elizabeth and the Duchess of York
Q. Eliz. Ah, my young princes I ah, my tender babes .'
-My unblown flowers, new-ai)pearing sweets 1
If yet your gentle souls fly in the air
And be not fixed in doom perpetual.
Hover about me with your aii-y wings
And hear your mother's lamentation !
Q-Mar. [Aside] Hover about her ; say, that right for right
Hath dimmed your infant morn to aged night.
Z)uc/j. So many miseries have crazed mv voice
That my woe-wearied tongue is still and mute '
Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead •>
r 9 ^\'"i' M'"^'"' Pl''^ntagenet doth quit Plantagenet,
Edward for Edward pays a dying debt
A ^," H!'-- .y"^ '^'^*^"' ^ *^«'^' "y ^''"i" such gentle lambs
And throw them in the entrails of the wolf '»
When didst Thou sleep, when such a deed was done '
nnl,?'' rSr "f '• Yl''''} ^"/^ ^''''^ '^^^^'' «"^ ^y sweet son.
Dach. Blind sight, dead life, poor mortal living ghost
Woe s scene, world's shame, grave's due by life usui^.ed,
Brief abstract and record of tedious days
Rest thy unrest on England's lawful earth, [Sittina down
L nlawfully made drunk with innocents' blood f ^
A Hu^^''' ^V'.^^iat thou wouldst as well aflord a grave
As thou canst yield a melancholy seat I
'Then would I hide my bone^, not rest them here
Ah, who hath any cause to mourn but I ?
[Sitting down by her
133
KING RICHARD III ^ct IV Sc iv
Q. Mar. [Com\:g forivard] If ar-;. • t sorrow be most
reverend.
Give mine the benefit of son lory,
And lot my griefs frovn on tlie upper linnd.
If sorrow can admit sodety, [Silliiuj down with them
lell o or your woes a-^ain by viewing mine :—
I had an Edward, till a Uiehard killed him ;
I had a Harry, till a Richard liillcd him :
Thou hadst an Edward, till a Richard killed him •
Thou hadst a Richard, till a Richard killed him
Diich. I had a Richard too. and thou didst kill him •
1 had a lUitland too. fhou holp"st to kill him.
Q. Mar. Thou hadst a Clarence too, and Rachard killed
him.
From forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept
A hell-hound that doth hunt us all to death :
That dog, that had his teeth before liis eyes,"
To worry lambs and lap their g<-n[]c bhxnl ;
That foul defacer of God's handiwork ;
That excellent grand tyrant of the earth.
That reigns in galled eyes of weeping souls. —
Thy womb let loose, to chase us to our graves. —
O upright, just, and true-disposing God,
How do I thank Thee, that this carnal cur
Preys on the issue of his mother's body,
And riakes her i)ew-fellow with others' moan I
Duch. O Harry's wife, triumph not in my woes !
God witness with me, I have wept for thine.
Q. Mar. Bear with me ; I am hungry for revenue
And now I cloy me with beholding it. '
Thy Edward he is dead, that stabbed my Edward ;
Thy other Edward dead, to quit my Edward ;
Young York he is but boot, because both they
Match not the high perfection of my loss:
Thy Clarence he is dead that killed my Edward ;
And the beholders of this tragic play.
The adulterate Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey,
Untimely smothered in their dusky graves.
Richard yet lives, hell's black intelligencer,
Only reserved their factor, to buy souls
And send them thither:— but at hand, at hand.
Ensues his piteous and unpilied end :
Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar, saints pray.
To have him suddenly conveyed away.
Cancel his bond of life, dear God, I pray,
Tliat I may live to say, The dog is dead !
Q. Eli:. O, thoii didst prophesy the time would
come
That I should wish for thee to help me curse
That bottled spider, that foul bunch-backed toad!
134
Act IV Sc iv
KING RICHARD III
T P?r^ n \^^"^^ thee then, vain nourish of my fortune
I cahcd thee then poor shadow, painted queen : '
The prescntahon of but what I was,
1 he flattering index of a direful paRoant •
One heaved a-hifih, to be hurled down bc'low :
A mother only mocl<ed with two sweet l)ahcs •
A dream of what thou wert ; a brcatli, a bul>blc •
A sign of dignity, a garish flag
To be the aim of everv dangerous shot •
A queen in jest, only to liil the > enc '
Wh^r u ?J »;"^i^«»^I "ow ? where be thy brothers ">
\\here be thy two sons ? wherein dost thou i„v >
\\ho sues to thee, and cries, " God save the muT-n " ?
Where be the bending peers that flattered thee '
\Vhcre be the thronging troops that followed thee ?
Decline all this, and see wliat now thou art •
For happy wife, a most distressed widow • *
l;or joyful mother, one that wails the name •
Por queen, a very caitifl crowned with care •'
For one being sued to. one that humblv sues •
For one that scorned al me, now scorned of nie :
l;or one being feared of all, now fejiin- one •
For one commanding all, o!,cyed of none. '
And left thee but a very prey to time •
Haying no more but thought of what thou wert,
To tor ure thee the more, being what thou art.
Ihou didst usurp my place, and dost thou not
Usurp the just proportion of mv sorrow '>
Now thy proud neck bears half mv burdened voke •
From which even here I slip mv wearv neck '
And leave the burden of it all on thee'
Farewell, York's wife, and queen of sad mischance •- -
These English woes will mak. me smile in France *
A Ji" i u ^ 1^°" ^^'^" ^^'"^'1 '" ^-^'^st's. Stay awhile
And teach me how to curse mine enemies !
Q. Mar Forbear to sleep the night, and fast the dav •
Compare dead happiness with living woe : ^ '
Think that thy babes were fr.irer than they were
And he that slew them fouler than he is • '
Bettering thy loss makes the bad causer worse •
Revoh-.ng this will teach thee how to curse *
n i/'" -^^y ^^'"^^s are dull ; O. quicken them with thine •
Dnch Wny should calamity be full of words •> ^^''"■
{J. hliz. Windy attorneys to their client woes
Airy succeeders of intestatJ jovs, '
J oor breathing orators of miseries !
Let them have scope : though what they do impart
13.1
KING RICHARD III
[i .!
Act IV Sc iv
' (
^_ ^f.
Help nothing else, yet do they case the heart
A '^"•''^, H ^^' ^^^" ''^ """^ tongue-tied : go with me.
And in the l)rcath of bitter words let 's smother
My damned son, that thy two sweet sons smothered
1 hear his drum :— be copious in exclaims.
Enter King Richard, marching, with drums and Irunipeis
K. Pych AMio intercepts me in my expedition ?
Diirh. O, she that might have intercepted thee
By strangling thee in her accursed womb,
From -all the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done I
Q. IJi: Hid'st thou that forehead with a golden crown,
\\here should be branded, if that right were right
The slaughter of the prince that owed that crown.
And the dire death of my poor sons and brothers ?
Tell me, thou villain slave, where are my children ">
Duck Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother
Clarence?
And little Xed Plantagenet, his son ?
n ^;^''-..ri^'^''''.^ 1^ ^^"^ ^^"*^^ Rivers, Vaughan, Grey ?
Duch. Where is kind Hastings ? b , y .
T f ■ ^'!^Il- /" flourish, trumpets ! strike alarum, drums 1
Let not the heavens hear these tell-tale women
Rail on the Lord's anointed : strike, I say !—
T-M 1- X. X [Flourish. Alarums
Either be patient, and entreat me fair.
Or with the clamorous report of war
I'hus will I drown your exclamations.
Duch. Art thou mv son ?
A'. Rich Ay, I thank God, my father, and yourself.
>^ o': ,- ^" patiently hear my impatience.
A . Rich. Madam, I have a touch of your condition,
\\hich cannot brook the accent of reproof
Dvch. O, let me speak !
^- ^^'^\ Do then ; but I 'II not hear
nuch. I will be mild and gentle in my words.
n:,rl \ .^"/^ ^"''^; '^''^'^ '"°^^^^ ' *«^ I ^^m in haste,
r.i , ^^^ \''°'' '" ^''^'^y • I ^^''^^•e stayed for thee,
(jod knows, m torment and in agony.
A'. Ijich. And came I not at last to comfort you ?
Duch. No, by the holy rood, thou know'st it well,
J hou cam st on earth to make the earth my hell
A gnevous burthen was thy birth to me ;
Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy ;
rhy school-days frightful, desperate, wild, and furiuus :
1 h> prime of manhood daring, bold, and ventnrn,T<;
ihy age conhrmed, proud, subtle, bloodv, trer.clicrous
More mild but yet more harmful,-kind in hatred: '
Wha "omfortable hour canst thou name,
That ever graced me in thy company ?
136
Act IV Sc iv
K.
KIXG RICHAIID III
To hrcnkf,ist once iorth of mv company.
If 1 be so (iist,'racious in your eye
Lot inc mnrch on, :,nd noL ofluulVou. madam,
oil lUc up the drum.
^^'"'Il'- A V , ^ prithee, hear me speak.
A. Rich. You speak lo(» biLlcrlv
Duch. f -
i7^» T • 1 iieir me a word •
F-r I Mual never speak to thee again.
K. Rich. So.
Duch. l£ ither thou It die, Jjy God's just ordinance
Ere from this v.ar thou turn a conqueror ; "'"''"^^'
ur I with pinef and exlren:e age shall perish.
And never look upon Uiy face a" un
Therefore take with thee my mo'^'t heaw curse ■
Vvluch m the day of baLLle, tire tlice iuore
i nan all tne complete armour tliat tiou wcar'st I
iMy prayers on the adverse p;'rly fi"ht •
And there the III He souls „f i-duarus chUdren
Whisper the spirits of thine enemies
And promise thein success and viclury
IJloody thou art, bloody will l)e tiiv end •
Shame serves thy life, and doll, th> death attend. [Exit
Abides in me; I say nmen to all. ir,nmn
OFU- .^"■^y-'^'^^^^' I must speak a word with you^
v/i\^ \ ^^^"l^^^'noresonsof thcrovalhlood
?h >v .^.i.^'h'"""^'"' •■ ^"' "^-y slaughters, Uichard,!
They shall be praymg nuns, not weeping queens •
And therefore level not in \-[l their lives
A. Rich. You have a aau-^htcr called Elizihrfh
Virtuous and fair, royal and j^racious ^'^^'^^^^-h'
A ^" T^n"* '^"^ "^"^'- ^^"^ sl^^' ^o'" tlus ? O. let her live
And I'll corrupt her manners, slain her beauty '
Slander myself as false to Edwards bed •
i hrow over her the veil of infamy •
So she may live unscarred of bleeding slaughter
^11 confess she was not Edward's daughter '
K. Rich. Wrong not her birth, she is of royal blood
To save her life, I '11 say she is not so.
Her life is safest only in her birth
And only in that safety died her brothers
N?' fl tv!'. r'"'',^''-'''- '^'''^ ''''^ opposiie.
An ""^.^ ^^^'^^ ^^''^ inentis were contrary
All unavoided is the doom of desliny
TM,^i, ^"" ^"^' ^^'^^" avoided grace makes destinv •
My babes were destined to a fairer death, ^ '
If grace had blessed thee with a fairer life.
Q. Eliz.
K. Rich.
Q. Eliz.
K. Rich.
Q Eliz.
K. Rich.
Q. Eliz.
38— E*
137
KING RICHARD III
Act IV Sc iv
iv. Rich. You sponk ns if that I had slain my cousins.
Q. FAiz. Cousins, indcnd ; and by liu-ir uncle cozened
Of comfort, kingdom, kindrod. freedom, life.
\Vliose hand soever laneed their tender hearts,
Thy head, all indirecUy, f^ave dircclion :
No doubt the murderous knife was (hill and blunt
Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart,
To revel in the entrails of my lambs.
But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame,
My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys
Till that my nails wore anchored in tliine eyes ;
And I, in such a desperate bay of death.
Like a poor bark of sails and "tackling reft.
Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom.
7... Rich. Madam, so thrive I in my enterprise
And dangerous success of bloody wars,
As I intend more good to you and yours
Than ever you or yours were by me wronged I
Q. Eliz. ^Vllat good is covered with the face of heaven.
To be discovered, that can do me good ?
A'. Rich. The advancement of your children, gentle lady.
Q. Eliz. Up to some scalTold, there to lose llieir heads ?
A'. Rich. No, to the dignity and height of honour,
The high imperial type of tiiis earth's glory.
Q. Eliz. Flatter my sorrows with report of it ;
Tell mc what state, what dignity, what honour.
Canst thou demise to any cliild of mine ?
K. Rich. Even all I have ; yea, and myself and all,
Will I withal endow a child of thine ;
So in the Lethe of thy angry soul
Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs
Which thou supposcst I have done to thee.
Q. Eliz. Be brief, lest that the process of thy kindness
Last longer telling than thy kindness' date.
A'. Rich. Then know, that from my soul I love thy
daughter.
Q. Eliz. My daughter's mother thinks it with her soul.
K. Rich. What do you think ?
Q. Eliz. That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul :
So from thy soul's love didst thou love her brothers ;
And from my heart's love I do thank thee for it.
K. Rich. Be not so hasty to confound my meaning :
I mean, that with my soul 1 love thy daughter.
And do intend to make her queen of England.
Q. Eliz. Say then, who dost thou mean shall be her king ?
K. Rich. Even he that makes her queen : who else
should be ?
Q. Eliz. What, thou ?
K. Rich. Even 1 : what think you of it, madam ?
Q. Eliz. How canst thou woo her ?
138
Act IV Sc iv
KING RICHARD III
^- 'i'cli' That wou!(l I learn of you,
As one hcinf? best acquainted with lier humour.
Q. lUiz. And wilt thou learn of me ?
K. Rich. Madam, with all my heart.
Q. Eliz. Send to her, by the man that sli>\v her brothers,
A pair of bleedintr hearts ; thereon engraven
" Edward and York ; " then haply will she wrep :
Therefore present to her,— as sometime Margaret
Did to thy father, steeped in Rutland's blood,—
A handkerchief; whleli. say to her, did drain
The purple sap from her sweet brothers' bodies.
And bid her dry her weeping eyes withal.
If this inducement force her not to love.
Send her a story of thy noble deeds ;
Tell her thou mad'sL away iier unci.- Clarence,
Her uncle Rivers ; yea, and, for her sake,
Mad'st quick conveyance with her goofi aunt Anne.
K. Rich. You mock me, madam ; tiiis is not the way
To win your daugliter.
Q. Eliz. There 's no other way;
Unless thou couldst put on some other shape.
And not be Richard that hath done all this.
A'. Rich. Say that I did all this for love of her.
Q. FAiz. Nay, then indeed she cannot choose but hate
thee,
Haying bou.Jiht love v.ith such a bloody spoil.
K. Rich. Look, what is done cannot be now amended ;
]Men shall do d unadvisedly sometimes,
Which after hours give leisure to repent.
If I did lake the kingdom from your sons.
To make amends, I 'II give it to your daughter.
If I have i:il!cd the issue of your womb,
To quickLu your increase, I will begjt
"Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter :
A grandam's name is little less'in love
Than is the doting title of a mother ;
They are as children but one step below,
Elven of your mettle, of your very blood ;
Of all one pain, — save for a night of groans
Endured of her, for whom you bid like sorrow.
Your children were vexation to your youth,
PJut mine shall be a comfort to your age.
The loss you have is but a son being king,
And by that loss your daughter is made queen.
-( cannot make you what amends I would.
Therefore accept such kindness as T can.
Dorset your son, that with a fearful soul
Leads discontented stens in foreign soil.
This fair alliance quickly shall call home
To high promotions and great dignity :
13'J
■f
11
KING RICHARD III
Act IV Sc iv
1 lie klnR, thnt calls your bcautonus daiiRhtcr wife
lamiliiiily sliall call thy Dorset brother ; '
A^ain shall you be mother to a kin-,'.
And all the ruins of distressful limes
Repaired with double riches of content.
What I we have many f^oodlv <i:ivs to see :
The liquid drops of tears that you linve shed
Shall come attain, transformed' to orient pearl,
Advantaging their loan with interest
Of ten limes double «ain of li;if)piness.
Go, then, my niotiiei to thy (iiui-^htcr po ;
Make bold her baslifid years \> ilji'vour experience •
I'repare her ears to he.ir a \v()(i' r's'tale ; '
Put in Iier tender heart the aspiriiv:; llaine
Of pohlrn soverei^^nty ; aefpi.dnt tiie princess
AVith the sweet silent hours of niarria^'e joys:
And when this arm of mine hath chastisi-d
The petty rebel, dull-brained lUickiu'-jham,
Hoimd with triumpliant garlands will i ( ome
And lead thy (lau^liter to a conqueror's bed ;
To whom I will retail my concjuest won.
And shr shall be sole victress. Ciesar's Ciesar.
u-^",^'V'- , ^^■'i^^',^;^'^'''^' t '•'•s'- to say ? her father's brother
Would be her lord ? or s!i;.ll I sav. her uncle ?
Or. he that slew her broUiers and'iier uncles ?
I/nder what title shall I woo for thee,
That God, the law. my honour and her love.
Can make seem pleasint,' to her tender years?
A'. Rich. Infer fair Enj^^land's peace bv this alliance.
Q. Eliz. AVhicli she shall purchase with still las! in" war
A. /?'c/?. Tell her the king, that may command, entrcpts
Q. Eliz. That at her hands which the kind's Kine
forbids. °
K. nidi. Say, she shall be a high and mighty queen.
To wail the title, as her mother doLh.
Say, I will love her everlastingly.
But how long shall that title *• ever" last ?
Sweetly in force unto her fair life's end.
But how long fairly shall her sweet life last ?
So long as heaven and nature lengthen it.
So long as hell and Richard like of it.
Say I, her sovereign, am her subject love.
But she, your subject, loaliies such sovereignty
Be eloquent in my behalf to her. °
An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.
Then in plain terms tell her my loving tale.
Plain and not honest is too harsii a style.
Your reasons are too shallow and too quick.
O no, my reasons are too deep and dead ;
Q. Eliz
K. Rich.
Q. Eliz.
K. Rich.
Q. Eliz.
Rich.
Eliz.
Rich.
Eliz.
Rich.
Q. Eliz.
K. Rich.
Q. Eliz.
K. Rich.
Q. Eliz.
K.
Q-
K.
Q.
K.
Too deep and dead, poor infants,
in their grave.
140
Act IV Sc iv
KING RICHARD III
Q. Eliz.
K. Rich.
Q. Eliz.
K. liich.
Q. Eliz.
K. Rich.
Q. Eliz.
A. Rich. Harp not on that sirinfi. madam ; that is past.
/'■ n ,- l^/'^'P "" "■ ''^'" •'''•'" ^ ^'" heart-strings break,
crown— '^' '"^ t^corgc, my garter, and my
?'■ ^J-~; J''"o^''"^<^ dishonoured, and the third usurped.
A. Rich. I swear —
T\H'J'!i:'r. , . /iy nothin-; forthisisnooath:
The Ceorgc, profaned, hath lost liis holv hf.nour •
He garter, bleinislicd, pawned his Jviii 'hlly virtue •
I he crown, usurped, disgraced his J<inf'ly .'lorv
If somethinf,' tiiou wiit swear to be believed * '
Swear then by something that thou hast not\vTonged
A. Rich. Now, by the world—
,, , "I'is full of thy foul wroncs
My father s death— >^rongs,
™ . T'^y ^'^® '^"^^ ^hat dishonoured
Then, by myself —
vvh^fh K n , Thyself is self misused.
Why then, by God —
It fu^ u , .. ^ . God's wrong is most of all
If thou hadst feared to break an oath by Him
The unity the king thy brother made
Had not been broken, nor my brother slain •
If thou hadst feared to break an oath by Him
The imperial metal, circling now tliy brow
Had graced the tender temples of my child'
And both the princes had been breathing here.
Which now, too tender bedfellows for dust
Thy broken faith hath made a prey for worms.
What canst thou swear by now ?
n' rii!'' Thof ♦>, K . . '^'^^ t'"^« to come.
p-o.T Ju ^^°" ^^^^ wronged in the time o'erpast •
For I myself have many tears to wash ^ '
Hereafter time, for time past wronged by thee
The children live, whose parents thou hast slaughtered
Ungoverncd youth, to wail it in their a^e ■ t,«iLerea,
The parents live, whose children thou hast butchered
Old withered plants, to wail it with their a^e
Swear not by time to come ; for that thou hast
.Misused ere used, by time misused o'erpast
K Rich As I intend to prosper and repent,
bo thrive I in my dangerous attempt
Of hostde arms I myself myself confound I
Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours •
Day, yield me not thv lisht ; nor. pi«ht thv '•"'•* '
Be opposite all planets of good luck"^ ' - ' '^^ •
•To my proceeding, if, with pure heart's love
Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts,
I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter !
In her consists my happiness and thine ;
141
KING RIf:iIAI?D HI
Act IV Sc Iv
A'. liich.
Q. i:iiz.
K. liich.
Q. FAiz.
K. liich.
\Vithout lur, follows to this lariil ntul im-.
To Ihec, luTsoIf, and maiiv a Clirisli.ui suul,
Death, desolation, ruin ami (iccay :
It cannot be avoided but by tliis •
It will not be avoided but by this.'
Therefore, dear mother. - I nuisl call you so -
lie the attorney of niv love to her •
riead what I will be. not what I have be. n •
Not my deserts, but what I will deserve •
Urf,'e the necessity and state of limes.
And be not peevish-fond in r.vv.n desii,>iis.
Q. lUiz. Shall I be templed of Ihe'lcvil finis ?
Ay. if ihe devil tempt thee to do ^..od.
Siiall I fori^et myself to be myself ?
Ay, if youc self's remembrance wrong yourself
Hut thou didst kill my children.
wi, . • „ H"^ ''I ^i'^"" •'"»«''t^''-'s ^vomb III bury them :
JVhere m that nest of spicery they shall breed
Selves of themselves, to your recomforlure.
Q. Ehz Shall I go win my daughter to thv will ?
A. liich. And be a happy mother bv the (leed.
g. t.liz. 1 go.— Write to mc very sliortly.
And you shall understand from me her mind
A. Rich. Bear her my true love's :.iss. and so farewell.
Relenting fool, and shallow, changing womanT" ''^''''^'^^^
Enter Ratcliff ;
How now : what news ?
TD-^/"/u -'^'y.R'''i^io"s sovereign, on the western coast
Kideth a puissant navy ; to (he shore
Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends
Lnarmed, and unresolved to beat them back-
'T IS thought that Richmond is their admiral •
And there they hull, expecting but the aid '
Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore
K. Rich Some light-foot friend post to the Duke of
Norfolk : —
RatclifT, lhyself.~or Calesbv ; where is he ?
Gate. Mere, my good lord.
^'' ^Salisbury •^'' ^''' cluke :-[ro i?u/c////] Post thou to
When thou conVst thither,-! To Catcsbij] Dull, unmindful
\ illain,
Why stand'st thou still, and go'sL not to tlie
Cute. First, mighty lic-ie, hjll jp.e. vc-.w !■.
sure. ' ' ~ • -■
What from your grace I shall deliver to him.
Catesuv following
duke ?
. , I „ >
p^ - ' ' I '^ ^ o
nCu-
K.Rich. O true, good Catesbv: bid l.iia 1
The greatest slrenglh and power be can maJ
142
'■^ v straight
Act IV Sclv K,^.^
And iiiccl tiie suddenly at S 'isburv
lUCIlAIlD III
/^//. Wlud may it ,,Ie;.s.- you I shall ,lo at Salisbu/y'v''
N\liy. what uouMsl lliou do thnc before I^'o ?
A', liicli.
Hat
K. litch. Myuund ischan/^.Mj.
lore.
r^nlrr Stanley
Stanley, wliat news with vou ?
Nor'nnn/^ri "7".'' T', '•''"*'• '" f'''''^^' ^^^ ^^'^^ the hearinfi ;
.^iOr none so bad. but it may be told ^
\\hat need st thou run so many miles about.
When thou mayst tell thy tale the nearest way ?
Unce more, wliat news ?
■)''",';. , „„ Hichmond is on the seas.
Uhitc-Iivered runa-ale, what doth he there '
iv. liicli. Well, as vou !4U( :js ''
Stun Stirred up by Dorset, huekiuKham. and llv
He makes for Hnmaiid, here to claiu. the crown ^^'
r. n." ! ■ "^ I'',"-' '■,''-'''■ '"'"I'^y ■• i^ ^I'^- ^^vord unswayed ' '
Is the king dc.,d ? the enqure unpossessed ? ^ '
\\hat heir of \ ork is there alive but we '
Tlun'\ .V" ^'"-';"'/'''^ J<i"-' I'^'t «'cat York's heir?
llu;n, tell me, what makes he ui)on the seas '
Stun Unless for that, my lie,-e, I ea.nnot t^uess
A. Rich Lnless for that he comes to be vour liece
\ou cannot gu..ss wherefore the Welshman come ^ '
riiou wilt revolt, and lly to him, I fear.
A'''ft,V/, \1"i!^''^^"m^'' ' ^^'''^^ovo mistrust me not.
WhVr ♦, ^^^''■'' '' ^^'y P'^^^^'"' l''^". t» l>i;at him back •>
\Vhere are thy tenants and thy followers •> '
Are they not now upon the western shore,
Safe-conducting the rebels from tiieir ships «>
i r!.- ^ "'r^"!X ^'^"'^ ^'''■^' "'y ^''^'"'Is '"-t" in the north
^rth ^^' '""^'^ '" "^'^^'>^^^'^' ^^''^'^ ^« they hi the
^^ S7?n"''^.''""\'''^ '"'''^ ^^'"'" sovereign in the west •>
Pl,..^ it J ^^ I'ave not been commanded, mighty kin^t-
Please it your majesty to give me leave, °*
II muster up my friends, and meet vour grace
A^'Vl",! l""^ time your majesty shall please.
Ilichmorrd r^' ''"" """'"^^ ^^' ^'"- ^- J-" -ith
I wii! not trust you, sir.
v^''["' -^^ost miuhty sovereign
You lur.c no cau.e to hold my friendship doubr/ul-
I never was nor never will be false. ^""^^^i.
113
KING RICHARD III
Act IV Sc iv
H
K. Rich. Well,
Go muster men. But, hear you, leave behind
Your son, George Stanley: look your faith be firm.
Or else his head's assurance is but frail.
Stan. So deal with him as I prove true to you. [Exit
Enter a Messenger
Mess. My gracious sovereian, now in Devonshire,
As I by friends am well advertised,
Sir Edward Courtney, and the haughty prelate
Bishop of Exeter, his elder brother.
With many more confederates, are in arms.
Enter a second Messenger
Sec. Mess. INIy liege, in Kent the Guildfords are in arms •
And every hour more competitors '
Flock to the rebels, and their power grows strong.
Enter a third Messenger
Third Mess. My lord, the army of great Buckingham—
K. Rich. Out on you, owls I nothing but songs ol'dcath ?
n- , *u * »...,. , . i^^ strilvcth him
1 ake that until thou brmg me better news.
Third Mess. The news I have to tell your majesi\
Is, that by sudden floods and fall of waters,
Buckingham's army is dispersed and scattered ;
And he himself wandered away alone.
No man knows whither.
K. Rich. o, I cry thee mercy ;
There is my purse to cur*- that blow of thine.
Hath any well-advised friend proclaimed
Reward to him that brings the traitor in ?
Third Mess. Such proclamation hath been made mv
liege. "^
Enter a fourth Messenger
Fourth Mess. Sir Thomas Lovcl and Lord Marquis
Dorset,
'T is said, my liege, in Yorksliire are in arms.
'S et tills good comfort bring I to your grace,
The Breton rr.vy is dispersed by tempest :
Richmond, in Dorsetshire, sent out a boat
Unto the shore, to ask those on the banks
II they were his assistants, yea or no ;
Who answered him they came from Buckingham
Ui^on his party : he, mistrusting them.
Heist sail and made ;!way for Hrittany.
K. Rich. March on, march on, since we are up in arms •
If not to figlit with foreign enemies, '
Yet to beat down these rebels here at home.
144
V-rir,.-
Act V Sc i
KING RICHARD III
Re-enter Catesby
Th^?'f .i-'^^^k"';^^' ^^"^ ^^^^ **^ Buckingham is taken,—
That IS the best news : that the Earl of Richmond
Is with a mighty power landed at Milford,
Is colder tidings yet they must be told.
A rnvn/h';ni'^'''''>',^?Y''''^'^'*'^'^"'y ' while we reason here,
A royal battle might be won and lost :—
Some one take order Buckingham be brought
10 bahbbury ; the rest march on with me.
[Flourish. Exeunt
Scene V.— Lord Derby's House
Enter Stanley and Sin Christopher Urswick
^i^'l"^" .u^^^ Christopher, tell Richmond this from me •—
That in the sty of this most bloody boar
My son George Stanley is franked up in hold ;
If I revolt, oil goes young George's head ;
The fear of that withholds my present aid.
But, tell me, where is princely Richmond now ?
Chris. At Pembroke, or at Ha'rford-west in Wales.
:iian. w hat men of name resort to him ''
c-^^Mu' .^ir ."^^''^Iter Herbert, a renowned soldier:
Sir Gilbert Talbot and Sir William Stanley •
Oxford, redoubted Pembroke, Sir James Blunt.
And Ivice ap Thomas, with a valiant crew :
And many more of noble fame and worth •
-^"<^ V^.^^'^f^s London they do bend their course.
If by the way they be not fought withal.
n- n'u-' '^^^^""^ ""to thy lord ; command me to him :
1 ell him the Queen hath heartily consenLed
lie shall espouse Ehzabeth her daughter
Farewiii''^'" ^'''" ''""^''*' ^"'' ""^ ^"y mind. [Giving letters
[Exeunt
ACT FIVE
Scene I. — Salisbury. An Open Place
Enter 'be Sheriff, and Buckingham, with halberds, led to
execution
Buck. Will not King Richard let me speak with him '>
Sher. No, my good lord ; therefore be patient.
Ho^rFi- if ^"'?'' "f r^*^^'^'^'' '\^'^^'^""' ^^'^-'''' Grey,
rioij iving liciiiy, ;uid Iny fair sun Edward,
\ aughan, and all that have miscarried
By underhiind corrupted foul injustice,
If that your moody discontented souls
U5
.-.■."•. C4S'£i.T.,..£*V.
KING RICHARD III
Act V Sc ii
,h: .
Pa throuf,'h the clouds behold this present hour.
Even for revenge mock my destrucUon I—
This is All-Souls' day, fellows, is it not ?
Sher. It is, my lord.
Buck. Why, then All-Souls' day is my body's doomsday.
This IS the day that, in King Edward's lime,
I wished might fall on me, when I was found
False to his children or his wife's allies ;
This is the day wherein I wished to fall
By the false faith of him I trusted most ;
This, this All-Souls' day to my fearful soul
Is the determined respite of my wrongs •
That high All-Seer that I dallied witli
Hath turned my feigned prayer on my head
And given in earnest what I begged in jest.
Thus doth he force the swords of wicked men
To turn their own points on their masters' bosoms :
Now Margaret's curse falls heavy on my neck,
''When he," quoth she, " shall split thy heart with sorrow.
Remember Margaret was a prophetess."—
Come, sirs, convey me to t'.ie block of shame ;
Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame.
[Exeunt
f
1 •■
f J
■' H
i :
Scene II. — The Camp near TamworLh
Enter, Richmoxd, Oxford, Sin James Blunt, Sir Walter
Hehbeut, and others, with Forces, marching
Richm. Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends
Bruised underneath the yoke of tyranny, '
Thus far into the bowels of the land
Have we marched on without impediment ;
And here receive we from our father Stanley
Lines of fair comfort and encouragement.
The wretched, bloody, and usurping boar.
That spoiled your summer fields and fruitful vines.
Swills your warm blood like wash, and makes liis trough
In your embowelled bosoms, this foul swine
Lies now even in the centre of this isle,
Near to the town of Leicester, as we learn :
From Tamworth thither is but one day's march.
In God's name, cheerly on, courageous friends,
To reap the harvest of perpetual peace
By this one bloody trial of sharp war.
Oxf. Every man's conscience is a thousand swords,
To fight aqninst this guilty homicitlc.
Herb. 1 doubt not but liis friends will turn to us.
Blunt. He hath no friends but wliat are friends for fear
W hich in his dearest need will shrink from iiim. '
^I'i^iaib,'
Act V Sc iii
KING RICHARD III
Here pitch our tents, even here in Bosworth
Trf? h 4" f»'^;'"r vantage. Then, in God's name, march :
True hope is swift, and Jlies wita swallow's wln"s
Kings It makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.'
[Exeunt
Scene III.— Rosworth Field
Enter Kino Richard, and Forces, the Duke of Norfolk
Earl of Surrey, and others '
K. Rich.
lield.-
My Lord of Surrey, why look you so sad ?
'?"'■•. \^y ^^'^'^^ is ten Limes lighter than my looks
A. Rich. My Lord of ^Norfolk,—
i^'^D- t VT ,„ Here, most gracious liege.
K. Ricli. Norfolk, we must have knocks; hal must we
not?
Nor. We must both give and take, my loving lord.
K. Rich. Lp with my tent ! [Soldiers bcqin to set up the
King's tent.] Here will He to-ni-ht-
But where to-morrow ? Well, all 's one for that.
Who hath descried the number of the traitors ''
i^'";,- ?^ ?/", ^*^^'^" thousand is their utmosL power.
K. Rich. Why, our battalia trebles that acrount •
Besides, the king's name is a tower of strength,
\\ hich they upon the adverse party want.—
Up with the tent !— Come, noble gentlemen
Let us survey the vantage of the ground ;—
Call for some men of sound direction :
Let 's want m. discipline, make no delay ;
For, lords, to-morrow is a busy day. [Exeunt
Enter on the other side of the fichl. RrcinioxD, Sir Wii li vm
Brandon, Oxford, and others. Some of the Soldiers
pitch Richmond's tent
Richm. The weary sun hath made a golden set.
And, by the bright track of his fiery car.
Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow
Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard. -
Give me some ink and paper in my tent :
I 'II draw the form and model of our battle.
Limit each leader to his several charge.
And part in just proportion our smafl power —
My Lord of Oxford,— you. Sir William Braiidon,—
And you, Sir Walter Herbert,— stav with me —
Thp EnrI of Pembroke keeps ''is rt'giment ;—
Good Captain Blunt, bear my good-night to him
And by the second hour in the morning
Desire the earl to see me in my tent :
Yet one thing more, good captnin, do for me,—
147
KING RICHARD III
Act V Sc iu
,1
I-'
i '
I,;
i *
i ■
t :i
11
? i
Whore is Lord Stanley quartered, do you know ?
Blunt. Unless I have mlsta'en his colours much,—
Which well I am assured I have not done, —
His regiment lies half a mile at least
South from the mighty power of the king.
Richm. If without peril it be possible.
Sweet Blunt, make some good means to speak with him.
And give him from me this most needful scroll
Blunt. Upon my life, my lord I '11 undertake it :
And so, God give you quiet rest to-night I
Richn-i. Good night, good Captain Blunt. [Exit Blunt
Come, gentlemen,
Let us consult upon to-morrow's business :
In to my tent ; the air is raw and cold.
[Tlmj withdraw into the tent
Re-enter, to his tent. King Richard, Norfolk,
Ratcliff, Catesby, and others
K. Rich. What is 't o'clock ?
T* F"'*^.* , , , ^^ 's supper-time, my lord ;
It s nme o clock.
A'. Rich. 1 will not sup to-night.
Give me some ink and paper.
What, is my beaver easier than it was ?
And all my armour laid into my tent ?
Gate. It is, my liege ; and all tilings are in readiness.
A. Rich. Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge;
Use careful watch, choose trusty sentinels.
Nor. 1 go, my lord.
K. Rich. Stir with the lark to-morrow, gentle Norfolk
A'or. I wairant you, my lord. lExit
K. Rich. Catesby I ^
Caie. My lord ?
A'. Rich. Send out a pursuivant at arms
To Stanley's regiment ; bid him bring his power
Before sunrising, lest his son George fall
Into the blind cave of eternal night. [Exit Catesbij
lill me a bowl of wine. — Give me a watch.—
Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow.—
Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy. —
Ratclifl", —
i:at. My lord ?
A'. Rich. Saw'st thou the melancholy Lord Northumber-
land ?
Rat. Thomas the Earl of Surrey, and himself,
Much about cock-shut time, from troop to troop
Went through the army, cheering up the soldiers.
K. Rich. So, I am satisfied. — Give me a bowl of wine •
I have not that alacrity of spirit,
Nor cheer of mind, that I was wont to have. [Wine brought
14S
ITU
Act V Sc iii
KING RICHARD III
Set it down. Is ink and paper ready ?
Rat. It is, my lord.
Ah^;,f^/?" .^'^^'".y g"«rd watch; have me, Ratchrf,
About the mid of night come to my tei't
And help to arm me. — Leave mo, I say.
[Exeunt Ratcliff and the other Attendants
Enter Stanley to Riciimoxd in his tent. Lords and others
al lending
Stan. Fortune and victory sit on thy helm 1
Richm. All comfort that the dark nirrht can afford
lie to thy person, noble father-in-law I
Toll me, how fares our loving mother ?
Stan. I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother.
\Vho prays continually for Richmond's good •
So much for that.— The silent hours steal on
And flaky darkness breaks within the east. '
In brief,— for so the season bids us be,—
Prepare thy battle early in the morning.
And put thy fortune to the arbitrcment
Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war
I, as I may— that which I would I cannot,—
With best advantage will deceive the time
And aid Ihoe in this doubtful shock of arm's-
But on thy side I may not be too forward
Lest, being seen, thy brother, tender George
Be executed in his father's sight. '
Farewell : the leisure and the fearful time
Cuts of! the ceremonious vows of love
And ample interchange of sweet discourse
Which so long sundered friends should dwell upon •
God give us leisure for these rites of love 1
Once more, adieu : be valiant, and speed well !
T .n ' . '^- ^°°^ '°^^^' conduct him to his regiment •
I '11 strive, w th troubled thoughts, to take a nLp, '
Lest leaden slumber peise me down to-morrow
When I should mount with wings of victory •
Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen.
r» T-i 1- . • , lExeiwt all but Richmond
Thou, whose captain I account mvself, ^"mona
Look on my forces with a gracious eye ; '
Put in their hands thy bruising irons of\\Ta{h.
Ihat they may crush down with a heavv fall
The usurping helmets of our adversaries !
:viake us thy ministers of chastisement,
FiKiL we may praise 1 hee in the -tory I
To I hee I do commend my watchful soul,
1 i:> ^ let fall the windows of mine eyes •
^lcc;,:jiM and waking, O, defend me sliu'l [Sleeps
149
:^^2..?%J!M^^/:^M^^ m.,.
KING RICHARD III
Act V Sc iii
I :
.1
'!
•f
i
The Ghost of Prince Edward, son to Henuy VI., rises
between the two Tents
Ghost of P. E. [To Richard] Let me sit heavy on thv
soul to-morrow 1
Think, how thou stabb'dst me in my prime of youth
At Tcwlvsbury :— despair, therefore, and die '—
[7^0 Richmond] Be cheerful, Richmond; for tlie wron^-d
souls "
Of butchered princes fight in thy behalf :
King Henry's issue, Richmond, comforts thee.
The Ghost of Henry VI. rises
Ghost of K. II. [To Richard] When I was mortal, my
anointed body "^
By thee was punched full of deadly holes:
Tiiink on the Tower and me :— despair, and die 1
Harry the Sixth bids thee despair and die I
[To JUchmond] Virtuous and holy, be thou conqueror 1
Horry, that prophesied thou shouldst be kin-^
Doth comfort thee in sleep : live thou, and flourish I
Tiie Ghosl of Clarence rises
Gliostof C. [To Ricliard] Let me sit heavy on thy soul
to-morrow, "^
I, that was washed to death with fulsome wine
Poor Clarence, by thy guile betrayed to death I
To-morrow in the battle think on me,
^J^"^,^'7H **'y e^Jpeless sword :— despair, and die I—
[To Richmond] Thou offspring of the house of Lancaster
1 he wronged heirs of York do pray for thee •
Good angels guard thy battle I live, and flourish 1
The Ghosts of Rivers, Grey, and Vaughan rise
Ghost of R. [To Richard] Let me sit heavy on thy soul
to-morrow, ■^
Rivers, that died at Pomfret !— despair, and die I
Ghost jf G. [To Richard] Think upon Grey, and let thy
soul despair I ^
Let fall thy lance :— despair, and die I
All. [To Riclwmnd] Awake, and think our wrongs in
Richard's bosom ^
Will conquer him ! awake, and win the day I
The Gnost of Hastings rises
Ghost of H. [To Richard] Bloody and guiltv. ^uiitHy
awake, o . > o"^-'^-.)
And in a bloody battle end thy days I
Think on Lord Hastings: so— despair, and die !—
[To Richmond] Quiet untroubled soul, awake, awake 1
150
•#*/^':>.^t
^''^' S^"* KIN'G RICHARD III
Arm, figlit, and conquer, for fair Englnn.I's sake I
The Gliosis of (he two young Princes rise
AnVS '"\'7."' ''!*'''" ^'^>' ''^^^"'"' rsichard,
T?v n.nf '.'' ''?'?. ^" •'■^''"' ^''=""^- '-'nd death I
A?y "f^P''«^^^s souls bid Uu-e <!c.si);.ir and die •—
[lo i<'^l!rnon^^ Sleep, Ricl.mond, sleep in peace, and wake
Good anfjcls guard thee from the boar's annoy I
Live, and beget a iK.ppy race of kings • ^
lidward's unluippy sons do bid thee flourish.
The Ghost of Queen Anne rises
Ghostof A yi'o mchnrd] Richard, thy wife that
wretched Anne thy wife. ^ ' '^'-
That never s]ej)t a quiet hour with thee
Now tills t!iy sleep with perturbations :'
To-morrow in the battle think ov nie,
^r. /?'! ^^^ f,^.«^'Iess sword :-despair, and die !
\To Richmond] Tl;ou quiet soul, sleep thou a quiet sleer. •
Dream of success and happv victory ' ^ '
Thy adversary's wife doth pray for'tiiee.
The Ghost of Buckingham rises
The last was I lliat felt thy tvranny •
O, m the battle think on Buckingham,
And die in terror of thy guiltine^^s '
Dream on, dream on, of bloody deeds and death •
f Tn"«"f' ^^^'P^l^;. despairing, yield thy breath !-
R^ft ^l TK^ ^'^^ ^"^ ''"P'^ ^r« I <-"«"Jd lend thee aid •
But cheer thy heart, and be thou not dismavcd • '
God and good angels fight on Richmond j side : '
And Richard falls in height of all his pride
The Ghosts vanish. King Richard starts out of his dream
i^n^r'J^"^^' ^?'^ ^^ another horse,— bind up my wounds —
Have mercy, Jesu 1— Soft ! I did but dream J"''"""^''
coward conscience, how dost thou aniict me !—
The lights burn blue.-It is now dead midnight.
^A?i /^J^^^t"1 ^^^^'^ ^*^"^ on n^y trembling flelh
What do I fear? Myself ? There 's none else by •
Richard loves Richard ; that is, I am I ^ '
Is there a murderer here ? No ;— Yes • I am
Then fly. What, from myself ? Great reason why,-
Lest I revenge myself upon myself ^
Alack I love myself. Wherefore? for an v good
1 hat 1 myself have done unto myself ? '
151
%(f%,mn^:^l^z
KING RICHARD III
Act V Sc iii
!
1!:
i!
Ill
^ V
'I!
■ if
•II
O, no! nlas, I rather bale myself
For hateful ('.ccds comrnilted by myself 1
I am a villain : yet I lie. I .am not.
Fool, of thyself speak well : — fool, do not flatter.
My conscience hath a thousand several top.gucs,
And every tongue briuf^s in a several tale.
And every tale condemns me for a vilLiin.
Perjury, perjury, in the hif^h'st dc-iree ;
Murder, stern murder, in the dir'sl degree ;
All several sins, all used in each degree.
Throng to tiie bar. crying all, — " Guilty 1 guilty ! " —
I shall despair. There is no creature loves me ;
And if I die. no soul shall i)ity me :
Nay. wher-fore should they, since that I myself
ind in myself no pity to mysilf ?
Uc-cnicr Ratclifp
Rat. My lord,—
K. Rich. \Vho "s there ?
Rat. My lord, 't is I. The early village-cock
Hath twice done salutation to the morn ;
Your friends are up, and buckle on their armour.
K. Rich. O HatclitT, I have dream.ed a fearful drenm I
What thinkcst thou,— will our friends prove all true ?
Rat. No doubt, my lord.
A'. Rich. O RatclifT, I fear, I fear,—
Methought the souls of all that I had murdered
Came to my tent, and every one diil liircat
To-morrow's vengeance on lU;; head of Richard.
Rat. Nay, good my lord, be not afraid of shadows.
A'. Rich, liy the ipostle Paul, shadows to-night
Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard
Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers
Armed in proof, and led by shallow Pachmond.
It is not yet near day. Come, go with me ;
Under our tents I '11 play the eaves-dropper.
To see if any mean to shrink from me. [Exeunt
Enter the Lords to Richmond, sitting in his tent
Lords. Good morrow, Richmond !
Richm. Cry mercy, lords and watchful gentlemen,
That you have ta'en a tardy sluggard here.
Lords. How have you slept, my lord ?
Richm. The sweetest sleep, and fairest-boding dreams
That ever entered in a drowsy head.
Have I since your departure had, my lords.
Methought their souls, whose bodies'Richard murdered.
Came to my tent, and cried on victory :
I promise you, my soul is very jocund
In the remembrance of so fair a dream.
How far into the morning is it, lords ?
152
.^v.V.'
Act V Sc iii
Lords. Upon the stroke of four
then 'tis
KING RICHARD III
direc-
troops
Iticlm. Why, then 't Is lime to arm and Rive
More thr I have .a,„. ,„vln« eon'.I.'^l^r"' '" ""
rhe leisure and enforcement of the lime
forbids to dwell on : yet remember thls,^
God and our Rood cause JlRht upon our side ;
The prayers of holy saints and wronged souls.
Like Ingh-reared bulwarks, stand before our faces •
Richard except, those whon. we iV^hl against '
Had rather liavc us win tl.an him they follow.
For what is he they follow ? truly, gt^illemen
A bloody tyrant and a homicide ; ""^'"^"•
One raised in blood, and one in blood established ;
One that made means to come by what he h -l i
And slaughtered those that were the n'eans o l.'clp him •
A base foul stone, made precious bv the foil ^ '
Of England s chair, wlicre he is falsely set :
One that hath ever been God's enemy •
Then, If you fight against God's enemy,
God will m justice ward you as Ifis soldiers •
If you do sweat to put a tyrant down.
You sleep in peace the tyrant being slain ;
If you do fight against your country's foes
^our country's fat shall pay your ,)Jins the hire •
If you do fight in safeguard of your wives
Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors •
If you do free your children from the sword '
Your children's children quit it in your age
Then, in the name of God and all these rights
Advance your standards, draw your willing s'words
Q,°'nT' It? '^"'""^ °f "^y bold attempt
But f T%hril''''^.i''°'P'' ^" *'^*^ ^''^^th's cold face ;
S l^T^' ^^^ ^^'" «f "ly attempt
The least of you shall share his part thereof
bound drums and trumpets, boldly, cheerfuliv •
God and Saint George 1 Richmond and '"cro;y ! [E.eunt
Re-enter King Richard, Ratcliff, Atlendants and
Forces
"■ Rid,m„Ydf '"" ^•""■"■■""orland as touching
Ral. Tliat ho was never tralndn up In arms.
K. KiC. He was In the right --a'n'd's" fn"detd KT^'
Tell the cloek there.-Give me a calendar.-''^'''"'" """'"'
An ho saw the sun to-day ?
^'^'- Not I, my lord.
153
KING RICHARD III
Act V Sc ill
N
'11
'I
in
l\
ay
K. Rich. Then he disdains to sliinc ; for by the book
He should have braved the east an hour ago :
A black day will 11 be to somebody. —
Ralclill,--
Jiat. My lord ?
/v. Rich. The sun will not be seen to-
The sky doth frown and lour upon our army.
I wnuld these dewy tears were from the ground.
XoL shine to-day I Why, what is that to me
More Uian to Richmond ? for the seUsame heaven
That frowns on me looks sadly upon him.
Enter Notifolk
Nor. Arm, arm, my lord ; the foe vaunts in the field.
A'. lUcI) Come, bustle, busllo :- cajjarison luy horse. —
Call up Lord Stanley, l)id him UrUn\ his power:
I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain.
And thus my battle sliall be ordered :
My forewjird shall be drawn out all in length,
Consisiins equally of horse and foot ;
Our areiiers shall be placed in the midst:
.John Duke of Norfolk, Thomas i:arl of Surrey,
Shall have the leading of this foot and horse.
They thus directed, we ourselt will follow-
In the main bailie, that on either side
Shall be well win.qed with our chicfest horse.
This, and Saint George to boot I— What think'st thou,
Norfolk ?
Nor. A good direction, warlike sovereign. —
This found I on my tent I his morning. [Giving a scroil
K. lUch. [Reads] " Jockey of Norfolk, be not too bold,
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold."
A thing devised by the enemy.
Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge :
Let not our babbling dreams alTright our souls :
Conscience is but a word that cowards use.
Devised at first to keep the strong in awe :
Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.
March on, join bravely, let us to 't pell-mell :
If not to heaven, then hand in hand to liell. —
( To his soW/fTs] What shall I say more than I have inferred ?
Remember whom you arc to cope withal ; —
A sort of vagabonds, rascals, runaways,
A scum of Bretons and base lackey peasants
Whom their o'ercloyed country vomits forth
To dcsporatc ventures and assured destruction.
You sleeping safe, they bring to you unrest ;
You having lands, and blest with beauteous wives,
They would distrain the one, distain the other.
And who doth lead them but a paltry fellow,
154
^rrSC^^^
ActV Sciv
KING RICHARD HJ
LonR kept In BrctoK'nc at our mother's cost ?
A milk-sop, one that never in his life
Felt so much cold as over shoes in snow ?
Let 's whip those stractslcrs o'er tlic seas a^ain ;
Lash hence these overweeninR raf?s ofFrance
These famished bo^'u^'rs, weary of their lives,'
Who, but for dreaming on this fond exploit.
For want of means, poor rats, had hanged themselves
li we be conquered, let men conquer us,
And not these bastard Rrctons; whom our fathers
Have in their own land beaten, bobbed, and tlmmpcd
And on record, left them the heirs of shame.
Shall these enjoy our lands ? lie with our wives *>
Ravish our daughters ?— [Drum afar off] Hark"! I hear
their drum. —
Fight, gentlemen of England ! fight, bold yeomen »
Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head 1
Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood :
Amaze the welkin with your broken staves I
fCntcr a Mexscrifjer-
What says Lord Stanley ? will he bring his ^ower ?
Mess. My lord, he doth deny to come. '
K. Rich, on with his son George's head !
Nor. My lord, the enemy is past the marsh :
After the battle let George Stanley die.
K. Rich. A thousand hearts are great within my bosom •
Advance our standards, set upon our foes ;
Our ancient word of courage, fair St. George,
Inspire us with the spleen of fiery draaons 1
Upon them I Victory sits on our helms. [Exeunt
Scene IV.— Another Part of the Field
Alarum : excursions. Enter iNoRFOLK and Forces /Irjhtiny ;
to him Catesuy
Gate. Rescue, my Lord of Norfolk, rescue, rescue I
The king enacts more wonders than a man,
Daring an opposite to every danger :
His horse is slain, and all on foot^he fights.
Seeking for Richmond in the throat of death.
Rescue, fair lord, or else the day is lost I
Alarums. Enter King Richard
A'. Rich. A horse ! a horse I my kingdom for a horse '
Cute. Withdraw, my lord ; I '11 help you to a horse.
A. Rich. Slave, I have set mv life upon a cast,
And I will stand the hazard of the die :
155
Lk
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KING RICHARD III
I think there be six RIchmonds in tlic field ;
Five have I slain to-day Instead of him.
A horse I a horse I my kingdom for :\ horse I
Act V Sc iv
[Exeunt
Scene V.— Another Part of the Field.
Alarum. Enter Richahd and UrcuMOND ; Iheif flgl t.
Ri«:i(\nr) is slain. Retreat and flourish. Re-enter
Richmond, Stani.ky beariwj tixe crown, with aivera
other Lords, and Forces
Richm. God and your arms be prniscd, victorious friends ;
The day Is ours, the bloody dog is dead.
Stan. Courageous Richmond, well hast thou acquit thee.
Lo, here, this long-usurped royalty
From the dead tiMnj)lcs of this bloody wretch
Have I plucked oil, to grace thy brows withal :
Wear it, e.ijoy it, and make much of il.
Richm. Great God of heaven, say Amen to all 1
But, tell me now, Is young George Statdey living ?
Stan. He is, my lord, and safe in Leicester town ;
Whither, if it please you, we may now wiltidraw us.
Richm. What men of name are slain on either side ?
Stan. John Duke of Norfolk, Walter Lord Ferrers,
Sir Robert Brakenbury, and Sir William t^randon.
Richm. Inter their bodies as becomes their births :
Proclaim a pardon to the soldiers fled
That in submission will return to us :
And then, as we have ta'c n the sacrament,
We will unite the White Hose and the Red :
Smile heaven upon this fair conjunction.
That long hath frowned upon their enmity 1
What traitor hears me, and says not Amen ?
England hath long been niad, and scarred herself ;
The brother blindly shed the brother's blood,
The father rashly slaughtered his own son.
The son, compelled, been butcher to the sire :
All this divided York and Lancaster,
Divided in their dire division,
O, now, let Richmond and Elizabeth,
The true succeeders of each royal house.
By God's fair ordinance conjoin together 1
And let their heirs, — God, if Thy will be so, —
Enrich the time to come with smooth-faced peace.
With smiling plenty and fair prosperous days I
Abate the edge of traitors, gracious Lord,
That would reduce these bloody days again.
And make poor England weep in streams of blood I
Let them not live to taste this land's increase
That would with treason wound this fair land's peace !
Now civil wounds are stopped, peace lives again :
That she may long live here, God say Amen I [Ex?unt
156
'^ - f' ■ • ■- -.'•i^^"^- ..■' 'Vi-n; 1^-
,VT
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
157
DRAMATIS PERSONS
' I
f i
Fekdixand, Kinj of Navarre
BiBON N
LoxGAViLLE ,- lords attendin'j on the King
DcTilAIN J
BOYET •»
MercadetI attending on the Princeaa of France
Don Adriano de AiiiiADo, a fantastical Spaniard
Sir Nathaniel, a curate
HoLOFEBNES, a scliaolinaster
DcJLL, a constable
Costard, a clown
MoTU, page to Armado
A Forester
Princess of France
rosalixe ^
31 ARIA |- ladies attending on the Pi inccsa
Katharine '
Jaqlenetta, a country wench
Oflicors and others. Attoailants on the King and Pr inoesa
SCENE. — Navarre
I
I:
'■■-iif^'.
\3S
:^t*«^^i"^-4W!^:..
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
ACT ONE
Scene I.-Navarre. A Park, with a Palace in it
Enter the King, Birox, Loxgaville, and Dumaix
T s,^^'"^' • ^^^ f^'""^' ^^^^'- ''^^^ '»"nt after in their lives
Live registered upon our brazen tombs, '
And then grace us in the disgrace of death •
V\ hen, spite of cormorant devouring ilnie'
The endeavour of this present breath may buy
That honour which shall bate his scythe's keen ed^e
And make us heirs of all eternity ="
Therefore, brave conquerors,— for so you arc.
1 hat war against your cwn afleclions.
And *. huge army of the world's desires,—
Our 1, ; edict shall strongly stand in force •
Navarre shall be the wonder of the world •"
Our court shall Lc a little Academe,
Mill and contemplative in living art.
^ou three, Biron, Dumain, and Longa^ille
Have sworn for three years' term to live wUh me
My fellow-scholars, and to keep those statute^
That arc recorded in this schedule here •
-Thof i?fc ""^l P^i'^'^' ^"'^ now subscribe your names
That his own hand may strike his honour down '
That violates the smallest branch herein :
If you are armed to do as sworn to do.
Subscribe to your deer oaths, and keep it too.
i^ong. I am resolved : 't is but a three years' f-st-
The mind shall banquet, though the body pine
M , P^^nches have lean pates ; and daitfly bUs
Make rich the ribs, but bankrupt quite tJwits
Dam. My loving lord, DumLin is mor ified
The grosser manner of these world's delights '
He throws upon the gross world's baser s uL •
With all these living in philosophy.
Biron I can but say their protestation over •
So much dear liege, I have alreadv sworn '
1 at IS. to hve and study here Ihr^c ytais!
But Uicrc are other strict observances :
un -"P T*i ^^® ^ woman in that term,—
NNhich, I hope well, is not enrolled there :
159
w^'^mLim^ms
^^-■^■- i'>''^cL.
'Z'
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act I Sc i
■fli
i'A
U
i i
And, one day in a week to touch no food,
And but one meal on every day beside,—
The which, 1 hope, is not enrolled there ;
And then, to sleep but three hours in the night,
And not be seen to wink of all the day,—
When I was wont to think no harm all niuht,
And make a dark night too of half the day, — ■
Which, 1 hope well, is not enrolled there.
O, these arc barren tasks, too hard to keep, —
Not to sec ladies, study, fast, not sleep.
King. Your oath is passed to pass away from these.
Biron. Let me say no, my liege, an if you please :
I only swore to study with your grace,
And stay here in your court for three years' space.
Long. You swore to that, Biron, and to the rest.
Biron. By yea and nay, sir, then I swore in jest. —
What is the end of study '? let me know.
King. Why, that to know which else we should not know.
Biron. Things hid and barred, you mean, from common
sense ?
King. Ay, that is study's god-like recompense.
Biron. Come on, then ; I will swear to study so,
To know the thing I am forbid to know ;
As thus, — to study where I well may dine.
When I to feast expressly am forbid ;
Or study where to meet some mistress fine.
When mistresses from common sense are hid ;
Or, having sworn too hard-a-keeping oath.
Study to break it, and n"t break my troth.
If study's gain be thus, and this be so,
Study knows that which yet it doth not know.
Swear me to this, and I will ne'er say no.
King. These be the slops that hinder study quite,
And train our intellects to vain delight.
Biron. Why, all delights are vain ; but that most vain,
Which, with pain purciiased, doth inherit pain ;
As, painfully to pore upon a book.
To seek the light of truth ; while truth the while
Doth falsely blind the eyesight of his look.
Light, seeking light, doth light of light beguile :
So, ere you find where light in darkness lies,
Your light grows dark by losing of your eyes.
Study me how to please the eye indeed,
By fixing it upon a fairer eye ;
Who dazzling so, that eye shall be his heed.
And give him light that it was blinded by.
Study is like the heaven's glorious sun,
That will not be deep-searched with saucy looks :
Small have continual plodders ever won,
Save base authority from others' books.
160
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Act I Sc i
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
These earthly godfathers of heaven's lights
That give a name to every fixed star,
Have no more profit of their shining nights
Than those that walk and wot not what they are
Too much to know is to know nought but fame •
And every godfather can give a name.
King. How well he 's read, to reason against reading !
Dum. Proceeded well, to stop all pood proceeding 1
Long. He weeds the corn, and si ill lets grow the weeding-
Biron. The spring is near, when green geese are a-
breedmg.
Dum.
Biron.
Dum.
Biron.
King.
How follows that ?
T ., . ^^'^ *" ^^5 P'ace and time.
In reason nothmg.
. . ,., Something then in rhvme.
Biron IS like an envious sneaping Irost, '
That bites the first-born infants of the sorin^
Biron. Well, say i am : why should proud summer boast,
Before the birds have any cause to sing ?
Why should I joy in an abortive birth ? ° '
At Christmas I no more desire a rose,
Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled shows ;
But like of each thing that in season grows.
So you, to study now it is too late.
Climb o'er the house to unlock the iittle gate.
King. Well, sit you out ; go home, Bir6n : adieu I
Biron. No, my good lord ; I have sworn to slay wiLh
you : ■^
And, though I have for barbarism spoke more
Than for that angel knowledge you can say,
\ et confident I '11 keep what I have swore,
And bide the penance of each three yar's' day
Give me the paper : let me read the same ;
And to the strict'st decrees I '11 write my name
King. How well this yielding rescues thee from shame I
Biron. [Rcafis] "Item, That no woman shall come
within a mile of my cour/."— Hath this been proclaimed ?
Long. Pour days ago.
Biron. Let 's see the penally. {Reads] " On pain of
losing her tongue."~\\ho devised this penal I v ? '^ '
Long. Marry, that did L
Biron. Sweet lord, and why ?
Long. To fright them hence with that dread penalty
Biron. Adangeroiislavvagainstgentilityl [Reads] '•Item
If any man be seen to talk with a woman within the term o)
three years he shall endure surh public shame as the re'l
of the court can possiliii devise." —
This article, my liege, yourself must break ;
For, well you know, here comes in embassy
Ine Preach king's daimhter with yourself to .sT>onk,_
*^.i-'-
^•^v;
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act I Sc i
s tt
M
A maid of Rrace, and complete majesty, —
About surrcn(ier-up of Aquitain
To her decrepit, sick, and bed-rid father :
Therefore, this article is made in vain.
Or vainly comes the admired princess hither.
King. \Vhat say you, lords ? why, this was quite forgot.
Biron. So study evermore is overshot :
While it doth study to have what it would.
It doth forget to do the thing it should ;
And when it hath the thing it hunteth most,
'T is won as towns with fire,— so won, so lost.
King. We must of force dispense with this decree :
She must lie here on mere necessity.
Biron. Necessity will make us all forsworn
Three thousand times within this three years' space ;
For every man with his affects is born.
Not by might mastered, but by special grace.
If I break faith, this word shall speak for me,
I am forsworn on mere necessity. —
So ti> the laws at large I write my name ; [Subscribes
And he that breaks them in the least degree.
Stands in attainder of eternal shame.
Suggestions are to others as to me ;
But, I believe, although I seem so loath,
I am the last that will last keep his oath.
But is there no quick recreation granted ?
King. Ay, that there is. Our court, you know, is haunted
With a refined traveller of Spain ;
A man in all the world's new fashion planted.
That hath a mint of phrases in his brain.
One, whom the music of his own vain tongue
Doth ravish like enchanting harmony :
A man of compliments, whom right and wrong
Have chose as umpire of their mutiny :
This child of fancy, that Annado hight,
For interim to our studies, sh;ill relate
In h'gh-born words the worth of numy a knight
From tawny Spain, lost in the woihis debate.
How you deh\qht, my lords, I know not, I ;
But, I protest, 1 love to hear him lie,
And I will use him for my minstrelsy.
Biron. Armado is a most illustrious wight,
A man of fire-new words, fashion's own knight.
Long. Costard, the swain, and he shall be our sport ;
And so to study, three years is but short.
Ent-"'- Dull, with a letter, c-id Costard
Dull. W))ich is the duke's own person ?
Biron 'I Hi-., fellow. What wou'dst V
Dull. 1 inyseif reprehend 'is own person, for I am his
1«2
..tm»^JL
1 1
^*^^^ ^^^ LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Biron. This is he.
,.!if"'^' ?'8iiior Arm— Arm— commends you. There's
villamy abroad : this letter will tell you morJ
^fnn i'"'. 1? co'itempts thereof are as touching me.
Rrnn ^'""f ^'"""^ ^^^ magnificont Armado.^
hig^i wo^ds ' '" '"'''''■ *^' "^""^'•' ^ »»°P« i« God for
paUen?el^^ '"^'' ^"^' '°' ^ ^°^ ^^=^^'^" •' ^od grant us
Biron. To liear? or forbear laughing *>
ortZrbl? S '""'"^' '''• """ '" ""■8" moderately;
to dtab irX^Zi^A"' "" ^'^'^ ^'■^' «™ - -"-
Th?'''' '^^'^ 'T?.".*'^ ^^ ^^ "^^- ^''■' as concerning Jaoucnetta
The manner of it is, I was laken with the manne?
Biron. In what manner ? """niti.
th£?'" T ^"^ "tanner and form following, sir ; all those
three : I was seen with her in the manor-house sittinc S
her upon the form, and taken following her h'io he?,nrk
jvhich, put together, is in manner and fo folk Wna'
Now sir, for the manner,-it is the manner of a man To
^/Si° %'''°'?^^"i ,f°' .^^^ form.-m some form.
Biron. For the following, sir ?
defend the dght'f'" '°"'^' '" "^^ correction: and God
King, \\iii you hear this letter with attention ?
Biron. As we would hear an oracle '-"^*"" '
flesh.'^' ^"'^ '' ^''^ simplicity of man to hearken after the
r^Jf'"^,- J^'f"^'^ " ^^^«' dcpiity, the welkin's viceaerent
Cos/. Not a word of Costard vet
King. " So it is,"~
trSn.t si- '' '" '' ' ^"' "■ '''• ^'^^y '' '' «°' »- - in telling
/C/'/jgr. Peace I
Ktg. "^o^'woids'l'"' "'"'^ "^'^ ''^' ""'''' "^^ ^'Sht.
Cos/, —of other men's secrets. I beseech you
.h^^^^'r ^■. '^ '^' ^^^'^.'/''rf 'i"//i sable-coloured melan-
choUj, I dtd commend the Mack-oppressing humour to tt
most wholesome physic of thjj health-giving aU^ and as
\^"\^9entlenmn betook myself to walk. The t me when ^
About the sixth hour ; when beasts most graze birds best
suoner''\T' '1 t"'^/" '^''' nourishment which seal ei
supper. So much for the time when. Now for the ground
163
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act I Sc i
I
■• f<
which ; which, I mean, I walked upon : it is ijcleped thij
park. Then for the place where ; where, I mean, I did
encounter that obscene and most preposterous event, that
draweth from my snow-white pen the ebon-coloured ink,
which here thou viewest, beholdest, surveyest, or seest. But
to the place where ; — it standeth north-north-east and by east
from the west corner of thy curious-knotted garden : there
did I see tliat low-spirited swain, that base minnow of thn
mirth,"— ' "^
Cost. Me.
King. — " that unlettered small-knowing soul," —
Cost. Me.
King. — " that shallow vassal," —
Cost. Still me.
King. — " which, as I remember, hight Costard," —
Cost. O, me.
King. — " sorted and consorted, contrary to thy estab-
lished proclaimed edict and continent canon, with — with —
O ! with — but with this I passion to say wherewith," —
Cost. With a wench.
King. — " with a child of our grandmother Eve, a female :
or, for thy more sweet understanding, a woman. Him I
(as my ever-esteemed duty pricks me on) have sent to thee,
to receive the meed of punishment, by thy sweet grace's officer,
Antony Dull, a man of good repute, carriage-bearing, and
estimation."
Dull. Me, an 't shall please you : I am Antony Dull.
King. — " For Jaquenelta {so is the weaker vessel called),
which I apprehended with the aforesaid swain, I keep her
as a vessel of thy law's fury ; and shall, at the least of thy
sweet notice, bring her to trial. Thine, in all compliments
of devoted and heart-burning heat of duty, Don Adriano
DE Armado."
Biron. This is not so well as I looked for, but the best
that ever I heard.
King. Ay, the best for the worst.— But, sirrah, what
say you to this ?
Cost. Sir, I confess the wench.
King. Did you hear the proclamation ?
Cost. I do confess much of the hearing it, but little of
the marking of it.
King. It was proclaimed a year's imprisonment, to be
taken wilh a wench.
Cost. I was taken with none, sir : I was taken with a
damostl
King.
Cost.
King.
Cost.
a maid.
Well, it was proclaimed damosel.
This was no damosel neither, sir : she was a virgin.
It is so varied too, for it was proclaimed virgin.
If it were, I deny her virginity : I was taken with
164
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^'^^^ ^^" LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Co.T rwl' "" -^"^ "^il* "°^ ^^^^ yo""- turn, sir.
w-^n; « ' ni'iu ^vlIl serve my turn. sir.
fasfncok'^;itVb"rar""Tcr^'"^ ""^^"^^ = ^^^ '^«»
ponidge. ' ^^"^ '^^^''' P'^y ^ "^^^t'^ ^'ith mutton and
Tvr5/"^*, i^"^ ^*'" Armndo shall be your kccoer —
My Lord Biron, see hin, delivered o'er • ^
And go we lords, to put in practice that
^^ hich each to other liath so strongly sworn
Biron I '11 i.,v ml^?"'?^^''"^' Lonffaville, and Dumain
xjiron 1 11 lay my head to any good man's hat
therefore, welcome the sour cup ot prosperity 1 AmicMnn
SwT "'>' ™""^ "«»'"• =»^ tlll%he''„?'slVth^e"'i'ow„"
Scene IL— Abmado's House in the Park
Enter Armado and Moth
grots'melan^holy ?' ^'^" " ''' "^^" ^ ^^ <>' «^-t spirit
^^'^^^' ^^rJ^"^^^ *'^' ^^^' th^t he will look sad.
Why, sadness is one and the selfsame thing, dear
Arm.
imp.
Moth
Arm
No, no ; O Lord, sir, no.
tender juven^?'"'' '^'" ^''' '"^"'^^ ""^ melancholy, my
tough'senior^ ^ ''"""•"' demonstration of the working, my
M^h u^h^^ V'"?!' '•"^°'' • "''^y *°"gh senior ?
apnerTaininrio hV "''"' ^"J""^'' ^' ^ congruent epitheton
Under ^ ^ ^"""^ '^''^'' '^'^"^'^ ^'^ ™^y nominate
x-.ni'^L^'r, *^^^ h .**l"S^ s^^'o'"' as an appcrtinent title to
>our old time, which we may name tough.
^Ir/n. Pretty, and apt. ^
ant i*" or T^nT "'T'' ^°"' ''' • ^ P'-etty, and my saying
apt / or I apt, and my saying pretty ? »«*y"Jg
Arm. Thou pretty, because little.
a^^hII^'''',"^'' ^^^^"s^' "ttle. Wherefore apt ?
And therefore apt, because quick. ^
bpeak you this in my praise, master ?
In thy condign praise.
I will praise an eel with the same praise.
165
Moth.
Arm.
Moth.
Arm.
Moth.
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act I Sc ii
Thou hcatost
Arm. What, that an col is ingonious ?
Moth. That an eel is quick.
Arm. I do say, thou art quick in answers,
my blood.
Moth. I am answered, sir.
Arm. I love not to be crossed.
Moth. [.Uide] lie speaks the mere contrary: crosses
love not him.
Arm. I have promised to study three years with the
duke.
Moth
Arm.
Moth.
Arm.
tapster.
Moth.
Arm.
You may do it in an hour, sir.
Impossible.
How many is one thrice told ?
I am ill at rcckoniuf^ : it liltefh the spirit of a
You are a pentleman and a gamester, sir.
I confess both: they are l)oth the varnish of a
complete man.
Moth. Then, I am sure, you know how much the gross
sum of deuce-ace amounts to.
Arm. It doth amount to one more than two.
Moth. Which the base vulgar do call three
Arm. True.
Moth. Why, sir, is this such a piece of study •> Now
here is three studied, ere you '11 thrice wink ; and how easy
It IS to put years to the word three, and study three years
m two words, the dancing horse will tell you.
Arm. A most fine figure I
Moth. [Aside] To prove you a cypher.
Arm. I will hereupon confess I am in love ; and, as it is
base for a soldier to love, so am I in love with a base wench.
If drawmg my sword against the humour of affection would
deliver me from the reprobate thought of it, I would take
Uesire prisoner, and ransom him to any French courtier for
a new-devised courtesy. I think scorn to sigh : methinks,
I should outswear Cupid. Comfort me, boy. What great
men have been in lov. ? j e ^au
Moth. Hercules, master.
Arm. Most sweet Hercules !— More authority, dear
boy name more ; and, sweet my child, let them be men of
good repute and carriage.
Moth. Samson, master : he was a man of good carriage
gr.at carriage, for he carried the town-gates on his back
like a porter : and he was in love.
Arm. O well-knit Samson 1 strong-jointed Samson! I
do excel thee m my rapier as much as thou didst nu> in
carrying gates I am in love too. Who was Samson's
love, my dear Moth ?
Moth. A woman, master.
Arm. Of what complexion ?
166
Act I Sc ii
LOVES LABOUR'S LOST
Moth.
the four.
Arm.
Moth.
Arm.
Moth.
Arm.
Of all the four, or the three, or the two, or one of
Tell mc procistly of wliat com|)loxion.
Of the sea-wiih-r green, sir.
Is that one of the four complexions ?
As I have read, sir ; and the best of them too.
Green, indeed, is the colour of lovers ; but to
have a love of that colour, melhinks Samson had small
reason for it. He, surely, afTetted her for her wit.
Moth. It was so, sir ; for she liad a Rreen wit.
Arm. My love is most immaculate white and red.
Moth. Most maculate thoughts, master, are masked
under such colours.
Arm. Define, define, well-educated infant.
Moth. My father's wit and my mothers tongue assist me !
Arm. Sweet invocation of a child ; most prcltv and
pathetical I « j»
Moth. If she be made of white and red.
Her faults will ne'er be known ;
For blushing cheeks by faults are bred,
And fears by pale-white shown :
Then, if she fear, or be to blame.
By this you shall not know ;
For still her cheeks possess tlie same,
Which native she doth owe.
A dangerous rhyme, master, against the reason of white
and red.
Arm. Is there not a ballad, boy, of the King and the
Beggar ?
Moth. The world was very guilty of such a ballad some
three ages smce ; but I think, now 't is not to be found • or
If it were, it would neither serve for the writing nor the tune'
Arm. I will have that subject newly writ o'er, that I
may example my digression by some mighty precedent.
Boy, I do love that country girl that I took in the park
with the rational hind Costard : she deserves well.
Moth. [Aside] To be whipped; and yet a better love
than my master.
Arm. Sing, boy ; my spirit grows heavv in love.
And that 's great marvel, lovjng'a light wench.
I say, sing.
Forbear till this company be past.
Enter Dull, Costard, and Jaqlenetta
Sir, the duke's pleasure is, that vou keep Costard
safe : ana you must It-l him lake no delighl nor no penance •
but 'a must fast three days a week. For this damsel I
must keep her at the park ; she is allowed for the dav
woman. Fare you well.
Arm. I do betray myself with blushing.— .Maid,-^
107
Moth.
Arm.
Moth.
Dull.
LOVES LABOUR 'S LOST
II
Jaq.
Arm.
Jaq.
Arm.
Jaq.
Arm.
Jaq.
Arm.
Jaq.
Arm.
Jaq.
Dull.
Act I Sc a
Man.
I will visit thee at the lodge.
That 's hereby. *
I know whore it is situate.
Lord, how wise you are I
I will tell ihcc wonders.
With that face ?
I love thee.
So I heard you say.
And so farewell.
P'air Weather after you f
Come, Jaquenetta, away
bel^onT^'^^"' ^^- ^'-^ 'ait^^^ofS^rS
stomach. ''''"' '■'' ' ^°P^' ^^'^'^" ' ^° "' I «hall do it on a full
Arm Thou shalt be heavily punished.
the?;'rebu?TigS't';rrewantl'^ ^°" ^'^" ^^^ '^^"«-' '-
Arm. Take away this villain ; shut him up
Lome, you transgressing slave ; away I
No"ll""'thn7'"' "?' '}' '' ^ ^'" '«st. being loose,
rso. sir, that were fast and loose : thou shalt to
Moth.
Cost.
Moth.
prison.
Cost.
that , t.Zt'elZZlllrj:'!"''"^ ^"y^ "' <"-»"""»"
Moth. What shall some see ?
Arm T Hn ofT„/.i tu [hxeunt Moth and Costard
of falsehood-if How Ann iT^'*^'' ^^ "^ ^''^^^ argument
^vhich is falselv attcmnfP.^ T "" •'''" }^''^ ^*^ ^'""^ '«^'e
a devil : ther7is'no e^?/fngel butl " e' 'TJ^w ' k'"' ''
so tempted, and he had af excellent strength v^'""
Solomon so seduced nnd h^ i,Vi V sirengtn . yet was
butt-Shan is too hard tor H.rru es- dS ?11,T '' /'■"P'"'^
much odds tor a Spani°r"s raotcr Th„ L , ''"'i'''''' '""
?Se';'? ,«'° >^^'» "'."<i-''.''erLL'° s:;,rf ^„"sV
he lowf h 'i' "'. ' '"'" ' f«^ yo"'- manager s in love • ven
fap?e l1St^rVrn^^^~ C "i^ ^ ^"
for I am for whole volumes in folio? ' ^'^'-^'^'^«' f^^i}
168
Act II Sc i
LOVES LABOUR'S LOST
ACT TWO
ScroNF. I.-Outsidc the Park. A Pavilion and Tcnfs
EnhT the PniNCEss of France. Rosaline, Maiua
Katuarik,:, Uuyet. Lords, and other AUenZus'
B'\!lt'L Now madam, summon up your dearest soiriu •
Consider who the king your father sends ; ^^'^' '
Yourself, he M precious in the world's esteem.
To parley with the soir i.iheritor '
Of al perfections that a man may owe,
Matchless Navarre ; the plea of no less weight
Than vquitam.— a dowry for a queen.
Be now as prodigal of all dear grace.
As Nature was in making graces de.ir
^;;.^;;i':;;;;:;i^,l!:^si^^r^r^
f^no^^-ll^lS^^^^^^^ ^- -an.
Beauty ,s bought by juclgn>ent of the eye '
Not uttered by base sale of chapmen's tongue
I am less proud to hear you tell my worth
Than you much willing to be counted \\i,c
In spending your wit in the praise of mine.
But now to task the tasker: Good Boyc"!
You are not Ignorant, all-telling fame
Doth noise abroad, Navarre hath made a vow.
rni painful sluay shah outwear three years
No woman may approach his silent court :
1 herefore to 's scemeth it a needful course.
Before we enter his forbidden gates.
To know his pleasure ; and in that behalf.
Bold of your worthiness, we single you
As our best-moving fair solicitor.
lell him, the daughter of the King of Franco
hLZT" ^"«'"^*^%"-^vi,.g quick despatcy)'
Iiportunes personal confcreiice with his gr .cc.
Haste, signify so much ; nhilc wo attend
Like humble-visaged suitors, his high
Boijd
Prin.
V.li
Proud of employment, wriliiigi'v f 'o.
All pndc IS willing priile, and yours 'is o.—
Who are the votaries, my hning lords, ^"^''^ """''''
That are vow-fellows with this virtuous ,luke ?
First Lord. Longaville is one.
\fnr' T I „ I- , Know you the man ?
Mur. I know han, madam : at a marriage-feast
}8— F"
169
LOVES LAnolTR'S LOST
Acl 11 Sci
fit
If
•>i-i
li
Mar.
Prin.
Hctwccn Lord Porifiort nru! the beauteous luir
Of Jaqucs FaU-otilnidt^c soiomnisfd
In Noimnudy, saw 1 this Louu'aviUc.
A man of sovpni^u parts he is oslocmcd ;
Wt'll fitted in ll\e arts. Klorlous in arms : '
N'othiM« ln'iouu's liiin ill that he would \\v\\.
The only soil of liis fair virtue's };Ioss,
If virtue's Rioss will stain witli any soil,
Fs a sharp wit matched with too hlunt a will •
Whose edge hath power to cut. whose will still wills
It should none spare that come within his power
Pnn. Some merry mockinp lord, belike ; is 't so ?
They say so most that most his humours know
Such shoit-lived wits do wither as they lirow
Who are the rest ? j b •
,^Af!'." J''/' y«\'"« Dumain. a well-accomplished youth.
Of all that virtue love for virtue loved : J' •
Most power to do most harm, least knowinij ill
I'or he hath wJt to make an ill shape good.
And shape to win grace though be had no wit
I saw him at the Uuke Alen^on's once ;
And much too little of that good 1 saw
Is my report to his great worthiness.
/?o.?. Am. her of these students at that lime
Was there with him : if I have heard a trulli,
niron they call him ; but a merrier man,
Within the limit of becoming mirth,
I never spent an hour's talk withal.
His eye begets occasion for his wit :
For every object that the one doth catch,
The other turns to a mirth-moving jes'.
Which his fair tongue, conceit's expositor.
Delivers in such apt and gracious words
That aged ears play truant at his tales,
And younger hearings are quite ravished,
So sweet and voluble is his discourse.
Prin. God bkss my ladies I are thev all in love
I hat every one her own hatli garnislicff
With such bedecking ornaments of praise ?
Lord. Here conies Ooycl.
Re-cnlcr Boyet
■E^'"; -, , ^'ow, what admittance. lord ?
A xl ^•;»^''^rre had notice of your fair approach :
And he and his competitors in oath
Were all adrJressed to meet you. gentle lady,
Before I came. Marry, thus much I have learnt.
He rather means to lodge vou in the Held
Like one that conies here to besiege his court,
inan seek a dispensation for his oath,
170
:.'*\.ii^J.JJ^I^^
T
Act II Sc I
LOVns LABOUR'S LOST
Prill.
King.
Prin.
King.
Prin.
King.
Prin.
To let you enter his utipconled house.
Here comos Navarro. ^^he Ladies nu.sk
Enter K.N,;, Lonoavclle, Dumain. Biron. and Altendnnts
have not yet : the n.of of this court is .00 i,?,^. t c iours
I AMll he welcome, then. Conduct mo thither
Hoar me. dear ia.iy : I have sworn an oati
S u'rV'"^^' V: l"?^ ' '•'^ '" »^« forsworn.
Not for the world, fair madam, by my will
^Vhy. will shall break It ; will, and nothiuK else
yur ladyship is ifinorant what It is.
Wh/. "^'^ !"y ^"'■'^ ^"' ^•"* ignorance were wise
Where now his knowledfie must prove i«norance
I hear, your grace hath sworn oit houstkcepl.S '
T is deadly sin to keep that oath, my lord. ^ ^ *
And sin to break it. '
But pardon me. I am too sudden-bold :
fo teach a teacher ill beseemeth me.
Vouchsafe to read the purpose of my comlnff.
And suddenly resolve me in my suil"^ [Gives a moer
King. Madam, I will, if suddenly I may ^^
Prin. You will the sooner, that I were awav
sfrZ " ?rV' rp\''''^^ 'f y«" "^^^^ "!^^ stay:
?r hm'"^ T\ *^^"''-' ^''^^' y"" •" \iv.xhA once ?
Wrnn t ^""^ ^ 'Jance With you in Brabant once ?
Hiron. I know you did.
To^sk the question ! "°'' "'^"^'*^^^ ^'^^ ^^ ^^^'^
n^n^'-T I -I r ^'°." "^"^^ "«t be so quick.
Has. T is long of you, that spur me with such fuiestions
■ V .?n'.W ^^° *'^^' *^ ^P^-e^'^ too fast, 'twil ti?e
Not td ,t leave the rider in the mire. ''''"^''^^•
>Vhat time o' day ?
The hour that fools should ask.
. Now fair befall your mask !
Fair fall the face it covers I
And send you many lovers I
Amen, so you be none.
Nay, then will I be gone.
- ^ladam, your father here doth Intimate
The payment of a hundred thousand crowns .
Being but the one-half of an entire sum
Disbursed by my father in his wars
But say that he or we— as neither have—
A hundred thousand more ; in surety of which,
171
Biron.
Ros.
Biron.
Bos.
Biron.
Ros.
Biron.
Ros.
Biron.
King.
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act II Sc i
h i\
*r
One part of Aquitain is bound to us.
Although not valued to the moneys worth.
If then the king your father will restore
But that one-half which is unsatisfied,
We will give up our right in Aquitain,
And hold fair friendship with his majesty.
But that, it seems, he little purposelh.
For here he doth demand to have repaid
A hundred thousand crowns ; and not demands
On payment of a hundred thousand crowns '
To liave his title live in Aquitain ;
Which we much rather had depart withal,
And have the money by our father lent,
Than Aquitain, so gelded as it is.
Dear princess, were not his requests so far
From reason's yielding, your fair self should make
A yieldmg, 'gainst some reason, in my breast
And go well satisfied to France again.
A ^'''"' ^'?u ^° ^^^ ^'"8 my father too much wrong.
And wrong the reputation of your name
In so unseeming to confess receipt '
Of that which hath so faithfully be'en pail.
King. I do protest, I never hpard of it :
And if you prove it, I 'U repay it back,
Or yield up Aquitain.
^ ^'■{"- We arrest your word.
fcJoyet, you can produce acquittances
For such a sum, from special ollicers
Of Charles his father.
Ki"9- Satisfy me so.
xKjS^^'^hu ?° Pl^^**' ^""'' •^^^*=^' the packet is not come.
Where that and other specialities are bound •
To-morrow you shall have a sight of them
A., ,1!^' .^^ ^^^^^ &nmc& me : at which interview.
All liberal reason I will yield unto.
Meantime, receive such welcome at my hand
As honour, without breach of honour, may
Make tender of to thy true worthiness
You may not come, fair princess, in my gates ;
But here without you shall be so received
As you shall deem yourself lodged in my heart
Though so denied fair harbour in my house
'Jtour own good thoughts excuse me, and farewell •
To-morrow shall we visit you again
Kinij. Thy own wish wish I thee in every place 1
»,•,.«„ T , T ... [I'Xeunt King and his Train
Biron. ^Lady, I will commend you to mine own hrart.
my commendations ; I would be
glad to see it.
172
Act II Sc I
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
ron. I would you heard it groan,
i. ; . Is the fool sick ?
Buon. Sick at the heart.
Ros. Alack, let it blood.
Biron. Would that do it good ?
Ros. My physic says, ay.
Biron. Will you prick 't with your eye ?
Ros. No point, with my knife.
Biron. Now, God save thy life I
Ros. And yours from long living I
Biron.
Dam.
Boyet.
Diim.
Long.
Boyet.
Long.
Boyet
I cannot stay thanksgiving. [Retiring
Sir, I pray you, a word. What lady is that same ?
I he heir of Aleufon, Katharine her name.
A gallant lady. Monsieur, fare you well. [Exit
I beseech you a word. What is she in the white ?
A woman sometimes, an you saw her in the light
Perchance, light in the light. I desire her name!
She hath but one for herself; to desire that
were a shame. '
Long. Pray you, sir, whose daughter ?
Boyet. Her mother's, I have heard.
Long. God's blesSing on your beard 1
Boyef. Good sir, be not offended.
She is an heir of I alconbridgo.
Long. Nay, my choler is ended.
She is a most sweet lady.
Boyet. Not unlike, sir ; that mny be [Exit Long
What 's licr name in the cap ?
Rosaline, by good hap.
Is she wedded or no ?
To her will, sir, or so.
O, you are welcome, sir. Adieu.
Farewell to me, sir, and welcome to you.
^. , , ,. ^. [f'^Ji:itBiron.--L(Hlics unmask
I hat last IS Riron, the merry madcap lord :
Biron.
Boyet.
Biron.
Boyet.
Biron.
Boyet.
Mar.
Boyet.
Prin.
Boyet.
Mar.
Boyet.
NoJL a \\0Td with him but a jest.
,, „ , And every jest I)ul a word,
it was well done of you to t:ike him at his word
I was as willing lo grapple as he was to board.
Iwo hot sheeps, marry !
. r ... '^"'^ wherefore not ships ?
IS o sheep, sweet lamb, unless we feed on your lips
V, , '^2^ ''''"^''' '^"*' ^ P.islure : sliall that linish the jest ?
lioyet. So you grant pasture for nie.
w [Ofjerimj to kiss her
TV, * m!;: , >>■<>* so, gentle beast.
iM> lips are no rommon, though several lln-y be.
Boi;ct. Beloiij^^iiig lo whom V
viln n A -, .„ . . '^° "^y fortunes and me.
i rin. Cood wits will be jangling ; l)ut, gentles, agree.
173
l\
^ . 1
I
i;
!
;i
1:,'
I ;;
iki'
■ ?! >
LOVES LABOUR'S LOST Act III Sc i
TIic civil war of wits were mucli better used
On Navarre and his book-men, for here 't is abused.
Ti.r?i/i ",,'"y.?l>servalion— which very seldom lies—
By the heart's still rhetoric disclosM with eves
Deceive me not now, Navarre is infected. '
Prin. With what ?
BoyeL With that w-hich we lovers entitle, affected.
J^nn. Your reason ?
T.^fT^' T*'?'u?" '"^ behaNiours did make their retire
HU ho.r?"!"l°' ^" 'yf ' P"*^P^"« thorough desire :
Pro„H wit h nf T ^g** ^' Jith your print impressed,
Proud with h s form, m his eye pride expressed ;
nil f"^"K/ «". 'Z^Pat'ent to speak and not see,
Did stumble with haste in his eyesight to be •
All senses to that sense did make their repair!
Jo /eel only looking on fairest of fair.
Methought, all his senses were locked in his eve
As jewels m crystal for some prince to buy ;
jiass'c'j"^ ^^"'" '''''" ''^'■"^ ^'■°"' ''^'''' ^'^^y ^verc
Did pofnt you to buy them, along as you passed
.lis face s oAvn margent did quote such amazes
rhat all eyes saw his eyes enchanted with gazes.
1 11 give you Aquitain, and all that is his.
An you give him for my sake but one loving kiss
Rnnl) r"!^^'' our pavilion : Boyct is disposed.
^ disclosed!' "^ "' '" '^"'^'' ^^'"^^ '"^ 'y' ^'^'^
I only have made a mouth of his eye
By adding a tongue which I know will not lie
Mnr t5o ?/r' """"J^^^ love-monger, and speakost skilfully.
InT tV ^"P?.'^ ' grandfather, and kains ncNvs of him
BoyeL Do you hear, my mad wenches '>
Mar. -,
dJI'^ ' * ^Vhat tlien, do vou see ?
Ros. Ay, our way to be gone. ~
°^^ • Vou are too hard for me.
[Exeunt
ACT THREE
Scene I.— In the I\irk
Enlrr Aiimado and Moth
hewing. ^^'''■^'''' '''^'^' ' "'"^^^ passionate my sense of
MotlL [Sinf/ing] ConcoUnel—
Arm. Sweet air !-Go, tenderness of years ; take this
174
f-'^aaag^f*^
r-'fi
-. -If,
•^^'^"^ ^^'^ LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
hi7hVf-''Vr;;!f/.^''"'?* *?-^^^ '''"''^'"' ^'•'"8 l.im fcstinately
x^,; ^r^"/^ i'ni!)Ioy inm in a leltcr to my love.
Molh. Master, will you win your lovtMvith a French brawl?
ifmi, v'''^ '"''^"'''^ f ''"" • hJ-'^^vIing in French ?
A/0//1 No my complete master ; but to jig ofT a tunc
,t wUh T.f "' ' '^"'^' '""^'■y ^" 't ^"h your fc^et. humour
It with turmnfi up your eyes, sif-h a note, and sina a
Tni ' 'T'^''^!' th'-ough the throat, as if you swallowed
ove with singing love ; sometime throu<.h the nose as
If you snuffed up love by smelling love ; with ycmrhu
pcnthouse-hke, o'er the shop of your eyes- mi vour
a spit or your hands in your pocket, like a man after the
siip'anS'nv'; ' T. 'f'^' ""' ''?• '''"" '" """^ tune but'a
snip and away, fhese are complimenis, these are humours
hese betray nice wenchcs-that would be betr ^ed wTthoiit
Uicse ; and make them men of note,-do you note me^_ h t
most are aflectcd to these. ^ u uoie me . mat
Arm. How hast thou purcliascd this experience ">
l^y my penny of observation.
But O,— but (), -
— the hobby-horse is for^'()^.
Callest thou my love luildn- horse ">
No, master ; the hoiiby-horse is i.ut a colt
Arm. Almost I had.
Moth. Negligent student ! learn her by heart.
Arm. By heart and in heart, bov.
ulil prove.^""^ ""' ""^ '''"''' ''''''''' -' '-'" '^'^'^^ three I
Arm. What wilt thou prove '^
VV/0//J. A man, if I live; and this, "by," "in" and
without, ' upon the instant : by heart vou JoVe her because
your heart cannot come by her ; in 'heart y< u love hor
because your heart is in h.ve xvith her; and out of he-nl
you ove her, being out of heart that you cannot en ov her
Arm. I am all these tiiree.
And three times as much more, and yet nothing
Moth
Arm.
Molh.
Arm.
Moth.
Molh.
at all.
-Arm.
Molh.
Fetch hilhc'- the swain : he must carrv me a letter
A mevsage well sympathised; a horse to be
ambassador for an ass. ^
'}f"^' ^^'^' '^^ ' ^^'•'^'^ sayest thou ^
]J.o''Lu''T^'' ^ir, you must send (he ass upon the
iiorse, for he is very slow-gaited. I'.ut I - o
Arm. The way is but short. Awav ' "^
-1/0//;. As .s.vift as lead. sip.
Arm Thy meaning, pretty iugenioi ?
IS not lead a metal heavv, dull, and slow '
U ^'-'1
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
\\
I
"I
Jf;
1'
Act III Scl
I: i^i
A^rL^' /fi'""7'' J'?"''f^ '"^^*^'' = o'" '^^^'^'' master, no.
^rm. I say, lead is slow.
T- "JJ*"/'; J , ^^" "^^^^ ^^o swift, sir, to sav so •
Is that lead slow which is fired from a "un "> '
Arm. Sweet smol<e of rhetoric I
^h^^^f^/r ""^^ '? c«""on ; and the bullet, that 's he :-
1 shoot thee at the swain.
4rm''' A«, » . • Thump. then, and I flec. [Exit
Rv f 1^; f ^^ ^"'**' juvenal ; voluble and free of frrace I—
By thy favour, sweet welkin, I must sigh in thy facc--
Most rude melancholy, valour gives thee place.-
My herald is returned.
Rc-enlcr Moth with Cost.vrd
Moth A wonder, master I here 's a Costard broken in
a snin.
Arm.^^Some enigma, some riddle : come,— thy Venvoij ;
mai, sir. O, sir plantain, a plain plantain! no I'cnvou
no / eni'oij ; no salve, sir. but a plantain. ■^'
Arm By virtue, thou enforccst laughter: thv sillv
though , my spleen ; the heaving of mv lun^^s nrovok -s
me to ruhculous smiling : O, pardon me, mv st^rs Do ,
rrm-iXf ^:il^ 7^^'^' '''-' '^^ '"''^'' '-^ ^'- --i
a salve'? ^° ^'"' ''■'''' *^""^' ^^''"^ ^^^*^'' • '^ "^^ '''^"""y
'^'^'"pliki^' ^'^^"^ ■ ^^ '^ ^" epilogue or discourse, to make
Some obscure prececlence that hath tofore been sain.
I NMll example it :
The fox. the ape. and the humble-bee,
NNere still at od.ls. being but three.
1 here s the moral. Now the I'enroij
'1^1^- ,^V']^^^^^'V»'erenrov. Say the moral again.
Arm. The fox. the ape, and the humhi-bee,
Moth. Until the goose came out of door
v« •,. *^?^ ^.^'^-^'''^ t''^* ^^'"'^ '*> a-l.iin-i four.
The fox. the ape, and the InunMe I^ee
N\ere ^\\\\ at odds, being but three.
I ntil the goose came out of door.
Staying the odds bv adding tour.
, . •'^ ^^'^^' /''nnoy. ending in the <:onse
you desire nu.re V ^
^'"''nat'- ^'''' ^'"'^^' '''"'' •''"' '' J^^^rgain, a goose.
Arm.
Moth.
Would
that 's
^rrWW-
Act III Sci
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Sir, your pcnnyworlh is ^'0(.<!. an vour Roose be fat —
To sell a bar^'ain well, is as ciinni,,;- as fast and loose :
Lcl me see, a fat Venvoij ; ay, thai 's a f:it «ooso.
Arm. (.omc hither, come hili.er. How did this argu-
ment bo,i;ui ? **
r\t!ur\\v\Z sayinc that a Costard was broken in a shin.
1 ncn call (1 you lor tlie I envoij.
Cost. True, and I for a plantain : thus came your
Then llio boy's fat fcnvo,/, the fioose that you bought
>^'M he ended the market. ^ i' "ou^ni,
in aThin •.!'"'■ ^'" "'" ' '*"'"'' '''*' ^^"'*' " ^''^•'^^"''' '^''^'^^n
Molh. I will tell you sensil)ly
I, Costard, running out, that was safely within.
lell over the threshold, and brola- mv siiin
Ann. \\c will talk no more of liiis malt"er
Cos/. Tdl there be more matter in the shin
Ami. Sirrah Costard. I Nvill enfranclnse thee.
Cos/. O ! marry me to one 1-rances ?~I smell some
/ etwoij, some goose in this.
Arm By my sweet soul, I mean, setting thee at liberty
andTet m'eZse:"" ' '"' '"" ""^^ ^''" ""' "^^ P"^"^^'''"'
'..idTn li?.fn' ^''7.^'^>' ''^'^'-^y' -^^t (hee from durance;
|.iKl, in heu thereof, nnposc on thee nothing but this •—
j'auJne'ttV' t!''"' ^''"""' " '"^''^ '"^ '''' ^'^""try maid
for^ the Lt. "''," ^'"""^"'•'''tion (^"""^ three farthings] ;
lor the best v.ard of mine honour is rewardinc mv
dependents. Moth, follow. rewaramg my
Molh. Like the sequel, I.-Signior Costard, adieu. ^
(^ost. i\iy sweet ounce of man's llesh ! my incony J^w !~
U^'I'TH ^ \""r '° ^■'\ >; -^""^^^^tion. Remunerluon 'T\
that s the Lytin word for three f:.rthinas : three larlhin"s
mnnv""''^ V "Tn ^^'J^''^' '^ '^'' ^''''''' "^ '""^ ^^^^' ? " "a
o ! •^" -7' ,V'^' ^ " ^'^'^ y^^ '» rciuuncration : " why it
arnes it.— Remuneration ! -why, it is a fairer name than
!• reach crown. I will never buy an.l sdl out of tliis word
Eu'er EinoN
Biron. o. my pood knave Costard ! exceedingly we:! met
•1 nvnlu.v'rr '''■'''' '''• ''?-■ """^ carnation nbbon may
.1 man luiy l..r a reimineraJion ".'
L'iron What is a rcmnner ition ?
Cost. ]\Iarry, sir, halfpenny iarlhing.
177
LMMl
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
J ^s
■ '§'
Biron.
Cost.
Biron.
Cost.
Biron.
Cost.
Biron.
i\A
Act II r Scl
r'nT' T n "" !'y "'""• tlirec-farthlng-worlh of silk.
A« fh« •?• '^''y' '•'"''^ ' ^ '""St employ tlu-e :
Dn nn?»M*^^.T" "'y/«^'«"^ good my knave,
Do one thing for me that I shall entreat.
Cost. Wlien would you have it done, sir ?
O, this afternoon.
^^": J ^'l" ^^'^ "' *•'"• Fare you well.
O, thou knowest not what it is
xi^ru^ '"low, sir, when I have done it.
Why, villain, thou must know first
1 will come to your worship to-morrow mornlnc
it is hut IhL :- ' "^^"^ ^^''' "^t^'-""""- Hark, slave.
The princess comes to hunt here in liie park
And in her train there is a j^a-ntlc ladv! ^ '
\Vhen tonfiucs speak sweetly, then they name her name
And Rosaline they call her : ask for her, '
And to her white hand see thou do commend
This sealed-up counsel. There 's thy guerdon : go.
rn«/ r.1,.,1^., rx . l(^i^rs him a shillinfi
f Inn i'l <^'^'^'^«"— 0. sweet gardon 1 better than remunera-
vm. OH ■'•"''•'"' ?"!'^'""" ^'^^^''- ^^I«st sweet garrm-l
will do It, sir in prmt.-Ganlon-iemuneration ! \Erit
Biron. 0,-and I, forsooth, in love 1 l" that have
been love s whip ; >^ * i, uiai na\e
A very beadle to 'a humorous sit^ii •
A critic, nay, a night-watch const :iLle •
A domineering pedant o'er tlie boy,
than whom no mortal so magniliccnt •
j his wimpled, whining, purblhul. wavward boy :
1 his semor-junior, f;iant-dwarf, Dan C.upid, ^
liegent of love-rhymes, lord of folded .inns
i^iege of all loiterers and malconSents,
Oread prince of plackets, king of rorlpieces.
Sole imperalor. ;;n(i great general
Of trotting parilors :— O niv little heart !—
And I to ])e a corporal of his lield
Ami wear his colours like a tumhlcrs hoop !
NMiat. Ilove,-l! I sue I I seek a v. if,
A woman, that is like a (lermnn clock,
Mill a repairing, ever out of fran'e
And never going aright, being a watdi,
-■Nay. to be perjured, wiiich is worsl ot all •
And, among three, to love the v.,h-sI of ail' •
A wlutely wanton with a velvet l,i„v..
Willi Iv.o p.tch-halls stuck in lur face for eves ;
A>, iiiKl, by heaven, one thai will do the deed,
!7S
*sfrM
Act IV Sc I
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
ThouRh Ar^iis were Iicr eunuch and hor guard :
And 1 to sigh for her ! to watch for her 1
To pray for her I Go to ; it is a plague
That Cupid will impose for my ni-glt-it
Of his almighty dreadful little might.
Well, I will love, write, sigh, pray, sue, and groan :
borne men must love my lady, and some Joan.
[Exit
ACT FOUR
ScKNE L— In the Park.
Enter the PruNCEss, Rosaline, Maiua, KvruAmNE, Boyet,
Lords, Attendants, and it I'oresler
Prin. Was that the king, that spurred liis horse so hard
Against the sleep up-rising of t!ie hill V
f^oi/et. I know not ; but I think it was not he.
,ir ,."?• .'^^'•^oc'er he was, he showed a mounting mind.
Well, lords, to-day we sliall have our despatch •
On Saturday we will return to Prance.—
Then, forester, my friend, where is the bush
That we must stand and phiy the murderer in ?
For. Hereby, upon the edge of yonder coppice •
A stand where you may make tlie fairest siiool.
Prin. I thank my beauty, I am fair that shoot.
And thereupon thou speak'st the fairest shoot.
For. Pardon me, madam, for I meant not so.
Prm. What, what ? first praise uje. and again say. no ?
short-hved pride I Not fair ? alack for woe !
For. Yes, madam, fair.
.,./''■'"• . . Nay. never paint me now :
Wliere fan- is not, praise cannot nuiul the lirow
Here, good my glass, take this for telling true.
... ^ , , . [Ciii'iny Iiim money
1 ;ur payment for foul words is more than due.
For. Nothing but fair is that which you inherit.
Prin. See, see, my beauty will be saved bv ineiit
O heresy in fair, fit for these davs !
A giving hand, though foul, sh;!l! have fair praise.—
Hut come, the bow :— now mercy gotb lo kill,
.\nd shooting well is then acounted ill.
Tims will I save my credit in tiie shoot :
No! wounding, pity would not let me do "t ;
If wounding, then it was to sjiow niv skill.
TImI nu)re for prai.sc than iiiirpnM. nu;!!!! to kill.
Ami, out of {[uestion, so il is s..iin.-iin;cs :
(ilory grows f^uilty of deleslod crimes.
When, for fame's sake, for praise, an outward p.irt,
171)
• i
I
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act IV Sc 1
li
l.i:
t
'3! '
i' ■■
We bend to that the working of the heart ;
As I for praise alone now seek to spill
Tl)e poor deer's blood, that my heart means no il!
Boyel. Do not curst wives hold that self-sovereignty
Only for praise' sake, when they strive to be
L(»rds o'er their lords ?
-r ^'"'"" , ?"l^ ^"'" P'"''''^^ • ^"d Praha we may afford
i o any lady that subdues a lord.
Boyel. Here comes a member of the commonwealth.
Enter Costard
God dig-you-den all. Pray you, which is the
Cost.
bead lady ?
no'heads.^*'''" ^^'^^^ ^"°''' ''""' '''"*''^' ^^' ^^^ """^ ^^'^^ ^^a^e
Cost, mich is the greatest lady, the highest ?
Prin.
it is so ; truth is
The thickest, and the tallest.
Cost. The thickest, and the tallest ?
truth.
An your waist, mistress, were as slender as my wit
One o these maids' girdles for your waist should be fit
Are not you the cliief woman ? you are the thickest here
Pnn. W hat 's your will, sir ? what 's your will ?
Lost. I have a letter from Monsieur Biron to one Ladv
Hos.'.Unc. •'
S' m '."; I ?' *''^ !f \!"' ^''y ^''^^' "■ ' ^*^ 's « good friend of mine.
Si and aside, good bearer.-Boyet, you can carve :
Break up this capon.
T.^T/: . ^ ^"^ ^0""^ to serve.—
1 his letter is mistook ; it importeth none here •
It IS writ to Jaquenelta.
n,.foi";K . , .. ^""'"^ ^^'"' r^^d it, I swear.
Bleak the neck of the wax, and every one give ear
J/om-l. [Reads] " By heaven, that thou art fair,' is most
infallible; true, that thou art beauteous ; truth (self that
tnou ar lovely More fairer than fair, beautiful Znblau.
teous, truer than truth itself, have commiseration on tL
hcroical vassel! The magnanimous and most illustrate
King Cophetua set eye upon the pcrnieious and indubilate
beauar I'eneloplwn, and he it was that might rightly sau
\em, vuU, vui; which to anatomise in the vuU,ar () base
and obseure vulgar .'), videlicet, he came, saw, and overcame
/■■ came, one; saw, two; overcame, three. Who came '^
the king ; why did he come ? to see ; why did he see ■> to
orrrcome. To whom came he? to the bec,gar ; what' saw
he > _ the beggw ; who overcame he ? the beLar. The con-
clusion ,s luetury : on whose side ? the king's. The raptire
ts enriched : vn w/kksc side ? the beggar's. ' The catasl'uDhe
ts a nuptial: on whose side? the king's ?-rw, Zbothn
one, or one m both. I am the king, for so stands the com-
'\
Act IV Sc 1
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
parison ; thou the begyar, for so witntsselh thy lowliness.
Shall I command thy love ? I may. Shall I enforce thij
love? I could. Shall I entreat thy love? I will. What
shall than exchange for rays ? robes ; for tittles ? titles ;
for thyself ? me. Thus, expecting thy reply, I profane my
lips on tliy foot, my eyes on lliy picture, and my heart on
thy every part.
" Thine, in the dearest design of industry,
" Don Adhiano db Ahmado ?
" Thus dost thou hear the Nemean lion roar
Gainst thee, thou lamb, that standcst us his prey ;
Submissive fall his princely feet before,
And he from forage will incline to play.
But if thou strive, poor soul, what art thou then ?
Food for his rage, repaslure for his den."
Prin. What plume of feathers is he that indited this
letter ?
What vane ? what weathercock ? did you ever hear better ?
Boyet. I am much deceived, but I remember the style.
Prin. Else your memory is bad, going o'er it erewhile.
Boyet. This Armado is a Spaniard, that keeps licrc in
court ;
A phantasm, a Monarcho, and one that makes sport
To the prince, and his book -males.
Prin. Thou, fellow, a word.
Who Have thee this letter ?
Cost. I told you ; my lord.
Prin. To whom shouldst thou give it ?
Cost. I'com my lord to my lady.
Prin. From which lord to wliich lady ?
Cost. From my Lord Hiron, a good master of mine,
To a lady of France, that he called Rosaline.
Prin. Thou hast mistaken his letter. — Come, lords,
away.
Here, sweet, put up this : 't will be thine another day.
[Exeunt Princess and Train
Boy el. Who is the suitor ? who is the suitor ?
^os- Sliall I teacii you to know ?
Boyet. Ay, my continent of beauty.
^o«- Why, she that bears the bow.
Finely put oil I
Boyel. My laciy goes to kill horns ; but :f thou marry.
Hang me by the li'.tk, if horns that year miscarry.
Finely put on I
Ros. Well then, I am the shooter.
Boyet. And who is your deer ?
Ros. If we choose by the horns, yourself : come not neir.
Finely put on, indeed I —
Mar. You still wrangle with her, Boyet, and slie strikes
at the brow.
i8i
-it -jt
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act IV Scli
m
I
III
f.
&'■ J^'u i"*' ''*'"*'" '' *"^ '''^^'•- "«v« ' hit her now ?
uos. JifKill I come upon thee witli nn old savino thif
/<os.
Boyct.
Cost.
Mur,
1 hou r.inst not hit it, hit it, hit if.
Thou am St not hit it, nuj good niun,
A n I cannot, cannot, cannot.
An I cannot, another can.
n, , , . [Exeunt Hos. and Kath.
i 5% iii> troth, most pleasant : how both did fit it I
hit'-t'"^ marvellous well shot. lor they both did
^"^ my 1^ 'l^'"''' ' ^' '"''"''' ^"^ ^'^'"'^ "'"'•' = ^ '"^'•^' says
^''\}nr '"vv'•^'"'y^.," ^!''''^ '"'' ^° "^«'*' «t' " it may be.
Cost' Tr^t f '*''' ''^-/'''n^i : I' faiUu your hand is out.
clout "'" shoot nearer, or he '11 ne'er hit the
rVif' TtV' '^"-.T ''.^'"'^ ^^ *""*• *''^" '"''•^^ yo">- hand is in.
Cos. Then wdl she Ret the upshot by cleaving the pin.
Cost' ^uX' r'"'r ^'^"/•'"' ^''^''''y = y^"** "p« k^-^^ 'o"1.
her ' . boul ^"^ ^'^" "' J^''^'^^' ''' '' ^''^"^"««
i?oyc/. 1 fear too much rubbinp. Good nif^ht, my good
rnc/ Ti',, , [Exeunt lioi/el and Maria
Lorcl r nr.M T^ ' n'"' ? '.''•'''" ^ "^ '""'^ ^''"I'^^' ^^'o^n I
O mv t'n.th ''V'"" ''l''.'"' -'"'^ ^ have put him down !
u my truth, most swoot jests I most incony vulgar wit '
When U^comes so smouthly olT. so obscenely, as it were, so
Armado o' the one side,— O, a most dainty man I
To see h.m walk before a lady, and to bear her fan I
swi'lr !— ''"""' ' """^ ^°^'' ""^^^ sweetly 'a will
And his page o' f othtT side, that handful of wit I
All heavens, it is a most pathetical nit I
5>oIa, sola ! rci i- -^f .
[Shouling withm
[Exit Costard
Scene IL— The Same
Enter Holofernes, Sin Nathaniel, and Dull
testhnonv^r.^ r^Y''''^ 'P""'^' t^"ly : and done in the
lesimiony of a good conscience.
Hoi. The dter was. as you know, in sanqu is, —blood •
npe as a pomewater. who now hangelh like a jewel in the
182
Act I\^ Sc ii
LOVnS LABOUR'S LOST
of In-
facen.
car of coelum,—{\\e sky, tho welkin, the heaven ; and anon
fallclh like u crab on the face of terra, — the soil, the land,
the earth.
A'a//i. Tally, Master Ilolofernes, the epithets are sweetly
varied, like a scholar at the least : but, sir, I assure ye, it
was a buck of the first head.
Ilol. Sir Nathaniel, haud credo.
Dull. 'T was not a hand credo, 't was a pricket.
Ilol. Most barbarous intimation I yet a kind
sinuatlon, as it were, in via, in way, of explication ; ,...w..,
as it were, replication, or, rather, oslenlare, to show, as it
were, his inclination,— after his undressed, unpolished,
uneducated, unpruned. untrained, or ratht r unletterpd. or,
ratherest, unconlirmed fashion,— to insert again niy tuiud
credo for a doer.
Dull. I said, the deer was not a haud credo : 't was a
pricket.
Hoi. Twice-sod simplicity, bis coctiis ! —
O, thou monster Isnorance, how deforuK^d dost thou look I
Nalh. Sir, he luitli never fed of the dainties that are
bred in a book ;
He hath not eat paper, as it were ; he hath not drunk ink :
His intellect is not replenished ; he is only an animal, only
sensible in the chillor j)arls, can't think ;
And such barren plants are set before us. that we thankful
should l)e —
Which we of taste and feeling are— for those parts that do
fructify in us more than he ;
For as it would ill become me to be vain, indiscreet, or a
fool,
So, were ihere a patch set on learning, to see him in a
school : —
But, omne b^ne, say I ; being of an old father's mind.
Many can brook the weather, that love not the wind.
Dull. You two are book-men : can you tell by your wit
What was a nionlli old at Cain's birth, Uiat 's not five weeks
old as vrt ?
Ilol. Diclynn;., goodman Dull ; Dictynna, goodman
Dull.
Dull. What is Dictynna ?
iVa//i. A title to riKcbe, to Luna, to the moon.
Ilol. The moon was a month old when Adam was no
more ;
And raught not to five weeks, when he came to five-score
The allusion holds in the exchant^c.
Dull. 'T is true indeed ; tin- collusion holds in the ex-
clianfie.
Ilol. God comfort thy capacity I I say, the allusion
holds in the exchange.
Dull. And 1 say, the polluslon holds in tlie exchange,
183
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LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act IV Sc ii
for the moon is never but a month old ; and I say beside,
that 't was a pricket that the princess killed.
Hoi. Sir NalhanieJ, \Yill you hear an extemporal epitaph
on the death of the deer ? and, to humour the ignorant, I
have called the deer the princess killed, a pricket.
Nalh. Pergc, good Master Holofernes, perye ; so it shall
please you to abrogate scurrility.
Hoi. I Avill something allcct the letter ; for it argues
facility.
The preijful princess pierced and pricked a pretty pleasing
pricket ;
Some say, a sore ; but not a sore, till now made sore with
shootinq.
The dogs did ijcll ; put I to sore, then sorel jumps from thicket ;
Or pricket sore, or else sorel ; the people fall a-hoolinj.
If sore be sore, then I to sore makes fifty sores ; O sore I !
Of one sore I an hundred make, by adding but one more I.
A rare talent !
If a talent be a claw, look how he claws him with
Nath.
Dull.
a talent.
Hoi. This is a gift that I have, simple, simple ; a foolish,
extravagant spirit, full of forms, figures, shapes, objects,
ideas, apprehensions, motions, revolutions ! these are be-
got in the ventricle of memory, nourished in the womb of
pin mater, and delivered upon the mellowing of occasion.
But the gift is good in those in whom it is acute, and I am
thankful for it.
Nath. Sir, I praise the Lord for you, and so may my
parishioners ; for their sons ai'e well tutored by you, and
their daughters profit very greatly under you : you are a
good member of the commonv.ealth.
Hoi. Mehercle ! if their sous be ingenious, they shall
want no instruction ; if their daughters be capable, I will
put it to them. But, vir sapit qui pauca loquitur. A soul
feminine saluteth us.
Enter Jaquenetta and Costard
Jaq. God give you good morrow, mas'or person.
Hoi. Master person.— quasi pers-on. An if one should
be i)ierced : which is the one ?
Cost. Marry, master schoolmaster, he that is likcst to
a hogshead.
JIol. Of piercing a hogshead I a good lustre of conceit
in a turf of earth ; fire enough for a Hint, pearl enough for
a swine : 't is pretty ; it is well.
Jaq. Good master person, he so good as read nie this
letter. It was given me by Costard, and sent me from Don
Armado : I beseech you, read it.
Hoi. Fausle, prccor, gelida quando pecus omiie sub umbra
184
^jm^^^
Act IV Sc ii
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Ruminat* and so forth. Ah, good old Mantuan 1 I may
speak of thee as the traveller doth of Venice :
Venetia, Venetia,
Chi non ti vede, non ti pretia.
Old Mantuan I old Mantuan I who understandeth thee
not loves thee not.— L7, re, sol, la, mi, /a.— Under pardon,
sir, what are the contents ? or, rather, as Horace says in
his — What, my soul, verses?
Nath. Ay, sir, and very learned.
Hoi. Let me hear a stalT, a stanza, a verse : lege, domine.
Nath. If love make me forsworn, how shall I sweur to love ?
Ah, never faith could hold, if not to beauty vowed !
Though to myself forsworn, to thee I 'II faithful prove ;
Those thoughts to me were oaks, to thee like osiers bowed.
Study his bias leaves and makes his book thine eyes,
Where all those pleasures live that art would comprehend :
If knowledge be the mark, to know thee shall suffice.
Well learned is that tongue that well can thee commend ;
All ignorant that soul that sees thee without wonder ;
Which is to me some praise, that I thy parts admire.
Thy eye Jove's lightning bears, thy voice his dreadful thunder,
Which, not to anger bent, is music, and sweet fire.
Celestial as thou art, O, pardon love this wrong.
That sings the heavens' praise with such an earthly tongue !
Hoi. You fmd not the apostrophes, and so miss the
accent : let me supervise the canzonet. Here are only
numbers raliOcd ; but, for the elegancy, facility, and golden
cadence of poesy, caret. Ovidius Naso was the man : and
why, indeed, Naso, but for smelling out the odoriferous
flowers of fancy, the jerks of invention ? Imitari is nothing,
so doth the hound his master, the ape his keeper, the tu-ed
horse his rider. But, damosella virgin, was this directed
to you ?
Jag. Ay, sir, from one Monsieur Biron, one of the strange
queen's lords.
Hoi. I will overglance the superscript. " To the snow-
white hand of the most beauteous Lady Rosaline." I will
look again on the intellect of the letter, for the nomination
of the parly writing to the person written unto : " Your
ladyship's in all desired employment, Riron." Sir
Nathaniel, this Biron is one of the votaries with the king ;
and here he hath framed a letter to a sequent of the stranger
• The beginning of the first Eclogue of Mantuan, in which the
ppt^aker.^ were Fartstus aaJ
tunatus. The Latiii poeiiia of tJie
Cannolite Baptista Spagnolo of Mantua— Mnntuanus— wore used aa
a wrhoollKiok in Shakespeare's time, and their first words, " Faust',
precor, gelidn." were said J)y Farnaby to be dearor to pedants than
Viigil's "Anna virumque cano."
185
if
Vi
\l
\ ■
iilH
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act IV Sc iil
ha\'rmis'c?rrtd'''T^^^ "' ^^ *^^ ^^^ ^^ progression,
r;qrrfoThfr7yirL
much. Stay not thy compliment; I forgive thyTuIy- adTeu
Jag. Good Costard, go with me.-Sir, God save your iSe!
%ah ^fr "^'^l ^^'^\ "^y ^^^' [^^^""^ Cost Inljal
r.ii^f , ^"^' y^" ''-'^^'^ ^^"« this in the fear of God very
religiously; and, as a cerlain Father saith- ' ^
colours But tn"rM ""' ?^ It" ^^**^"'" ' ^ ^° ^^^^ colourable
S?r Natha^el '/' '''"'" '' '^' ^^'"^^^ •' ^^^ ^^^^ P^^^«« you,
AJa//j. Marvellous well fo" the pen
e pare'ntTof ?hf ?n'' '•:S'"^?7 "^^ P"^"^g^ I haN? w S
£E-1i" " -' p"" ^K^j;e;s?^;:t ??-
rbe^rch'Vors'ci:^^"^^"^ °^ P^^^^^' -^*' «- --nt^n!
is ttetpp1"ness'o?nfr" *°^ '' ''' ^^^^^^^^ ^"^ ^^^ ^-t,
f rf 'S,///t"si'rTS *^' -r^ "'^'^ infallibly concludes it—
lio null] Sir, I do mvite you too; you shall not siv
me nay: pauca verba. Away I the gentles are S?thpY
game, and we will to our recreation ^ ' fLJL^/
Scene III.— Another Part of the Park
Enter Biron, with a paper
and I the fool. Well proved wit 1 Rv tho t ^^-i ♦!• , *
isasmadas Ajax: itVlIs'she^p it^k'^^lL me'-i a ^VeZ
Well proved again o' my side I I will norfoVe • itlZ'
hang me : i' faith, I will not. O, but her eve -hv th?c
ight, but for her eye, I would no fove her I yes fo^r her
two eyes. Well, I do nothing in the world but^ie ^nd lie
tS S^^'""*- , ?y heaven, I do love, and it hath taught me
to rhyme, and to be melancholy ; and here is nart nf m\^
rhyme, and here my melancholy Well sbo hitif n^ > ^
sonnets already : tL clown bo?e it the'foo SiJ^and uZ
Rv^,.^^*^ i\'^''"^ ^*«^^'"' «^^«eter foX wee ek ladv 1
By the world, I would not care a pin if the'other hree were
groin" "'"'"'' ''"' ''''^ ^ P^P*^^ ' ^^^ «i^'« him gracTto
[Gets up into a tree
King. Ay me 1
Enter the King, with a paper
186
M^^w^:im£m
Act IV Sciii
LOVES LABOUR S LOST
Biron [Aside] Sliot. by hoiivon !— Proceed sweet
th?;ef[nir ^n^^nH""^"'.'r '''''' ^'^^ bird-bolt unci
tiie leit paix — In faith, secrets ! —
King friends] So street a kiss (he golden sun gives not
To those fresh morning drops upon the rose.
As thy eyebeams when their fresh rays have smote
\'rfJ u^'^V "^T ^^'""^ ^" "'•V ^^''"''^'^ down flows :
A or shines the silver moon one half so bright
Ihrough the transparent bosom of the deep
As doth thy face through tears of mine give iLht :
Thou shin st in every tear that 1 do weep ■
A drop but as a coach doth carry thee
So ridest thou triumphing in my woe.
no but behold the fears that swell in me
PHdi nn?, f^'USlory through my grief will show :
Lilt do not love thyself ; then thou wilt keep
My tears for glasses, and still make me weep
O queen of queens ! how far thou dost excel,
Ao thought can think, nor tongue of mortal tell.
?.^i'?'''" '^'^ J"^'\"'^ S'^^^^ • I '" drop the paper •—
S^veet leaves, shade folly.~Who is he comes here ?
What, Longaville I and" reading ! listen, ear. ^'^'''' "'''^'
'appfarf ^''^' '" ^^^ '^^""''^' '^"^ "^^'^ ^^ol
Enter Longaville, with a paper
Long. Ay me ! I am fdisworn.
'papirt ''^'^ ^^^''^' ''' '""^-'^ "^ "'^^ ^ P^^'-J"^^' ^'^'-^ring
^'"^shamef '^ ^" '°^'' ' ^"^^ •' ^^^'^^^ fellowship in
fnn!^' L"^"'? i»,^"r drunkard loves another of the name
Rir^n ^T Vi^T fi^^t that have been perjured so ?
?ha/f knl """^^ P"' '^'^ *" ^^'"'°^^ '• "°^ ^y two
?h2"cf''^'^^*?'' triumviry, the corner-cap of socio tv
The shape of Love's Tyburn that hangs up sinmhdty
n tT^l J ^''^'" ^^^^^ stubborn lines lack power toniov^'--
O sweet Maria, empress of my love 1
These numbers will I tear, and wricc in prose
Tose r"^"'"^"^ ^' '■^^"''' ""'^ guards on wanton Cupid's
Disfigure not his slop.
"^^n^j . ... - "^'''S ^^^^ shall go. IRead^
Did not the neavenly rhetoric of thine eye
Gainst whom the world cannot hold arnument.
Persuade my heart to this false perjury ^
\ows for thee broke deserve not punishment.
187
LOVE'S LABOUR'S L )ST
Act IV Sc iii
ifH
Is :!:
Ill
III!
1
u
'i'
m
up.
m
ill
fi-i
.1-4
111
!•■'*
A woman I forswore ; but I will prove.
Thou being a goddess, I forswore not thee :
Ml] vow was earthly, thou a heavenly love ;
Thy grace being gained cures all disgrace i/n me.
Vows are but breath, and breath a vapour is :
Then thou, fair sun, which on my earth dost shine,
Exhal'st this vapour-vow ; in thee it is :
If broken, then it is no fault of mine
If by me broke. What fool is not so wise
To lose an oath to win a paradise ?
Biron. [Aside] This is the liver-vein, which makes flesh
a deity,
A green goose a goddess : pure, pure idolatry.
God amend us, God amend I we are much out o' the way.
Long. By whom shall I send this ? — Company 1 stay.
[Steps aside
Biron. [Aside] All hid, all hid ; an old infant play.
Like a demi-god here sit I in the sky,
And wretched fools' secrets heedfuUy o'er-eye.
More sacks to the mill I O heavens I I have my wish :
Dumain transformed : four woodcocks in a dish I
Enter Du.main, with a paper
Dam. O most divine Kate 1
Biron. [Aside] O most profane coxcomb 1
Dum. By heaven, the wonder of a mortal eye !
Biron. [Aside] By earth, she is but corporal ; there
you lie.
Dum. Her amber hairs for foul have amber quoted.
Birori. [Aside] An amber-colour'd raven was well noted.
Dum. As upright as the cedar.
Biron. [Aside] Stoops, I say :
Her shoulder is with child.
Dum. As fair as day.
Biron. [Aside] Ay, as some days ; but then no sun
must shine.
Dum. O, that I had my wish I
Long. [Aside] And I had mine 1
King. [Aside] And I mine too, f;ood Lord I
Biron. [Aside] Amen, so I had mine. Is not that a
good word ?
Dum. I would forget her ; but a fever she
Reigns in my blood, and will remembered be.
Biron. [Aside] A fever in your blood ? why, then
incision
Would let her out in saucers : sweet misprision 1
Dum. Once more I '11 read the ode that I have writ.
Biron. [Aside] Once more I '11 mark how love can vary
wit.
188
Act IV Sc iii
LOVES LABOUR'S LOST
Dam. On a daij, alack the dai] !
Love, whose month is ever Mcnj,
Spied a blossom passirif) fair
Plaijinq in llie u>(mton air :
Through the velvet leaves the irind.
All unseen, 'gun passage (ind ;
That the lover, sick to death.
Wished himself the heaven's breath.
A ir, quoth he, thi/ cheeks may blow ;
Air, would I might triumph so!
But alack ! my hand is sivorn
Ne'er to pluck thee from thy thorn :
Vow, alack ! for youth unmeet.
Youth so apt to pluck a sweet.
Do not call it sin in me
That I am forsworn for thee ;
Thou for whom e'en Jove would swear
Juno but an Ethiop were ;
And deny himself for Jove,
Turning mortal for thy love.
This will T send, and something else more plnlii
That shall express my true love's fasting paai.
O, would the king, Biron, and Longaville,
Were lovers too ! Ill to example ill.
Would from my forehead wipe a perjured note ;
For none offend where all a'ike do dote.
Long. [Advancing] Dumain, thy love is far from
charily.
That in love 's grief desir'st society :
You may look pale ; but I should blush, I know,
To be o'erheard, and taken napping so.
King. [Advancing] Come, sir, your blus'i.
As his your case is such ;
You chide at him, ofTending twice as much :
You do not love Maria ; Longaville
Did never sonnet for her sake compile.
Nor never lay his wreathed arms athwart
His loving bosom, to keep down his herrt.
I have been closely shrouded in this bush.
And marked you both, and for you both did blu<;'i.
I heard your guilty rhymes, observed your faslii;).i.
Saw sighs reek from you, noted well your passion ;
Ay me ! says one ; O Jove I the other cries ;
Cue's hairs were gold, crystal the other's eyes :
[lo Luiuiaviiic] You would fur prfradibe bre ik faiih and
troth ;
[To Dunviir] And .love for your love would infringe an oath.
What will Biron say, when that he shall ii.ar
The faith infringed, which such zeal did swear ?
ISO
w
"t w.
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act IV Sc iii
If
H (
I
iif
M
m
How will he scorn ! now will he spend his wit I
How will he triumph, leap, and lauf^h at it 1
For all the wealth that ever I did see,
I would not have him know so much by me.
Biron. Now step I forth to whip hypocrisy. —
[Descends from the tree
Ah, good my liege, I pray thee, pardon me.
Good heart I what grace hast thou, thus to reprove
These worms for loving, that art most in love ?
Your eyes do make no coaches ; in your tears
There is no certain princess that appears :
You '11 not be perjured, 't is a hateful thing :
Tush, none but minstrels like of sonneting.
But are you not ashamed ? nay, are you not.
All three of you, to be thus much o'ershot ?
You found his mote ; the king your mote did sec ;
But I a beam do find in each of three.
O, what a scene of foolery have I seen.
Of sighs, of groans, of sorrow, and of teen I
me 1 with what strict patience have I sat.
To see a king transformed to a gnat 1
To see great Hercules whipping a gig,
And profound Solomon tuning a jig.
And Nestor play at push-pin with the boys,
And critic Timon laugh at idle toys I
Where lies thy grief ? O, tell me, good Dumain :
And, gentle Longaville, where lies thy pain ?
And where my liege's ? all about the breast ; —
A caudle, ho I
King. Too bitter is thy jest.
Are we betrayed thus to thy over-view ?
Biron. Not you to me, but I betrayed by you :
L that am honest ; L that hold it sin
To break the vow I am engaged in ;
1 am betrayed, by keeping company
With men like you, men of inconstancy.
When shall you see me write a thing in rhyme ?
Or groan for Joan ? or spend a minute's time
In pruning me ? When shall you hear that I
Will praise a hand, a foot, a face, an eye,
A gait, a state, a brow, a breast, a waist,
A leg, a limb ? —
King. Soft ! Whither away so fast ?
A true man or a thief that gallops so ?
Biron. I post from love ; — good lover, let me go.
Enter Jaquenetta and CosfAKD
Jaq. God bless the king !
King. V^liat present hast thou there ?
Cost. Some cert;:in treason.
190
Act IV Sc iii
LOVE'S LAnOUR'S LOST
Kiruj. What makes treason here ?
Cost. Nay, it makes nothing, sir.
King. If it mar nothing neither.
The treason and you go in peace away together.
Jaq. I beseech your grace, let this letter be read :
Our person misdoubts it ; it was treason, he said.
King. Biron, read it over. [Biron. reads the lellcr
Where hadst tliou it ?
Jaq. Of Costard.
King. Where hadst thou it ?
Cost. Of Dun Adramaclio, Dun Adramadio.
King. How now ! what is in you ? why dost thou tear it ?
Biron. A toy, my liege, a toy : your grace needs not
fear it.
Long. It did move liim to passion, and therefore let's
hear it.
Dum. [Picking up the pieces] It is Biron's writing, and
here is his name.
Biron. [To Costard] Ah, you whoresor ' ^.rhead I you
were born to do me shame. —
Guilty, my lord, guilty I I confess, I u)nfess.
King. What ?
Biron. That you three fools lacked me, fool, to make
up the mess ;
Ke, he, and you, and you, my liege, and I,
Are pick-purses in love, and we deserve to die.
O, dismiss this audience, and I shall tell you more.
Dum. Now the number is even.
Biron. True, true ; we are four. —
Will these turtles be gone ?
King. Hence, sirs ; away !
Cost. W'alk aside the true folk, and let the traitors stay.
[Exeunt Costard and Jaquenetla
Biron. Sweet lords, sweet lovers, O, let us embrace.
As true we are as flesh and blood can be :
The sea will ebb and flow, heaven show- his face ;
Young blood doth not obey an old decree :
We cannot cross the cause why we are born ;
Therefore, of all hands must we be forsworn.
King. What, did these rent lines show some love of
thine ?
Biron. Did they ? quoth you. Who sees the heavcn-y
Rosaline,
That, like a rude and savage man of Inde.
At the first opening of the gorgeous cast,
Rows not his vassal head, and, stricken blind.
Kisses the base ground with obedient breast ?
W^hat peremptory, eagle-sighted eye
Dares look upon the heaven of her brow.
That is not blinded by her majesty ?
191
.,.. ^-
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act IV Sc iii
•n
r
Mil
in
King. What zeal, what fury hath Inspired thee now ?
My love, her mistress, is a gracious moon.
She an attending star, scarce seen a li'^lit.
Biron. My eyes arc then no eyes, nor I liiron.
O, but for my love, day would turn to nipiit.
Of all complexions the culled sovereignty
Do meet, as at a fair, in her fair cheek ;
"Where several worthies make one di}.'nity.
Where nothing wants that want ilself doth seek.
Lend me the flourish of all gentle tongues, —
Fie, painted rhetoric I O, she needs it not :
To things of sale a seller's praise belongs.
She passes praise ; then praise too short doth blut.
A withered iiermit, flvc-scoro winters woni.
Might shake olT fifty, looking in her eye :
Beauty doth vanish age, as if new-born.
And gives the crutch the cradle's infancy.
O, 'tis the sun, that maketh all things sliine I
King. By heaven, thy love is black as ebonj'.
Biron. Is ebony like her ? O wood divine 1
A wife of such wood were felicity.
O, who can give an oath ? where is a book ?
That I may swear beauty doth beauty lack,
If that she learn not of her eye to look :
No face is fair, that is not full so black.
King. O, paradox I Black is the badge of hell.
The hue of dungeons, and the scowl of night :
And beauty's crest becomes the heavens well.
Biron. Devils soonest tempt, reseml)]ing spirits of light.
O, if in black my lady's brows be decked.
It mourns, that painting, and usurping hair.
Should ravish dotcrs with a false aspect ;
And therefore is she born to make black fair.
Her favour turns the fashion of the days ;
For native blood is counted painting now,
And therefore red, that would avoid dispraise,
Paints itself black, to imitate her brow.
Dum. To look like her are chimney-sweepers black.
Long. And since her time are colliers counted bright.
King. And Ethiops of their sweet complexion crack.
Dum. Dark needs no candies now, for dark is iig'at.
Biron. Your mistresses dare never come in r:iin,
For fear their colours should be washed away.
King. 'T were good, yours did ; for, sir, to tell you ph.in,
I '11 find a fairer face not washed to-dny.
Biron. I '11 lirovc her fiiir, or ti^ik tUi doomsday liere.
King. No devil will fright thee then so much ; s she.
Diim. I never knew man bold vile sLulf so dear.
Long. [Shounng his shoe] Look, here's tiiv love: my
foot and her face see.
192
Act IV Sc ill
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Iliron. O, If the streets were paved with thine eyes.
tier feet were imich too dainty for such tread.
Diim O vile I then, as she goes, what upward lies
I he streets should see. as slic walJved overhead
King. But what of this ? Are we not all in love ?
IJiron. O, nothinR so sure ; and thereby all forsworn
King. Then leave this chat: and, good liiron, now
prove
Our loving lawful, and our faith not torn.
Dum. Ay, marry, there ; some llattery for this evil
J.ong. O, some autliorily how to proceed ;
Some tricks, some quillets, how to cheat the devil
Dum. Some salve for perjury.
M^""'*''; .. « O, 't is more than need.—
Have at you then, affection's men-at-arms :
(.nnsider, what you first did swear unto,—
To fast,— to study,— and to see no woman :
I lat treason 'gainst the kingly state of youth.
Say, can you fast ? your stomachs are too young
And abstinence engenders maladies.
And where that you have vowed to study, lords
In that each of you have forsworn his book. '
Can you still dream, and pore, and thereon look ?
Jor when would you, my lord, or you, or you,
Have found the ground of study's excellence,
Without the beauty of a woman's face ?
From women's eyes this doctrine I derive •
They are the ground, the books, the academes,
troin whence doth spring the true Promethean lire.
NVliy, universal plodding prisons up
The nimble spirits in the arteries.
As motion and long-durinrr action tiros
The sinewy vigour of the traveller.
Now, for not looking on a woman's face
You have in that forsworn the use of eyes.
And study too, the causer of your vow ;
For where is any author in the world
Teaches such beauty as a woman's eye ?
Learning is but an adjunct to oursel!.
And where we are, our learning likov.ise is :
Then, when ourselves we sec in ladies' cy.s'.
Do we not likev.ise sec our learning there ?'
O, we have made a vow to study, lords,
And in that vow we have forsworn our boolcs •
For when woidd you, my Ii,-c, or you, or you!
In leaden contemplation have found out
Such fiery numbers, as the prompting eyes
Of beauty's tutors have enriched you with ?
Other slov/ arts entirely keep the brain,
And therefore, finding barren pract iscrs,
3 a— o 193
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act IV Sc lii
f I :
ii
lit
HI
Scarce show a harscst of their heavy ti»ll ;
But love, first learned In a lady's eyes,
Lives not alone Immured In the hr;iiii,
But, with the motion of all elements.
Courses as swift as thought in every power,
And gives to every power a double power
Above their functions and their onUes.
It adds a precious seeing; to the eye ;
A lover's eyes will gay.e an eagle blind :
A lover's car will hear the lowest sound.
When the suspicious head of theft is slopped :
Love's feeluig is more soft, and sensible.
Than are the tender horns of cockled snails :
Loves tongue proves dainty Bacchus gross in taste.
For valour, is not Love a Hercules,
Still climbing trees in the Hesperides ?
Subtle as Spliinx ; as sweet, and musical.
As bright Apollo's lute, strung with his hair ;
And, when Love speaks, the voice of all the g«ds
.Makes heaven drowsy with the harmony.
Never durst poet touch a pen to write.
Until his ink were tempered with Love's sighs ;
O, then his lines would ravish savage ears.
And plant in tyrants mild humility.
From women's eyes this doctrine I derive :
They sparkle still the right Promethean Tire ;
They are the books, the arts, the academes.
That show, contain, and nourish all the world ;
Else none at all in aught proves excellent.
Then, fools you were these women to forswear,
Or, keeping what is sworn, you will prove fools.
For wisdom's sake, a word that all men love,
Or for love's sake, a word that loves all men.
Or for men's sake, the authors of these women,
Or women's sake, by whom we men are men.
Let us once lose our oaths, to find ourselves,
Or else we lose ourselves, to keep our oaths.
It is religion to be thus forsworn ;
For charity ii self fulfils the law ;
And who can sever love from charity ?
King. Saint Cupid, then I and, soldiers, to the field !
Biron. Advance your standards, and upon them, lords I
Pell-mell, down with thom ! but be first advised,
In co.iflict that you get Ihe sun of them.
Long. Now to plain-dealing : lay these glozes by.
Shall we resolve to woo these girls of France '?
King. And win them too : therefore, let us devise
Some entertainment for them in their tents.
Biron. First, Irom the park let us conduct them thither ;
Then, homeward, every man attach the hand
194
.wi- f »i^^>"yf^'-M^w,.
^jtcfT^UMiiiii t wAl '<
^'^^' ^'* LOVE'S LABOUa-S LOST
?vwn!'"'M '"*'""'• '" ^he afUrnoon
Wh .c )1''^V ^""i® s^r^iRc pastime solace them
Such as the shortness of Ihe time can shme
^or revels, dances. masl<.s, and nu-rrv h ours '
Forerun fair Love, sticwln. her wa^V 'n^wcrs
Ti|^mi!V7i-^;r---;:;^ht^i^^
ACT FIVE
Scene L— In the Park
Enter Holofernes, Sin Nathaniel, and Dull
Hoi. Salis quod sufjlcit.
ha^'^ten^V/a^p^^S'sXSul^^ I^ ^^^^^ «^ ^^nner
rility.witty without afTection 3^^ P'<':'sant without scur-
learned without opin on an^rs'^on'"' ''•'""""^^"'^^'"'•y^
did converse this ?LS/n Hv Slf n''''*'^"^ ^'''''^' '
sii;^m:d\°/--^----Se^^^
his':irscoute"peXrrytrtr«.;:fi,.^jS^"-°- '^ ^ofty.
% his gait majesticajf an^' h s Srd boh-^ -1?" ''^'".b'^'^"^'
culous. and thrasonical. He ts too n Ho' » '''''"*
affected, too odd, as it wSp tr?n E '• ''''* ^P"""^*^' too
call it. ^^'^^' ^"° Pt>regrmate, as I may
iVa//i. A most singular and choice epithet.
Hoi He draweth out thp thrpiJ'^^i^l""^ '''^ table-bo-^k
than the staple of his .rsument t "" m'''' ^'''^'''^''^y Oner
phantasms, such insoci- bh "h A •^''^i*^'"^ "^"'^f^ fanatical
such rackets of orrho'Anhv ol f'^^'^^-^r'^i^ companions ;
^ve should say doubf u e^' li, T''^.^""^' ''"«^' ^^hen
dcbt,-d,e b t notrl o t.% f" ^"^ '''^"^'J pronounce
haulf; ne1ghboLr"tca/;/nUoVr''^:"^r'^''^^ h^^^'
This is abhominable (wl iclfhe v oul 1 r°.^i ^''^^^^Y^^ted ne.
insinuatnth me of irArdre n^ i'm}^ \ abominable), it.
frantic, lunatic. " '"^'^^^'J/'^* c/o/nme? to make
•t S serve"'^ ' ''"' '°' '^"^ •' ^'^^^^^-" ^ "ttle scratched ;
196
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc i
Enter Armado, Moth, and Costard
Nath.
Hot.
Arm.
Hoi.
Arm.
Hoi.
Moth.
Videsne quis oenit ?
Video, el gaudeo.
[To Molh\ Chirrah !
Quare chirrah, not sirrah ?
Men of peace, well encountered.
Most military sir, salutation.
They have been at a great feast of languages, and
stolen the scraps.
Cost. O, they have lived long on the alms-basket of
words. I marvel thy master hath not eaten thee for
a word ; for thou art not so long by the head as Iiono-
rificabilitudinitatibus : thou art easier swallowed than a
flap-dragon.
Moth. Peace ! the peal begins.
Arm. [To HoL] Monsieur, are you not lettered ?
Moth. Yes, yes, he teaches boys the horn-book. — What
is a, b, spelt backward with the horn on his head ?
Hoi. Ba, pueritia, with a horn added.
Moth. Ba 1 most silly sheep, with a horn. — You hear
his learning.
Hoi. Quis, quis, thou consonant ?
Moth. The third of the five vowels, if you repeat them ;
or the fifth, if I.
Hoi. I will repeat them, — a, e, i.
Moth. The sheep 1 the other two concludes it ; — o, — u.
Arm. Now, by the salt wave of the Mediterranean, a
sweet touch, a quick venue of wit 1 snip, snap, quick and
home : it rejoiceth my intellect ; true wit I
Moth.
wit-old.
Hoi.
Moth.
Hoi.
Moth.
OfTered by a child to an old man ; which is
WTiat is the figure ? what is the figure ?
Horns.
Thou disputest like an inlant : go, wliip thy gig.
Lend me your horn to make one, and I will whip
about your infamy circum circa. A gig of a cuckold's
horn 1
Cost. An I had but one penny in the world, thou
shouldst have it to buy gingerbread. Hold, there is the
very Remuneration I had of thy master, thou halfpenny
purse of wit, thou pigeon-egg of discroLion. O, an the
heavens were so pleased that thou wert but my bastard,
what a joyful father wouldst thou make me ! Go to ;
thou hast it ad dunghill, at the fingers' ends, as they say.
Hoi. O 1 I smell false Latin ; dnnphiU for un'/aern.
Arm. Arts-man, prscanibula : we will be singled from
the barbarous. Do you not educate youth at the charge-
house on the top of the mountain ?
Hoi. Or mons, the hills.
196
j^mi:^
Act V Sc i
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Arm. At your sweet pleasure, for the mountain.
Hoi. I do, sans question.
Arm. Sir, it is the king's most sweet pleasure and
affection, to congratulate the princess at her pavilion in
the posteriors of this day, which the rude multitude call
the afternoon.
Hot. The posterior of the day, most generous sir, is
liable, congruent, and measurable for the afternoon : the
word is well culled, chose ; sweet and apt, I do assure you,
sir ; I do assure.
Arm. Sir, the king is a noble gentleman, and my
familiar, I do assure you, very good friend.— For what is
inward between us, let it pass.— I do beseech thee, re-
member thy courtesy,— I beseech thee, apparel thy head :—
and among other importunate and most serious designs
and of great import indeed, too,— but let that pass.— For
I must tell thee, it will please his grace, by the world,
sometime to lean upon my poor shoulder, and with his
royal finger, thus, dally with my excrement, with my
mustachio : but, sweet heart, let that pass. By the world,
I recount no fable : some certain special honours it plcaseth
his greatness to impart to AiiUudo, a soldier, a man ol
travel, that hath seen tlie world : but let that pass.— The
very all of all is,— but, sweet heart, I do implore secrecy,—
that the king would have me present the princess, sweet
chuck, with some delightful ostentation, or show, or
pageant, or antick, or fire-work. Now, understanding
that the curate and your sweet self are good at such erup-
tions and sudden breaking out of mirth, as it were, I have
acquainted you withal, to the end to crave your assistance.
llol. Sir, you shall present before her the Nine Worthies.
— Sir Nathaniel, as concerning some entertainment of time
some show in the posterior of this day, to be rendered by
our assistance^— at the khig's command, and this most
gallant, illustrate, and learned gentleman, -before the
princess; I say, none so fit as to present the .Nine Worthies.
Nath. Where will you lind men worthy enough to
present them ?
Hoi. Joshua, yourself ; myself, or this gallant gentle-
man, Judas ."\laccabieus ; this swain (because of his great
limb or joint) shall pass Pompey the Great ; the page
Hercules. '
Arm. Pardon, sir ; error : he is not quantity enough
for that Worthy's thumb : he is not so big as the end of
his club.
Hoi. Shall I have audience ? he sliall present Hercules
in minority : his enter and exit shall be strangling a snake ;
and I will have an apology for that purpose.
Moth. An excellent device : so, if any of the audience
hiss, you may cry, " Well done, Hercules ! now thou
137
LOVES LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc ii
cruslicst the snake 1 " that is the way to make an oUcnce
gracious, though few have the grace to do it.
Arm.
Hoi.
iMolh.
Arm.
Hoi.
Arm.
For the rest of the Worthies .
I will play three myself.
Thrice-worthy gentleman I
Shall I tell you a thing ?
We attend.
We will have, if this fadge not, an antick, I
beseech you, follow.
Hoi. Via .'—Goodman Dull, thou hast spoken no word
all this while.
Dull. Nor understood none neither, sir.
Hoi. Allans ! we wil' employ thee.
Biill. I '11 make one ai a dance, or so I or I will play
On the tabor to the Worthios, and let Ihem dance the hay
Hoi Most dull, honest Dull.— To our sport, away I
[Exeunt
Scene IL— Outside the Park. Before the PniNCEss's
Pavilion
Enter the Princess, Katharine, Rosaline, and Maria
Prin. Sweet hearts, we shall be rich ere we depart
If fairings come thus plentifully in :
A lady walled about with diamonds !
Look you, what 1 have from the loving king.
Ros. Madam, came nothing else along with that ?
Prin. Nothing but this ? yes ; as much love in rhyme.
As would be crammed up in a sheet of paper,
Writ on both sides the leaf, margin and all,
That he w^as fain to seal on Cupid's name.
Ros. That was the way to make his godhead wax •
For he hath been five thousand years a boy. '
Kath. Ay. and a shrewd unhappy gallows too.
Ros. You '11 ne'er be friends with him : he killed vour
sister. •'
Kath. He made her melancholy, sad, and heavy :
And so she died : had she been light, like you.
Of such a merry, nimble, slirring spirit.
She might have been a grandam ere she died ;
And so may you, for a light heart lives long.
Ros. What 's your dark meaning, mouse, of this licht
word ? "
Kath. A light condition in a beauty dark.
Ros. We need more light to find your meaning out
I^ath. You '11 mar the li-ht by taking it in snun' ;
Therefore, I '11 darkly end the argument.
Ros. Look, what you do, you do it still i' the dark.
Kath. So do not you, for you are a light wench.
108
Act V Sc ii
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Ros. Indeed, I weigh not you, and therefore light.
Kath. You weigh me not ? — O ! that 's you care not
for me.
Ros. Great reason ; for, past cure is still past care.
Prin. Well bandied both ; a set of wit well played.
But, Rosaline, you have a favour loo :
Who sent it ? and what is 't ?
Ros. I would you knew :
An if my face were but as fair as yours.
My favour were as great : be witness tliis.
Nay, I have verses too, I thank Biron.
The numbers true ; and, were the numbering too,
I were the fairest goddess on the ground :
I am compared to twenty thousand fairs.
O, he hath drawn my picture in his letter.
Prin. Anything like ?
Ros. Much in the letters ; nothing in the praise.
Prin. Beauteous as ink : a good conclusion.
Kath. F"air as a text B in a copy-book.
Ros. Ware pencils, ho ! let me not die your debtor.
My red dominical, my golden letter :
O, that your face were not so full of O's I
Kath. A pox of that jest I and beshrew all shrows !
Prin. But, what was sent to you from fair Dumain ?
Kath. Madam, this glove.
Prin. Did he not send you twain ?
Kath. Yes, madam ; and, moreover,
Some thousand verses of a faithful lover :
A huge translation of hypocrisy.
Vilely compiled, profound simplicity.
Mar. This, and these pearls to me sent Longaville :
The letter is too long by half a mile.
Prin. I think no less. Dost thou not wish in heart.
The chc-in were longer, and the letter short 1
Mar. Ay, or I would these hands might never part.
Prin. We arc wise girls to mock our lovers so.
Ros. They are worse fools to purchase mocking so.
That same Biron I '11 torture ere I go.
O, that I knew he were but in by the week !
1 low I would make him fawn, and beg, and seek,
And wait the season, and observe the times,
And spend his prodigal wits in bootless rhymes.
And shape his service wholly to my bests,"
And make him proud to make me proud that jests !
So portent-like would I o'ersway his state,
Tliat he should be my fool, and I his fate.
i rin. None are so surely caught, when they are calciied,
As wit turned fool : folly, in wisdom hatched.
Hath wisdom's warrant and the help of school.
And wit's own grace to grace a learned fool.
199
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc ii
A„^„?\ -7^^ *^'°^,? "' y°"*^ ^"''"s not with such excess
As gravity's revolt to wantonness.
A/«';- Polly in fools bears not so strong a note
As foolery m the wise, when wit doth dote •
Since all the power thereof it dolh apply
To prove, by wit, worth in simplicity. '
Pnn. litre comes Boyet, and mirth is in his fuce.
Enter Boyet
Boijcl. O, I am stabbed with laughter. Where her
Prin. Thy news, Boyet ?
Boijct. Prepare, madam, nronare I
Arm, wenches, arm I encounters inounted are ^^''^^''^ '
Against your peace. Love doth ai)proach disguised.
Anned m arguments : you '11 be surprised.
Muster your wits ; stand in your own defence ;
Or hide your heads like cowards, and lly hence
Ti of"',: ^-^'.".^ P^"*^ to Saint Cupid I What are they
T ,\ •' i. y^''''^ ^^'^ *^°°' sl^'^^e of a sycamore
1 tliought to close mine eyes some half an hour,
\\hen, lo I to interrupt my purposed rest,
i oward that shade I might behold addrtst
1 he king and his companions : warily
I stole into a neighbour thicket by,
And overheard what you shall overhear •
That by-and-by disguised they will be here.
Their herald is a pretty knavish nage,
Ihat well by heart hath conned his embassage :
Action and accent did they teach him there :
i .lus must thou speak, and thus thv body bear • "
And ever and anon they made a doubt
Presence majestical would put him out ;
For," quoth the king, " an angel shalt thou see :
,)f t fear not thou, but speak audaciously."
rhe boy replied, " An angel is not evil ;
«' ,u"A'' i'^'V^ ^^'"'''^'^ 1^^^' had she been a devil."
M-Jlll H K \^"8''«^J' ^'^^ cl^'PPed liini on the shoulder,
Making the bold wag by their praises bolder.
One rubbed his elbow, thus, and fleered, and swore
A better speech was never sj)oke before •
Anolhor, with his linger and his thumb,
^u ,u- V'f ' '''' """^ ^" 't' c«'"e what will come ; "
-r ! f ',. ''f ^^^P- '"e^' «nd cried, " All goes well ; "
The fourth turiicd on the toe, and down he fell.
With that, they all did tumble on the ground
\Mth such a zealous laughter, so profound," '
1 hat in this si)leen ridiculous appears,
To check their folly, passion's solemn tears.
200
?nW*
.■^ik^',«r-J'';«
Act V Sc ii
LOVE'S labot:r's lost
Sn!"i ^il! '''^^*' ^"' ''^''^'» '^O'^e they to visit us •>
Tid(f- ^'^fy 'Jo. they do; and are nppardlca thus,-
Like Aluscovik-s, or Russiaus : as I guess
Their purpose is, to parle, to court, and'dance:
And every one his love-feat will advance
Unto his several mis(ross ; which they'll know
By favours several which they did h-stow
Pnn And will they so? the j,'allants shall be tasked-
For ladies, we will every one ho masked '
And not a man of them shall have the CTace.
Despite of suit, to see a lady's face —
Hold, Rosaline, this favour thou shalt wear
tT"r. * P ^'^® '^'"S ^^"' court thee for his dear •
Jn .hJir?*^"". ^^''' my sweet, and give me thine,
So shall Biron take me for Rosaline —
And change you favours, too ; so shall your loves
Woo contrary, deceived by these remo.es
ifnih ^^'"^0"' then ; wear the favours most in si«ht
Prn TU^ 'I? this changing what is your intent ? °
T^Sr < •Jk'','^.^*''^* ""{^y '"tent is, to cross theirs :
1 ney do it but in mocking merriment ;
And mock for mock is only my intent'
Their several counsels they unbosom shall
ro loves mistook ; and so be mocked withnl.
L pon the next occasion that we meet
NVith visages displayed, to talk and greet
Ros. But shall we dance, if thev desire us to 't «>
V I'^'.r,- ' ^^ *^^ ^'^•'^th, we will not move a foot •
n r *<* their penned speech render we no grare ;
But, while t is spoke, each turn awav h^r face
Boijet Why, that contempt will kill the speaker's heart
And quite divorce his memory from his part. '^''^ ' "'''^'
ThP r^«'f J^.^^^fore I do it ; and, I make no doubt,
The rest will ne'er come in, if he be out.
To make theirs ours, and ours none but our own •
bo s.iali we stay, mocking intended game,
And they, well mocked, depart away with shame.
nmiPt Th^ ♦-, * J f Trumpets sound within
cm J ^^""'P*^* s<>"nds : be masked, the maskers
^°"'®- [The Ladies mask
Enter the Kixo, Biron, Longaville, and Dlmain in
Attendants ' ""^ '""'^'^' -''°"«' ^^^^sicians/and
Moih.
Boijet.
Moth.
That ever
38— o*
All had, the richest beauties on the earth I "
Beauties no richer than rich tafTata.
A holy parcel of the fairest dames,
I J.... ['^'^^ ^'^^^(^s turn their backs to him
turned their~bncks-to mortal uieivs ! "
201
i^
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc ii
' Their eyes," villain, " their eyes."
Thai ever turned their eyes to mortal views
Biron.
Moth.
Out "—
Boyet. True ; " out," indeed.
Moth. " Out of your favours, heavenly spirits, vouch-
safe
Not to behold "—
Biron. " Once to behold," rogue.
Moth. " Once to behohl with your sunbeamed eyes.
— with your sunbeamed eyes " —
Boyet. They will not answer to that epithet ;
\ou were best call it daughter-beamed eyes.
Moth. They do not mark me, and that brings me out.
Biron. Is this your perfectness ? be gone, you rogue.
Ros. What would these strangers ? know their minds,
Boyet.
If they do speak our language, 't is our will
That some plain man recount their purposes.
Know what they would.
Boyet. What would vou with the princess ?
Biron. Nothing but peace, and gentle visitation.
Ros. "What would they, say they ?
Boyet. Nothing but peace, and gentle visitation.
Ros. Why, that they have ; and bid them so be gone
Boyet. She says, you have it, and you may be gone.
King. Say to hor, we have measured many miles
To tread a measure with her on this grass.
Boyet. They say, that they have measured many a
mile "^
To tread a measure with you on this grass.
Ros. It is not so. Ask them how many inches
Is in one mile : if they have measured many
The measure then of one is easily told.
Boijet. Ii, to come hither, you have measured miles,
.And many miles, the princess bids you tell
I low many inches Jo fill up one mile.
Biron. Tell her, we measure them by weary steps.
Boyet. She hears herself.
^r^^^' How many weary stens,
Of many weary miles you have o'ergone,
Are numbered in the travel of one mile ?
Biron. We number nothing that we spend for vou :
Our duty is so rich, so infhiite.
That we may do it still without accompt.
Vouchsafe to show the sunshine of your face.
That we, like s.ivages, may worship it.
Ros. My face is hut a moon, and clouded too.
Ring. Blessed are clouds, to do as such clouds do I
\ouchsafc, briglit moon, and these thy stars, to shine—
Those clouds removed — upon our watery eyne.
202
Act V Sc ii
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Ros. O vain petitioner, beg a greater matter :
Thou now request'st but moonshine in the water.
n^£!^t, I uY^' *? **"'■ '"<^»sure vourlisafo but one change.
Thou bidd St me beg ; this begging is not strange.
Hos. Play, music, then I nay, you must do it soon.
Not yet ;— no dance.— Thus change I like the moon!'' ^^"^'^
King. Will you not dance? How come vou thus
estranged ?
Kos. You took the moon at full, but now she 's changed.
King. Yet still she is the moon, anrl I the man •
Yet music plays : vouchsfifc some motion to it.
Ros. Our ears vouchsafe it.
^j^y- e. ^"t your less should do it.
Av m' ?\"^^ ^°" ^^^ strangers, and come liere by chance,
Wo 11 not be nice : take hands :— we will not dance.
King. Why take we hands then ?
rn^.^*'\ . u . ^"'y to part friends.—
Court sy, sweet hearts ; and so the measure ends.
King. More measure of this fneasure : be not nice
Ros. We can afford no more at such a price
King. Prize you yourselves? What buys "your com-
pany ?
Ros. Your absence only.
^'"5'- That can never be.
Ros. Then cannot we be bought ; and so adieu.
1 wice to your visor, and half once to you I
King. If you deny to dance, let 's hold more chat.
In private then.
I am best pleased with that.
«rt,-* 1- J o . . V^'hei) converse apart
White-handed mistress, one sweet word with
Ros.
King.
Biron.
thee.
Prin. Honey, and milk, and sucar : there are three
Biron. Nay then, two treys, an if vou grow so nice,—
Metheghn, wort, and malmsey.— Well" run, dice !
There 's half a dozen sweets.
_,. ^'''"- Seventh sweet, adieu.
Since you can cog, I '11 play no more with you.
Biron.
Prin.
Biron.
Prin.
Biron.
Duni.
Mar.
Bum.
Mar.
One word in secret.
_, Let it not be sweet.
Thou griev'st my gall.
Gall ? bitter.
Therefore meet.
[Tbetf rnwipr^f iinnrf
Will you vouchsafe with me to change a word "^
Name it.
Fair ladv.
Take that for your fair lad^
Say you so ? Fair lord.—
203
[•» f^l--
MifibSi^^^^SIMk^
LOVES LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc ii
Hi
Kalh.
Long.
Kath.
long.
Long.
Kath.
Boyet.
Dum. Please it you,
As much in private, and 1 '11 bid iulieu.
[Thei] converse apart
Wliat, was your visard mndc williout a tongue ?
I Itnow the reason, lady, why you ask.
O. for your reason ! quickly, sir ; I lonfi.
You have a double tongue within your mask.
And would aflord my speecliless visard half.
Kath. Veal, {[uoth the Dutchman :— Is not veal a calf ?
Long. A calf, fair lady ?
Kalh. No, a fair lord calf.
Long. Let 's part the word.
J^^'tfj- No, I 'II not be your half :
Take all, and wean it : it may prove an ox.
Long. Look, liow you bull yourself in these sharp
mocks.
Will you ^'ive horns, chaste lady ? do not so.
Kath. Then die a calf, before your horns do grow.
One word in private with you, ere 1 die.
Bleat softly theini the butcher hears you cry
[They converse apart
The tongues of mocking wenches are as keen
As is the razor's edge invisible.
Cutting a smniler hair than may be seen ;
Above the sense of sense, so sensible
Seemeth their conference ; their conceits have wings
Fleeter than arrows, bullets, wuid, thought, swifter things.
Kos. Not one word more, my maitis ; break off, break
off.
Biron. By heaven, ail dry-beaten with pure scoff I
King. Farewell, mad wenches : you have simple wits.
[Exeunt King, Lords, Moth, Music, and Attendants
Prin. Twenty adieus, my frozen Muscovites. —
Are these the breed of wits so v>ondered at ?
Boyet. Tapers they are, with your sweet breaths puffed
out.
Ros. Well-liking wits they have ; gross, gross ; fat, fat.
Prin. O poverty in wit, kingly-poor llout 1
Will they not, think you, hang themselves to-night.
Or ever, but in visards, show their faces ?
This pert Biron was out of countenance quite.
lias. O, they were all in lamentable cases 1
The king was weeping-ripe for a good word.
Prin. Biron did sv.car himself out of aW suit.
Mar. Dumain was at my service, and his sword :
No point, quolh I : my servant straight was mule.
Kath. Lord Longaville said, I came o'er his heart ;
And trow you, what he called me ?
^^'"- Qualm, perhaps.
Kath. Yes, in good faith.
204
Act V Sc U
LOVES LABOUR'S LOST
J «r .. u .. . ^"' sickness as thou art I
n . n ^ ^*'"*^'' ^^'^^ ^=*^'« ^^orn plain statute cm ns
But will you licar ? fl.c kiiif,' is my love sworn.
Inn And quick iJiron liatii i))-c" ted laitli to me.
Kulh. And Longaville was for n. service born
Mar. iJumaui is mine, as sure as bark on tree
lioiict. Madam, and prelty mistresses, cive oar.
Immediately they will a«ain be here
In their own shapes ; for it can never be,
Tlicy will dif^esl this harsh indignity.
Prin. Will they return ?
a,//m/!' f • *u u They will, they will, God knows;
And leap for joy, though they are lame with blows •
1 lerefore, change favours ; and, when they repair
Blow like sweet roses in this summer air. '
Pnn How blow ? how blow ? speak to be understood.
JJoyet. lajr ladies masked are roses in tlieir hud •
Dismasked, their damask sweet commixture shown.
Are angels vailing clouds, or roses blown.
Pnn. Avaunt, perplexity I What shall we do.
If they return in their own shapes to woo ?
lios. Good madam, if by me you '11 be advised,
Let s mock them still, as well known as dis-^uiscd.
Let us complain to them what fools were here
Disguised like Muscovites, in shapeless gear ; '
And wonder what tbey were, and to what end
i heir shallow shows and prologue vilely penned.
And their rough carriage so lidiculnus,
Should be presented at our tents to us
noijet. Ladies, withdraw ; the gallants are at hand.
i'nn. Whip to our tents, as roes run over land
[Exeunt Prin., Rosaline, Katharine, and Maria
Enter the King, Biron, Longaville, and Dumain, in
tlieir proper habits
King Fair sir, God save you I W^here is the princess ?
Boyet. Gone to her tent. Please it your majesty
Comiuand me any service to her thither ?
King. That she vouchsafe me audience for one word
Boyd. I will ; and so will she, I know, my lord. [Exit
Biron. This fellow pecks up wit, as pigeons peas.
And utters it again when God doth pleas>^
Pie is wit's pedlar, and retails his wares
At wakes and wassails, meetings, markets, fairs :
And we that sell by gross, the Lord doth know,
iiave not the grace to grace it with such show.
1 his gallant pins the wenches on his sleeve ;
Had he been Adam, he had tempted Eve
He can carve too, and lisp : why, this is he,
luat kistiod away his hand in courtesy ;
205
^'*M&t^±''^l
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc i
if'
lif
m
P
If
1
I
s
nm
This is the ape of form, monsieur the nice,
That, when he plays at tables, chides the dice
In honourable terms : nay, he can sing
A mean most meanly ; and, in ushering.
Mend him who can : the ladies call him, sweel ;
The stairs, as he treads on them, kiss his feet.
This is the flower that smiles on every one.
To show his teeth as white as whal«^s-bone ;
And consciences, that will not die in debt.
Pay him the due of honey-tongued Boyct.
King. A blister on his sweet tonRuc, with my heart,
That put Arraado's page out of his part I
liiron. See where it comes I— Behaviour, what wert thou,
Till this man showed thee ? and what art thou now ?
Enter the Princess, ushered by Boyet ; Rosaline, Mama,
Katharine, and Attendants
King.
Prin.
King.
Prin.
King.
All hail, sweet madam, and fair time of day I
Fair, in all hail, is foul, as I conceive.
Construe my speeches belter, if you m;iy.
Then wish me better : I will give you leave.
„ We came to visit you, and purpose now
To lead you to our court ; vouchsafe it, then.
Prin. This field shall hold me, and so hold your vow :
Nor God, nor I, delights in perjure d men.
King. Rebuke me not for that which you provoke ;
The virtue of your eye must break my oath.
Prin. You nickname virtue ; vice you should have
spoke ;
For virtue's onice never breaks men's troth.
Now, by iny maiden honour, yet as pure
As the unsullied lily, I protest,
A world of torments though I should endure,
I would not yield to be your house's guest ;
So much I hate a breaking cause to be
Of heavenly oaths, vowed with integrity.
King. O, you have lived in desolation here,
Unseen, unvisitcd, much to our shame.
Prin. Not so, my lord ; it is not so, I swear :
We have had pastimes here, and pleasant game.
A mess of liussians left us but of lale.
King. How, madam ? Russians ?
T, /''■'"•„ , ,„ , Ay, in truth, my lord :
Trmi gallants, full of courtship and of state.
lios. Madam, speak true. It is not so, my lord •
My lady — to the manner of the days
In courtesy gives undeserving praise.
We four, indeed, confronted were with four
In Russian habit : here they stayed an hour.
And talked apace ; and in that hour, my lord,
206
J^ WV^^N'cijU
Act V Sc ii
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
They did not bless us with one happy word.
I dare not call them fools ; but this I think,
When they are thirsty fools would fain have drink
Hi, on This jest is dry to me.— Fair, gentle sweet.
Your wit makes wise things foolish : when we greet
With eyes best seeing heaven's fiery eye,
By light we lose light : your capacity
Is of that nature, that to your huge store
Wise things seem foolish, and rich things but poor.
Ros. This proves you wise and rich, for in ray eye —
liiron. I am a fool, and full of poverty. '
Ros. But that you take what doth to you belonti
It were a fault to snatch words from my toiifuie.
Biron. O, I am yours, and all that l possess.
Ros. All the fool mine ?
D'''°"\xrr.> r. ,.^ ' cannot give you less.
Ros. Which of the visards was It that you wore ?
Riron. Where? when? what visard? why demand vou
this ? -^ J "
rvu^?^i- wl*^''®' ^^^^' ^^^^^ ^'''^^''d ; that superfluous case
1 hat hid the worse and showed the better face.
King. We are descried : they '11 mock us" now down-
right.
Dum. Let us confess, and turn it to a jest.
Prin. Amazed, my lord ? Why looks your highness sad
Ros. Help, hold his brows I he '11 swoon. Whv look
you pale ? — "^
Sea-sick, I think, coming from Muscovy.
Biron. Thus pour the stars down plagues for perjurv
Can any face of brass hold longer out ?—
Here stand I, lady ; dart thy skill at me ;
Bruise me with scorn, confound me with a flout •
Thrust thy sharp wit quite through iny ignorance '
Cut me to pieces with thy keen conceit : '
And i will wish thee never more to dance.
Nor never more in Russian habit wait.
O, never will I trust to speeches penned,
Nor to the motion of a school-boy's tongue ;
Nor never come in visard to my friend ;
Nor woo in rhyme, like a blind harper's song :
Taffeta phrases, silken terms precise.
Three-piled hyperboles, spruce affectation.
Figures pedantical : these summer-flies
Have blown me full of maggot ostentation.
I do forswear them ; and I here protest,
By this white glove,— how white the hand, God knows—
Henceforth my wooing mind shaU be expressed
In russet yeas, and honest kersey noes •
And, to begin,— wench, so God help me, la I
My love to thee is sound, sans crack or flaw.
207
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc U
i*
fios. Sans " sans," I pray you.
^^'ron. Yet I have a trick
Of the old rage :— bear willi mc, I am sick ;
I 'U leave it by decrees. Soft, let us see : —
Write " Lord have mercy on us " on those three ;
They are infected, in tlielr hearts it lies ;
They have the pl;tj4uc, and caught it of your eyes :
These lords are visited ; you are not free,
I'or the lords' tokens on you do I see.
Prin. No, tliey are free that gave these tokens to us.
niron. Our states are forfeit : seek not to undo us.
Ros. It is not so ; for how can this be true.
That you stand forfeit, being those that sue ?
Riron. I'eace I for I will not have to do with you.
Ros. Nor shall not. If I do as I intend.
Biron. Speak for yourselves : my wit is at an end.
King. Teach us, sweet madam, for our rude trans-
gression
Some fair excuse.
Prin. The fairest is confession.
Were you not here, but even now, disguised ?
King. Madam, I was.
Prin. And were you well advised ?
King. I was, fair madam.
Prin. Wlien you then were here.
What did you whisper in your lady's ear '?
King, 'i'hat more than all tlie world I did respect her.
Prin. Wlien she shall challenge this, you will reject her.
King. Upon mine honour, no.
^ ^^'"- Peace 1 peace I forbear :
1 our oath once broke, you force not to forswear.
King. Despise me, when I break this oath of mine.
Prin. I will ; and therefore keep it.— Rosaline,
What did the I^ussian whisper in your ear ?
Ros. .Madam, he swore, that he did hold me dear
As precious eyesight, and did value me
Above this world ; adding thereto, moreover.
That he would wed me, or else die my lover.
Prin. God give thee joy of him I the noble lord
Most honourably doth uphold his word.
King. What mean you, madam ? by my Ufe, my troth,
I never swore this lady such an oath,
Ros. By heaven, you did ; and to confirm it plain,
You gave me this : but take it, sir, again.
King. My faith, and this, the princess I did give :
I knew her by tiiis jewel on her sleeve.
Prin. Pardon me, sir, this jewel did she wear ;
And Lord Biron, I thank him, is my dear. —
What 1 will you have me, or your pearl again ?
Biron. Neither of either ; I remit both twain.—
208
^i^eMS^.^mi^Mi' ^I^: _;5
Act V Sc U
LOVE'S
LAEIOUH ii LOST
I sec the tri; k on 't : — here was a consent,
Knowin}^ aforeliiintl of our nicrrinicnt.
To dasli It like a Christinas coineily.
Some carry-tiiie, some please-man, home slight zany,
Some nuimhle-news, some trencher kiiit^lit, sonio Diik,
Tliat smiles his clieek in years, and ktiows tlit- trick
To make my lady lau-^h \vhi'ii slie 's disnosid.
Told our intents l)efore ; which once disclosed,
The ladies did chanj^e favours, and then v.e,
I'ollowing the sif,'ns, wooed but the si};n of slie.
Now, to our iHTJury to add nuirc tcinir,
We are aRain forsworn, — in will and error.
Much upon this it is ;—(/-> noi/fi] and might not you
Forestall our sport, to niakc us thus untrue '.'
Do not you know my lady's foot by the squire,
And lautjh upon the apple of her eye ?
And stand between her back, sir, and the lire.
Holding a trencher, jesting merrily ?
You put our page out : go, you are allowed ;
Die when you will, a smock ^.hall be your shroud.
You leer upon me, do you . nerc's an eye
NNounds like a leaden sword
Boyct. Full n-.srrily
Hath this brave man, .Jie, this career, been run.
Biron. Lo, he is tilling straight t— Peace 1 I have done.
Enler Costahd
Welcome, pure wit f thou partcst a fair fray.
Cost. O Lord, sir, they would know,
Whether the three Worthies shall come in, or no.
Biron. What, are there but three ?
Cost. No, sir ; but it is vara fmc,
For every one pursents three.
Biron. And three times thrice is nine.
Cost. Not so, sir ; under correction, sir, I hope, it is
not so.
You cannot beg us, sir, I can assure you, sir ; wc know
what we know :
I hope, sir, three times thrice, sir, —
Biron. Is not nine.
Cost. Under correction, sir, we know whcrcuntil it
doth amount.
Biron. By Jove, I always took three threes for nine.
Cost. O Lord 1 sir, it were pity you should get your
living by reckoning, sir.
Biron. How much is it ?
Cost. O Lord, sir, the parlies themselves, the actors,
sir, will show whereuntil it doth amount : for mine own
part, I am, as they say, but to perfect one man,— e'en one
poor man, — Pomplon the Great, sir.
120U
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc ii
Ijii-
m
mi
-.f
Biron. Art thou one of the Worthies ?
Cost. It pleased them to think me worthy of Pompion
the Great : for mine own part, I know not the degree of
the Worthy : but I am to stand for him.
Biron. Go, bid them prepare.
Cost. We will turn it finely off, sir : we will take sonic
care. [Exit
King. Biron, they will shame us ; let them not ap-
proach.
Biron. We are shame-proof, my lord ; and 't is some
policy
To have one show worse than the king's and his company.
King. I say, they shall not come.
Prin. Nay, my good lord, let me o'errule you now.
That sport best pleases that doth least know how :
Where zeal strives to content, and the contents
Die in the zeal of them which it presents,
Their form confounded makes most form in mirth,
When great things h'bouring perish in their birtli.
Biron. A right description of our sport, my lord.
Enter Armado
thy
Prin.
Biron.
Prin.
Arm.
Arm. Anointed, I implore so much expense of
royal sweet breath, as will utter a brace of words.
[Armado converses with the King, and delivers a
paper to him
Doth this man serve God ?
Why ask you ?
He speaks not like a man of God's making.
That 's all one, my fair, sweet, honey monarch ;
for, I protest, the schoolmaster is exceeding fantastical ;
too, too vain ; too, too vain : but we will put it, as they
say, to fortuna delta giierra. I wish you the peace of
mind, most royal couplcment I [Exit
King. Here is like to be a good presence of Worthies.
He presents Hector of Troy ; the swain, Pompey the
Great ; the parish curate, Alexander ; Armado's page,
Hercules ; the pedant, Judas Maccabteus.
And if these four Worthies in their first show thrive,
These four will change habits, and present the other five.
Biron. There is live in the first show.
King. You are deceived, 't is not so.
Biron. The pedant, the braggart, the hedge-priest, the
fool, and the boy : —
Abate throw at novum, and the whole world again
Cannot pick out five such, take each one in liis vein.
King. The ship is under sail, and here she comes amain.
Enter Costard armed, for Pompey
Cost. " / Pompey am," —
210
^^^ir^m^
^^%*.
^
Act V Sc U
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
You lie, you are not he.
Boijet.
Cost. " I Pompey am,"—
Boyet. With libbard's head on knee.
Biron. Well said, old mocker : I must needs be friends
with thee.
Cost. " I Pompey am, Pompey surnamed the Big," —
Dum. The Great.
Cost. It is " Great," sir ; — " Pompey surnamed the
Great ;
That oft in field, with targe and shield, did make my foe to
sweat :
And travelling along this coast, I here am come by chance.
And lay my arms before the legs of this sweet lass of
France."
If your ladyship would say, " ThanJcs, Pompey," I had
done.
Prin. Great thanks, great Pompey.
Cost. 'T is not so much worth ; but I hope, I was per-
fect. I made a little fault in " Great."
Biron. My hat to a haJlpcnny, Pompey proves the best
Worthy.
Enter Sin Nathaniel armed, for Alexander
Nath. " When in the world I lived, I was the world's
commander ;
By east, west, north, and south, I spread my conquering
might :
My 'scutcheon plain declares, that I am Alisander."
Boyet. Your nose says, no, you are not ; for it stands
too right.
Biron. Your nose smells, no, in this, most tender-
smelling knight.
Prin. '^he conqueror is dismayed. Proceed, good
Alexander.
Nath. " When in the world I lived, I was the world's
commander ; "
Boyet. Most true : 't is right : you were so, Alisander.
Biron. Pompey the Great,—
Cost. Your servant, and Costard.
Biron. Take away the conqueror, take away Alisander.
Cost. [To Nath.] O, sir, you have overthrown
Alisander the conqueror. You will be scraped out of the
painted cloth for this : your lion, that holds his poll-axe
siUing on a close-stoul, will be given to Ajax : he will be
the ninth Worthy. A conqueror, and afeard to speak ?
run away for shame, Alisander. [Nath. retires] Thi-re,
an 't shall please you : a foolish mild man ; an honest man]
look you, and soon dashed 1 He is a marvellous neighbour,
faith, and a very good bowler ; but, for Alisander, alas 1
you see, how 't is ;— a little o'erparted.— But there are
211
^vJ^
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc ii
•;1
i§n
I'
ua
ii
Worthies a-coming will speak their mind in some other
sort.
Prin. Stand aside, good Ponipcy.
Enter Holofernes armed, for Judas, and Moth
armed, for Hercules
Hoi. " Great Hercules is presented by this imp.
Whose club killed Cerberus, that three-headed canus ;
And, when he was a babe, a child, a shrimp.
Thus did he strancjle serpents in his manus.
Quoniam he seemcth in minority,
Hrgo / come with this apology."
Keep some state in thy exit, and vanish. — [Moth retires
" Judas I am," —
Dum. A Judas !
Hoi. Not Iscariot, sir.-
" Judas I am, yclcped Macca-'sens."
Dum. Judas Maccabaius ^Apt, is plain Judas.
Biron. A kissing traitor. — How art thou proved Judas '^
Hoi. " Judas I am,"~
Dum. The more shame for you, Judas.
Hot. What mean you, sir ?
Boyet. To make Judas hantj himself.
Hoi. Begin, sir : you are my elder.
Biron. Well followed : Judas waj hanged on an elder.
Hoi. I will not be put out of countenance.
Biron. Because thou hast no face.
Hoi. What is this ?
Boyet. A cittern-head.
Dum. The head of a bodkin.
Biron. A death's face in a ring.
Long. The face of an old Ronuui coin, scarce seen.
Boyet. The pummel of Cresar's falchion.
Dum. The carved-bone face on a flask.
Biron. St, George's half-cheek in a brooch.
Dum. Ay, and in a brooch of lead.
Biron. Ay, and worn in the cap of a tooth-drawer.
And now, forward ; for we have put thee in countenance.
Hoi. You have put me out of cauntcnauce.
Biron. False : we have given thee faces.
Hoi. But you have out-faced them all.
Biron. An thou wert a lion, we would do so.
Boyet. Therefore, as he is an ass, let him go.
And so adieu, sweet Jude 1 nav, whv dost thou stay ?
Dum. For the latter end of his name.
Biron. For the ass to the Jude ? give it him :— Jud-as.
away.
Hoi. This is not generous, not gentle, not humble.
Boyet. A light for Monsieur Judas 1 it grows dark, he
may stumble.
212
,>g^-^^e^- -^mn
■Mm
ActV ScU LOVEo LABOUR'S LOST
Prin. Alas, poor Maccabaeus, how hath he been bailed I
Enter Ahmado armed, for Hector
Hide thy head, Achilles : here comes Hector
Though my mocks come home by me, I will now
Biron.
in arms.
Dum.
be merry.
King. Hector was but a Trojan in respect of tliis.
But is this Hector ?
I thinlc Hector was not so clean-limbered.
His leg is too big for Hector's.
More calf, certain.
No ; he is best indued in the small.
This cannot be Hector.
He 's a god or a painter ; for he makes faces.
The annipotent Mars, of lances the almiahtu.
jragifl,"- ^ ^
A gilt nutmeg.
A lemon.
Stuck with cloves.
No, cloven.
Peace !
" The armipolcnl Mars, of lances the almighty.
Gave Hector a gift, the heir of Uion ;
A man so breathed, that certain he would fight ge,
From morn till night, out of his pavilion
I am that flower,"
Boijct.
King.
Long.
Dum.
Boyet.
Biron.
Dum.
Arm.
Gave He.
Dum.
Biron.
Long.
Dum.
Arm.
Dum.
Long.
Arm.
Long.
Hector.
Dum.
Arm.
That mint.
That columbine.
Sweet Lord Longaville, rein thy tongue.
I must rather give it the rein, for it runs against
Ay, and Hector 's a greyhound.
The sweet war-man is dead and rotten : sweet
chucks, beat not the bones of the buried : when he breathed,
he was a man.— Bui I will forward with my device. Sweet
royalty, bestow on me the sense of hearing
[Biron whispers Costard
Speak, brave Hector : we \re much delighted.
I do adore thy sweet grace's slipper.
Loves her by the fool.
He may not by the ^ ard.
" This Hector far surmounted Hannibal," —
The party is gone : fellow Hector, she is gone ;
she is two inoiiths on her way.
Arm. What meanest thou ?
Cost. Faith, unless you play
poor wench is cast away : she "s
in her belly already : 't is yours.
213
Prin.
Arm.
Boyet.
Dum.
Arm.
Cost.
the honest Trojan, the
quick ; the child bra-,s
i
if
LOST
^r-?- -"^F^/m^y^sif^^
Act V Sc ii
rrv^''"^u ,P°w^ *^°" infamonise mo among potentates?
inoii Shalt die.
^'^s'- Tlien shall Hector be whipped for Jaqucnetta that
hhn"^ "' ''^"^ hanged for Ponipey that is dead by
Bum. Most rare Pompey I
Boijet. Renowned Pompey I
/?z>on Greater than great ;— great, great, great
Pompey I Pompey the Huge 1 ^
Dum. Hector trembles.
I^iron. Pompey is moved.— More Atds, more At^s I
stir them on ! stir th^m on !
Dum. Hector will challenge him.
5i>on. Ay, if he have no more man's blood in 's bcllv
than will sup a flea. -
Arm. By the north pole, I do challenge thee,
r 'I. f'" 1, ^T"\^?5/'8ht with a pole, like a northern man :
I II slash ; I 11 do it by the sword.— I pray you, let me borrow
my arms again.
Dum. Room for the incensed Worthies 1
Cost. I '11 do it in my shirt.
Dum. Most resolute'Pompey 1
Moth. Master, let mc take you a buttonhole lower.
iJo you not see, Pompey is uncasing for the combat ?
What mean you ? you will lose your reputation.
Arm. Gentlemen, and soldiers, pardon me : I will not
combat hi my shirt. , ^ ^mh noi
Diim. You may not deny it : Pompey hath made the
challenge.
Arm. Sweet bloods, I both may and will.
Biron. AVhat reason have you for 't ? "
Arm. 'The naked truth of it is, I have no shirt. I eo
woolward for penance. ^
Boyet. True, and it was enjoined him in Rome for want
of linen ; since when, I'll be sworn, he wore none but a
dishclout of Jaquenetta's, and that he wears next his heart
for a favour.
Enter Monsieur Mekcadet, a Messenger
Mer. God save you, madam.
Prin. Welcome, ]\rercadet.
But that thou interrui'.'st our merriment.
Mer. I am sorry, madam ; for the news I brine
Is heavy in my tongue.— The king your father—
Prin. Dead, for my life !
Mer. Evt'n so : mv tale is told
Biron. Worthies, away I The scene begins to cloud
Arm For mine own part, I breathe free breath. I have
seen the day of wrong through the little hole of discretion
and I will right myself like a soldier. [Exeunt Worthies
214
Act V Sc U
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
if/nf7. How fares your majesty ?
Prm. Boyet, prepare : I will away to-niglit.
King. Madam, not so ; I do beseech you, stay
For'L'n'vnnr?'^'''' ^^^y— I thank you, gracious lords,
l;or all your fair endeavours ; and entreat
Out of a new-sad soul, that you vouchsafe '
In your rich wisdom to excuse, or hide,
The liberal opposition of our spirits :
If over -boldly we have borne ourselves
In the converse of breath, yocr gentleness
Was guilty of it. Farewell, worthy lord I
A heavy heart bears not a humble tongue.
l^xcusc me so, coming so short of thanks
toT my groat suit so easily obtained.
King. The extreme part of time extremely forms
All causes to the purpose of his speed ;
And often, at his very loose, decides
That which long process could not arbitrate :
And though the mourning brow of prof^env
I'orbid the smiling courtesy of love
The holy suit which fain it would convince ;
\et, Since love's argument wns first on foot,
Let not the cloud of sorrow justJe it
From what it purposed ; since, to wail friends lost
is not by much so wholesome, profitable
As to rejoice at friends but newly found.
Pnn. I understand you not : my griefs are dull.
Hiron. Honest plain words best pierce the ear
grief ;
And by these badges understand the kin"
For your fair sakes have we neglected time.
Played foul play with our oaths. Your b .auty ladies
Hath much deformed us, fashioning our hum6urs '
i^ven to the opposed end of our intents •
And what in us hath seemed ridiculous '
As love is full of unbeiitting strains •
All wanton as a child, skipping, and vain :
l;ormed by the eye, and, therefore, like the eve
tull of s! range shapes, of habits, and of forms
Varying in subjocts as the eye doth roll
To every varied object in his glance :
Which pnrty-coated presence of loose love
Put on by us, if, in your heavenly eyes,
Havf. misbecomed our oaths and gravities
rhose heavenly eyes, that look into the,«e faults
^- ingested us to make tiiem. Therefore, ladies '
Uur love being yours, the error that love makes
Is likewise yours : we to ourselves prove false
Py being once false for ever to be true
To those that mak( ' '
of
both,-— fair ladies.
vou
215
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc 11
m^
il'
And even that, falsehood, in itself a sin,
Thus purines itself, and turns to gr;ice.
Prin. We have received vour letters full of love :
Your favours, the ambassadors of love ;
And, in our maiden council, rated them
At courtship, pleasant jest, and courtesy,
As bombast and as lining to the time.
But more devout than this in our respects
Have we not been ; and therefore met your loves
In their own fashion, like a merriment.
Dum. Our letters, madam, showed much more than jest.
Long. S(i did our looks.
^PP- ^, We -lid not quote them so.
King. Now, at the latest minute of the hour, ft
Grant us your loves,
,„ ■''""; ^ *^'"i^' niethinks, too short
To make a Avorld-without-end bargain in.
No, no, my lord, your grace is perjured much.
Full of dear guiltiness ; and therefore this:
If for my love — as there is no such cause —
You will do aught, this shall vou do for me :
Your oath I will not trust ; but go with speed
To some forlorn and naked hermitage,
Remote from all the pleasures of the world ;
There stay, until the twelve ceksLial si;tns
Have brought about their annual reckoning.
II this austere insociablc life
Change not your ofter made in heat of blood ;
If frosts, and fasts, hard lodaing, and thin we'eds,
Nip not the gaudy blossoms of your love.
But that it bear this trial, and last love ;
Then, at the expiration of the year,
Come challenge, challenge me bv these deserts,
And by this virgin palm, now kissing thine,
I wdl be thine ; and, till that instant, shut
My woful self up in a mourning house.
Raining the tears of lamentation
For the remembrance of my father's death.
If this thou do deny, let our hands part :
Neither intitled in the other's heart.
King. If this, or more than this, I would deny,
To flatter up these powers of mine with rest.
The sudden hand of death close up mine eye.
Hence ever then my heart is in thy breast
Dum. But what to me, my love ? but what to me ?
Ax.S/l: \''V!V~^^ ^^^^^^^ ^•^''" '^^-''^. ^"'J honesty;
With three-fold love I wish you all these three.
Dum. O, shs. I say, 1 thank you, gentle wife ?
T ,n " , ^"*- ^"' '">' ^^^^- A twelvemonth and a dav
1 U mark no words that smooth-faced wooers say:
216
■rynr. '^'^fr>'<:?f?fZ7<^
Act V Sc U
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Come when the kinff doth to my lady come •
Dun ' iTsTZVr''; ' '^' R-cVouTome.
A'a : Yet sw7.r 'o? o? ^"^^^^J^fuUy till then.
J^ong. ma'tsays Maria v ''" ""' '°"^°'-" ^«^'"-
''?B"nT ^'^^'^ ^'^^^ fortSalfh^rSr^''^ "^''
'long'" '''^ ^^''•^ P^"-'^^' b"tThe time is
i^%n.'^S^^,i,^^:j|^---young.
Behold the Window o'f mf hea" m^'; ['y^ °" '""
\Vhat humble suit attends thy answer there •
ifos. Oft have 1 heard of vou, mv I ord Rimn
Before I saw you. and the wo>ld' ^rge tonn ,e '
Fun o7rn7"" '"' ^ "^"," ^^'f^'^'« ^vith n ocks •
willc^yoHn ;s^^s[ s^;:^r;^-^^
To weed this wormwood
from your fruitful brain,
VVithout the which I am not to be won
W h ^-^^^^P^^^'^'iJ^ss sick, and still converse ''
W-, ^^o^"'"g wretches ; and your task shall bp
\ViLh all the fierce endeavour of your ^^ ^''
10 enforce the pained impotent to smile
'death'^?° "'"''" ''"^ ^""«''^^^ *" the throat
It cannot be ; it is impossible •
Mirth cannot move a soul in agony
xvH'"'- ■ ^n^^'' ^^'?^ '" ^^^ ^^'^y to choke a cjibing spirit
Whose innuence is begot of that loose grnct ^ ^ '
\Vhich shallow laughing hearers give to fools
A jest's prosperity lies in the ear
Of him thai hears it, never in the tongue
Of hini that makes it : then, if slcklv enrs
Doafed Miih the clamours of 'their o^^, < S groans
1, f"''^.^ 5'our Idle scorns, continue them. ^ '
p"i^ W." ^^^'-^yo" and that fault with:i} ■
L>ut If they will not, throw awav that spirit
And I shall find you empty of that f^ult,^ ^'
i ught joyful of your reformation
"".aki';^,;t„(r" ^^■' --«' -y '"^^ ■■ and so
King. No, madam ; we will bring vou on vour wav
Biron. Our wooing dolh not end like an old pLyf "
217
of
I
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Act V Sc U
_-♦ k*-,,/
\^-f iif
Jack hath not Jill : these ladies' courtesy
Might well have made our sport a comedy.
King. Come, sir, it wants a twelvemonth and a day.
And then 't wUl end.
Biron. That 's too long for a play.
Enter Armado
Arm. Sweet majesty, vouchsafe me, —
Prin. Was not that Hector ?
Dum. The worthy knight of Troy.
Arm. I will kiss thy royal fmger, and take leave. I nm
a votary : I have vowed to Jaquenetta to hold the plough
for her sweet love three years. But, most esteemed great-
ness, will you hear the dialogue that the two learne(i men
have compiled in praise of the owl and the cuckoo ? it should
have followed in the end of our show.
King. Call them forth quickly ; we will do so.
Arm. Holla 1 approach.
Enter Holofernes, Nathaniel, Moth, Costard,
and others
This side is Hicms, Winter, this Ver, the Spring ; the one
mamtained by the owl, the other by the cuckoo. Ver
begm. '
SCNG
S p n I N o
When daisies pied, and violets blue.
And lady-smocks all silver-white.
And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue.
Do paint the meadows with delight.
The cuckoo then, on every tree.
Mocks married men ; for thus sings he.
Cuckoo ;
Cuckoo, cuckoo, — O word of fear,
Unpleasing to a married ear!
II
When shepherds pipe on oaten straws,
And merry larks are p'-^ughmen's clocks,
IV hen turtles tread, and rooks, and daws.
And maidens bleach their summer sniocks.
The cuckoo then, on every tree,
Mocks married men ; for thus sings he,
Cuckoo ;
Cuckoo, cuckoo,— O word of fear,
Unpleasing to a married ear !
218
.-:?*^.r.^:]?p?*Tf?wi ^ .:
iiM;^t^^ti^9LmM^KS^ uii^
:U
Act V Sc ii
LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST
Winter
im
Sh
it-
en
Id
III
When icicles hang by the irnll.
And Did; the shepherd bloivs his nail.
And Tom bears logs into the Ivill,
And milk comes frozen home in pail,
When blood is nipped, and ways be foul,
Then nightly sings the staring owl,
To-who ;
Tu-whit, to-who,— a merry note,
While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.
tie
When all aloud the wind doth blow.
And coughing drowns the parson's saw.
And birds sit brooding in the snow.
And Marian's nose looks red and raw.
When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl.
Then nightly sings the staring owl,
To-who ;
Tu-whit, to-who, — a merry note.
While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.
nf^I!!^ni}JKy^fu ?^ ^^^^^"'^ are harsh after the songs
of Apollo. You. that way,— we, this way. [Exeunt
219
15
mi A
MACBETH
::j^^jt.ii^m^*.
221
DRAMATIS PERSON.E
noblemen of Scotland
Duncan, King of Scotland
U0VAI.BAIN / *" *""*
Macheth ■»
Banquo j S^"^a^ of "" King'i armj
Macduff ^
Lennox
Ross
Mknteith
Anous I
Caithness j
Fleance. mn to li/inqiio
SiwABD, Furl of Northumberland, general of the Ewjlish force*
Young Siward, his son
Seyton, an officer attending on Macbeth
Boy, ton to Macduff
An English doctor
A Scotch doctor
A Soldier
A Porter
An Old Man
Lady AIacuktfi
Lady Macdusf
Gentlewoman attending on Lady Macbeth
Hecate, and three witches
Lords, Gentlemen, Officers, Soldiers, Murderers, Attendants,
and MoasonpTS
The Ghost of Bunquo, and other apparitions
SCENE.— /n tlie end of tfie Foiirtfi Act, in England: tlirougfi
the rest of tfxe Play, in Scotland
22'J
MACBT^TH
ACT ONE
Scene I.— A Desert Place
Thunder and Wjlitning. Enter three Witches
First Witeh. Wlu'ii shall we three meet again.
In thunder, lightnliif^, or in rain V
See. Witch. When the hurlcy-burlcy 's done,
When the battle 's lost and won.
Third Witch. That will he ere the set of sun.
\Vhere the place ?
Upon the heath.
There to meet with Macbeth.
I come, Graymalkin.
First Witch.
Sec. Witch.
Third Witch.
First Witch.
Sec. Witch.
Third Witch.
All. Fair is foul, and foul is fair
Mover through the fog and lilthy air
Paddock calls.
Anon !
[Exeunt
ScENK TI. — A Camp near Forres
Alarum within. Enter Kino Duncan, Malcolm, Donal-
BAiN, Lennox, with Attendants, meeting a bhcdina
Sergeant ^
Dun. What bloody man is that ? He can report
As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt
The newest state.
^J<J^- This is the ser^jeant
Wlio like a good and hardy soldier fought
'Gainst my captivity : Hail, brave friend !
Say to the king the knowledge of the broil
As thou didst leave it.
Ser. Doubtful it stood,
x\s two spent swimmers that do cling together
And choke their art. The merciless Macdonwald—
Worthy to be a rebel, for to that
The multiplying villainies of nature
Do swarm upon him— from the Western Isles
Of kerns and gallowglasscs is supplied.
And Fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling,
Showed like a rebel's whore : but all 's too weak.
For brave Macbeth— well he deserves that name
223
MACBETH
Act I Sc ii
ii-
Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel,
Which smoked with bloody execution,
Like valour's minion
Carved out his passage till he faced the slave,
Which ne'er shook hands nor bade farewell to him
Till he unseamed him from the nave to the chaps.
And lixed his head upon our battlements.
Dun. O valiant cousin ! worthy gentleman.
Ser. As whence the sun gins his reilection
Shipwrecking storms and direful thunders break.
So Irom that spring whence comfort seemed to come
Discomfort swells. .Mark, King of Scotland, mark :
No sooner justice had, with valour armed.
Compelled these skipping kerns to trust their heels,
But the Norweyan lord, surveying vantage,
With furbished arms and new supplies of men,
Began a fresh assault.
Dun. Dismayed not this
Our captains, Macbeth and Banquo ?
Ser. Yes,
As sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion.
If I say sooth, I nmst report they were
As cannons overcharged with double cracks ;
So they
Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe :
Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds.
Or memorise another Golgotha,
I cannot tell —
But I am faint, my gashes cry for help.
Dun. So well thy words become thee as thy wounds ;
They smack of honour both. — Go, get him surgeons.
[Exit Scryeanl, altcndtd
Enter Ross
Who comes here ?
Mul. The worthy tlume of Ross.
Len. What haste looks through his eyes I So should
he look
That seems to speak things strange.
A'oss- God save the king 1
Dun. Whence cam'st thou, wortliv thane ?
^^05s. irom Fife, great king,
Where the Norweyan banners flout tlic sky
And fan our i)coi)i(' cold. Norway liimscil.
With terrible numbers.
Assisted by that most disloyal traitor
The Ihaue of Cawdo", began a dismal conflict ;
Till that Ikllona's bridegroom, lapped in proof,
Coii fronted him with sell -comparisons.
Point against point rebellious, arm 'gainst arm.
I
I
Act I Sc iii
MACBETH
Curbing his lavish spirit : and, to conclude,
The victory fell on us.
Dun. Great happiness !
Ross. That now
Sweno, the Nor',\ay's king, craves composition ;
Nor would we deign nini burial of his men
Till he disbursed at Sru Coimc's Inch
Ten thousand dollar^ lo cur gi;;cr: 1 use.
Dun. No more tl ■( iluuie of Cawdor shall deceive
Our bosom interest : ( > proiiou.-.ce his present death,
And with his former .iLlt; fer-ot. Macbeth.
Ross. I '11 see it done.
Dun, What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won.
[Exeunt
Scene III.— a Heath
Thunder. Enter the three Witches
First Witch. Where hast thou been, sister ?
Sec. Witch. Killing switie.
Third Witch. Sister, where thou ?
First Witch. A sailor's wife had chestnuts in her hip.
And mounclicd, and mounched, and mounched : — " dive
me," ([uoth I : —
" Aroint tiiee, witch ! " the rump-fed ronyon cries. —
Her husbands to Ak'pj)o gone, master o' the Tifjer ;
But in a sieve I '11 thither sail,
And, like a rat without a tail,
I'll do, I'll do, ai.d I'll do.
Sec. Witch. I '11 give thee a wind.
Jlrsf V/itch. Thou art kind.
Third Witch. And I another.
First Witch. I myself have all the other ;
And to every point tiiey blow.
All the quarters that llicy know
r the sliipnian's cr.rd.
I will drain him dry as hay :
Sleep shall neither night i-'^r day
Hang upon his penthouse iid ;
He shall live a man forbid.
Weary seven-nights, nine times nine,
Shall he dwindle, peak, and pine.
Though his bark cannot be lost,
Vet it shall be tempest-tost. —
Look what I have.
Sec. Witch. Show me, show me.
First Witch. Here I have a pilot's thumb,
Wrecked as homeward he did come. [Drum within
38—11 225
MACBETH
Act I Sc iii
Third Witch. A drum, a drum I
Macbeth doth come.
All. The weird sisters, hand in hand,
Posters of the sea and land.
Thus do go about, about :
Thrice to thine, and thrice to mine.
And thrice again, to make up .iine.
Peace 1 — the charm 's wound up.
ml:
f'l
Enter Macbeth and Banquo
Macb. So foul and fair a dav I iiave not seen.
Ban. How far is 't called to>orrcs ?— ^Yhat are these.
So withered, and so wild in their attire.
That look not like th' inhabitants o' th' earth,
And yet are on 't ? Live you, or are you aught
That man may question ? " You scorn to understand mc,
By each at once her choppy linger laying
Upon her skinny lips : you should be' women.
And yet your beards forbid mc to interpret
That you are so.
Mdch. Speak, if you can : what are you ?
First Witch. All hail, Macbeth I hail to thee, thane of
Glamis !
Sec. Witch. All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of
Cawdor I
Third Witch. All hail, ^'icbeth! that shalt be Kiirx
hereafter !
Ban. Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear
Things that do sound so fair ? — 1' the name of truth,
Are ye fantastical, or that indeed
Which outwardly yc show ? My noble partner
You greet with present grace, and great prediction
Of noble having, and of royal hope
That he seems rapt withal : to mc you speak not.
If you can look into the seeds of time
And say which grain will grow and which will not.
Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear
Your favours nor your hate.
First Witch. Hail I
Sec. Witch. Hail I
Third Witch. Hail !
First Witch. Les'^er than Macbeth, and greater.
Sec. Witch. Not so happy, yet much happier.
Third Witch. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.
So, all hail, Macbeth and Banquo !
Fir-^t ]Vi(ch. Banquo and Macbeth, ail hail I
Macb. Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more.
By Sinel's death I know I am thane of Glamis ;
But how of Cawdor ? the thane of Cawdor lives,
220
Act I Sc iii
MACBETH
A prosperous Rentleman ; and to he King
Mands not ^vlthin the prospect of belief
No more tha to be Cawdor. Say, from' whencP
T^nn 7;' * K*,^ ''^'''"g^ intelligence^' or "vhv '
Upon tins blasted heath you stop our way
With such prophetic greeting ? Speak. I charge you
mat takes (he reason prisoner *>
Macb. Your children shall be kings
Ban. ° ^
Ban. To the selfsame tune and words. Who 's here ?
Enter Ross and Angus
Thfne;vsI?'tl^v'l^ ^""^^ '"'PP/'^ '^^^^^•^^' ^^acbelh,
1 e ncMs of thy success ; and when he reads
Th> personal venture in the rebel's fight
His wonders and his praises do contend '
^\hich r.hould be tliine or his : silenced with that
111 viewing o'er the rest of the selfsame day, '
X.Vhhf J '?'' ? ^.*^^ ^*«"^ Norweyan ranks^ ' •
Nothing afcard of, what thyself didst make
Strange images of death. As thick as haU '
Came post with post, and evorv one did bear
Tliy praises in his kingdom's great defence
And poured them down before him
Ang. ' -
To give thee from our royal master thanks"'' ''"*
On y to herald thee into his sight. '
Not pay thee.
He^hSp ^T\ ^°'' 'I" '^'^''"'''^ ^^ ^ Sweater honour,
In xvhil^'rl''^"' ^'"'' ^^" th«e thane of Cawdor •
For'itTs'tWne.'""- ''"-' ""^^ ^^'^^^'^^ ^^ane 1 '
^inrh Ti, ., ^^^^*^i ^^" *^*^ devil speak true ?
In Wmved'robS"f '' ""'''''' "^'^^ ^ ^^y do you dress me
Bolder heavy Jud^^^tT:^:^?,^-"- yet:
227
MACBETH
Act I Sc iii
•I
i-< ■ ■
II'
a
i
i ■
i
>r
But treasons capital, confessed and proved.
Have overthrown him. —
-^fficb. Gia'nis, and thane of C
The greatest is behind. — Thanks for your pains. —
Do you not hope your children sh.dl be kings.
When those that gave the thane of Cawdor to me
Promised no less to them ?
,/^«"- That, trusted home,
Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,
Besides the thane of Cawdor. But 't is strange :
And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths ;
Win us with honest Iritles, to betray us
In deepest consequence. —
Cousins, a word, I pray you. —
^ ■''V/ocft. Two truths are told,
As happy prologues to the swelling act
Of the imperial I heme. — I thank you, gentlemen. —
This supernatural soliciting
Cannot be ill ; cannot be good : if ill,
Why hatli it given me earnest of success,
Commencing in a truth ? I am thane of Cawdor :
If good, why do I yield to that suggestion
Whose horrid image doth uniix my hair.
And make my seated heart knock at my ribs.
Against the use of nature ? i'rcscnt fears
Are less than horrible jmaginints.
My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical,
Shakes so my single state of man, that function
Is smothered in surmise, and nothing is
But what is not. —
^-"- Look hoAv our partner's rapt. —
Macb. If chance will have me King, whv, chance may
crown me,
Without my slir. —
.^"'^- New honours come upon him
Like our stranso garments, cleave not to their mould
But V ith the aid of use.—
Macb. Come what come may.
Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.
Ban. Worthy Macbeth, we stav upon your leisure.
^^-■/^ ^:. ^^^'^ ^^ ^'°"^ favour : my dull brain was wrought
V\ith things forgotten. Kind gentlemen, your pains
Are registered where every day I turn
The leaf to read them. Let us toward the kin".—
Think upon what hath chanced, and at m.ore tfme.
The interim having v>eiahed it, let us speak
Our free hearts each to other.
Ban. verv gladly.
Macb. Till then, enough.— Come, friends. [Exeunt
228
Act I Sc iv
MACBETH
Scene IV.^Forres. A Room in the Palace
Flour.. ----'-. M..o.M,Do...B... ....ox.
l^d''' "«\yet come back. But I hllelToke
Ti'^? one that saw hun ciio : who did reporL
lliat very frankly he confessed his treasons
Implored your highness' pardon, and set forth
A deep repentance. Nolhina in his life
^ronTtho?/'''f k'^' leaving U : he died
To n?rnL '^'-^d f,een studied in his death
To throw away the dearest thing he owed
As t were a careless trifle
Dun. rr.! ,
Tr> Hm-^ +J, • ,, inere s no art
To find the mmd's construction in the face •
\n OK ' ? f "t'^^'^an on whom I buiU '
An absolute trust.
£n/er Macbeth, Banquo. Ross, anrf Angus
The c- „f . ^ v.orlhiest cousin I
The sm of my ingratitude even now
\\ as heavy «n me. Thou art so far before
To'lllV I'^i^'"^ '' recompense is s]ow '
Th.tM *'*'f.- '"'^"'^ ^''"" I'^^'^st less deserved
^ ight have been mine : onlv I have left to snv
ILl^'Vu'"' ''''^ "^^'^ than ah c..n pav.''^'
Tn H • •7^'' ^'''■^'''^^ ^"d t'lc loyaity I owe
In domg It, pays itself. Your hirrhncss' mrt
Is to receive our duties : and om- duties ^
WhinS ^"""k l^"""."^ ''^"^ st''^^^^ children and servants •
That hn^t n n'l ^^" ?^ growing.-Noblc Banquo,
Hiat hast no less deserved, nor must be known
And hold^h''''/""'^ ?° ' ^'' "^« i"f«^'l thee "
Ann nold thee to my heart.
Thftarvcst is your own. '^^"' " ' ^'°"'
in diops of sorrow.— Sons, kinsmen thmp.;
^ve wm estabhsh our estate upon
229
•
MACBETH
AcL 1 Sc V
Our eldest Malcolm ; Avliom we name horpaflcr
The Prince of Cumberland : which honour must
Not, unaccompanied, invest him onlv,
But signs of nobleness, like stars, shaU shine
On all dcservers. — Hence to Inverness,
And bind us further to you,
Macb. The rest is labour, which is not used for you :
I '11 be myself the harbinger, and make joyful
The hearing of my wife with your approach :
So, humbly take my leave.
■D"n. My worthy Cawdor !
Macb. [aside] The Prince of Cumberland I That is a
step
On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap,
For in my way it lies. Stars, hide vour (ires.
Let not light see my black and deep desires :
The eye wink at the hand ; yet let tliat ho.
Which tlie eye fears, when it is done, to see. — [Exit
Dun. True, worthy Banquo : he is full so valiant,
And in his commendations I am fed ;
It is a banquet to me. Let us after him,
Wnose care is gone before to bid us welcome :
It is a peerless kinsman. [Flourish. Exeunt
in
Scene V.— Inverness. A Boom in Macbfth's Castle
Enter Lady Macbeth, reading a letter
Lady M. They met me in the day of success ; and I have
learned by the perfectest report, they have more in them tlian
mortal knowledge. When I burned in desire to Question them
further, they made themselves air, into which they vanished
Whiles I sto.d rapt in tlie wonder of it, came missives from
the king, who all-hailed me " Thane of Cawdor " ; by which
title, before, these weird sisters saluted me, and referred me
to the coming on of time, with " Hail, king that shall b" ' "
This have I thought good to deliver thee, nv; dearest partner of
greatness, that thou mightest not lose the dues of rejoiciwi bu
being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee. Lay it to
thy heart, and farewell.
Glamis thou art, and Cawdor ; and shalt be
What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature •
It is too full o' the milk of human kindnrss
To catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great •
Art not without ambition : but without '
The illness should attend it : what thou wouldst highlv
That wouldst thou holily ; wouldst not play false '
And yet wouldst w ngly win : thou 'dst hav'o, great Glamis,
Ihat which cries " laus thou must do, if thou have it ; "
230
Act I Sc V
MACBDTH
And that uhich rather thou dost fear to do
Than wishcst should be undone. Hie thee Iiithcr.
That I may pour my spirits in thine oar,
And chastise with the valour of niv tongue
All that impedes thee from the Rofden round,
^^hIch Fate and metaphysical aid doth seem
10 have thce crowned withal. —
Enter an Allendant
All.^ The king comes horc te-^oT"^ " ''"'" "'""S'' '
isX^,s^„ .1.1, i,ta o ..vh„!''rre''''tr," '" '"^ "-
Would have informed for preparation.
Atl. So please you, it is true : our'tlianc is comino •
One of my fellows had the speed of him ^ '
\\ho, almost dead for breath, had scarcely more
1 lian would make up his message.
"'""'feSrse """"""■ '^"^'^ ^''^^''^"^j'Titi'r^^''Sself
That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan
I nder my battlements. Come, you spirits
T hot tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here.
Am hll me, from the crown to the toe, top-full
Ol direst cruelty 1 make thick my blood
Mop up the access and passage to remorse,
ihat no compunctious visitings of nature
Ti/I VT ^^'" P^'-Pos^. nor keep peace between
llie efTect and it ! Come to my woman's breasts
And take my milk for gall, you murdering ministers.
Wherever in your sightless substances
\nd n'^'flf f So "^\T'', '^"'"^"'^ ' ^«"' ' t''i^k night,
And pall thee in the duanest smoke of hell
That my keen knife see not the wound it makes
T^^J^r '' nS^^hollT! "' ''^ '^""'^^ '' ^^^ '^^^^'
Enter Macbeth
Greater than both, by Ibe^If-tif lie^f./u'r"'^ '""""'■ '
by letters have transporlrd me beyond
1 his ignorant present, and I feel now
the future in the instant.
^/^^"^''- , My dearest love,
Duncan comes here to-night. '
fS'^^V *^"^ ^^licn goes hence?
Macb ro-morrow, as he purposes.
Lady M. ^ ^ n
Shall sun that morrow see. ' "'^^'^
231
m
MACBETH Act I Sc vi
Your face, my thone, is as a book wluro men
May read strange matters ; lo bcpuile the time,
Look like the time ; l)ear welcome in your eye,
Your hand, your tongue : look like tlie innocent flower,
But be the serpent under 't. Pie that 's cominft
Must be provided for : and you shall put °
This night's great business into mv despatch ;
\Vhich shall to all our nights and (lays to come
Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom. —
Macb. We will speak further.
„, ^'"!''' '/• Only look up clear ;
1 o alter favour ever is to fear : —
Leave all the rest to me. [Exeunt
Scene YT.- The Same. Before the Castle
Ilautboijs and torches. Enler Duncan, Malcolm, Donal-
BAiN, Ban-quo, Lennox, Macduff, Ross, Angus, and
Attendants
Dun. This castle hath a pleasant seat ; the air
Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
Unto our gentle senses.
-^""- This guest of summer,
The temple-haunting martlet, does approve
By his loved manslonry that the heaven's breath
Smells wooingly here ; no jutly, frieze.
Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird
Hath made his pendent bed and procreant cradle :
Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed,
The air is delicate.
Enter Lady Macbeth
Dun. See, see, our honoured hostess. —
The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,
Which still we thank as love. Herein I teach you
How you shall bid God yield us for your pains
And thank us for your trouble.
Ladij M. All our service
In every point twice done, and then done double,
Were poor and single business to contend
Against those hojiours deep and broad wherewith
\our majesty loads our house : for those of old,
And the late dignities heaped up to them,
We rest your hermits.
„,^""- Where 's the thane of Cavrdor ?
^^e coursed him at the heels, and had a purpose
To be his purveyor : but lie rides well ;
And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him
To his home before us. Fair and noble hostess,
We are your guest to-night.
Act I Sc vil
MACBETH
U^prs, themselves, nn<I ^Z ^^^^l^l" ^Zruvt
ouii 10 icturn your own.
Co^^t me to n.lne host :'^i^C ^[r.Sv^
And shnll continue our graces to^varc^ m^ ''^'
Cy your leave, hostess. r^
Scene VII.-The Same. A Room in the Castle
fluulbofn and torches. Enter, and pass over llie slaoe a
U ^Z^.' 1 " '^ ^''■''?, ''^"^ '''^^'" 't is done, then 't were well
rnnl M ^"' ?""^'''' = " ^''^ assassination
Co lid trammel up the consequence, and catch
Mi 'm ho'ih''r'''n''"''' • ^^'""^ '»'t ^'"'s blow
Might be the be-all nnd the end-all lure.
But here, upon this bank and shoal of lime •
w*" Ki'.TP ^'•'^ ''^'^ ^« ^«"^^- r^"t in these cases
^\e s 111 have judgment here ; that we but tcS
Bloody instructions, which, hoin^ taugh etu n
ro plague th- inventor. This even-handed sUce
Commends the ingredients of our poisoned calke
pfrst nf?" '^Pf- /.^^ '^ ^'''' •» ^'""'^1^ trust :
1 irst, as I am his kinsman and his subjeci
Strong ho h against the deed ; then, as his host
\ct ben?-" ;^ T^'' '"'^ '""'•''^■''"- ^^^"t the doo ;
vi},tT t'^c kmje myself. Besides, this Duncan
Ha th borne his fa Uios so meek, hath been
Wil nl "\'Vm ^''''^ ''''''- ^^^^ IHS virtues
\\ill plead like angels, trumpet-longucd, against
The deep damnation of his taking oTl ■ ^
And pity like a naked new-born baiie:
rnnn";L I'lf '^' ""^ '^^^^^'^n's cherubin, horsed
^iKf V '!?'^i^'' couriers of the air,
Mhal blow the horrid deed in every eve
Ihat ears shall drown the wind.-Ihave no snur
V^,;!!'!''', '^''^^l^' "^ ^"y '"f^"t, but only P"'
\; fP r -'^'"^f « V'""^ o'erleaps itself,
And falls on the other
Enter Lady Macbeth
r nrh, ^r TT , How now? what ne\v«5 •;
'thY-ch "^be^. ^'"^^^ ^"PP-'- ''^^^y '^-^ you loft
' ^ \* Know you not, he has ?
3^-°* 233
MAcnF/rii
A( f I Sr vii
Macb. \Vc Avill prococd no furl her in this business :
He hath honoured nic of hUc ; and I have bouglit
Gohlon opinions from all sorts of poopio,
Wliich would bo worn now in tluir newest gloss,
No I cast nsi<k' so soon.
f'f'lH -W. Was the liopo drunk
Wherein you dressed yourself ? liath it sh'[)t since.
And wakes il now, lo look so Rreen and pale
At what it did so freely '? From this lime,
Sueli I aeeount thy love. Art thou afeard
To be the same in thine own aet an( valour
As thou art in desire ? Wouldsl liiou have that
Wiiieh thou esteem's! the oruamcnl of life,
And live a coward in thine own esteem.
Letting " I dare not " wait upon " I would,"
Like the poor cat i' the adage '?
^liicb. Pr'ylhee, peace.
I dare do all that may become a man ;
Who dares do more, is none.
J'"('!l -^^- What beast was 't then.
That made you break this enterprise to me ?
When you durst do it, then you were a man ;
And, to be more tiian wiiat you were, you would
Oe so much more the man. Nor lime nor place
Di<l then adhere, and yet you would make both :
They have made theuiselves, and that their filTuss now
Does unmake you. I have jiiven suck, and know
How lender 't is to love the babe that milks me :
I would, while it was smilin,£^ in my face.
Have i)hukcd my nipiii.- from his boneless gums.
And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you
Have done to this.
Macb. If we should fail ?
^odij M. We falL
But screw your courage +0 the slicking place,
And we '11 not fail. When Duncan is asleep —
Whereto the rather shall his days hard journey
Soundly invite liim — his two chamberlains
Will I with wine and wassail so convince,
That memory, the warder of the brain.
Shall be a fume, and the receipt of reason
A limbeck only : when in swinish sleep
Their drenched natures lie, as in a death,
What cannot you and I perform upon
Th' imguarded Duncan ? what not put upon
His spongy officers, who shall bear the guilt
Of our great quell ?
_ Macb. Bring forth men-children only ;
For thy undaunted mettle should comnosc
Nothing but males. Will it not be received,
234
Act II Sci
machi:tii
\Vhon wc I.aye marko-1 vvil!, MonrI H.msc slrcnv \^^■n
Thn/'fh''",''^"'"'*^'"' ^>"'' "^^'1 »'>^i'- very Scrs
That they have done 't ? ^ "•'^.H'-rs,
Ladij M. Who dares receive it olhor
i^^'HjH^ ""' «^""^ """ '■'»■-- roar
Away and mock Ihc limo will, fainsl'show ■
1-alse lace n.ust lu.lc wl.al Ihc false luarUtolh know.
Bin
Fie.
Ban.
Fie.
Ban.
ACT TWO
ScRME I.-Iavcrncss. Court within Macbeth's Castlo
I^nter Bvnquo, and Fi.kvmce ,.///, a lorch before him
I low ftocs the nicjht. bo'-' *>
Their candies are all out.— Tal<c thee that ton
A heavy summons lies like load upon m '
And yet would not sleep : merrijp > vers
Restrain in me the cursed tliouj^l.ts ( L n .I'urP
Enter Macbeth, and a Servant with a torch
Macb. A friend.
£fSl, S'itara>^;;lcfs„7e,'a„u"'' •""'" ""•"^'' =
Sent fortli great largess to your oPaces
I his diamond he greets your wife witlial,
fn^m^Pe^s^^coTtfnf ^^ ''''-' ^ ^^^ ^'^"^ "P
OuJ^^n became the serviJ^'i?S;^J[P"^^^'
Winch else should free have wmuciu
J-iun. - o •
I dreamt last night of the three weird stslers^'"""
Yet, when we can entreat an hour to sctvc!"^ "°' '^ *^^""-
235
MACBETH
Act II Sci
m.
Wi- would spcnfl It In some words upon that business,
If you would gr.uit the lime.
^-•'""- At ycuir kin<l'st leisure.
Marb. If you shall cleave to my consent, when l is.
It sliall make honour for you.
linn. So I losi. none
In seeking to augment it. hut still keep
My bosom franehiscd and nllegiancc clear,
I shall be counselled.
^I'tcb. r.ood re|)oso, the while !
Hun. Thanks, sir : the like to you.
[i'.xeunt lUtiupio and Flcance
Marb. Go. bid my mistress, wiien mv drink is ready.
She strike upon tlie bell, (iet thee to bed.—
^ .^. , (/i.r/7 Senuinl
Is this a dagger which I sec before me.
The handle toward my hand ? Come, let me clutch
thee : —
I have thee not. and yet I sec thee still.
Art thou not. fatal vision, sensible
To feeling as to sifUit ? or art thou but
A dagger of the mind, a false creation
Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain ?
I see thee yet, in form as paljji'.lilc
As this which now I draw.
Thou m.irshall'st me the way that I was going ;
And such an instrument I was to use.
Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses,
Or else worth all the rest : I see thee still ;
And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood.
Which was not so before.— There 's no such thing.
It is the bloody business which informs
Thus to mine eyes.— Now o'er the one half-world
Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse
The curtained sleep : witchcraft celebrates
Pale Hecate's olTerinqs ; and withered murder,
Alarumcd by his sentinel, the wolf,
Whose howl 's his watch, thus with his stealthv pace.
With Tiirquin's ravishing strides, towards his design
Moves like a ghost. — Thou sure and Hrm-set earth.
Hear not my steps, which way Ihev walk, for fear
The very stones prate of my whereabout.
And take the present horroV from the time.
Which now suits with it.— Whiles I threat, he lives :
Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives. —
I go, and It IS done : the bell invites me.
Hear it not, Duncan ; for it is a knell
That summons thee to heaven or to hell. [Exit
f^
238
Act II Scil
MACDI£TH
SrTAi; ir. Tlic S ime
/i/i/rr Lady MACiiiirn
I.mlii M That wliicU halli ni.i<le them drunk !nth made
nio l)oI(l ;
WhaL li.ilh (iiuMcIicd them hath given me lire. Hark ' -
reate I -
II was the owl that slirikod. the fatal bellman,
\\iiich tiives the slernsl u^od i.i-f.f j f^. j^ about It -
Hie doors are open, and the surfrih.l f,'rootns
Do mock th.il- charge with snores: I Ijave drugged their
possets, °°
That death and nature do contend aliout them
\\hether they live or di, .
.yncb \ Wilhin] v/ho's there ?— what, ho !
Ladij M. Alack ! I am afraid they have awaked
And t IS not done :~Ihe atlempl and not the deed
(.onfounds us.— Hark:— I hud their diM^gors ready
lie couhl not miss 'em. Had he not resembled ' '
My father as he slept, I had done 'I.— My husband I
EntfT MAcni;TH
Macb. I have done the deed.— Didst thou not hear a
noise ?
J-itdij M. I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry
Did not you speak ? "^
Much. ^Vhcn ?
Ladij M. ls,o^v,
,"^^\, , As I descended ?
I.ddii M. Ay.
Macb. I lark !
\Vho lies i' the second chamber ?
{•f"^-^ 'Hv. Donalbain.
Macb. This is a sorry sigiit.
Ladij M. A foolish thought to say a sorrv sight.
Macb There's one did laugh in 's sleep, 'and one cried,
-Murder ! "
That they did v>akc each other : I stood and heard them ;
But they did say their prayers, and addressed them
Again to sleep.
Ludij M. There nre two lodged together.
Macb. One cried, " God bless iis ! " and, '■ Amen," the
oilier.
As they had seen me with these hangman's hands
Listening their tear, I could not say *' Amen "
Vvhen tliey did say " God bless ns.'"
"?/' 'V' o I , . Consider it not so deeply.
Maco. but whorefore could not I pronounce " Amen "'?
>f a' '
MACBETH
Act II Sc ii
Hi
I had most need of blessing, and " Amen "
Stuck in my lliroat.
* h^'^^L ^^' 'Yh^^^ deeds must not be thoueht
After these ways : so, it will make us mad.
AT ^^^"^l Rethought I heard a voice cry, " Sleep no more I
Macbeth does murder sleep,"— the innocent sleep :
Sleep, that knits up the ravelled sleave of care
The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath,
Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course.
Chief nourisher in life's feast ; —
\f\ ^^c. •„ -. . . ^^^t do you mean ?
Macb. Still It cried, " Sleep no more I " to all the house :
G amis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor
Shall sleep no more, Macbeth shall sleep no more I "
Ladij M. Who was it that thus cried ? Whv, worthv
thane, ' ^
You do unbend your noble strength, to think
So bramsickly of things. Go, get some water,
And wash this filthv witness from vour Imnd
Why did you bring these daggers from the place ?
rhey must he there : go, can-y them, and smear
The sleepy grooms with blood.
r ^^"'?- A. ,u. , , I 'II go no more :
I am afraid to think what I have done ;
Look on 't again I dare not.
Ladi] M i,,nrm of purpose I
Give me the daggers. The sleepiiig and the dead
Are but as pictures ; 't is the eye of childhood
That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed
I '11 gild the faces of the grooms withal,
For it must seem their guilt. —
Tu,„.r, [Exit. — Knocking within
macD. Whence is that knocking ?—
rtow is t with me, when evcrv noise appals me ?
X;!lfS?^"^^^,r« Jicre ? ha I they pluck out mine eyes.
VVilI all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood
Clean from my hand ? No, this my hand will rather
Ihe multitudinous seas incaraardine,
Making the green one red.
Re-enter Lady Macbeth
Lady M. My hands are of your colour : but I shame
To wear a heart so white. [Knock] 1 hear a knocking
At the south entry ;— retire we to our chamber.
A little water clears us of this deed :
How easy is it then 1— Your constancy
Hath left you unattended.-{ Anoc/r] Hark, more knocking,
bet u.i your nigiiL-gown, lest occasion call us.
And show us to be watchers.— Be not lost
So poorly in your thoughts.
238
mi
m^mm p<^i % if wiiT mnmiemi;:m^\':s^MM^MmLtM^B
Act II Sc iii
MACBETH
Macb. To know my deed, 't were best not know myself.
TTT 1 1^ . [Knock
Wake Duncan with thy knockhig :— I would thou couldst 1
[Exeunt
Scene III.— The Same
Enter a Porter
D^,./„„ tr • , , . [Knocking within
Fortcr. Htr s a knocking, indeed! If a man were
porter of hell-gate, he should have old turning the key • —
[Knocking] Knock, knock, knock. " Who 's there i' the
name of Beelzebub V—" Here 's a farmer, that hanged him-
self on the expectation of plenty : " " Come in, farmer : have
napkins enough about you, here you '11 sweat for 't." [Knock-
ing] Knock knock. " Who 's there, i' the other devil's
"''*"k® Jx. Ti' ^^^^^' ^^^^ '^ ^" equivocator, that could swear
in both the scales against eitlicr scale ; who committed
treason enough for God's sake, yet could not equivocate to
heaven: 'OI come in, equivocator." [Knocking]
Knock, knock, knock. " Wlio 's there ? "— " Faith here 's
an English tailor come hither for stealing out of a'prench
hose : " '' Come in, taUor ; here you may roast your goose."
[Knocking] Knock, knock. Never at quiet I " What are
you ? "—But this place is too cold for hell. I '11 devil-porter
It no further. I had thought to have let in some of all
professions, that go the primrose way to the everlasting
bonhre. [Knocldng] Anon, anon ! I pray you reincmbc?
^he porter. ^Qpens the gate
Enter Macduff and Lennox
Macd. Was it so late, friend, ere you went to bed,
That you do lie so late ?
A ^°^/"- ,^^*.'^h, sir, we were carousing till the second cock :
And drink, sir, is a great provoker of three thingy
r/ , w^'^'"^^ ^^^^^ ^^^"Ss ^oes drink especially provoke *>
lort. Marry, su-, nose-painting, sleep, and urine.
Lechery, sir, it provokes, and unprovokes ; it provokes
the desire, but it takes away the performance. Therefore
inuch drink may be said to be an equivocator with lechery •
It makes him, and it mars him ; it sets him on, and it takes
him off ; It persuades him, and disheartens him ; makes
lum stand to, and not stand to : in conclusion, equivocates
him in a sleep, and, giving him the lie, leaves him.
r> , rJ '^^^"eve, drink gave thee the lie last night.
i ort. That it did, sir, i' the very throat o' me • but I
requited him for his lie : and, I think, being too strong for
S J*'""-^^ ,^? ^""^^ "P "^y ^egs sometime, yet I made a
snitt to cnsf nim.
?39
w^sm
r ■
I '
ilfiPl
1 if
I;
f ■■'
I.
^^ACBETH Act II Sciii
A/acd. Is thy master stirring ?
Enter JMacbetu
Our knocking has awaked him ; here he comes.
Len. Good-morrow, noble sir.
^iZt' Tc ♦, T'- X. . Good-morrow, botli.
s/ h ^^"^ stirring, worthy thane ?
Mocrf. He did command me to call timely on him -^^ '
I have almost slipped the hour.
^f'^t- , , I '" bring you to him.
Mace/. I know this is a joyful trouble to you :
But yet 't is one. ^ '
Macb The labour we delight in physics pain.
This is the door.
Macd. I'll make so bold to call.
For 't is my limited service.
Len. Goes the King hence to-day ?
■i^"*^^* r^, . He does : — he did appoint so
Len The night has been unruly. Where we lay
Our chimneys were blown down, and, as they sav
Larnentmgs heerd i' the air, strange screams of death
And prophesying with accents terrible
Of dire combustion and confused events
New hatched to the woful time. The obscure bird
Clamoured the livelong night : some say, the earth
\\ as feverous, and did shake.
Macb. 'T was a rough night.
Len. My young remembrance cannot parallel
A fellow to it.
[Exit
Re-enter Macduff
O horror, horror, horror I Tongue, nor heart
Macd.
Cannot conceive nor name'tiiee"
S"'^r"-f • . What's the matter ?
Macd. Confusion now hath made his masterpiece I
Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope "-"^^''^^^ '
The Lord's anointed temple, and stole thence
The life o' the building.
Macb. What is 't you say ? the life ?
Len. Mean you his majesty ? ^ • ine iiie /
flacd. Approach the chamber, and destroy your sight
With a new Gorgon. Do not bid me speak : ^
bee, and then speak yourselves.
[Exeunt Macbeth and Lennox
Ring the alarum-bell.-Murder. and'l^ealonr^" '^
Banquo ana Donalbain 1 Malcolm I awake !
Miake off this downy sleep, death's counterfeit.
And look on death itself 1 up, up, and sec
240
m^s^mL^mf.^
Act 11 Sc m
MACBETH
The great doom's image !— Malcolm I Banquo I
As from your graves rise up, and walk like sprites.
To counlciniace this liorror !
Enter Lady Macdeth
Lady M. What 's llie bushioss,
That such a hideous trumpet calls to parley
The sleepers of the house ? speak, speak !
Macd.
'T is not for you to hear what I can speak :
Tlie repetition, in a woman's ear,
Would murder as it fell.
[Bell rinrjs
O gentle lady,
Enter Banquo
^ , O Banquo, Banquo,
Our royal master 's murdered I
Lady M. Woe, alas !
\N hat 1 m our house ?
^ ^<^^- Too cruel, anywhere.
Dear Duff, I pr'ythee contradict thyself
And say, it is not so.
Re-enter Macbeth and Lennox
Macb. Had I but died an hour before this chance,
I have lived a blessed time : for, from this instant
There's nothing serious in mortality,
All is but toys ; renown and grace is dead ;
The V ine of life is drawn, and the mere lees
Is left this vault to brag of.
Enter Malcolm and Donalbain
Don. What is amiss ?
Macb. You are, and do not know 't :
Ihe sprmg, the head, the fountain of your blood
Is stopped ; the very source of it is stopped.
Macd. Your royal father 's murdered.
^y"^- rr, . . . 0» ^y whom ?
/ fn Those of his chamber, as it seemed, had done 't :
Iheir hands and faces were all badged with blood •
So were their daggers, which, unwiped, we found '
Upon their pillows :
They stared, and were distracted ; no man's life
Was to be trusted with them.
Macb. O, yet I do repent me of my furv.
That T did kll! them. -^ ^>
■||^«crf. Wherefore did you so ?
furiou^° ^^" ^® ^^^^' ^^^^^"^i temperate and
241
MACBETH
Act II Sc iii
lit
M
Loyal and neutral, in a moment ? No man.
The expedition of my violent love
Outrun the pauser reason.— Here lay Duncan,
His silver skin laced with his golden blood,
And his gashed stabs looked like a breach in nature
I- or ruin 's wasteful entrance : there, the murderers,
bteeped m the colours of their trade, their daggers
Unmannerly breeched with gore. AVho could refrain.
That had a heart to lovo. r.iul in that heart
Courage to make 's love known ?
Ladu M Help me hence, ho 1
Macd. Look to the lady.
Tw"^" * , . , . ^^''^>' ^^ '''''^ hold our tongues
1 hat most may claim this argument for ours ?
Don. What should be spoken
Here, where our fate, hid in an auger-hole.
May rush, and seize us ? Let 's away ; our tears
Are not yet brewed.
^, ^f"^- Nor our strong sorrow yet
Upon the foot of motion.
'^"•^- Look to the lady :—
. , , , {f^<Jdi/ Mnclu'th is carried out
And when we have our naked frailties hid,
That suffer in exposure, let us meet.
And question this most bloodv piece of work,
To know it further. Fears and scruples shake us •
In the great hand of God I stand ; and, thence
Against the undivulged pretence I tight '
Of treasonous malice.
Macd. And so do I.
f/^' , T So all.
Macd. Let s briefly put on manly readiness.
And meet i' the hall together.
^^'- Well contented.
HT , ,Tn- . {P^xeunt all but Malcolm and Donalbain
A/a/ WTiat will you .'o ? Let's not consort with
them :
To show an unfelt sorrow is an office
Which the false man does easy. I '11 to England
C-.P?.".- '^^ Ireland, I : our separated fortune
Shall keep us both the safer ; where we are,
There 's daggers in men's smiles : tlie near in blood
The nearer bloody.
xj\{°^' . ,. , This murderous shaft that 's shot
Hath not yet lighted ; and our safest way
Is to avoid the aim : therefore, to horse •
'5"? '^V'^ "^^ ^^ '"'^"^y of leave-taking.
But shift away, ihere 's warrant in that theft
Which steals itself, when there 's no mercy left.
[Exeunt
242
Act II Sc iv
MACBETH
Scene IV.— Without the Castle
Enter Ross and an Old Man
x^rPJA ^f- Threescore and ten I can remember \vel» ;
\\ithm the volume of which time I have seen
Hours dreadful and things strange, but this sore night
Hath trifled former knowings.
T*/^""' . *t- ^ ^^^ good father,
Thou scest, the heavens, as troubled with mans act.
Threaten his bloody stage : by the clock 't is day
And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp :
Is 't night's predominance, or the day's shame,
Thr' darkness does the face of the earth entomb
When living light should kiss it ?
r-^'''r/-*u . . . 'T is unnatural.
Even like the deed that 's done. On Tuesday last,
A falcon, towering in her pride of place,
Was by i mousing owl hawked at and killed.
Ross. And Duncan's horses— a thing most strange and
certain —
Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race.
Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out.
Contending 'gainst obedience, as they would make
War with mankind.
2'^ ^^' o,^ "^ ^^ ^^^^' *^h®y ate each other.
Jioss. They did so ; to the amazement of mine eyes.
That looked upon 't.— Here comes the good Macdull.
Enter Macduff
How goes the world, sir, now ?
J^«^^- , „ , WTiy, see vou not ?
Koss. Is t known who did this more than bloody deed >
Macd. Those that Macbeth hath slain.
wf'T' , ,,., Alas, the day I
What good could they pretend ?
Macd. They were suborned.
Malcolm, and Donalbain, the king's two sons,
Are stolen away and fled ; which puts upon them
Suspicion of the deed.
_^^o«. 'Gninst nature still :
Thriftless ambition, that wilt ravin up
Thine own life's means 1— Then 't is most like
The sovereignty will fall upon IMacbeth.
Macd. He is already named, and gone to Scone
To be invested.
Ross. Where 's Duncan's body ?
Thi^cf J ^ * u , , . Carriea Colme-kill,
The sacred storehouse of his predecessors.
And guardian of their bones.
^^^^^^- Will you to Scone ?
243
i
^
J
MACBETH
Act III Sci
Mncd. No, cousin : I '11 to Fife.
i^l'^^; „, „ Wf]!, I vill thither.
Macd. Well,— may you see things well done there—
ndieu I —
Lest our old robes sit easier than our new I
linss. Farewell, lalher.
n^^^i"^ '^^'.J^^"^? benison go with you; and with those
1 hat would make good of bad, and friends of foes !
[Exeunt
^r*«-i
ACT THREE
ScKNE I.— Foi-res. A Room in the Palace
Enter Banquo
Ban. Thou hast it now. King, Cawdor, Glamis, all.
As the weird women promised ; and 1 fear
Thou play'dst most foully for 't ; vet it was said
IL should not stand in thy posterity.
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If Ihcre come truth from them —
As upon thee, Macbelli, their speeches shine,— '
Why, I)y the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well.
And set me up in hope ? But, hush ; no more.
Sennet sounded. Enter Macdetii, as King; L\dy Mvc-
BETH, as Queen ; Lenxox, Ross, Lords, and Attendants
Macb. Here 's our chief guest.
Tttol^r'^^' . If he had been forgotten.
It had been as n gap in our great feast.
And all-thing unbecoming.
Macb. To-niglit we hold a solemn supper, sir.
And I' 11 request your presence.
f, ^""- , Let your highness
Command upon me, to the which my duties
Are with a most indissoluble tie
For ever knit.
Macb. Ride you this afternoon ?
^it\ xTr t. , . , ^y* "^y good lord.
M(^cb. ^^ e should have else desired your good advice—
\N inch still hath been both grave and prosperous—
In this day's council ; but we '11 take to-morrow
Is 't far you ride ?
Bun. As far, my lord, as will fii. up the time
Twixt this and supper ; go not my horse the better,
1 must become a borrower of the ni'-lit
For a dark hour or twain. °
n^"'''^' xc , . . I'^'l "ot our feast.
Ban. My lord, I will not.
244
^
u-J^JAM
.>•_>•>
Act III Sci
MACBETH
^
Macb. We hear our Moody cousins are bestowed
In England and in Irclund ; not confessing
Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers
With strange invention. Hut of that to-morrow,
When, therewithal, we shall have cause of state
Craving us jointly. Hie you to horse : adieu.
Till you return at night. Goes Fleance with you ?
Ban. Ay, my goofl lord : our time does call upon 's.
Macb. I wish your horses swift, and sure of foot,
And so I do commend you to their backs.
Farewell.— » [Exit Banqao
Let every man be master of his time
Till seven at night ; to make society
The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself
Till supper time alone ; while then, God be with you.
[Exeunt Lady Macbeth, Lords, etc.
Sirrah, a word with you. Attend those men
Our pleasure ?
Atten. They arc, my lord, without the palace gate.
Macb. Bring them before us. [Exit Attendant
To be thus is nothing ;
But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo
Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature
Reigns that which would be feared : 't is much he dares ;
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,
He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour
To act in safety. There is none but he
Whose being I do fear : and under him
My genius is rebuked ; as, it is said,
Mark Antony's was by Caesar. He chid the sisters
When first they put the name of King upon me,
And bade them speak to him : then, prophet-like.
They hailed him father to a line of kings.
Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown,
And put a barren sceptre in my gripe.
Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand,
No son of mine succeeding. If 't be so,
For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind ;
For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered ;
Put rancours in the vessel of my peace.
Only for them ; and mine eternal jewel
Given to the common enemy of man,
To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings !
Rather than so, come. Fate, into the list.
And champion me to the utterance I — Who 's there ?
Re-enter Attendant with two Murderers
Now, go to the door, and stay there till we call.
„- ,^ [Exit Attendant
Was it not yesterday we spoke together ?
245
i^^M.^fm;:£^.
MACBETH
Act III Sci
p^i
T/S '^'"'^' ^^ ^'^'' ^° ^'^''^^'^ ^°"^ highness.
Have you considered of my speeclics ? Kn^^vf "'^"' """^
That It was he, in the limes past, wliich held you
So under fortune, which you thouglit had been
Our innocent self. Tiiis I made good to you
In our last conference ; passed in probation with you
TcnTsT "' '" ''''"'^ ' ''°'' "°"'^ ' the Tnstru-
mo wrouRht'with them ; and all things else, that micht
To half a souUnd to a notion crazed ^
Say, " Thus did Danquo."
OiSnf r '° i, ^"^ ':'''"^ *"''^^«''' ^hich is now
Our pomt f second meeting. Do you find
^our patience so predominant in vour nature
Tn'J.rr'f '''\"J''^ ^^'! so ? Arc y6u so gospelled
To pray for this good man, and for his issue,
' inrfh'ii'r'^^ ^''"'^ ^,^t^ ^°^'^^ yo" to the grave
And beggared yours for ever ?
F/rsM/ur. ^o are men, my lie^c
Macb Ay in the catalogue ye go for men ; ^ "
^h^Z? ' '1""^ greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs.
Shouglis water-rugs, and dcmi-wolves, are clept '
AH by the name of dogs : the valued file
Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle,
Ihe housekeeper, the hunter, every one
According to the gift which bounteous nature
Hath m him closed ; whereby he does receive
Particular addition, from the bill
That writes them all alike : and so of men.
Now, If you have a station in the file
Not 1 the worst rank of manhood, sav it
And I will put that business in your bosoms
\\hose execution takes your enemy off.
Gnipples you to the heart and love of us.
Who wear our hcallh but sickly in his life,
VV hich in his death were perfect.
Whomihe'vile blows and bufTels oulTe wodd"""^ '''^'••
Have so incensed, that I am reckless what
1 do to spite the world.
First iMur And I another,
ThSTLZ'?" ^/^^'^^t^?-/' t"ggeJ ^vith fortune,
that I would set my life on any chance.
To mend it or be rid on 't.
Know, Banquo was your enemy.
Sec. Miir. t»„„ i i
Macb. So he IS mine ; and in such bloody distance,
246
flBL-
IS?., i!,^s:M^^'m:^y^^SMiM^
Act III Sc U
MACBETH
That every minute of his being thrusts
Against my near'st of life : and thougli I could
^\ith barefaced power sweep him from my sight,
And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not—
For certain friends that are both his and mine,
Whose loves I may not drop— but wail his fall
Who I myself struck down : and thence it is
That I to your assistance do make love,
Masking the business from the common eye
For sundry weighty reasons.
Sec. Mar. \Ve shall, my lord,
Perform Mhat you command us.
First Mur. Though our lives—
Macb Your spirits shine through you. Within this
hour, at most.
I will advise you where to plant yourselves,
Acquaint you with the perfect spy o' the time.
The moment on 't ; for 't must be done to-night.
And something from the palace ; always thought.
That I require a clearness : and with liim, —
To leave no rubs nor botches in the work—
Fleance his son, that keeps him company.
Whose absence is no less material to me
Than is his father's, must embrace the late
Of that dark hour. Resolve yourselves apart ;
I '11 come to you anon.
Sec. Mur. We are resolved, my lord.
Macb. I 'II come upon you straight : abide within.—
,. . , J , ^ [Exeunt Murderers
It is concluded : Banquo, thv soul's flight,
If it find heaven, must fmd it out to-night. [Exit
Scene II.— The Same. Another Room
Enter Lady Macbeth and a Servant
Lady M. Is Banquo gone from court ?
Serv. Ay, madam, but returns agciin to-night.
Lady M. Soy to the king, I would attend his leisure
For a few words.
'^ery. Madam, I will. [Exit
LadyM. Naught's had, all's spent,
Where our desire is got without content :
'T is safer to be that which we deslroy
Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.
Enter Macueth
How now, my lord ? why do you keep alone,
Of sorriest fancies your companions making,
247
1^
MACBFTH
Act III Scii
1:1
Ji-l*)^. J^"^*' thonphts which should Indeed have died
cl . i^.'"'" *'\''y •'''"'^ °" • 'rhinRs without remedy
Should be without regnrd : what 's done, is done
Qh -n i ^ ^''y® scotched the snake, not killed It :
She 11 close, and be herself, whilst our poor malice
Remains in danger of her former tooth.
Pri^^ ^*^f. ''■•''/"*' "*' '*^'"^* disjoint, both the worlds suffer
Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep
In the aniictlon of these terrible dreams
That shake us nightly. Uetter be with the dead
Whom we to gain our place, have sent to peace.
Than on the torture of the mind to lie
In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave •
After life's fitful fever he sleeps well.
Treason has done his orst : nor steel, nor poison,
Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing
Can touch him further.
K^L^^^'^^' . , ^'^^^ °" ' ^^"^^e "ly lord.
Sleek o er your rugged looks ; be bright and jovial
Among your guests to-night.
. ^f «'•''• So shall I, love.
And so I pray, be you. Let your remembrance
Apply to Banquo ; present him eminence, both
With eye and tongue : unsafe the while that we
Must lave our honours in these flattering streams
And make our faces visards to our hearts, *
Disguising what they are.
^^\^-r. ,» You must leave this.
ThV!. 1 V'/"" of scorpions is my mind, dear wife !
Thou know'st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives
lS'^^V,,^"^'" ^^'T "'iture's copy 's not eterne.
Ti, ?■ * J'^^r^^ ^ comfort yet : they are assailable :
1 lien be thou jocund. Ere the bat hath flown
His cloistered flight ; ere to black Hecate's summons
1 he shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums
Hath rung night's yawning peal,
There shall be done a deed of dreadful note —
Ladii M. What 's to be done *>
Tin nf' B^'""«^^"'- of the knowledge, dearest chuck,
Till thou applaud the deed.— Come, seeling nicht
Scarf up the tender < ye of pitiful day, '
And with thy bloody and invisible hand
Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond
Which keeps me pale 1— Light thickens ; and the crow
Makes wing to the rooky wood ;
Good things of dav becin to droop and dro"sc
J/hiles night's black agents to their preys do rouse —
Thou maryell st at my words ; but hold thee still :
1 lungs bad begun make strong themselves by ill
So, pr'ythee, go with me. ^ [Exeunt
248
Act III Sc Iv
MACBETH
Scene III.— The Same. A Park with a Gate leading to
the Palace
Enter three Murderen
First Mur. But who did bid thee join with us ?
P'"'"'!/^'"'- Macbeth.
Sec. Mur. He needs not our mistrust since he delivers
Our offices, and what we have to do
To the direction just.
First Mur. Then stand with us.
The west yet filimmcrs with some streaks of daj' i
Now spurs the lated traveller apace
To gain the timely inn ; and near approaches
The subject of our watch.
Third Mur. Hark, I hear horses.
Ban. [ Within] Give us a light there, ho I
Sec. Mur. Then it is he : the rest
That are withm the note of expectation,
Already are i' th' court.
First Mur. His horses go about.
Third Mur. Almost a mile ; but he does usually^
So all men do, from hence to the palace gate
Make it their wnik.
Enter Banquo, and Fleance with a torch
Sec. Mur. A light, a light I
Third Mur. 'T is he.
First Mur. Stand to 't
Ban. It will be rain to-night.
First Mur. Let it come down.
[Assaults Banquo
Ban. O, treachery ! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly »
Thou may'st avenge— O slave I •> j
'm.- J ,, ,,.. ,. . [Dies. Fleance escapes
Third Mur. Who did strike out the light ?
Si"'//,"'"- ^Vas 't not the way ?
Third Mur. There's but one down : the son is fled.
Sec Mur We have lost
Best half of our affair.
First Mur. Well, let's away, and say how much is done.
[Exeunt
Scene IV.— A Room of State in the Palace
A ~Banquet prepared. Enter MACuiiTH, Lady Macbeth,
Ross, Lennox, Lords, and Atleudants
Macb. You know your own degrees, sit down : at first
and last,
The hearty welcome.
849
MACBETH
Act III Sciv
if^*^!!' r^ . Thnnks fo your niaieslv
And play the humble hosl.
Enter first Murderer, to the door
^^"thankT "^'^ <^"^o""ter thoc ^vUi, their hearts'
Both sides arc even : here I '11 sit i' the midst
Be large .n mirth ; anon, we '11 drink a measure
^\^;if''^.I"»"; -There's blood upon thy L c'
Iv I ^ '* Uanquo's, then.
Thou art the nonpareil. '
rit*/"^' . , ^^"st royal sir.
Fleance is 'scaped.
W^^;^^ t^^^Sr^S^llS^'liJ !;;^L ^'- ^-n perreet ;
As broad and general ns the c.sing nir
But now. I am cabined, cribbed. cc.nlinVd. bound in
To saucy doubts and fears. But Banquos s "f" >
Wilv. r ^7' i"^' ^'""'^ '«''d' safe in a ditch he bides
\S ith twenty trenched g.-shes on his head '
The least a death to nature.
Tw^.f^ii. Than): 5; for that
Ladii M. ^ ,, , ,1^^'^ Murderer
'T fc „• ^ ^Jl^" vouched, while 't is a-makinct
Meeting were bare without it »-"'"-iy,
Macb. c,.. t
Now good digestion wait on ap^eUte ''"'"''""' '"-
And health on both I I'.^^ne,
'^"' -^^^y 't i>lease your highness sit ">
^1^' Ghost of Banguo er^ters, and sits in Macbeth's place
250
1
g
Act III Sciv
MACBETH
Who I may rather cha!Irnf»fi for unklndncss
Than pily for mischance I
''"'•^- His al)st'ncc, sir,
Lays blame upon his promise. I'lcasc It your highness
To grace us with your roval company ?
Macb. The table 's full.
{-f^- Here is a place reserved, sir.
Macb. Where ?
Len. Here, my good lord. What is 't that moves y^ur
highness ?
Macb. Which of you have done this ?
i?''''^' «,. Whr.t, my Rood lord ?
Macb. Then canst not say, I did it : never shake
Thy gory locks at me.
lioss. Gentlemen, rise ; his highness is not well.
Ladif M. Sit, worthy friends. My lord Is often thus.
And hath been from his youth : pray vou, keep seat ;
The nt is momentary ; upon a though't
He will again be well. If much you note him,
You shall offend him, and extend his passion ;
Feed, and regard him not.— Are you a man ?
Macb. Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that
Which might appal the devil.
Lodij M. O proper stuff !
This is the very painting of your fear :
This is the air-drawn dagger, which, vou said,
Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws, 'and starts,
Impostors to true fear, would well become
A woman's story at a winter's fire,
Authorised by her grandam. Shame itself I
\yhy do you make such faces ? When all 's done,
1 ou look but on a stool.
Maco. Pr'ythee, sec there ! behold ! look I lo I how
say you ? —
^yhy, what care I ? If thou canst nod, speak too —
If charnel-houses, and our graves, must send
Those that we bury, back, our monuments
Shall be the maws of kites. [g/,os/ vanishes
Lady M. \vhat, quite unmanned in folly ''
Macb. If I stand here, I saw him.
^?\'^^-r,, , ^ ^ fi<'' for shame !
Macb. Blood hath been shed ere now, i' th' olden lime
hre human statute purged the gentle weal,
Ay, and since too, murders have been -crformed
Ton terrible for the ear ; the time has oeen
That when the brains were out the man would die
And there an end : but njw, they rise again
NMth twenty mortal murders on their crowns.
And push us from our stools. This is more strange
Ihan such a murder is. °
251
MACBETH
Act III Sc iv
1
1
Lady M My worthy lord,
Your noble friends do lack you.
Macb. T j^ . ,. . .
rk^ „ t X ^ do fori'et. —
Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends :
^n ?r ^ fJ'^"P infirmity, which is nothing
Then/'U^ft ^"^'^ "^n- ^°'"^' ^°^« ^^d health to all
T HrfnWo f>f ''°'^"- ,9^ve me some wine: fill full :
I drink to the general joy of the whole table,
WnnM i?""" ^*^^^^"eV^ Banquo, whom we miss ;
Saluo'ir '"^ ' '' ^"' ^"^ ^""' - *»^-t;
Lords. Our duties, and the pledge.
Let the earth hide
Re-enter Ghost
Macb. Avaunt, and quit my sight I
thee I
Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold :
I hou host no speculation in those eves
Which thou dost glare with.
Lady M Thj^j^ j ^^. ^
But as a thing of custom ; 't is no other : ^ ^ "'
Only it spoils the pleasure of the time
Macb. WTiat man dare, I daro •
Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear.
The armed rhmoccros, or the Hyrcan tiger :
Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves
bhall never tremble : or, be alive again.
And dnrc me to the desert with thy sword :
If treinbhng I inhabit then, protest me
TTnt^f ^' i ^ ^^?- ^^^"^«' '^or"We shadow I
Unreal mockery, hence I ^^host vanishes
I am a man again.-Pray .^^sit'stE'""^ ^°"^'
meeting''" ^^''' ^''^^'^^'^ ^^e mirth, broke the good
With most admired disorder.
Macb. (-gj^ J j_j :„„ I
And overcome us like a summer's cloud, ^ '
\Vithout our special wonder ? You make me stnnrr,^
Even to the disposition that I owe, "^^
When now I think you can behold such sights,
And keep the natural rubv of your cheeks
When mine is blanched with fear.
Question enrages him : At once, good night •—
Stand not upon the order of your going
But go at once. ^ ** ^'
252
Act III Sc V
MACBETH
, ■^«"- Good night, and better health
Attend his majesty I
Lady M. A kind good night to aU I
, . . ^ [Exeunt Lords and Attendants
Macb. It will have blood, they say ; blood will have
blood :
Stones have been known to move, and trees to speak :
Augurs and understood relations have
By magot-pies and choughs and rooks brought forth
The secret'st man of blood.— What is the night ?
Lady M. Almost at odds with morning, which is which
Macb. How say'st thou, that Macduff denies his person
At our great bidding ?
Lady M. Did you send to him, sir ?
Macb. I hear it by the way ; but I will send.
There 's not a one of them but in his house
I keep a servant fee'd. I will to-morrow,
And betimes I will, to the weird sisters :
More shall they speak ; for now I am bent to know,
By the worst means, the worst. For mine own good
All causes sh give way : I am in blood
Stepped in so .i.r, that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o'er.
Strange things I have in iiead that will to hand.
Which must be acted ere they may be scanned.
Lady M. You lack the season of all natures, sleep.
Macb. Come, we '11 to sleep. My strange and self-abuse
Is the initiate fear, that wants hard use :
We are yet but young in deed. [Exeunt
Scene V.— The Heath
Thunder. Enter the three Witches, meeting Hecate
First Witch. Why, how now, Hecate ? you look angerly.
Hec. Have I not reason, beldams as you are.
Saucy, and overbold ? How did you dare
To trade and tralTic with Macbeth
In riddles and affairs of death ;
And I, the mistress of your charms,
The close contriver of all harms.
Was never called to bear my part.
Or show the glory of our art ?
And, which is worse, all you have done
Hath been but for a wayward son.
Spiteful and wrathful, w'ho, as others do,
Loves for his own ends, not for you. —
But make amends now ; get you gone.
And at the pit of Acheron
253
MACBETH
Act III Sc vi
Meet me i' the morning : thither he
Will come to know his destiny
Your vessels and your spells provide
Your charms and everything beside.
I Tnfi ^"i,-^^ ^*'" ' }^'^ "^8*^* I '" spend
Unto a dismal and a fatal end •
TTn!f« ?"''"*^" "^"st be wrought ere noon.
Upon the corner of the moon
There hangs a vaporous drop profound ;
I 11 catch It ere it come to ground •
And that, distilled by magic sleights,
bhall raise such artiticial sprites
As by the strength of their illusion,
Shall draw him on to his confusion.
He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear
His hopes bove wisdom, grace, and fear •
And you all know, security "
Is mortals' chicfest enemy
Hark ■ I .JSif :s;;',au;?pTrf.rs;' '™' '■•"'■•'■■■ '"■
[Exeunt
1;
I {:■;■'
,J|:
i;
ft'
!i
H
?
it
Scene VI.— Forres. A Room in the Palace
Enter Lennox and another Lord
whfoh ^^^' ^?^"'^'' speeches have but hit your thoughts
\Vhich can interpret further : only, I sav "'°"g"«,
WaTSttl'l,f\Zheth"^''^ ''"T- ^''^e gracious Duncan
vvas pitied of Macbeth : marry, he was dead.
And the nght-vahant Banquo walked too late ;
Whom, you may say, if t please you, Fleance killed
For Fleance fled. Men must not walk too Me " '
rT^voff^^'l^T'".* ^^" *^°"g*^t, how monstrous
It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain
10 kill their gracious father ? damned fact.
How It did grieve Macbeth I did he not straight
In pious rage, the two delinquents tear,
\\^f. nTfh 'l*" slaves of drink and thralls of sloop ?
For 't wnnM^"''^'^ ^^"^ • ^y' ^"^ wisely too ;
?^ I, '^?u*'^ ^^"•'^ ^"gered any heart alive
To hear the men deny it. So that, I sav,
rLrh^Tr ^" *^'"?' '^"" • ^"d ' do think,
inat, had he Duncan's sons under his key —
miT't v?errtn^Mr7vl!' ''^^'^" not,-they should find
But ninl r f .' "" ^"l^^^"" ' '« should Fleance.
But. peace I-for from broad words, and 'cause he failed
254
^
ii*>^^
^^^
*.'
Act IV Sc i
MACBETH
His presence at the tyrant's feast, I hear
Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell
Where he bestows himself ?
n. ^^''^r, .. . The son of Duncan
trom whom this tyrant holds the due of hirUx
Lives in the English court ; and is received
Of the most pious Edward with such grace,
That the malevolence of fortune nothing
Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff
Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid
To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward •
That, by the help of these,— with Him above '
To ratify the work, — we may again
Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights ;
I ree from our feasts and banquets bloody I-nives •
Do faithful homage, and receive free honours.
All which we pine for now : and this report
Hath so exasperate tlie king, that he
Prepares for some attempt of war.
j""}-, TT ^. , , . , Sent he to Macduff ?
i-ord. He did : and with an absolute " Sir, not I "
The cloudy messenger turns me his back, '
And hums, as who sliould say, " You '11 rue the time
1 hat clogs me with this answer."
A f^^.^' , . , . And that well might
Af Vise him to a caution, to hold what distance
His wisdom can provide. Some holy angel
Fly to the court of England, and unfold
His message ere he come, that a swift blessint
May soon return to this our suITering counlrv"
I nder a hand accursed I
^°^^' I 'U send my prayers with him.
[Exeunt
ACT FOUR
Scene I.— A Cavern. In the middle a Cauldron boiling.
Thunder. Enter the three Witches
First Witch. Thrice the brinded cat hath mewed.
T •■ ] i!^-!', '^t!,'^'^ ^"^ o"^*-' the hedge-pig whined.
i- ''f^)'}f- i^^''Pier cries :— T is time, 't is time.
tirst Witch. Round about the cauldron go •
In the poisoned entrails throv,. -
Toad, that under a cold stone
pays and nights has thirty-one
Sweltered venom, sleeping got,
BoU thou first i' the charmed pot.
255
mf^^^'u.^
MACBETH
Act IV Sc I
All Double, double toU and trouble •
c^' n^", \ ^"''' cauldron, bubble.
T ff • ^^'{''^' ^''"^^ o^ 3 fenny snake.
In the cauldron boil and bake •
Eye of newt, and toe of frog, '
Wool of bat, and tongue of dog.
Adder s fork, and blind-worm's sting.
Lizard s leg, and howlet's wing
For a charm of powerful trouble.
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.
All Double, aouble toU and trouble •
^^^i-^!?'"!],'. ''"'*' cauldron, bubble.
wI^^nL '^'^'^- ^^'^^^ °' dragon, tooth of wolf •
^ Itches' mummy ; maw, and gillf, ^ '
Of the ravmed salt-sea shark ;
Koot of hemlock, digged i' the dark ;
Liver of blaspheming Jew ;
Gall of goat, and slips of yew
Slivered in the moon's eclipse :
Nose of Turk, aui Tartar's lips ;
Hngcr of birth-strangled babe
Ditch-delivered by a drab,
A^ the gruel thick and slab :
Add thereto a tigers chaudron,
tor the ingredients of our cauldron.
All Double, double toil and trouble-
I^ire, burn ; and, cauldron, bubble. " '
Th.ffV, '/'• ^?°' '^ '^'^^h ''» baboon's blood •
Then the charm is firm and good. *
Enter Hecate
Hec. O, well done I I commend your pains
And every one shali share i the gains. '
And now about the cauldron sin«
Like elves and fairies in a ring
Enchanting all that you put in!
Sec Wilch Rv thi'"' • ?"'' "" '1''"^' " ^^"''^ 'P'ril^' etc.
oec. wncn. By the pricking of mv thumbs
Something wicked this way comes • ^""^^' , . , , .
Open, locks, ^y ^omes . [Knocking
Whoever knocks.
Enter Macbeth
Wil^rfs -t you'do ''' ^"" ''''''' ^^^^^' «"^ ""^"'ght hags I
^4//. A deof] v.ilhnut " '-•"•-•ia
Tfnwlw , ' ''''"^"'■^ y^"' j'y tii'at'which you profess —
Jlowe er you como to know It, answer m e • ^ '^^^'
liiough you untie fh. ■ :nd.. an "let Xa'' ;ht
-256
MACBETH
Say, if thou 'dst
Demand.
We Ml answer,
rather hear it from our
Act IV Sc 1
Against the churches ; though the vestv waves
Confound and swallow navigation up •
t£S rl^.f^^ T'",^" ^^^8^^' «»d trees blown down •
ThnnSh ^?"^' ^''PP'® °" their warders' haads " '
?hP^A^ P^'^^^s- and pyramids do slope
Their heads to their foundations ; though the treasnrp
Of nature's germen tumble all together ^^
?n'^h*' * destruction sicken : ans^wer me
10 what I ask you.
First Witch. Speak
Sec. Witch.
Third Witch
First Witch.
mouths.
Or from our masters ?
™.c.. Pourin^::'j;ioc^:^^^--,^„
^rnm th '^"■°:J' '■ ^^^'^' that 's sweaten
From the murderer's gibbet throw
Into the flame.
T^.ti^'Jf ^ «. ^°"^^' ^'Sh or low :
Thyself and ofTice deftly show.
Thunder. First Apparition ; an armed Head
FiTst'wUch "'"' ^^°'' ""''"°'"" P^^^^'-'-
Hear his speech, but say thou noug"' ''"'''' "^^ ^^^^S^^.
i^/rs/ App. Macbeth 1 Macbeth l' M«nho*K i u
Macduff; -^dCDeini Macbeth 1 beware
Beware the thane of Fifc.-Dismiss me.-Enough
Th^utast '^':^:aVXrar!Z'%':^' cautionirr :
-More potent than the first.
Thunder. Second Apparition : a bloody Child
flaci^^JYfl''^^ ' ^^^^'^«th f Macbeth I-
.uacb. Had I three ears, I 'd bear thee
SecApj.. Be bloody, bold, and ?^solute : laugh to
si^irstSth'" "°"^ ^^ ^°-- ^«-
IBul'vft' I l^'Zu'"'' ^''^""" = ^h^t "^<^d I fear [fZef
Ani ^f I "J"3^« assurance double sure '
And take a bond of fate : thou shalt not live •
That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies '
And sleep in spite of thunder. '
38—1
257
\^^.
I s
MACBETH
Thunder.
Act IV Sc i
"^wUh n^^^'^^-^^l' "" ^^^^'^ crowned,
with a tree in his hand
That rises like the issue of a kln^-^''* '' ^'"''
And wears upon his baby-brow the round
And top of sovereignty ?
Macbeth shaU never vanquished be, until '
Great Bu-nam Wood to high Dunsinane hill
ShaU come against him. rn
Macb. That « .11 ^ u [Descends
wTu^ , mat will never be •
Who can impress the forest ; bid the tree
ffilSj'^^:^^^^^^^^^^^ ' .ood 1
?hrn;?'t""J* "^'"'^^ custom.-Vt my heart
Throbs to know one thing : tell me-if your art
Can te 1 so much-shall Banquo's issue ever
Reign m this kingdom ?
^aLi. t m, ,. ^^^^ *^o ^^now no more
iUacft. I will be satisfied : deny me this
And an eternal curse fall on vou 1 T Pt iVf V
VVhy Sinks that cauldron ? VnTwha^ noSe' 'sThi^T
First Witch. Show I [Hautboys
Sec. Witch. Show I
Third Witch. Show I
A// Show his eyes, and grieve his heart •
Come like shadows, so depart. '
A show of eight Kings, the last with a glass in his
hand; Banquo's Ghost following
Th'/cfown^dt"s ^^i!!^l^!S^i^^^^ • ^own 1
Thou other gold-bound bro^^l is I^V^frfrst L'^""'
A third IS like the former .--hlthy hags I
\\ hy do you show me this ?— A fourth •?— <;tnrt «
What I will the line stretch ouYto the crTck of Hnf 'i
Another yet ?-A seventh ?-I '11 see nS inore ' ^
WhirV'^" ''^^'^ '-'PP^^^^ Who bears a glss •"""
Th Jtwnr,!, K^,"''"y "^'^^^ ' ^nd some I see
That two-fold balls and treble-sceptres carrv
^orThP^r^'^iiT^"^' ^ ^«^' 't is true r ^■
tor the blood-boUered Banquo smiles unon mp
Fil^sTwltrh "r ''■' »^\--What ris^h" To ?
I^irst Witch. Ay, sir, all this is so : but why
258
'M
'l.n. '_ -— .
■ ii'.- ,-'•*.
• ^'V-^'tt.-
Act IV Sc U
MACBETH
Len.
Macb.
Len.
Macb.
Len.
Macb.
I Stands Macbeth thus atnazedly ?
j Come, sisters, cheer we up his sprites,
I And show the best of our delights.
^ ilS,,^^^^™ ^^® ^'^ *° 8ive a sound,
i ^ . 1?^ perform your anticlc round ;
I That this great king may kindly say.
I Our duties did his welcome pay.
i »^ A «rt- [^"«'c- The Witches dance, and vanish
^f^ft Wherearethey? Gone ?-Let tins pernicious hour
} Stand aye accursed in the calendar I—
i Come in, without there I
f Enter Lennox
I i'f"'.. « What 's your grace's will *>
f »^^.A Saw you the weird sisters ?
f, ., , ^ No, my lord.
Came they not by you ?
T„f«^f Au *u , , ^°' indeed, my lord.
infected be the air whereon they ride.
And damned all those that trust them 1— I did hear
The galloping of horse : who was 't came by ?
m/cTuA is^'f/eVro England! "' '''^' '"'' '""^ ^^^ ^°^^'
^^«^*- ^ Fled to England ?
Len. Ay, my good lord.
tJ^a-^I* '^^"^®' ^*^°" anticipat'st my dread exploits ;
The nighty purpose never is o'ertook,
Unless the deed go with it. From this moment.
The very firstlings of my heart shall be
The firstlings of my hand. And even now,
ILZIZI '"^i.?°!i^«^'^^*;^ ^^^'' ^^ *t thought and done :
The castle of Macduff I will surprise •
Seize upon Fife ; give to the edge o' the sword
His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls
Thfc H ^t^mI".'" \!^'l ""^^^ N° boasting like a fool ;
This deed I '11 do, before this purpose cool •
But no more sights I— Where are these gentlemen •'
Come, bring me where they are. [Exeunt
Scene II.— Fife. A Room in Macduff's Castle
Enter Lady Macduff, her Son, and Ross
Wife. What had he done, to make him fiv the land ?
Hoss. You must have patience, madam.
vf^^J,(\* . He had none
ills night was madness : when our actions do not.
Our fears do make us traitors.
■wr/^^i?' .* .... ^^" k"ow not
Whether it was his wisdom or his fear.
259
MACBETH
Act IV Sc li
H>s";i^„si„T^SS"^is'?ill^",„'".' X- "> '-« h.s babe.
From whence himself does fly ? He loves u, nm
He wants the natural touch : for the poor wren
The most diminutive of birds, will flcht '
"7.y°""g ones in her nest, agSt' 1 e owl
t mt e'l/^i'' «?^ "°lhing is the love!
AS little is the wisdom, where the flicht
So runs against all reason ^
And ^Zl "'"'" " '"''' ^"'' ^'"''nt sea '
io'/f x^^t'^^'^'^d he is, and yet he 's fatherless
5on. ■ With what I oet T mn^ll^'' ^'i*^ ^^'**'"*"5 ^^^ flies ?
^""norS,^;""'" '' »»">er? P„„r Urd, they are
My fallur is ,wl dead, for all your savins
And yet ,; faiih, with wit enougl S^rXe
What is a traitor ?
Why, one tiint swearp. and lies
And be all traitors that do so 9
be hanged ''^ ^"' ^^''^ ^^" «° ^^ ^ traitor, and must
5on. And must they all be hanged that swear and Ue ?
260
Son.
Wi/e.
Son.
Wife.
I
m..
as .-. »-. .iife.aitf*5»r^»^a^iBa!-.«EZ
Act IV Sc iii
MACBETH
Wife. Every one.
Son. Who must hang th^m ?
\Vife. Why, the honest men.
Son. Then the liars and swearers are fools ; for there
are liars and swearers enough to beat the honest men, and
hang up them.
Wife. Now God help thee, poor monkey I
But how wilt thou do for a father ?
Son. If he were dead, you 'd weep for him : if you would
not it were a good sign that I should quickly have a new
father.
Wife. Poor prattler, how thou talk'st !
Enter a Messenger
Thmf^h » ^'''" ^?"; 'ai',**^"'^ 1 I am not to you known,
Though in your state of honour I am perfect.
I doubt, some dauRer does approach you nearly :
If you will take a homely man's advice,
^^ "?^ 'ound here ; hence, with your little ones,
fo fright you thus, methinks, I am too savage ;
To do worse to you were fell cruelty,
Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you !
[Exit
I dare abide no longer
_ J^'/*- Whither should I fly ?
I have done no harm. But I remember now
I am in this earthly world where to do harm
Is often laudable ; to do good, sometime
Accounted dangerous folly : why then, alas I
Do I put up that womanly defence.
To say, I have done no harm ? What are these faces ?
Enter Murderers
Mur. Wliere is your husband ?
Wife. I hope, in no place so unsanctiQed
Where such as thou may'st find him.
iin^' Ti, ,• . *u . ^^^ 's a traitor.
^n. Thou best, thou shag-haired villain I
Young-fry of treachery I ^^'^^^' ^^ ^^^ ' [Stamnrj Mm
Son. He has killed me, mother ; run away, I pray you.
[Exit Lady Macduff, crying '« Murder r'
and pursued by the Murderers
I
f
I
i
Scene III.— England. Before the Ki.vo's Palace
Enter Malcolm and Macduff
Mai. Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there
Weep our sad bosoms empty,
^^'^d- Let us rather
261
. llBil|i'llll|ii||iti||liii I III I III lim ;
J'
MACBETH
Act IV Sc iii
m
WH? ^ the mortnl sword, and like Rood men
V^w^v H °"'' i«^"-'«"'n birthdom. 4ch n^w morn
^frfu. 1'^°''' *''''^'' "*^^ ^'■Phans cry. new sorrows
xTSif^fTVJ'}^^ face, that it r.'soumls
v4?|knpw. believe ; aJ^^f^l^^'^^J^^^^ ''
Whl'^'"" «»d the time to friend, I ^11 ''"'
™s tv^r°,nt Th '''''•^; '' "^^y ^« ''O' perchance,
inis tyrant, whose sole name blisters our toneues
H. ho?h' ^'l^Veht honest ; you have loved hfm well •
He hath_not touched you yet. I am young" but"so.ne-
ro appease an angry God.
Macd. 1 am not treacherous.
A Rood and virtuous nature may rec^oV^"''''''^ "'
Tho'V Vu'""^ ''^^^S^- But I sliall crave your mrdon •
Infeha f bSt%tnr?/'"l^^i^ ^''^""'^^ SrS°" '
^ngus are bright still, though the brichtesi fpii •
Though all things foui would wear the brows J irr.ce
^et grace must still look so ^ '^^^'
u r?^ precious motives, those strong knots of love—
Without leave-taking ?_I pray you
Let not my jealousies be your dishonours,
vv?j.'a?:i"err^aT/?i^^f^ ^°" "^^y ^^ "s^^^y j-t
Gr^aft^ranny, lay thou t^h^'asfs'^u^e^^^^ ^°""^^^ '
^henno'JrnfT'^'*'^"?^ ^J^^^ ^'^^^ ' ^^ear thou thy wrongs •
rhe title IS affcored 1— Fare thee well, lord • wrongs ,
I would not be the villain that thou think'st
For the ^vhole space that 's in the tyrant's erasn
And the rich East to boot. ^ ^^
I s^ak not as in absolute fea^r'o?you'''"^''' ''
I think our country sinks beneath the voke •
L oH?^'*'* 5'""^' ' ^"d <^«ch new day a gash
Is added to her wounds : I think, withal
Ihere wou d be hands uplifted in mj right •
0?ioHiv ll"""^ ^"."°"' ^"Sland, hive^I offer
Wh!n ? ^K^n^"'"'"'^" '■ ^"t. for aU this,
ZZa •?''" ^''''''^ "P^" *J'^ ty«nt's head
Or wear it on my sword, yet my poor country
262
Act IV Sc Hi
MACBETH
Shall have more vices than it hrul before,
More suJTcr, and more sundry ways than ever
By him that shall succeed.
ii^';^- , What should he be ?
A/a/. It is myself I mean ; in whom I Itnow
All the particulars of vice so grafted.
That, when they shall be ..pcned, black Macbeth
Will seem as pure as snow, and the poor state
Esteem him as a iamb, being compared
With my conlintless ha as.
ur horrid hell can come a devil more damned
In evils, to top Macbeth.
, ^^^- I grant him bloody.
Luxurious, avar'cious, false, deceitful.
Sudden, maliciou , smacking of every sin
That has a name ; but there 's no bottom, none.
In my voluptuousness ; your wives, your daughters.
Your matrons, and your maids, could not fill up
The cistern of my lust ; and my desire
All continent impediments would o'crbear,
That did oppose my will : belter Macbeth,
Than such a one to reign.
Macd. Boundless intemperance
In nature is a tyranny ; it hath been
The untimely emptying of the happy throne.
And fall of many kings : but fear not yet
To take upon you what is yours : you may
Convey your pleasures in a spacious plenty
And yet seem cold, the time you may so hoodwink.
We have wUling dames enough ; there cannot be
That vulture in you, to devour so many
As will to greatness dedicate themselves.
Finding it so inclined,
, ^a'- With this, there grows
m my most ill-composed affection such
A stanchless avarice, that, were I king,
I should cut on the nobles for their lands ;
Desire his jewels, and this other's house ;
And my more-having would be as a sauce
To make me hunger more, that I should forge
Quarrels unjust against the good and loyal
Destroying them for wealth. '
c,^{"^i This avarice
Micks deeper, grows with more pernicious r-'ot
Than summer-seeming lust ; and it hath been
I he sword of our slain kings. Yet do not fear ;
Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will.
Of your mere own. All these are portable.
With other graces weighed.
263
MACBETH
ill
m
Act IV Sc lii
No not to live.-O nnnorrmlsorablT '
Ity many of these tralno??.!, .' ^'/'''sh Mncbelli
Into his power and m^ni.^ , °.°"" '» «'" "«
From ov?r-cre<i,ri"2s haste • tSfrif'^"^ ">»
Deal between thee inH mf t' . ' ''°'' "''"'"^
I.pm myselUo th7d?re"tton "and'" "°"
For strangers Jo'lilrna uV ." "FlTyir"'
Be like our warr'^fid",! ^"e^'^^^Sv ar"""'
264
P
Act IV Se ill
MACBFTH
i
I
Mocd. Such welcome and unwelcome Ihlngg at once
'T is hard to reconcile.
f Writer a Doctor
Mai. Well : more anon.— Comes the king forth,
pray you ?
Doct. Ay, sir ; there are n crew of wrefched souls
That stay his cure ; their ni.ihi.lv convinces
The great assay of art ; hut at Ins touch.
Such sanctity hath Heaven «iven his h uul.
They presently amcn<l.
^^"^- I thntjk you. doctor. [Exit Doctor
Macd. What 's the disease he means ?
^'«'- 'T is called the evil ;
A most miraculous work in this good klny,
Which often, since my hcre-remain In England,
1 have seen him do. How he solicits Heaven,
Himself best knows ; but stranj^olv-visited people,
.MI swoln and ulcerous, pitiful to the eye,
The mere despair of surgery, he cures ;
Hanging a golden stamp about ttieir necks,
Put on with holy prayers ; and 't Is spoken,
To the succeeding royalty he leaves
The healing benediction. With this strange virtue.
He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy ;
.\nd sundry blessings hang about his throne,
That speak him full of grace.
Enter Ross
Macd. See, who comes here ?
Mai. My countryman ; but yet I know him not.
Macd. My ever-gentle cousin, welcome hither.
Mai. I know him now. Good God, betimes remove
The means that makes us strangers I
Ross. Sir, Amen.
Macd. Stands Scotland where it did ?
Ross. Alas, poor country 1
.\lmost afraid to know itself. It cannot
Be called our mother, but our grave ; where nothing.
But who knows nothing, is once seen to smile ;
Where sighs, and groans, and slu-ieks that rend the air.
Are made, not marked ; where violent sorrow seems
A modern ecstasy ; the dead man's knell
Is there scarce asked for who ; and good men's lives
Expire before the llowers in their caps,
Dying or ere they sicken,
Macd. ' O relation
Too nice, and yet too true 1
Mol. What is the newest grief ?
Ross. That of an hour's age doth hiss the speaker ;
Each minute teems a new one.
38-
206
MACBETH
Iw
m
M
iHh.
If
J * ='
Macd.
Ross.
Macd.
Hoss.
Macd.
Ross.
Act IV Sc iii
How does my wife ?
Why, well.
Well too. ^"^ «" ™y children ?
them. ^ ^ ^®" ^' peace, when I did leave
?^f \^'e!;1^^S1.°^yo"' speech: how goes it ?
Which I have Sea^y bon e'tW^'^^'P"'-' ^he tiding '' ^
W many worthy felKwsTa't we ^ iu" " ''^'''''
^Xri%lrtL\^;SnT4'^^^^^^^^^^
Now is the time of hdn v.^'*'^^'" ''.'°°*'
Would create soldiers m«Jlf ^^^ '" Scotland
To^do/I their d?re SstreTs^' °" ^"™^° ««h*
wis Sli^^d^- , ^Sp kltTrl^l^
^oss ™ gives out.
Where^hea^ing sh^i^d^^o^tSTtcV^htr ^
The general cause ? or is it a fee-grief^''* ''°"^^'"" ^^^y ?
Due to some single breast ? ^^''
But in it shares some woe thoueh"/!,'!'* ^^^^ '' '^^"est
Pertains to you alone ^"^"gn the mam part
Macd. ' T, .. .
""'Z^^'tlTr^' ™IetTe\aveit
wil^sha^r^^^ toUue for ever,
That ever yet they heard heaviest sound
Macd. ' M u
/?oss. Your castle is sumrj-^i^ ^ ^"^^^ «* it.
Savagely slaughtered to rSte t'he^^"' ^''^ ""^ ^^^es
Were on the aw^rr^r ^t *u ^^^^^le the manner,
To add the d?ath7f you "' "'"'"'^^^^ ^«"
pat, man I ne'er pull von^ho?^"^ ""''^''^" '-
Give sorrow words flhlml^'liTf y^""" ^''^^s '■
Whispers the o'er-fra..^hf?^^'^^^°^5 "ot speak
^/acrf. MyVhildren' too '''' '"^ ^^'^^ ^^ ^''e'k'^
That"c^ou,J'i^:Cn:i*"'"' ^^^'^^"^^' «^
My wife killed too ? """'^ ^^ from thence I
266
I ;
Act V Sc I
MACBETH
^oss. I have said.
, ^,"^' , Be comforted :
Let s make us medicines of our great revenge
To cure this deadly grief.
Macd. He lias no children. — All my pretty ones ?
Did you say, all ?— O hell-kite I— All ?
What, all my pretty chickens and their dam
At one fell swoop ?
Mai. Dispute it like a man.
Macd. I shall do so.
But I must also feel it as a man :
I cannot but remember such things were,
That were most precious to me.— Did Heaven look on.
x\nd would not take their part ? Sinful Macdufl !
They were all struck for thee. Naught that I am.
Not for their own demerits but for mine
Fell slaughter on their souls. Heaven rest them now I
Mai. Be this the whetstone of your sword : let grief
Convert to anger ; blunt not the heart, enrage it.
Macd. O, I could play the woman with mine eyes
And braggart with my tongue.— But, gentle heavens.
Cut short all intermission. Front to front
Bring thou this (lend of Scotland and myself •
Within my sword's length set him. If he 'scape.
Heaven forgive him too I
„ ^^"^- This tune goes manly.
Lome, go we to the king : our power is ready ;
Our lack is nothing but our leave. Macbeth
Is ripe for shaking, and the powers above
Put on their instruments. Receive what cheer you may •
The night is long that never finds the day. [Exeunt
ACT FIVE
Scene I.— Dunsinane. A Room in the Castle
Enter a Doctor of Physic and a wailing Gentlewoman
Doct. I have two nights watched with you, but can per-
ceive no truth m your report. When was it she last walked >
Oent. Since his majesty went into the field, I have seen
her rise from her bed, throw her nightgown upon her,
riln*"-^ / ""^""^^b ^""^^ '°''"' P^P^'"' 'o'fJ 't, write upon it
read it, afterwards seal it, and again return to bed : yet al
this while in a most fast sleep. . j- t -n
Doct. A great perturbation in nature, to receive at oner'
t^e benefit of sleep, and do the effects of watching. In this
slumbery agitation, besides her walking and other acluM
performancx's, what, at any time, have you heard her say?
Oent. That, sir, which I will not report after her.
267
i^im^:
MACBETH
1^ I J
i:
to coni.nn „,y spoecii:. Cyl?! Zre ^'Z^^, "'^--
Th! • u ^"'"' ^"''' ^lAcnETii With a taper
Observe 'he!; r^L.Slk^"^'' "^^^ -^ ^'•^«' '-t asleep.
//^v^/' \lr' "^^^'^^ '''^ ^y ^hat light ?
~|^^--,!;L^- She has light ., .er
her h:.nc!s'''"^ '^ ^' ^^^« ^"^ "«^ ? Look, how she rubs
this a qu.rler oJan iJour "°''" ''"'' "°"^"^"e ^^
^«^/f/M. Yet here's a" spot.
fronrh' r/t^satisfv;;^;::;re;nl!r:i^^^^^^^ '°^'" ^'-^ -™-
/"rfi/ M. Out dm npH c, f . "^.*^ ^''*^ '"o^c Strongly,
^vhy, then 't is <ln,c i^ do^-?' \?V,^'.I ^'-^^ '"One ; two :
Jor.l. fie I a soJdier and afe. d"^" Wh%"^"^^y '-l^'^^' niy
kiiov.s it, when none ca^n ca 1 r Jr JV '^^"*^''^ ^'^ ^<^^»J- ^^J
vvho would have though? the okIn??n fi ^^ "'?""^ --^'^'t
Wood in him ? ' "^^" ^o have had so much
jiocl. Do you mark that '>
o; that, my lord, no more o" th.. .^^ clean ?-No more
starting. '^'^ ^ that : you mar all with this
Doct. What a sich is thpro t tk„ u
(^e/,/. I would not have suchn^ ^T- '' '"''"'y ^'''^'•ge^'-
the dignity of the whole bodv '^ '" "'^ Dosom. for
Jjocl. Well, well, weil.~
n";- i!'''*y <^'0^' it he, sir.
knor-.hS\S^a^o':^a"^/;"^"r^ ^^^ ^^-^
died hoJily in iheir beds *^"" "'^'^P' ^''^ ^'^ve
jook'n^t'i Paie'-Mdfyrt'tr.v"",.^""'- "'*^'^'««^" -•
he cannot come out on 's ora^^ ^ '"* ^^'*"^"*^ '^ ^""cd i
^oc/. Even so '-
^'""""- •'■-"-■^.•»l>ed: .here •. knocking „t the
268
^s^i?:jmm
ActV Scii
MACBETH
'I
n
*'
whtV ^j""®' *^''"^''' ^°'"^» *=°"^^' ^»^<' "le your hand :—
What s done cannot be undone :— To bed, to bed, to bed.
Docl. Will she go now to bed ? ''
Gent. Directly.
Doct. Foul whisperings are abroad. Unnatural deeds
Do breed unnatural troubles : infected minds
To their deaf pUlows will discharge their secrets.
Alore needs she the divine than llu- physician —
God, God, forgive us all !— Look after her •
Remove from her the moans of all annoyance.
And still keep eyes upon her :— so, good night •
My mmd she has mated, and amazed my sight •
I thmk, but dare not speak.
^^^'- Good night, good doctor.
[Exeunt
Scene II. — The Country near Dunsinane
Enter, with drum and colours, Memeith, Caithness, Angl-s
Lennox, and Soldiers
Ment The English power is near, led on bv Malcolm,
His uncle Siward, and llie good .\!acduff.
Revenges burn in them ; for their dear causes
Would to the bleeding and the grim alarm
Excite the mortified man.
c-/\?^" .. ^'ear Birnam wood
Miall we well meet them ; that way are they coming
Caith. Who knows if Dcnalbain be with his brother ?
Jen. For certain, sir, he is not. I have a file
Of all the gentry : there is Siward's son.
And many unrough youths that even now
Protest their first of manhood.
V^^n ^ * .. . ^^'•^''^t does the tyrant ?
LAHth. Great Dunsinane he stronglv forlilies
Some say he 's mad ; others, that lesser hate him.
Do call it valiant ftir^' : but, for certain,
ik- cannot buckle bis distempered cause
Witiiin the belt of rule.
'■^"'/- Now does he feel
His secret murders sticking on his hands •
Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-hVeach ;
Ihose he commands move oiily in command,
Nothing in love ; now does he feel his title
Hang loose about liini, like a giant's robe
Upon a dwarfish thii'f.
...^^'''^^- '^^■!h» then shall blame
His pestered senses to recoi' ;ind start.
\Vlun all that is wilhin him does condemn
Itself for being there ?
209
MACBETH
ill
Act V Sc iii
To give obedience where 't is truly owed •
An? "If J? • "^*^^'""e of tlie sicJcIy weal,
'r/'f"' ♦u Or so much as it needs
10 dew the sovereign nower and drown the weeds
Make we our march towards Birnam. [E^elt marching
Scene III.-Dunsinane. A Room in the Castle
Enter Macbeth, Doctor, and Attendants
Macfr. Bring me no more reports ; let them fly all •
Till R.rnam wood remove to Dunsinane, ^ '
I cannot taint with fear. What 's the boy Malcolm 9
All mortal consequences have pronounced me th «
Sh^r "°\: ^'"'^^^'^ ' "° "^«" tha? 's born ?f woman
bhall e'er have power unon thPP '• tk^^ n )^oman
And mingle witS the ETglfsh' piciiTcI: '" '^' '^^^ ^^'^"^^'
The mmd I sway by, and the heart I bear,
Shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear.
Enter a Servant
The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon r
^^ here gott'sL thou that goose look *> " '
.^em There is ten thousand—
Macb. f> „, .
Serv Geese, villain ?
Th'^^"?,- ,?°' P""^ ^hy f'-^c^' «nd over-red thv^?ear'"' '^•
^.^y^'^T}':^^'^^ ^°y- ^^'hat soldiers, patch ?^ '
Death of thy soul I those linen cheeks of thine
Irr^Vto F 'S/T; '''^^^ ^«1^'^"' ^hey face ?
\/\ Th^'.^-ngJish force, so please you
Mac*. Take thy face hence. "''*' y°"-
wi,«« T y r?^y^"" *~^ '»'" sick at heart.
When I behold-Seyton, I say !-This push
Will chair me ever, or disscat mc now
Is f^Jrn ?n, n"^' '"°"^? •• "^y ^^'^y '^f "life
AnH fhof K-^u*' f ''^' ^^^ y«"o^v leaf ;
And that which should accompany old age
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends
I must not look to have ; but. in thHr ste"d
wS-r' '°"';^"' ^^^'i^' "louth honour i;reath
Which the poor heart would fain deny, and da?e not.-
{Exit Servant
Scy.
Macb.
Enter Seyton
What is your gracious pleasure ?
What news more ?
-10
Act V Sc iv
MACBETH
Sey. AU is confirmed, my lord, which was reported.
Macb. I 'U fight tUl from my bones my llesh be hacked.
Give me my armour.
^^y- 'T is not needed yet.
Macb. I 'II put it on.—
Send out more horses, skirr the country round ;
Hang those that talk of fear.— Give me mine armour —
How does your patient, doctor ?
A ■^?^'-, , , , Not so sick, my lord.
As she Is troubled with thick-coming fancies
That keep her from her rest.
^ Macb Cure her of that :
Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased.
Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow.
Raze out the written troubles of the brain.
And with some sweet oblivious antidote
Cleanse the stuffed bosom of that perilous stuff
Which weighs upon the heart ?
xT^f^'':x . . Therein the patient
Must mmister to himself.
Macb. Throw physic to the dogs, I 'II none of it.—
Lome, put mine armour on ; give me my staff —
Seyton, send out— Doctor, the thanes fly from me—
Gome, sir, despatch— If thou couldst, doctor, cast
The water of my land, find her disease.
And purge it to a sound and pristine health,
I would applaud thee to the very echo
That should applaud again— Pull 't off, I say
What rhubarb, senna, or what purgative drug
Would scour these English hence ? Hear'st thou of them 7
Doct. Ay, my good lord ; your royal preparation
Makes us hear something.
Macb. Bring it after me.—
I wUl not be afraid of death and bane,
Till Birnam forest come to Dunsinane. [Exit
Doct. [Aside] Were I from Dunsinane away and dear.
Profit agam should hardly draw me here. [Exeunt
n
Scene IV. — Country near Dunsinane
A Wood in view
Enter, with drum and colours, Malcolm, Old Siward and
Ins Son, Macduff, Menteitii, Caithness, Angus
Lennox, Ross, and Soldiers, marching
Mai. Cousins, I hope the days are near at hand
That chambers will be safe.
^{ent. We doubt it nothing.
Siiv. What wood is this before us ?
'^^'^^^- The wood of Birnam.
271
MACBETH
,3
m
Act V Sc V
And beaA'bSwm '''tH'''^*'*'" ^°^" « bough,
The numbers o'oSrios and^tl'^'•" ^« ^^^^^^^
Err in report of us '"^^"^ discovery
!?/?■ W.i Jt shall be done.
IZu'^''^ there i, advantage To be fih"en" ''""P' '
Whose hearts are absenUoo '""''*''^'«'^d """8^
I'houahts snenil ,(ix „ /i^ "" ^^'^'''^ We owe.
o wards which advance the war ir
ue war. lEjreu/i/, marching
Scene V._Dunsinane. Within the CisIIp
;e ami the ague eat thorn up '
' have S",,;*'"' '"«'■ ">at should be ours
-t thrm%Tci!v';';^h'S"\X'','s°ti;s^'' ' ,
till., wn.ii IS iiiat noise ?
5' /• It is the crv of wnr,,..,, '"^ ^'"•^ ^^ IV'omrn u^lv/j/n
The lime has bt-on tnx- c... V '''^ °^ fonrs.
Diren^s^ lani liir t m;^.ffi;:;^"' ^yi"> '— =
Cannot once start me^ ^^'^"glHt'rous thoughts,
lic-enfcr Skyton-
.' cry
I f;.
\i'>
■'. y '.ji-^'- '•
Act V Sc vl
MACBETH
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day.
To the last syllable of recorded time ;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle I
Lire s but a walking shadow ; a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more : it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
Enter a Messenger
Thou com'st to use thy tongue ; thy story quickly.
Mess. Gracious my lord,
I should report that which I say I saw,
But know not how to do it.
^J°<^*- Well, say, sir.
Mess. As I did stand my watch upon the hill,
I looked toward Birnam, and anon, mcthoucht.
The wood began to move.
-J°<^*- Liar and slave I
.irf^?*"*u^^.l"^^ endure your wrath if 't be not so.
witnm this three mile may you sec it coming •
I say, a moving grove. '
,, "^^"'^*: M thou spcak'st false,
upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive
Till famine cling thee : if thy speech be sooth,
I care not if thou dost for me as much. —
I pull in resolution ; and begin
To doubt the equivocation of the fiend,
That lies like truth : " Fear not. till Birnam wood
iJo come to Dunsinane ; "—and now a wood
(.omes toward Dunsinane.— Arm, arm, and out I
if this which he avouches does appear.
There is nor flying hence, nor tarrying' here. —
I gin to be aweary of the sun.
And wish the estate o' the world were now undone —
I^ing the alarum-bell 1— Blow, wind I come, wrack !
Al least we 'il die with harness on our back. [Exeunt
Scene VL— The Same. A Plain before the Castle
Enter, with drum and colours, Malcolm, Old Siward,
Macduff, etc., and their Army, with boughs
A ^Y'^d ^P^'' "'''^^ «^nough : your leafy screens throw down
And show like those you arc.— You. worthy uncle.
Shall, witli my tuusin, vour rif^ht-noble son.
lead our first Iiatlle : worthy MacdufT, nnd we,
Siuill t;ike upDti s what else remains U, do,
Aeeordin^ to our order.
sill} 1.' — . _ ,.
x'v::i" ytiU wcii.
273
MACBETH
Act V Sc vU
! ^
[Exeunt. Alarums continued
Scene VII.-The Same. Another Part of the Plain
Enter MAcnnrir
Jo. S/u;. What Is thy name ?
■yo'"'sfii. Th. H ^.'i??' ""^ 's Macbeth.
Vn «Ji,,. rru 1! . ^°' "'^^ more fearful
Macb. ' """ ''»*'• ""'' l'°"n» SiMrd ,s slain
If ^ ^/arums. Enter Macduff
/.'m/^- X* l/^-rj/. Alarums
^- -ru. Malcolm and O/d Siwakd
T|^';^ra^^:::^ij^'--;i-^
The noble thanes do J,r.vdy in la war '
Thaittrike beMde us)^'" ''''''' ""'^ ^^'^'' ^'^''^^
Ifi
■274
^""^^ Scvlil MACBETH
^'"'* Enter, sir, the casUe.
[Exeunt. Alarums
Scene VIII.— Another Part of the Plain
Enter Macbeth
Macb. Why should I play the Roman fool, and die
On mine own sword ? W l.Ues I see lives, the gashes
Do better upon them. *
Enter Macduff
ii^'^i- r.. '^"'■"' hell-hound, turn I
Macl). Of all men else I have avoided thee :
Sm^A^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^y s°"l 's too much charged
With blood of thine already.
Macd. I have no words ;
My voice is in my sword ; thou bloodier villain
Than terms can give thee out 1 \Thev fiaht
^^«^*- Thou losest labour ;
As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air
With thy keen sword impress, as make me bleed :
Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests ;
I bear a charmed life, which must not yield
To one of woman born.
A ^i?*^?-.^ Despair thy charm ;
And let the angel whom thou still hast served
Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother's womb
Untimely ripped.
Macb. Accursed be that tongue that tells me so.
I'or it hath cowed my better part of man !
And be these juggling fiends no more believed,
That palter with us in a double sense ;
That keep the word of promise to our ear,
And break it to our hope.— I '11 not fight with thee
Macd. Then yield thee, coward,
And live to be the show and gaze o' the time :
We '11 have thee, as our rarer monslers are.
Painted upon a pole, and underwrit,
" Here may you see the Tyrant."
rr 'Y^^^Vu , I ^^i» not yield,
lo kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet
And to be baited with the rabble's curse.
Though Birnam wood be come to Dunsinane,
And thou opposed, being of no woman born.
Yet I will try the last : before my boiiy
I throw my warlike shield : lay on, Mvacduff •
And damned be he that first cries, " Hold, enough ! "
[Exeunt, fujhting
Retreat. Flourish. Re-enter, with drum and colours, Mal-
colm, Old SiwARD, RosH. TJiancs, and Soldiers
275
AUCBETH
Act V Sc vlli
»!!!!l A . . Then he is dead ?
ItZilrnoLT""'" "' '^' «""•• '- '"on
Rm, Av „n f?"'', ""^ '''» ''""' before ?
«o»». Ay, on the front.
Hadl' as many son, as I harh^irs'"' "^"^'^ '°''^^^ ^« '»« '
I would not xvish them to a faired dt'ath •
And so, his knell is knollcd. ' '
Mai. , J ,
And that I -11 spend for him * ^'° "'"'"'^ '""<*^''
Min mm I— Hire comes newer comfort
Af ^ ^t'T' ^^^^^""' ""^'' Macdeth's head
Thf u::;rp2?,^S^^ 'h'e°a^d^? \t"tSe if f^o^ ' ^''^'^ ^^^'^^
HiirKlnt^^LXV!^"^^-^^^-^-^^
Ma/. We sh"f not^tVd'a^A^/io"' ' f ^'''""•^''
Before we reckon ^ii^!^^ sll^'^ {^.^^ <>' «me.
In such an honour named WW ^^Z ^'°."'''?^
Which would be plaS'ne^' w th rh^ime'''
Th.Tn'"^^'"' °"' *^^"^^ friend abroad
Tha fled the snares of watchful tyraimv •'
P o.lua„g forth the cruel ministeVr "^ '
^^'ho^Xi n"*'\T ^"^ ""^ ««"d-like queen
Took olT her mT^^ul 'f ?^ ^^'^^^ bands'
Whom we invite to see «s crowned at icone.
276
[Exeunt
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DRAMATIS PERSONS
ViNOENTio, the Duke
Angelo. the deputy in the Duke's absence
EscAxus, joined vnth Angelo in the government
CLitJDio, a young gentleman
Lucio, a fantastic
Two other gentlemen
Provost
Thomas "j ,, .
Peteb J ■^'■*<^'"«
A Justice
Varkius
Elbow, a constable
Feoth o foolish gentleman
PoMPEY, servant to Mistress Overdone
Abhobson, an executioner
Babwabdine, a prisoner
Isabella, sister to Claudia
Mabiana, betrothed to Angelo
Juliet, beloved of Claudio
Fbancisca, a nun
Mistress Ovebdone, a bawd
Lords, Officers, Citizens, Boy, and Attendants
r«'
SCENE.— Vienna
M
nv
278
if
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
ACT ONE
Scene I.— a Room in the Duke's Palace
Enter Duke, Escalus, and Attendants
Duke. Escalus,—
Escal. My lord ?
DuA-e. Of government the properties to unfold
Would seem m me to alTect speech and discourse ;
Since I am put to know that your own science
Exceeds, m that, the lists of all advice
My strength can give you : then no more remains
A^i I f Iv^** y^^^ sufficiency, as your worth is able.
And let them work. The nature of our people.
Our city s institutions, and the terms
For common justice, you're as pregnant in
As art and practice hath enriched any
That we remember. There is our commission, [Givina it
From which we would not have you warp.-Call liilher
(S r !, '^''T ^^/^r^ "s, Angclo.— [Exit an Attendant
What figure of us think you he will bear ?
For you must know, we have with special soul
Elected him our absence to supply.
Lent him our terror, dressed him with our love
And given his deputation all the organs
Of our own power : what think you of it ?
Lscal. If any in Vienna be of worth
To undergo such ample grace and honour.
It is Lord Angclo.
■^"''^^- Look where he comes.
Enter Angelo
Ang. Always obedient to your grace's will.
1 come to know your pleasure.
^^^"^f- ,. , Angelo,
1 here is a kind of character in thy life.
That to the observer doth thy history
Fully unfold. Thyself and thy belongin<»s
Are not thine own so proper, as to waste
Thyself upon thy virtues, they on thcc.
Heaven doth with us, as we with torches do
Not hght them for themselves ; for if our vi
Did not go forth of us "
't were all alike
279
irtues
IP
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
i::h
\m'.
[Giving it
Act I Sc i
As if we had them not. Spirits arc not finely touclied.
But to fine issues ; nor Nature never loiuls
The smallest scruple of her excellence
But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines
Merself the glory of a cre<iitor.
Both tlinnks and use. But I do bend my speech
To one tliat can my part in him advertise :
Hold, therefore, Angelo : —
In our remove, be thou at full oZlu •''''' "'' ^^^^'^^'"^^
Mortality and mercy in Vienna '
Live in tiiy lonj^ue and heart : old Escalus,
1 hough first in question, is tliy secondary :—
lake thy commission.
T /f' 'iu , ^'^^^'' Sood my lord.
Let there be some more test made of my metal.
Before so ..oble and so great a figure
Be stamped upon 't.
Duke. No more evasion : we
Have with a leavened and prepared choice
OnrT.cf Z*" ^'^'^ ' therefore take your honours.
?hn/ f i ^^"'•^'^,'' *' ""^ ^^ ^"•^'^ condition,
That It prefers Itself, and leaves unquestioned
Matters of needlul value. We shall write to you.
RnwT/' ''•ir ^«"^c"'5"Ss shall importune,
S?. V^^^?u V'l*'' "' ' ''^"^ ^0 l»ok to know
mat doth befall you here. So, fare you well :
lo the hopeful execution do I leave you
Of your commissions.
Th't?^' , . ^^^' give leave, my lord.
That we may bring you something on the way
Duke. My haste may not admit it ;
Nor need you, on mine honour, have to do
With any scruple : your scope is as mine own.
bo to enforce or qualify the laws
As to your soul seems good. Give me vour hand •
I II pnvily away : I love the people, ^
But do not like to stage me to their eves.
1 hough It do well, I do not relish well
1 heir loud applause, and Avos vehement •
^vor do I think the man of safe discretion '
That does affect it. Once more, fare you well
FW T ^T'll^ give safety to your purposes I
Duke' T ?h1 i'^^ «"d bring you back in happiness I
Duke I thank you. Fare you well. rp' .//
To hn'l fr^ '^'" desire you, sir, to give me leave ^
To have free speech with you ; and it concerns me
To look into the bottom of my place • ""^^'"^ "'*^
A power I have, but of what strength and nature
I am not yet instructed. 'tture
280
'?^g4^. ri^^¥Mrc^:::^mi:^
Sci
T
M
Act I Sc a
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
An'^^v?; "^ '^ ^** ^''^'' '"^- L^t us withdraw together
Tn,i^ "';l^ f"^" ""' satisfaction have ^^get^er,
Touching that point.
^*^"^' I '" wait upon your honour.
[Exeunt
Scene IT.— a Street
Enter Lvcio and two Gentlemen
of Hunfan's 1 """'" ^"'^"' "^ ^^^ P^^<=«' ^"^ "ot the King
Sec. Gent. Amen.
th^'wtt IXl Stt" en cUman'."'^^";°T^^ ^'^^'^^
one out of the table ^commandments, but scraped
Sec. Ge/ii'. " Thou shalt not steal ? "
Lucio. Ay, that he razed.
f««o^"i believrtlfee^'f^r^'l'^'.'^l^;'^^ ^^•
vvhere grace was safd ' '' ^ ^^'"^' *^«" "^^^^ ^ast
F/r*c/^r;?n/ ^VH .^ •^^"'" *'"^«^ ^t least.
1 irst Gent. What, in metre ?
First Cn? ^"y P^^PO'-tion or in any language.
tirstGent. I think, or in any rciiRion
con^ov^sy^f^:trrxaLle"Th" f^-'.^-Pite of all
villain, despite of an gra^e^'"'-^^'"" '^^^^^^ ^^^ « ^i<^kcd
^^Firs/ Gen/. Well, there went but a pair of shears between
velv"et': •thou'^an tUlsl"" '"^^ '^^"^^" ^^« ^^^ and the
drink after thee ^ ' ^"^' '"'^'^'^ ' "^'»^' forget to
^ First Gent. I think I have done myself wrong, have I
281
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act I Sc ij
I'
Ves, that tl,ou hnst. whether thou art tainted
Sec. Gent.
or free,
roof as come to— " ^^ '"^"^ diseases under her
psPS^, X'lZlZr' ^«'-" a yea.
F?«;b..^ ^i^^^h crown more.
thou art fun of?r?or:!:^f SVuff "-" '^^^^^^^ ^" -« ; but
sound's twS Jhat'^^^^^^^^^^ but so
impiety has made a feast of thee! ^ "'' ^'^ '^^"o^^ >
Fir.f r , 5''^"' ^^'''"''''' Overdone
^irst Gent. How now 9 wu- i
most profound sciatica 9 ^'"'^ °^ ^^^"^ hips has the
Mrs. Ov. Well wrii .* t»i
can-ied to prison was "orth five Jn'o?," ''°J"'f ^"■'''^''''l ""d
«S |„,.^'Sd?o%^\"Jii„'^',«V.'''°. Signior aaudio.
Mrs. Ov. Nav but t i t is not so.
arrested; saw hhn carne , aS- ' '', ^°' ^ «-w him
within these three days his head ^fnh"'^','''''^"'^ '« "^ore,
I.«c/&. But, after nil th.-c f f^ ^ *^ ^^ chopped off
ArUhou sure of thL ? *'"' ^°"^"^S' ^ ^^'O"^^ "ot ha°""it so.
Ma'^fm ?uiiet'taTitS'chiir '' '' ' ^"^ '' '^ ^or getting
mation. "' '"^'^ «^ «"' agreeing with the procla j
Lucio. Away: let's go l.arn the truth of it j
Mrs. Ov. Thus: what \vi'ih"ni/f"'' """"^ Gentlemen
sweat, what with the gallows Lni. h'\'' '''^^^ ^^^th the ,
am custom-shrunk. ^'^^^'^^^S' and what with poverty, i
-&/i/er PoMPEv
%m'''YonJ''''*^^"'^^'^^v"hyou.
Pom. A woman ^^ ^^' ^' ^°"« ?
^1^^5.0.. But what 's his offence ?
282
Act I Sc iii
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Pom. Groping for trouts in a peculiar river.
Mrs. Ou. Wiiat, is tliere a maid witii cliild by him ?
I'om. No ; but there's a woman with maid by him.
You ha\'e not heard of the proclamation, have you ?
Mrs. Ov. What proclamation, man ?
pluckTd down""""''' ''' '^' ^"^"'^^ "' ^^^""^ "^"^^ ^^
Mrs. Ov And what shall become of those in the citv ?
♦ K \ *P5y ^^"^^ ^*^"^ ^or seed : they had gone down
too but that a wise burRher put in for tlum.
be pulied'down ?'"'"" "" '"' ^°"'" '' ''''''' '^^ '''' «"^"^^^
Pom. To the ground, mistress.
wp^fh f^^'T, ?\^^^K''' '' ^ ''^^"S^' ^"^««^' in the common-
wealth I what shall become of me ?
oiifrffT'. ?u"^^x' ^^^^ "^* y°" = S°°d counsellors lack no
clients : though you change your place, you need not
t wT ^\T ^'f ^! ', ^ '" ^^ y°"^ t^P^ter 'stm. Courage
there will be pity taken on you ; you that have worn your
eyes almost out m the service, you will be considered,
withdraw''' ^° ^° ^^^^' ^^^^^^ Tapster ? Let 's
Pom. Here comes Signior Claudio. led by the provost to
prison ; and there 's Madam Juliet. ^ [Sn!
Scene III. — The Same
Enter Provost, Claudio, Juliet, and Officers
Claud. Fellow, why dost thou show me thus to the
world ?
Bear me to prison, where I am committed.
Prou. I do it not in evil disposition,
But from Lord Angelo by special charge.
Claud. Thus can the demi-god Authority
Make us pay down for our offence by weight —
The sword of Heaven ;— on whom it will, it will •
Un whom it will not, so : yet still 't is just.
Enter Lucio and two Gentlemen
Lucio. Why, how now, Claudio? whence comes this
rcsiryint. /
Claud. From too much liberty, my Lucio, libertv •
As surfeit is the father of much fast, ^ *
So every scope by the immoderate use
Turns to restraint. Our natures do pursue.
Like rats that ravin down their proper bane,
A thirsty evil ; and when we drink we die.
Lucio. If I could speak so wisely under an arrest I
would send for certain of my creditors : and yet, to say the
283
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act T Sc ili
111
31
w
\m
Claud.
Lucio.
Claud.
Prov.
Claud.
Lucio,
truth, I had as lef have the foppery of freedom, as the
morality of imprasonment.-What 's thy ofTence, Claudio ?
Claud. What but to spcnk of would offend aoain.
Lucio. What, is it murder V
No.
Lechery ?
Call it so.
Away, sir ; you must Ro.
One word, good friend.— Lucio, a word with you.
4 ,. , , .. , [Takes him aside
A hundred, if they '11 do you any good.
Is lechery so looked after ?
Claud. Thus stands it with me : upon a true contract
I got possession of Julietta's bed : ^omrati.
You know the lady ; she is fast my wife,
Save that we do the denunciation lack
Of outward order : this we came not to,
Only for propagation of a dower
Remaining in the coffer of her friends.
From whom we thought it meet to hide our love,
Till time had made them for us. But it chances
The stealth of our most mutual entertainment
With character too gross is writ on Juliet
Lucio. With child, perhaps ?
* ^l"u^- ^ Unhappily, even so.
And the new deputy now for the duke,—
Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newness.
Or whether that the body public be
A horse whereon the governor doth ride.
Who, newly in the seat, that it may know
He can command, lets it straight feel the spur •
Whether the tyranny be in his place.
Or in his eminence that nils it up,
I stagger in ; — but this new governor
Awakes me all the enrolled penalties.
Which have, like unsecured armour, hung by the wall
So long, that nineteen zodiacs have gone round
And none of them been worn ; and, for a name'
Now puts the drowsy and neglected act '
Freshly on me :— 't is surely for a name.
^♦V'^'^'V ^warrant, it is : and thy head stands so tickle
on thy shoulders, that a milk-maid, if she be in love, may
sigh It off. Send after the duke, and appeal to him
Uaud. I have done so, but he 's not to be found
I prithee, Lucio, do me this kind servicp •
This day my sister should the cloister enter
And there receive her approbation : '
Acquaint her with the danger of my state ;
Implore her, in my voice, that she make friends
To the strict deputy ; bid herself assay him :
284
Act I Sc iv
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
I Iiave nreat hope in that ; for in her youth
There is a prone and speechless dialect,
Such as moves men ; beside, she hath prosperous art
When she will play with reason and discourse,
And well she can persuade.
iMcio I pray, she may : as well for the cncouraoement
of the hke, which else would stand under grievous imposi-
tion, as for the enjoying of thy life, who I would be sorrv
should be thus foolishly lost at a game of lick-tacJ<. I '11
to her.
Claud. I thank you, good friend Lucio.
Liicio. Within two hours —
^^'^^<i' Come, oflicer, away I [Exeunt
Scene IV. — A Monastery
Enter Duke and 1^'riah Thomas
No, holy father ; throw away that thought :
3t that the dribbling dart of love
Duke.
Believe not mat me dribbling
Can pierce a complete bosom. Why I desire thee
To give me secret harbour, hath a purpose
More grave and wrinkled than the auus and ends
Of burning youth.
■^''■'- May your grace speak of it ?
Duke. My holy sir, none better knows than you
How I have ever loved the life removed.
And held in idle price to haunt asseinblios.
Where youth, and cost, and witless bravery keep.
I have delivered to Lord Angelo —
A man of stricture and firm abstinence —
My absolute power and place here in Vienna,
And he supposes me travelled to Poland ;
For so I 've strewed it in the common ear.
And so it is received. Now, pious sir,
You will demand of me, why I do this ?
Fit. Gladly, my lord.
Duke. We have strict statutes and most bitin" laws -
The needful bits and curbs to headstrong steeds,—
\yhich for this fourteen years we have let sleep ;
Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave.
That goes not out to prey. Now, as fond fathers.
Having bound up the threatening Iwi-s of birch
Only to stick it in their children's sigiit
l^r terror, not to use, in time the rod
Isccouies more mocked than feared ; so our decrees
Dead to iiu'liction, to lliemselves are dead ; *
And liberty plucks justice by the nose,
The baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart
Goes all decorum.
28i
.. I- • J,
Ifi
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act I Sc V
Fri. It rested In your grace
To unloose this tled-up justice when you pleased ;
And it In you more dreadful would have seemed,
Than in Lord Angelo.
Duke. I do fear, too dreadful :
Slth 't was my fault to give the people scope,
'T would be my tyranny to strike and gall them
For what I bid them do • for we bid this be done,
When evil deeds have their permissive pass
And not the punishment. Therefore, indeed, my father
I have on Angelo imposed the oflice ; '
Who may, in the ambush of my name, strilce home,
And yet my nature never in the sight.
To do it slander. And to behold his sway,
I will, as 't were a brother of your order.
Visit both prince and people : therefore, I prithee,
Supply me with the habit, and instruct me
How I may formally in person bear me
Like a true friar. More reasons for this action
At our more leisure shall I render you ;
Only, this one : — Lord Angelo is precise ;
Stands at a guard with envy ; scarce confesses
That his blood flows, or that his appetite
Is more to bread than stone : hence shall we see.
If power change purpose, what our seemers be. [Exeunt
Scene V. — A Nunnery
Enter Isabella and Francisca
Isab. And have you nuns no further privileges ?
Fran. Are not these large enough ?
Isab. Yes, truly : I speak not as desiring more ;
But rather wishing a more strict restraint
Upon the sisterhood, votarists of Saint Clare.
Lucio. [Within] Ho I Peace be in this place I
i?«^- , Wlio 's that which calls ?
Fran. It is a man's voice. Gentle Isabella,
Turn you the key, and know his business of him ;
You may, I may not ; you are yet unsworn.
When you have vowed, you must not speak with men
But in the presence of the prioress :
Then, if you speak, ycai must not show your face ;
Or, if you show your face, you must not speak.
He calls again ; I pray you, answer him. [Exit
Isab. Peace and prosperity I ^\^lo is 't that calls ?
Enter Lucio
Lucio. Hail, virgin, if you be,— as those cheek-roses
Proclaim you are no less 1 Can you so stead mc,
283
j
Act I Sc V
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
As bring me to the sight of Isabella,
A novice of this place, and the fnir sister
To her unhappy brother Claudio !
Isab Why licr unhappy brotlicr ? let me ask :
I he rather, for I now must make you know
I am that Isabella and his sister.
i^ucio. Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greets you •
Not to be weary with you, he 's in prison. ^
Isab. Woe me I for what ?
iMcio For that which, if myself miffht hv his judge,
lie should receive his punishment in thanks •
He hath got his friend witli child.
Isab. Sir, make me not your story.
Lucio. >'Y is true
I would not, tliough 't is my familiar sin
NVith maids to seem the lapwing and to jest
Tongue far from heart, play with all virgins so •
I hold you as a thing enskied and sainted ;
By your renouncement, an immortal spirit •
And to be talked with in sincerity,
As with a saint.
Isab. You do blaspheme the good in mocking me
Lucio Do not believe it. Fewness and truth 't Is
thus : —
Your brother and his lover have embraced •
As those that feed grow full ; as blossoming time.
1 hat from the seedness the bare fallow brings
To teeming foison, e'en so her plenteous womb
Lxpresseth his full tilth and husbandry.
Isab. Some one with child by him ?— My c usin Juliet ?
Lucio. Is she your cousin ?
Isab. Adoptedly ; as school-maids change tli-ir nar s
By vam, though apt, alTcction.
^"'i^- ^ , She it is.
Isab. O, let him marry her.
T,/^'ft- . , , This is tlu- point.
I he duke is very strangely gone from hcnc •
Bore many gentlemen, myself being one,
In hand, and hope of action ; but we do learn
By those that know the very nerves of state
His givings-out were of an infinite distance '
I<rom his true-meant design. Upon his place
And with full line of his authoritv,
Governs Lord Angclo ; a man whose blood
Is very snow-broth ; one who never feels
The wanton stings and motions of t!ic sense.
But doth rebate and blunt his natural edge '
With profits of the mind, study and fast.
He — to give fear to use and liberty,
Wliich have for long run by the hideous lav.-,
287
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As mice by liotis— halh pit-kod out nn act.
[ndir wliose lieavy sense your brollier's life
Falls into forfeit : he arrests him on it.
And follows close the rigour of the slalute,
To make liini an cxann)le. All hope s Rone,
t'niess you have the ^;race by your fair prayer
To soften An^elo ; and that's niy pith
Of business 'Iwixt you and vour poor brother.
Isiib. iJolh he sd seek his life ?
/"'''*^- Has censured him
Aireafly ; and, as I hear, the provost hath
A warrant for his execution.
hob. Alas, what poor ability 's in me
To do him good ?
JMcio. Assay the power vou have.
Isiib. .My power I AJas, I doubt,--
Lucio Our doubts :>re traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft mif^hl win,
By feariuR to attempt. Go to Lonl Anjulo,
And let him learn to know, when maidens sue,
Men «ive like M«>ds ; but when they weep and kneel.
All their petitions are as freely theirs
As they themselves would owe tlicm.
Isab. I '11 see what I can do.
{'"<;'0- But speedily.
Isab. I will about it slraisht,
No longer staying but to give the mother
Notice of my alTair. I humblv thank you :
Commend me to my brother ; 'soon at ni-ht
I 'II send him certain word of my success"^
Lucio. I take my icuve of you.
^^^^' (jood sir, adieu.
[Rxtunt
ACT TWO
Scene I.— A Hall in An{,'elo's House
FMter Angklo, Escalus, ard a Justice ; Provosi, O/ficcrs,
and oilier Attendants
Ang. We must nol make a SLarecrow of the law.
Setting it up to fear the birds of prey.
And let it keep one s:.>ape till custom make it
Their perch and not their terror.
. f^^"'- , . . Ay, but yet
i^ct Uo be Keen, and lather cut a litlie,
Than fall, and bruise to death. Alas, this gentleman
Whom I would save, had a most noble father.
Let but your honour know, —
288
T
Scl
Act II Sc 1
MRASUHE
MEASLIU-:
Whom I bcUcvc to ho most siniit in virlup,—
That, in the worldn;; u( your own mIIVv! It.iis,
Had time cohered willi place, or jil tee wii'i wishiiif,',
Or that the resolufo aclinic of >(Mir hlodd
Could have attained liip etTeetOl' vt.iir ov.n [jiirpo^ •,
Wliethcr you liad not, sonu'tinie iii yoiir li,..
Lrrcd in this point which now \m\ cVnsure liini,
And pulled tlie law u[)oa >imi.
Anfj. 'T is one tlun.Li to he tempted, i:scahi^,
Another thlnR to fail. I nut deny.
The jury, passini* on the prisoiu r" s life,
May in the sworn t\v( ive liave a tliiel' or two
Guiltier than him they try ; what 's open made to justice,
That justice seizes : what knows liie laws
That thieves do pass on thieves ? 'T is very pregnant,
The jewel that we find, we stoop and take t,
liecausc we sec 't ; hut wliat wo do r.ot scu
We tread upon, and never think of It.
You may not so ext-'nuatc his olTenec,
For I have had such faults ; hut railier tell me,
When I, that censure him, do so oHend,
Let mine own judgment pattern out my death,
And nothing come in partial. Sir, he must die.
Escal. Be't as your wisdom will.
■^"9- V7here is the provost ?
Proo. Here, if it like your honour.
„ ^'^C' See that Claudio
Be executed hy nine to-morrow morning:.
Bring him his confessor, let him be prepared ;
For that's the utmost of his pilprimafio. [Exit Provost
Escal. Well, Heaven foryive him, and forgive us all I
Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall ;
Some run fron' brakes of vice and answer none.
And some condemned for a fault alone.
Ent-r Elbow and Officers, with Froth and Pompey
Elb. Come, bring them away. If those be good people
in a commonweal that do nothing but use their abuses in
common houses, I know no law : bring them away.
Ang. How now, sir I What's your name, and what's
the matter ?
Elb. If it please your honour, I am the poor duke's
constable, and my name is rji)ow : I do lean upon justice,
sir ; and do bring in here before your good honour two
notorious benefactors.
Ang. Benefactors ! Well ; what benefactors are they ?
are they not malefactors ?
Elb. If u please your honour, I know not well what they
are ; but precise villains they are, that I am sure of, and
38— J 289
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act II Sci
it
\mn
^mi
m
name
Pom.
Ang.
Elb.
void of all profanation in the ^vorId that good Christians
ou<^ht to have.
Escal. This comes off well : here 's a wise ofTicor.
Ang. Go to : what quality are thoy of ? Elbow is your
why dost thou not speak, Elbow ?
He cannot, sir : he's out at elbow.
What are you, sir ?
He, sir ? a tapster, sir ; parcel-bawd ; one that
serves a bad woman, whose house, sir, was. as they say,
plucked down in the suburbs ; and now she professes a hot-
iiouse, which, I think, is a very ill house too.
Escal. Ho\v- know you that ?
Elb. My wife, sir, whom I detest before Heaven and
your honour, —
Escal. How 1 thy wife ?
Elb. Ay, sir;— whom, I thank Heaven, is an honest
woman, —
Escal. Do t thou detest her therefore ?
Elb. I say, sir, I will detest myself afso, as well as she,
that this house, if it be not a bawd's house, it is pity of her
life, for it is a naughty house
Escal. Ho dost thou know that, constable ?
Elb. Marry, sir, by my wife ; who, if she had been a
woman cardmally given, might have been accused in for-
nication, adultery, and all uncleanlincss there.
Escal. By the woman's means ?
Elb. Ay, sir, by Mistress Ovcrdone's means ; but as she
spit in his face, so she defied him.
Pom. Sir, if it please your honour, this is not so.
Elb. Prove it before these varlets here, thou honourable
man ; prove it.
^scal. [To Anrjclo] Do rou hear how he misplaces ?
Pom. Sir, she came in great with child, and longing—
saving your honour's reverence— for stewed prunes. Sir,
we had but two in the house, which at that veiy distant
Lmie stood, as it were, in a fruit-dish, a dish of some three-
pence ; your honours have seen such dishes ; they are not
China dishes, but very good dishes, —
Escal. Go to, go to : no matter for the dish, sir.
Pom. No, indeed, sir, not of a pin ; vou arc therein in
the right :— but to the point. As 1 say, this Mistress Elbow,
being, as I say, with child, and boing crcat-bellied, and
longing, as I said, for prunes, and having but two in the dish
as 1 said. Master Froth here, this very man, having eaten
the rest, as I said, and. as I sav, paying for tluin very
lionestly ;— for. as you k low, Master Froth, I could not
give you three-pence again, —
Froth. No, indeed.
Pom. Very well ;— you being then, if vou be remem-
bered, cracking the stones of the foresaid prunes,—
200
mis^^Mmd^i^^^
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Act II Sc i
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Froth. Ay, so I did, indeed.
Pom. Why, very well ;— I telling; you then, if you be
remembered, that such a one, and such a one, were past
cure of the thing you wot of, unless they kept very good
diet, as I told you, —
Froth. All this is true.
Pom. Why, very well then, —
Escal. Come ; you are a tedious fool : to the purpose. —
What was done to Elbow's wife, that he hath cause to com-
plain of ? Come me to what was done to her.
Pom. Sir, your honour cannot come to that yet.
Fscal. No, sir, nor I mean it not.
Pom. Sir, but you shall come to it, by your honour's
leave. And, I beseech you, look into Master Froth here,
sir ; a man of fourscore pound a year, whose father died at
Hallowmas : — Was 't not at Hallowmas, Master Froth ? —
Froth. All-Hallownd eve.
Pom. Why, very well ; I hope here be truths. Ho, sir,
sitting, as I say, in a lower chair, sir ;— 't was in the Bunch
of Grapes, where, indeed, you have a delight to sit, have
you not ?
Froth. I have so ; because it is an open room, and good
for winter.
Pom. Why, very well then ; I hope here be truths.
Ang. This will last out a night in Russia,
When nights are longest there : I'll take my leave.
And leave you to the hearing of the cause ;
Hoping you '11 fmd good cause to whip them all.
Escal. I think no less. Good morrow to your lordship.
[Exit Angela] Now, sir, come on : what was done to
Elbow's wife, once more ?
Pom. Once, sir 1 there was nothing done to her once.
Elb. I beseech you, sir, ask him what this man did to
my wife.
Pom. I beseech your honour, ask me.
Escal. Well, sir, what did this gentleman to her ?
Pom. I bt'scech you, sir, look in this gentleman's face. —
Good Master Froth, look upon his honour ; 't is for a good
purpose.— Doth your honour mark his face ?
Ay, sir, very well.
Nay, I beseech you, mark it well.
Well, I do so.
Doth your honour see any harm in his face ?
Why, no.
I '11 be supposed upon a book, his face is the worst
thing about him. Good thou ; if liis face be the worst thing
about him, how could Master Froth do the constable's wife
any harm ? I would know that of your honour.
Escal. He 's in the right.— Constable, what say you to
it ?
Escal.
Pom.
Escal.
Pom.
Escal.
Pom.
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Act II Sc i
fci -.1.
Elb. First, ;in it like you, the house is a respected house •
next, this is a respected fellow ; and his mistress is a re-
spected woman.
Pom. By this hand, sir, his wife is a more respected
person than any of us all. p^^it-a
Elb Varlct, thou liest : thou liest, wicked varlet I
ihe tune is yet to come that she was ever respected with
man, woman, or child.
Pom. Sir, she was respected with him before he married
With her.
Escal. Which is the wiser here ? Justice, or Iniquitv *>
— Is tins true ? h j •
Elb O thou caililT ! O thou varlet 1 O thou wicked
Hannibal ! I respected with Iier, before I was married to
her ?— If ever I was respected with her, or she with me.
let not your worship think me the poor duke's oflicer
Prove this, thou wicked Hannibal, or I '11 have mine action
of battery on thee.
Escal If he took you a box o' th' ear, you might have
your action of slander too. ^
Elb. Marry, I thank your good worship for it. What
^^ .V^°o"^ worship's pleasure I shall do with this wicked
Escal. 'Truly, officer, because he hath some offences in
him, that thou wouldst discover if thou couldst, let him
continue m his courses, till thou knowest what they are
Lib. Marry, I thank your worship for it.— Thou seest
thou wicked varlet, now, what's come upon thee : thou art
to continue ; now, thou varlet ; thou art to continue.
Lscal. Where were you born, friend ?
Here in Vienna, sir.
Arc you of fourscore pounds a year ?
Yes, an 't please you, sir.
So. — ^\^^at trade are you of, sir ?
A tapster ; a poor wicfow's tapster.
Your mistress' name ?
IMistress Overdone.
Hath she had any more than one husband ?
Nine, sir; Overdone by the last.
Nine ! Come hither to me, Master Froth.
I would not have you acquainted with
will draw you, Master Froth, and you will
Froth
Escul.
Froth.
Escal.
Pom.
Escal.
Pom.
Escal.
Pom.
Escal.
Master Froth,
tapsters ; the\
hang them. C.et you gone, and let me hear no more of you.
Froth. I thank your worship. For mine own part,
l^never come into any room in a taphouse, but I am drawn
iT^il'i^ /m'^'^A ""* '"'^''^ °^ '^' ^^^^^^^ F^"th: farewell.
IL^xit i',ot,i]-^Comc yon hitherto me, master tapster.
What s your name, master tapster ?
Pom. Ponipey.
292
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1 Act II Sc i
Vi
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Escal. What else ?
Pom. Bum, sir.
Escal. Trotli, and your bum is the greatest thinR about
you, so that, in the beastliest sense, you are Ponipoy the
Cireat. Pompoy, you are partly a bawd, Ponipey, how-
soever you colour it in being a tapster. Arc vou not?
come, tell me true : it shall be the bettor for you.
Pom. T"uly, sir, I am a poor fellow tliat would live.
Escal. How would you live, Poiuiicy ? by being a
bawd ? What do you think of the trade', Pompcv ? is it
a lawful trade ?
Pom. If the law would allow it, sir.
Escal. But the law will not allow it, Pompey ; nor it
shall not be allowed in Vienna.
Pom. Docs your worship mean to geld and splav all
the youth of the city ?
Escal. No, Ponipey.
Pom. Truly, sir, in my poor opinion, they will to 't
then. If your worship will take ordt>r for the drabs and
the knaves, you need not to fear the bawds.
Escal. There are pretty orders beginning, I can tell
you : it is but heading and hanging.
Porn. If you head and bang all that offend that way
but for ten year together, you '11 be glad to give out a
commission lor more heads. If tliis law hold in Vienna
ten year, I '11 rent the fairest house in it after three-pence
a bay. If you live to sec this come to pass, say, Pompcv
told you so. -
Escal. Thank you. good Pompcv ; and, in requital
of your propliecy, hark you :— I adxisc vou, let me not find
you before mc again upon any complaint whatsoever ; no
not lor dwelling where you do : if I do, Pompcv, I sliaii beat
you to your tent, and prove a shrev.d Casaf to vou ; in
plam dealing, Pompey, I shall have you whipt. " So, for
this lime, Pompey, fare you well.
Pom. 1 thank your \\orsliip for vour good counsel
—[Aside] But I shall follow it as tlie fiesh and fortune
shall better determine.
Whip me ? No, no, let carman whip his jade ;
The valiant heart 's not whipt out of his trade. [Exit
Escal. Come hither to me. Master Elbow ; come hither
nia.ster constable. How long have vou been in this place
of constable ? " ^
Elb. Seven year and a half, sir.
Escal. I thought, by the readiness in the office, you h.iH
conunued in it some time. You say, seven years together *>
i\lb. And a half, sir.
Escr.}. Alas, it halli been great pains to you. Thev do
you wrou- to put you so oft upon't. Are there not men
ni your ward siilHcient to serve it ?
293
w^mtmuiS.m^m^^Y'if-ji^
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act II Scii
Elb. Faith, sir. few of nny wit in such matters. As
they are clioson, lliey are ^lacl to choose me for them ; I
do it for some piece of money, and go through with all.
'^■:scal. Look you bring me in the names of some six or
se 'en, the most sulTicient of your parish.
Elb. To your worship's house, sir ?
EscnI. To my house. Fare you well. [Exit Elbow
Wha ■'• o'clock, think you ?
Just. Eleven, sir.
Escal. I pray you home to dinner with me.
Just. I humbly thank you.
Escal. It grieves me for the death of Claudio ;
But there 's no remedy.
Just. Lord Angelo is severe.
Escol. It is but needful :
Mercy is not itself, that oft looks so ;
Pardon is still the nurse of second woe,
But yet, — poor Claudio 1 — There 's no remedy. —
Come, sir. [Exeunt
Scene II. — Another Room in Angelo's House
Enter Provost, and a Servant
Serv. He 's hearing of a cause ; he will come straight :
I'll tell him of you.
Prov. Pray you, do. [Exit Serv.] I '11 know
His pleasure ; may be, he '11 relent. Alas,
He haih but as ofiended in a dream :
All sects, all ages smack of this vice ; and he
To die for it 1—
Enter xVngelo
Ang. Now, Vvhat 's the matter, provost ?
Prov. Is it your \\ill Claudio shall die to-morrow ?
Ang. Did I not leli thee, yea '? hadst thou not order ?
Why dost thou ask again ?
Prov. Lest I might be too rash.
Under your good correction, I have seen.
When, after execution, judgment hath
Repented o'er his doom.
■^rig. Go to ; let that be mine :
Do you your otTice, or give up your place
And you shall well be spared.
Prov. I crave your honour's pardon.
W^hat shall be done, sir, with the groaning Juliet ?
She "s very near her hour.
Ang. Dispose of her
To some more fitter place, and that with speed.
294
r^i .
^jii^'^'^;m^j^..^s^:!^^^mft^s^^
Scii
Act II Sc ii
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
As
i; I
11.
Ix or
Iboiv
eunt
ht
ivl
Ion.
Re-enlcr Servant
Serv. Here is the sister of the man condemned
Desires access to you.
Ang. Hath he a sister ?
Prov. Ay, my good lord ; a very virtuous maid,
And to be shortly of a sisterhood,
If not already.
Ang. Well, let her be admitted. [Exit Servant
See you the fornicatress be removed :
Let her have needful, but not lavish, means ;
There shall be order for 't.
Enter Lucio and Isabella
Prov. God save your honour !
Ang. Stay a little while. — [ To Isab.] You 're v.elcome :
what 's your will '?
Isab. I am a woful suitor to your honour,
Please but your honour hear me.
Ang. Well ; what's your suit ?
Isab. There is a vice that most I do alihor,
And most desire should me'.'t the blow of justice,
For which I would not plead, but that I must ;
For which I must not plead, but that I am
At war 'twixt will and will not.
Ang. Well ; the matter ?
Isab. I have a brother is condemned to die :
I do beseech you, let it be his fault
And not my brother.
Prov. [Aside] Heaven give thee moving graces !
Ang. Condemn the fault, and not the actor of it I
Why, every fault 's condemned ere it be done.
Mine were the very cipher of a function,
To find the fault, whose fine stands in record,
And lot go by the actor.
Isab. O just, but severe law 1
I had a brother then. — Heaven keep your honour I
Lucio. [To Isab.] Give't not o'er so: to him again,
entreat him ;
Kneel down before him, hang upon his gown ;
You are too cold ; if you should need a pin,
You could not with more tame a tongue desire it.
To him, I say.
Isab. Must he needs die ?
Ang. Maiden, no remedy.
iKah. Yes ; I do think that you might pardon him.
And neither Heaven, nor man, grieve at the mercy.
Ang. I will not do't.
J'^ob. But can you, if you would ?
Ang. Look ; what I will not, that I cannot do.
295
MEASITRE FOR MEASURE
Act II ScU
m:i
If S , .^ " '^^'* ^°" ^° ^ -''"*' ^0 the world no won-
If so your hc-irt wore touched with that remorse °'
As mine Is to him ? '•'-limorse
fnrL rr. / ,,"^/^ sentenced: 'tis too late.
J-iino. [To Isab.] \ou :irc too cold.
Mnv , ^11 iT? ^f"" ' ''''-'■' "« ' ^' ^''*^t ^^ «Pt'-ik a word,
M.i> call It ],;uk nnnin. Well, believe this
No ceremony tlir.t to (,M-eal ones 'lor.Rs,
Not the kind's crown, nor the deputed sword,
1 he marshal s truncheon, nor the judj^c's robe.
Become them with one half so good a L'race
As mercy does.
If he had been as you. and vou as he
p:. I would to Heaven I hnd'??j;^;cXf ""
And you wore Isabel ! should it then be thus •'
No ; I would tell what L were lo be a jud "c. '
And what a prisoner.
i'/,"/''' v'^'* /"'^,' ^^'- ^°"'^' '"•" ' there 's the vein.
Aug. \ our b: ot her is a forfeit of the law.
And you but waste your words.
\vhf^''n ., , ^'=^s! alas!
\\h> all lie souls that were^were forfeit once ;
And He that miRht the vanlasre best have took
1 ound out the remedy. Hov. would you be, '
n He, which is the lop of judgment, should
liul judge you as you are ? O, think on that.
And mercy then will breathe within your lips
Like man new-made !
Tf lVn;n I . T ?^ y°" content, fair maid,
It IS the law, not I, condemns vour brother •
NN ere he my kinsman, brother/or mv son,
7 ;r -i^" ^^'"' '''^J ^'^"' '■-^''^ '""St die to-morrow.
sp7re"Sm7-l ' ^^'^'' '"^^''" ' ^^"'^ ^^'
Wo 'Iml P'-opared for death. Even for our kitchens
\N e kill the fowl of season : shall we serve Heaven
N\ith less rospccL than we do minister
1 our gross selves ? Good, good mv lord, bethink you •
^^ho is iL that hath died for this oncnce ? ^ '
ihcre 's many have coaimiltcd it.
JMcio. [To Asc/Z,'.] Ay well said
^"^'sle'^t^ ^^^^ ^'"^^'^ ''*''' ^^^"^ '^'■'^'-^' tliough it hath
Those many had not dared to do that evil
li the first that did the edict infringe
Had answered for his deed : now, 'Lis awake,
lakes note of what is done, and, like a prophet,
298
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MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Looks in a glass that shows what future evils. —
Either new, or by remissness new-coneeived,
And so in progress to be hatched and born, —
Are now to have no successive degrees,
lint, ere they Jive, to end.
fsab. Vpt show some pity.
Ang. I show it most of all when I show justice ;
For then I pity those I do not know.
Which a dismissed ofTence would alter gall,
And do him right I hat, answering one foul wrong,
Lives not to act another. De satisfied ;
Your brother dies to-morrow ; be content.
Isab. So you must be the first that gives this sentence.
And he that suffers. O ! 't is excellent
To have a giant's strength, but tvrannous
To use it like a giant.
Lucio. [To !s(ib.] That 's well said.
Isab. Could great men thunder
As Jove himself does, .Jove would ne'er be quiet.
For every pelting, potty ofticcr
Would use his heaven for thunder ; nothing but tliundcr.—
Merciful Heaven !
Thou rather with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt
Sjilitt'st the unweclgeahle and gnark'd oa'c,
Than the soft myrtle ; but man, proud man,
Drest in a little brief aulliorily,
Most ignorant of what he 's niost assured,
His glassy cssciice, — like an aii}.'rv ape.
Plays such fantastic tricks before' hia'n heaven
As make the angels weep ; who, with our spleens,
Would all themselves hxuaM mortal.
Lucio. [To Isab.] O, to him, to him, wench I He will
relent :
He 's coining ; I perceive 't.
Pror. [Aside] Pray Heaven, she win him !
Isah. We cannot weigh our brother with ourself :
Great men may jest with saints ; 'tis v.it in tiiem.
But in the less foul profanation.
Lucio. [ To Isab.] Thou 'rt in the right, girl ; more
o' that.
Isab. That in the captain 's but a clioleric word,
Which in the soldier is flat blasphemv.
Lucio. [To Isrb.] Art avised o' that ? more on 't.
Ang. Why do yon put these savings upon me ?
Isab. Because authority, thouch it err like others,
Halii yet a kind of medicine in itself,
That skins the vice o' the top. Go to vour bosom •
Knock there, and ask your heart, what'^it doth know
That s like my brother's fault : if it confess
A natural guiltiness, such as is his,
38— J* 297
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i
h
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act II Sc a
'I
't
m
Ang.
I sab.
Ang.
Jsab.
Let It not sound a thought upon your tongue
Against my brother's life.
Ang. [Aside] She speaks, and 't is
Such sense, that my sense breeds with 't. Fare you well
Isab. Gentle my lord, turn bacJc.
I will bethink me.— Come again to-morrow.
Hark, liow I 'il bribe you. Good my lord turn back.
How, I)ri!)o mc ?
Ay, with sucli gifts that Heaven shall share with
you.
Lucio. [To Is<t!>.] Vou had marred all else.
Isab. Not with fond shekels of the tested gold,
Or stones, whose rates are either rieh or poor
As fancy values them ; but with true prayers,
That shall be up at heaven, and enter there
lire sunrise, — prayers from preserved souls.
From fasting maids, whose minds are dedicate
To nothing temporal.
■^"Sl- Well ; come to me to-morrow.
Lucio. [To Isab.] Go to ; 't is well ; away I
Isab. Heaven keep your honour safe 1
Ang. [Aside] Amen :
For I nm that way going to temptation,
Where prayers cross.
^^"^- At what hour to-morrow
Shall I attend your lordship ?
-^"•'7' ^ -^^ ^"y *^i"^e 'fore noon.
Isab. Save your honour I
^ [F.xeuni Lucio, Isabella, and Provost
Anj. From thee,— even from thy virtue !—
What 's this ? what 's this ? Is this her fault or mine ?
The tempter or the tempted, who sins most, ha ?
Not she ; nor doth she tempt : but it is I,
That, lying by the violet in tlic sun,
Do, as the carrion does, not as the flower,
Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be,
That modesty may more betray our sense
Than woman's lightness ? Having waste ground enough,
bhall we desire to raze the sanctuarv.
And pitch our evils there ? O, fie, fie, fie I
What dost thou, or what art thou, Angelo ?
Dost thou desire her foully for those things
That moke her good ? O, let her brother live :
Thieves for their robbery have authority
When judges steal thcjusclves. What, do I love lier
Tliat I desire t>) licnr her speak a-^ain *
And feast upon her eyes ? WhatTs 't I dream on ?
O cunnmg enemy, that, to catch a saint.
With saints dost bait thy hook ! Most dangerous
Is that temptation that doth goad us on
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To sin in lovirif? virtue. Ne'er could the strumpet,
With all luT double viRour. jirt and nature,
Once stir my t» inpcr ; hut this virtuous maid
Subdues me quite. - I-^ver, till now.
When men were fond, I smiled, and wondered how.
[Exit
Scene III.— A Room in a Prison
Enter Duke, disfjiiised as a friar, and Prouost
Duke. Hail to you, j)r()vost ! — so I think you arc.
Prou. I am llie provosl. What 's your will, f,'ood frinr ?
Duke. Bound by my charily and my blessed order,
I come to visit the alllicLed spirits
Here in the i)risnn. Do me the common right
To let me see them, and to make me know
The nature of their crimes, that I may minister
To them accordingly.
Prov. I would do more than that, if more were needful.
Look, here comes one, — a gentlewoman of mine,
\Vho, falling in the flames of her own vouth,
Hath blistered her report. She is with child,
And he that got it, sentenced, — a young man
More fit to do another such offence
Than die for this.
Enter Juliet
Duke. When must he die ?
Prov. As I do think, to-morrow. —
[ To Juliet] I have provided for you : stay awhih;,
And you shall be conducted.
Duke. Repent you, fair one. of the sin you carrj' ?
Juliet. I do, and bear the shame most patiently.
Duke. I '11 teach you how you shall arraign your con-
science,
And try your penitence, if it be sound,
Or hollowly put on.
Juliet. I 11 gladly learn.
Duke. Love you the man that wronged you ?
Juliet. Yes, as I love the woman that wronged him.
Duke. So then, it seems, your most oUcnceful act
\Vas mutually committetl ?
Juliet. Mutually.
Duke. Then was your sin of heavier kind than his.
Juliet. I do confess it, and repent it, father.
Duke. 'T is meet so, daughter : but lest you do repent,
As that the sin hath brought you to this shame. —
Which sorrow is always toward ourselves, not Heaven,
Showing, we would not spare Heaven as we love it.
But as we stand in fear, —
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|.s £
[Exit
Julirl. I do r«'i)oiil mc, jis it is an evil,
And take tlie sluinie willi joy.
l^iil"''- There rest.
Your |):irtiicr. ns T henr. must die to morrow.
And 1 :\m goiii^ with inslriution to him.
Juliet, tir.ue j^o with you I
Diitxc. lirnnlirilc !
Juliet. Must die to-morrow ! (). injurious love,
That respites me a Ijfe, whose very eomfort
Is still a dyiii>^ liorror I
^'^"i'- 'Tis i)ily of him. [Kxeunt
ScF.Nij IV. — A Room in ANcr.i.o's Mouse
I' liter An onto
Ang. Wlien I would pray and thiiilv. I tliink and pray
To several siihjeets : Heaven h.illi my empty words,
Wiiilst my invention, hearing; not my Iom^<uc,
Anehors on Isabel : Heaven in my inoutii.
As if I dill but only chew Ids nanie.
And in my heart the strong and swiilint^ evil
Of my C()neei)tion. 'liie state, whereon I studied,
Is like a ,aood Ihinij. being often read.
Grown seared and tedious ; yea, my gravity,
Wiierein- iet no man hear me — I take pride,
Couid I, Willi boot, change for an idle plume
Which the air beats for vain. O place I O form I
flow often dost thou with thy case, thy habit.
Wrench awe from fools, and tic the wiser souls
To thy false seeming !— Blood, thou still art blood :
Let 's write good angel on tlie devil's horn,
'T Is not tlie devil's crest.
Enter a Servant
How now 1 who "s there ?
^^''"- One Isabel, a sister.
Desires access to you.
^ '^"(J- Teach her the way. [Exit Servant
O heavens I
Why does my blood thus miister to my heart.
Making both it unable for ilselt.
And iii,>>p().sst ssing all my other parts
Of necessary fitness ?
So play the foolish throngs with one that swoons ;
Come all to help him, and so stop llie air
By whicli he should revive : and oven so
The general, subject to a well-wished king.
Quit their own p;:t, and in obsequious fondness
Crowd to his presence, where their untaught love
Must needs appear olTence.
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Act II Sc iv
Enter Isaul:lla
Isnb. I
nm come to know your plonsiirc
How now, fair maid ?
enow _
Ang. Tiiat you might know
please me
it, would much better
Than to (hmand what 't is. Your l)rollier cannot live.
Isab. Even so. — Heaven keep your honour I [Hetirinj
Anrf. Yet may he live awhile ; and, it may be.
As long as you, or I : yet he must die.
Isab. Under your sentence.
Ang. Yea.
Isab. Wlien, I beseech you ? that in his reprieve,
Longer or shorter, he may be so fitted
That his soul sicken not.
Ang. Ha I flc, these filthy vices I 'T were as good
To pardon him that hath from nature stolen
.\ man already made, as to remit
Their saucy sweetness that do coin Heaven's image
In stamps that are forbid : 't is all as easy
Falsely to take away a life true made.
As to put m< *n restrained means,
To make a la one.
Isab. 'T is .-t down so in heaven, but ^ in enrth.
Ang. Say you so? then I shall pose >. kly.
Which had you rather, that the most just la\
Now took your brother's life : or, to redeem hini.
Give up your body to such s.oet uncleanness
As she that he hath stained ?
J^<^b. Sir, believe this,
I had rather give my body than mv soul.
Ang. I talk not of your soul, bur compelled sins
Stand more for number than accompt.
{^"^' How say you ?
Ang. Nay, I'll not warrant that ; for I can speak
Agamst the thing I say. Answer to this :—
I, now the voice of the recorded law,
Pronounce a sentence on your brother's life :
Might there not be a charity in sin
To save this brother's life ?
^ -^s^*- Please you to do 't,
I '11 take it as a peril to my soul :
It is no sin at all, but charily.
Ang. Pleased you to do 't, nt peril of vour soul,
\Nere equal poise of sin and churiiy.
Isab. That I do beg liis life, if it be sin,
Heaven, let mc bear't ! you granting of my suit,
If that be sin, I 'II make it my morn-prayer
To have it added to the faults of mine,
And nothing of vour answer.
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Act II Sclv
mi:asii\r for measure
Ang. Nay. but hoar mo.
Your sense pursues not mine : cither you are ignorant,
Or seem so. eraflily ; and that 's not good.
hdh. I,.! lue be ignorant, and in notliing good
Rut graciously to know I atn no l)etter.
Amj. Thus wisdom wislies to appear most l)riglit
Wlien it doth tax itself : as tliese black masks
Proclaim an enshield beauty ten times louder
Tliau beauty could, displayed.- Rut mark nie ;
To be received plain, I "11 speak more gross :
^()ur brother is to die.
Isah. So.
An//. And his offence is so, as it appears
.\ccountanl to the law upon lliat pain.
Isitb. True.
Ang. Admit no other way to save his life, —
As I subscribe not that, nor any other,
Rut in the loss of question. — that you. his sister,
I'inding yourself desired of such a person,
^Vhose cri'dil with the judge, or own great place,
Could fetch your brother from the manacles
Of the all-building law ; and th;;t there were
Xo earthly mean to save him. but that eilhei
You must lay down the treasures of your body
To this supi)osejl, or else to let him sutler ;
^Vhat would you do ?
Isab. As much for my poor brother as myself :
That is. were I under the terms of death,
Tiic impression of keen whips I 'd wear as rubies,
And strip myself to dealii, as to a bed
That longing I 've been sick for, ere I 'd yield
.My body up to shame.
-^"'7- Then must your brother die.
hub. And 'twere the cheai)er way.
Retlcr it were, a brother died at once,
Than that a sister, by redeeming him,
Should die for ever.
Ang. Were not you then as cruel as the sentence
That you have slandered so ?
Isab. Ignomy in ransom, and free pardon.
Are of two houses : lawful mercv
Is nothing akin to foul redcippf fon.
Ang. You seemed of la;e*to make the law a tyrant ;
And rather proved the sliding of your brother
A morrimenl than a vicf:.
Isab. O, pardon me, my lord I it oft falls out.
To have what we would have, we speak not what we mean.
I something do excuse the thing I hate,
For his advantage that I dearly love.
Ang. We arc all frail.
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Act II Sciv
hah. ri',(. let my brother die,
If not a fpdnry, but only hi-.
Owe and succeed thy weakness.
Anff. Nay, women are fniii Joo.
Isnb. Ay, as the glasses where they view themselves ;
Which are as easy broke as they make f«)rtTis.
Women I— Help Heaven ! men their crea ion mar
In prolitin« by them. Nay, call us ten t.mes frail,
For wc are soft as our complexions are.
And credulous to false prints.
Antj. I think it well :
And from this testimony of your own sex, -
Since, I suppose, wc 're made to l)c no stronger
Than faults may shake our frames,— let me In- hold : —
1 do arrest your words. He that you are.
That Is, a woman ; if you he more, you 're none ;
If you be one, — as you are well expressed
r»y all external warrants, — show it now
\iy putting on the destined livery.
Istib. I have no tongue hut one : gentle my lord.
Let me entreat you speak the fornuT language.
Ang. Plainly conceive, I love you.
Isab. .Mv brother did love Juliet ; and you tell me,
That he shall die for't.
Antj. He shall not, Isabel, if you give me love.
Isab. I know, your virtue hath a license in 't,
Which seems a little fouler that it is,
To pluck on others.
Ang. Believe me, on mine honour,
My words express my purpose.
Isab. Ha I little honour to be much believed.
And most pernicious purpose I — Seeming, seeming !—
I will proclaim thoe. Angelo ; look for 't :
Sign me a present pardon for my brother.
Or with an outstretched throat I '11 tell the world
Aloud what man thou art
Ang. Who will believe thee, Isabel ?
My unsoiled name, the austereness of my life.
My vouch against you, and my place i' the state,
Will so your accusation ovcrweigh.
That you shall stifle in your own rei)ort.
And smell of calumny. I have begun.
And now I give my sensual race the rein :
Fit thy consent to my sharp appetite.
Lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes
That banish what they sue for, redeem thy brother
By yielding up thy body to my will ;
Or else he must not only die the death,
But thy unkindncss shall his death draw out
To lingering suflerance. Answer me to-morrow,
303
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Act III Sci
pi
B1
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Hi
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I
Or, by the affection that now guides me most,
I '11 prove a tyrant to him. As for you,
Say what you can, my false o'erweiglis your true. [Exit
I sab. To whom should I complain ? Did I tell this,
Who would believe me ? O perilous mouths I
That bear in them one and the selfsame tongue,
Either of condemnation or approof,
Bidding the law make courl'sy to tlieir will,
Hooking both right and wrong to the appetite,
To follow as it draws I I '11 to my brother :
Though he hath fallen by prompture of the blood.
Yet hath he in him such a mind of honour.
That, had he twenty heads to tender down
On twenty bloody blocks, he 'd yield them up,
Before his sister should her body stoop
To such abhorred pollution.
Then, Isabel, live chaste, and, brother, die :
More than our brother is our chastity.
I '11 tell him yet of Angolo's request.
And fit his mind to death, for his soul's rest. [Exit
ACT THREE
Scene I.- -A Room in the Prison
Enter Duke, as a friar, Claudio, and Provost
Duke. So, then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo ?
Claud. The miserable have no other medicine.
But only hope :
I have hope to live, and am prcpar3d to die.
Duke. Be absolute for death ; either death or life
Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life : —
If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing
That none but fools would keep ; a breath thou art.
Servile to all the skyey infl'iences
That dost this habitation, where thou keep'st.
Hourly inflict : merely, thou art death's tool ;
For him thou Ir.'jour'st by thy flight to shun,
And yet runn'st toward iiim still. Thou art not noble ;
For all the accommodations that thou bear'st
Are nursed by baseness. Thou art by no means valiant ;
For thou dost fear the soft and tender fork
Of a poor worm. Thy best of rest is sleep,
And that tliou oft provok'st, yet grnsRJy fcar'st
Thy death, ^\hich is no more." Thou 'rL not thyself;
For thou exist'st on many a thousand grains
That issue out of dust. Happy thou art not ;
For what thou hast not, stilf thou striv'st to get,
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i
And -vvhnt thou hast, forgett'st. Thou art not certain •
I'or thy complexion shifls to si range allccls,
After the moon. If thou art ricli, thou 'rt poor ;
l^or, like an ass whose back with ingots bows
Thou bear'st thy heavy ric»ies but a journey,'
And death unloads thee. Friend hast thou none :
Jbor thine own bowels, which do call thee sire
The mere effusion of thy proper loins,
Do curse the gout, serpigo, and the rheum,
l;or endmg tlue no sooner. Thou hast nor youth nor age
But, as It were, an after- -inor's sleep "<-" "or age,
Dreaming on both ; for all thy blessed youth
Becomes as aged and doth beg the alms
Of palsied eld ; and when thou 'rt old and rich
Thou 'st neilhcr heat, alTection, limb, nor beauty.
To make thy riches pleasant. What 's yet in this.
1 hat bears the name of life ? Yet in this life
Lie hid more thousand deaths : yet death we fear.
That makes these odds all even.
Claud I humbly thank you.
To sue to live, I fmd I seek to die ;
And, seeking death, find life : let it come on
Isab. [Withoiil] What, bo 1 Peace here; grace and
good company 1
Prou. Who 's there ? come in : the wish deserves a
welcome.
Duke Dear sir, ere long I '11 visit you again.
Claud. Most holy sir, I thank you.
Enter Isabella
Isab. My business is a word or two with Claudio
Prou. And very welcome.— Look, signior ; here's your
sister. jv/"i
Duke. Provost, a word with you.
rf^!^' r^ . As many as you please
Duke Bring me to hear them speak, where I may be
rr^\^'^\r . [^^^-^""^ Duke and Provost
Claud. Now, sister, what 's the comfort ">
All f , " hy, as
AH toniforts are ; most good, most good, indeed.
Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven,
intends you for his swift ambassador,
\\here you shall be an everlasting lieger :
1 hcrefore, your best appointment make with speed •
To-morrow you set on. '
^^"^^- ., Is there no remedy ?
isab. None, but such remedy as, to save a liead
lo cleave a heart in twain.
^J'H"^' V , .. ^"t is there any ?
Isab. \es, brother, you may live:
3or.
lM^ii:^£^i^^m^
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Act III Sci
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m^
There is a devilish mercy in the judge,
^f you '11 implore it, that will free your life,
liut fetter you till death.
Claud. Perpetual durance ?
Isab. Ay, just ; perpetual durance, — a restraint.
Though all the world's vastidity you had,
To a determined scope.
Claud. But in what nature ?
Isah. In such a one as, you consenting to 't,
Would bark your honour from that trunk'you bear.
And leave you naked.
Claud. Let me know the point.
Isah. O, I do fear thee, Claudio ; and I quake,
Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain,
And six or seven winters more res'iect
Than a perpetual honour. Dar' thou die ?
The sense of death is most in app.ehension.
And the poor beetle that we tread upon,
In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great
As when a giant dies.
Claud. Why give you me this shame ?
Think you I can a resolution fetch
From flowery tenderness ? If I must die,
I will encounter darkness as a bride
And hug it in mine arms.
Isab. There spake my brother : there my father's grave
Did utter forth a voice. Yes, thou must die :
Thou art too noble to conserve a life
In base appliances. This outward-sainted deputy—
Whose settled visage and deliberate word
Nips youth i' the head, and follies doth emmew
As falcon doth the fowl— is yet a devil :
His filth within being cast, he would appear
A pond as deep as hell.
Claud. The princely Angelo ?
Isab. O, 't is the cunning livery of hell,
The damned'st body to invest and cover
In princely guards ! Dost thou think, Claudio,—
If I would yield him my virginity.
Thou mightst be freed.
Claud. o heavens I it cannot be.
Isab. Yes, he would give 't thee, from this rank offence
So to offend him still. This night 's the time
That I should do what I abhor to name.
Or else thou diest to-morrow.
9' t'- Thou Shalt not do 't.
Jsah. O, were it but my life,
I 'd throw it down for vour deliverance
As frankly as a pin.
Claud. Thanks, dear Isabel.
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Isab Be ready, CI. udio, for your death to-morrow.
C/aud. \ es.— Has he allections in him,
That thus can make him bite the law by the nose,
\v lien he would iorce it ? Sure, it is no sin ;
Or of the deadly seven it is the least.
Isab. Which is the least ?
Claud. If it were damnable, he, being so wise.
Why would he for the momentary trick
Be perdurably fmed ?— O Isabel I
Isab. What says my brother ?
?i'!i"'' A , . . . ,., ^^•'^th 's a fearful thing.
Isab. And shamed life a hateful.
Claud. Ay, but to die, and go wo know not where :
lo lie m cold obstruclion, and to rot ;
This sensible warm motion to become
A kneaded clod ; and the delighted spirit
To badie in ;'iery floods, or to reside
In thrilling regions of thick-ribbed ice ;
To be imprisoned in the viewless winds.
And blown with restless violence round about
The pendant world ; or to be worse th;:n worst
Of those that lawless and incertain thoughts
Imagine howling 1— 't is too horrible.
The weariest and most loathed worldly life,
That age, ache, penury, and imprisonment
Can lay on nature, is a paradise
To what we fear of death.
Isab. Alas 1 alas I
.x.?^x"^' S^'^e*^ sister, let me live.
What sm you do to save a brother's life.
Nature dispenses with the deed so far
That it becomes a virtue.
^ {^^^- O you beast 1
n faithless co\.ard ! O dishonest wretch I
\\ ilt thou be made a man out of my vice ?
Is 't not a kind of incest, to take life
From thine own sister's shame ? What should I think •>
Heaven shield, my mother played my father fair '
lor such a warped slip of wilderness
Xe'er issued from his blood. Take my defiance ;
Oie, perish 1 Might but my bending down
Reprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed.
1 11 pray a thousand prayers for thy death, —
Ao word to save thee.
Claud. Nay, hear me, Isabel.
Isab. Q^ flg^ l>jp fjg J
Thy sin 's not accidental, but a trade. ' ' ' "
Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd :
T IS best that thou diest quickly. [Going
^'°"«- O hear me, Isabella 1
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Re-enter Duke
Duke. Vouchsafe a Avord, young sister, but one word
Isab. \Vliat is your will ?
Duke Mij,'ht you dispense with your leisure, I would
by-and-by have some speech with vou : the satisfaction I
would require is likewise your own bonelit.
Isab. I have no superfluous leisure : my stav must be
stolon out of other alTairs ; but I will attend you awhile
Duke. [Aside to Claudin] Son, I have overheard wliat
hath passed between you and your sister. Angelo had
never the purpose to corrupt her ; only he hath made an
assay of her virtue, to practise his judgment with the dis-
position of natures : she, having the truth of honour in her
hath made him that gracious denial which he is most glad
to receive. I am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to
be true; therefore prepare yourself to death: do not
satisfy your r'^sniu' n with hopes that are fallible- to-
morrow you must d;e. Go to your knees, and make ready
, ^'«".«- ,.^et me tsk my sister pardon. I am so out of
love with lite, that I will sue to be rid of it
Duke Hold you there : farewell. [Exit Claudio
Provost, a word with you.
Re-enter Provost
Prov. What 's your will, father ?
Duke. That now you are come, you will be gone. Leave
me awhile with the maid : my mind promises with mv
habit no loss shall touch her by my company.
Prov. In good time. ' r^^^.,-^
Duke. The hand that hath made you fair hath made
you good: the goodness that is cheap in beauty makes
beauty brief in goodness ; but grace, being the soul of your
complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault
that Angelo hath made to you, fortune hath conveyed to
my understanding : and but that fraUty hath examples for
his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. How will you do
to content this substitute, an^' to save your brother ?
Isab. I am now going to resolve him, I had rather my
brother die by the law than my son should be unlawfully
t>orn. But O now much is the good duke deceived in
Angelo ! If ever he return, and I can speak to him, I will
open my lips in vain, or discover his government.
Duke. That shall not be much amiss : vet, as the matter
now stands, he will avoid your accusal ion,— he made trial
of you only. Tiit'ivforf fusten your ear on my advisings •
10 tne love I ha\e in doing good a remedy oresents itself
1 do make myself believe that you may most'uprighteously
do a poor wronged lady a merited beneiit ; redecn your
brother from the angry law ; do no stain to your own gracious
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person I and much please the absent duke, if, peradventure
he shrm ever return to have hearing of this business '
IS n> Let me hear you speak further. I have soirit to
do anything that appears not foul in the truth of my spirit
Duke Virtue is l)old, and Roodness never fearful Have
you not heard speak of Mariana, the sister of Frederick the
great soldier who miscarried at sea ? rcaerick the
withler iamT ^'"''^ °^ ^^^ '''''^' '""^ ^°°^ ^°^^^ ^'^"*
Di'ke She should this Angelo have married: was
nmanced to him by oath, and the nuptial appoint7cf
between w^uch time of the conlract, and lim t of the
solemnity, her brother Frederick was wrecked at sea, hav n«
in that perished vessel the dowry of his sister. But m- ?k
how heavily this befell to the poor gentlewoman : therTshe
lost a noble and renowned brother! in his love ton^.rd he?
ever most kind and natural ; with him the portion and „ew
o her fortune, her marriage-dowry ; with both her com
binate husband, tliis well-se.mina An-.-lo ' "^
Isab. Can this be so ? Did Angela so leave her ?
Duke Left her in her tears, and dried not one of them
NMth his comfort; swallowed his vows whole, pre^emS
]^'J^'''^;'^^^'oi6}sho^..av; in few, bestowed^hei on "r
own lamentation, which sne yet wears for hi« sake ; and he
Isal Wl'T ''"''' Jf "^'^^^'^^''^ '''''' '^''^' "^"f vel^nL not''
n^oj^w \. "" T''''^ ''■*"''^ '^ ^" ^f'-^'t'^ to take this poor
wil n.M K ^"' ''v^'^ ; 7"'^'^^ corruption in this life, thaH
will let this man live !-lint how out of this ct.n she avail>
Duke It is a rupture that vou may easilv heal • and the
Isab. Show me how, good father.
Duke. This fore-named maid h;ifh vet in her the con-
tinuance of her first atTection : his uniust unkindness U "t
in all reason should have quenched lu'r loxe, I dl 1 ke 4
impediment^in the current, made it more violent an u r-ih
Go you to Angelo ; answer Ids requiring with a plaus le
obedience; agree with his demands to the point onlv
reler yourself to this advantage,~first, that vour s tav wS
I ni may no be long ; Ih.t the time mav have all shadow
and silence m it; and the place ansv^vr to convenience
H being granted in course, now toiiows all:-w"shai
in vonr nnV''''-^^^^^^^ '""'^ ^" ^^^"^' "I' >-"^'^ appointment, go
n your place ; if the encounter aekno vicdge itself hereallt r,
't may compel him to her recompense : and here Iw tM«
i- >our ijiotiier saved, your hoiiou'- untainted the noor
Mariana advantaged, and the corrup. deputy sc'aled ^'it
uiid will I frame, and make fit for his alteuipt. If vou think
el to carry this as you may, the doubieness of the be [■ it
ucfends Uie deceit from reproof. What tliiuk you oh"?
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Act III Scii
Isab. The image of it Rives me content alrcadj
trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection.
Duke. It lies much in your holding up. H;isle
and I
you
speedily to Angelo : if for this nifht he entreat you to^his
bed, give him promise of s:itislaelion. I will presently to
St. Luke's ; there, at the moated fjrange, resides this de-
jected Mariana. At that place call upon me ; and dispatch
with Angelo, that it may !)e quickly.
Isab. I thank you ior this comfort. Fare you well,
good father. ' [Exeunt
m
V.4" -
\Xl
Wf
ScE.VE II.— The Street before the Prison
Enter, on one side, ihc Diki:, as friar; on the other,
Ei.BOW and Officers, with Pompey
Elb. Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you will
needs buy and sell men and women like beasts, we shall
have all the world drink brown and white bastard.
Duke. O heavens I what stuff is here ?
Pom. 'T was never merry world, since, of two usuries,
the merriest was put down, and the worser allowed by
order of law a furred gown to keep him v^arni ; and furred
with fox and lamb-skins too, to signifv that craft, being
richer than innoooncy, stands for the facing.
Elb. Come your way, sir.—Bless you, good father friar.
Duke. And yo i, good brother father. What oflence
hath this man made you, sir ?
Elb. ]Marry. sir, he bath offended the law: and, sir, we
take him to be a thief too, sir ; for we have found upon him,
sir, a strange picklock, which we have sent to the deputy.
Duke. Fie, sirrah ! a bawd, a wicked bawd I
The evil that thou causcst to be done.
That is thy means to live. Do thou but think
V.'hat 't is to cram a maw or clothe a back
From such a filthy vice : say to thyself, —
From tlieir abominable and beastly touches
I driiik. I eat, array myself, and live :
Cansi Ihou believe thy living is a life.
So stinkingly depending ? Go mend, go mend.
Pom. indeed, it does stink in some sort, sir ; but yet
sir, I would prove— '
Duke. Nay, if the devil have given ihee proofs for sin,
1 ou wilt prove his. Take him to prison, omcer ;
Correction and instruction must both v.ork
Ere this rude beast will profit.
Elb. He must before the deputy, sir ; he has given him
warning. The deputy cannot abide a whoremaster : if he
be a whoremonger, and comes before him, he were as yood
go a mile on his errand.
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Duke. That we were all, as some would seem to be,
tree from our faults, as from fmilts seeming free I
Elb. His neck will come to your waist,— a cord, sir.
i'om I spy comfort : I cry, bail. Here 's a gentleman,
and a friend of mine. ^ '
Enter Lucio
Lucio. How- now, noble Pompey ! What, at the wheels
of Caesar? Art thou led in triumph ? Wliat, is there none
or Pygmalion s images, newly made woman, to be had now
for putting the hand in the pocket and exlracling it
clutched? NVHiat reply? Ha? What say'st thou to this
tune, matter, and method ? Is't not drowned i' the last
rain, ha ? What say'st thou, trot ? Is the world as it
was, man ? Which is the way ? Is it sad and few words
or how ? The trick of it ?
Duke. Still thus, and thus : still worse 1
Lucio. How doth my dear morsel, thy mistress *>
Procures she still, ha ? j ■
• f °^\, T^'o'-h, sir, she hath eaten up all her beef, and she
IS herself in the tub.
Lucio. Why, 't is good ; it is the right of it ; it must
be so : ever your fresh whore, and your powdered bawd •
an unshunned consequence ; it must be so. Art going to
prison, Pompey ? t> &
Pom. Yes, 'faith, sir.
Lucio. Why, 't is not amiss, Pompey. Farewell: go :
say, I sent thee thither. For debt, Pomocv, or how *>
Mb. For being a bawd, for being a bawd,
♦u"^^^^'^' ,^\*^"' ^'^^^ imprison him. If imprisonment be
the due of a bawd, why, 't is his right : bawd is he, doubt-
less, and of antiquity too ; bawd-born. Farewell, good
Pompey Commend me to the prison, Pompcv. You will
turn good husband now, Pompey; you will keep the
house. '
Pom. I hope, sir, your good worship, will be niv bail.
Lucio No, indeed, will I not, Pompey; it is ^lol the
wear. I will pray, Pompey, to increase vour bo:i<!ago • if
you take it not patiently, wliy, your mettle is the more
Adjcu, trusty Pompey.— iilcss you, friar.
Duke. And you
Lucio. Does Bridget paint still, Pompey, ha ?
Lib. Come your ways, sir ; come.
Pom. You will not bail me then, sir ?
/-ucio. Then, Pompey, nor now.— What news abroad,
fnar ? What news ?
Elb. Come your ways, sir ; conic.
Lucio. Go to kennel, Pompey; go. [Exeunt Elbow,
and Officers with Pompe'j] What news, friar, of the duko •>
Duke. I know none. Can you tell mo of any ?
311
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MEASURE FOR MEASURE Act III Sc U
iMcio. Some say, he is with the emperor of Russia ;
other some, he is in Rome : but where is he, thmk you ?
Duke. I know not where ; but wheresoever, I wisli
^'7ucfo"' It was a mad fantastical trick of him. to steal
from the state, and usurp the beggary he was never born
to. Lord Anfido dukes it well in his absence : he puis
transgression to 't.
Duke. He does well in 't. , , , v.
fMcio. A ntUc more lenity to lechery would do no harm
in him : something too crabbed that way, friar.
Duke. It is too general a vice, and severity must cure it.
/ ucio Yes, in good sooth, the vice is of a great kmdrcd •
but it is impossible to extirp it quite, friar,
till eating and drinking be put down. They say, this
it is well allied
Angelo was not made by man and woman, after this down-
right way of creation : is it true, think you ?
Duke. How should he be made, then ?
iMcio. Some report, a sea-maid spawned him ; some,
that he was begot between two stock-fishes. Tint it is
ce-tain, that when h- makes water, his urine is congealed
ic.^ : that I know to be true ; and he is a motion generative,
that 's infallible.
Duke. You are pleasant, sir, and speak apace.
■ ucio. Why, what a ruthless thing is this in him, for
the rebellion of a codpiece to take away the life of a man •.
Would the duke that is absent have done this ? Ere he
would have hanged a man for the getting a hundred
bastaros, he would have paid for the nursing a thousand.
He had some feeling of the sport : he knew the service,
and that hislructed him to mercy. ^ ^ , , a
Duke. I never heard the absent duke much detected
for women : he was not inclined tnat way.
Lucio. O, sir, you are deceived.
Duke. 'T is not possible.
Lucio. Who? not the duke? yes, your beggar^ of
fifty, and his use was to put a ducat in her claek-dish. i he
duke had crotchets in him : he would be drunk too ; that
let me inform vou.
Duke. You do him wrong, surely.
Lucio. Sir, I was an inward of his. A shy fellow was tlie
duke • and I believe I know the cause of his withdrawing.
Duke. What, I prithee, might be the cause ?
Lucio No,— pardon ; 't is a secret must be locked within
the teeth and the l!p<i ; but this I can let you understand.—
the greater fde of the subject held the duke to be wise.
Duke. Wise ? whv, no question but he was.
Lucio. A very superficial, ignorant, unwcighing fellow.
Duke. Either this is envy in you, folly, or mistaking :
the very stream of his life, and the business he hath helmed,
312
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Act III ScU
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
must, upon a warranted need, give him a bettor proclama-
tion. Let liim be but tcsUmonied in liis own bringiuf-s-iorth,
and he shall appear to the envious a scholar, a slalcsman,
and a soldier. 'I'hircforc, you speak unskilfully ; or, if your
knowledge be more, it is much darkened in your malice.
Lucio. Sir, I know him, and I love him.
Duke. Love talks with better knowledge, and know-
ledge with dearer love.
Lucio. Conic, sir, I know what I know.
Duke. I can hardly bclifve that, since vou know not
what you speak. liut, if ever the duke rolnrn — as our
prayers are he may— let me desire you to make your
answer before him : if it be honest you have spoke, you
have courage to maintain it : I am bound to call upon you ;
and, I pray you, your name ?
Lucio. Sir, my name is Lucio ; well known to the duke.
Duke. He shall know you better, sir, if I may live to
report you.
Lucio. I fear you not.
Dukr. O, you hope the duke will return no more, or
you imagine me loo unhurlful an opposite. But, indeed,
[ can do you little harm ; you'll forswear this again.
Lucio. I '11 be hanged hrst : thou art deceived in me,
friar. But no more of this. Canst tiiou tell if Claudio
die to-morrow or no ?
Duke. V\liy should he die, sir ?
Lucio. Why I for filling a bottle with a tun-dish. I
would the duke we talk of were returned again : this un-
genitured agent will unpeople the province willi con-
tinency ; sparrovvs must not buikl in his house-eaves, be-
cause they are lecherous. The duke yet would have dark
deeds darkly answered ; he would never brhig them to light :
would he were returned ! Ahirrv, this Ciaudio is condemned
for untrussing. 1-arewell, good friar; I i)rithce, pray for me.
Tiie duke, I say to thee again, would eat mutton onVridays.
He 's now past it ; yet, and I sav to thee, he would mouth
with a bcgyar, though she smelt brown bread and garlic :
[Exit
Si'y, that I said so. h'areweil
Duke. No might nor greatness in mortality
Can censure scape ; back-wounding calumny
The whitest virtue strikes. What king so strong
Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue ?
But who comes here ?
Enter Escalus, Provojt, and Ofjlcers, with Mistress
vJ VEKDONE
Escal. Go ; away with her to prison I
Mrs. Ov. Good my lord, be good to me ; your honour
i^ accounted a merciful man ; good my lord.
Escal. Double and treble admonition, and still forfeit
313
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MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act III Sc ii
in the same kind ? Tliis would malce mercy swear and play
the tyrant. . ,, ..
Prov. A bawd of eleven years' continuance, may it
please vour honour.
Mrs 'Ov My lord, this is one I.ucio's uiformation aRainst
me. -Mistress Kate Keepdown was with child by hini in
the duke's time ; he promised her marriage ; his child is
a year and a quarter old, come Philip and Jacob ; I have
kept it myself ; and see how he goes about to abuse me 1
Escal That follow is a fellow of much license :— let
him be called belorc us.— Away with her to prison 1 Go
to; no more words. [Exeunt OtJlcers witli Mistress Ov.]
Provost, my brother Angelo will not be altered ; Uaudio
must die to-morrow. Let him be furnished with divines,
and have all charitable preparation : if my brother wrought
bv niv Pitv, it should not be so with him. . ^ , .
' Pruv. So please vou, this friar halh been with bun,
and advised him for\lie enlerlaiiuneat of dealli.
Escal. Good even, good father.
Duke. Bliss and goodness on you.
Escal. Of whence are you ?
Duke. Not of this country, lliough my chance is now
To use it for my time : I am a brother
Of gracious order, late come from the See
In special business from his holiness.
Escal. What news abroad i' the world ?
Duke. None, but that there is so great a fever on good-
ness, that the dissolution of it must cure it : novelty is
only in request ; and it is as dangerous to be aged m any
kind of course, as it is virtuous to be constant in any under-
taking There is scarce truth enough alive to make societies
secure, but securitv enough to make fellowships accursed.
Much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of the world. This
news is old enough, yet it is every day's news. I pray you,
sir, of what disposition was the duke ? . ^ ^
Escal. One that, above all other strifes, contended
especially to know himself.
Duke. What pleasure was he given to ?
Escal. Rather rejoicing to see another merry, than
merry at anything which professed to make him rejoice :
a gentleman"^of all temperance. But leave we him to his
events, with a prayer they may prove prosperous ; and
let me desire to know how you find Claudio prepared. I
am made to understand that you have lent him visitation.
fitifcp. He professes to have received no sinister measure
from his judge, but most willingly humbles himself to the
determination of uislice ; vet had he framed to himself,
by the instruction of his frailty, many deceivmg promists
of life ; which I. by my good leisure, have discredited to
him, and. now is he resolved to die.
314
Act IV Scl
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MEASURE FOR MEASURE
E.ical. You have paid tlu* hcavons your function, and
the prisoner tlic very debt of your c.iiiiny. I have ial>ourcd
for the poor RcntltMnan to tiic oxtrenu'st shore of my
modesty; l)ut n^y l)r()lher justice liave I louiid so severe,
that he hath forced me fo tell liim lie is Indeed .hislice.
Duke. If his own life answer liie strait ncss of his pro-
ccedinf,', it shall become him well ; wherein if he chance
to fail, he hath sentenced himself.
Escal. I am fioinf? to visit the prisoner. Fare you well.
Duke. Peace he with you I
I l-'.xeunl Escahis and Provost
He who the sword of heaven will bear
Should be as holy as severe ;
Pattern in hinisiif to know,
Grace to stand, and virtue ^jo ;
More nor less to others iiayinif
Than by solf-ofTences weitiliiiii'.
Shame to him whose cruel sliiking
Kills for faults of his own Viking, !
Twice treble shame on An.^el(),
To weed my vice and let his arow I
O, what may man within him hide.
Though angel on the outward side I _
How may likeness made in crimes,
Masking, practise on the times.
To draw with idle spiders' strings
Most ponderous and substantial things !
Craft against vice I nuist apply :
With Angelo to-night shall lie
His old betrothed, but despised :
So disguise shall, by the disguised,
Pay with falsehood false exacting,
And perform an old contracUng. [Exit
ACT FOUR
Scene I. — The Moaled Grajige at St. Lu!-e's
Mauiaxa discovered sitting ; a Boy sirKjing
Song
Take, O, take those lips aivatj.
That so sweellij were forsworn ;
And those cues, the break of dan.
Lights that do mislead the morn :
Bat my kisses bring again,
Bring again.
Seals of love, but sealed in vain,
Sealed in vain.
315
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MEASURi: FOR MKASrHF-
Act IV Sc I
Mari. Rrenk off thy sonp. and Imsto thcc quick away :
Hon; comes a nuiii of comfort, wliosi' advice
Hath often slillcd my brawiiiifi discontent. — [Exit Boi'
Enter rJuKi:, disguised us bifofe
I cry you mercy, sir ; and well could wish
You had not found me liere so musical :
Let me excuse me. and believe me so,
My mirth it much disi)leascd. bul pleased my woe.
Duke. 'T is pood : thouph music ofl liiilij sucii a charm
To ma' .)ad pood, and pood provoke to hiirm.
I pray \ou, tell me, hiitli anyhixly intpiired for mc here
to-day? much upon this time liave 1 promised here to
meet.
Mari. You have not been inquired after : 1 have sat
here idl day.
Duke, i do constantly believe you. — The time is come,
even now. I shiill crave your forliearanci- a lilile: may
he. I will call upon vou anon, for some advantage to your-
self.
Mari. I am always bound to you. [Exit
Enter Is.xnii.i.A
Duke. Very well met. and welcome.
What is the news Irom this pood deputy ?
/«'.'/>. II" hati! a parden circuiainiirrd with brick,
Wliose ^ stern Si.ic is \silli a vineyiTd backed ;
.\nd to that vineyard is a planched pate
That makes bis oja-niiip v^ilh this bipper key ;
This ctluT doth comiiiaad a liltle door
V hich from the vineyard to the garden leads ;
There have 1 made my |)roinise
I'pon the heavy middle of the nipht
To call upon him.
Duke. \iu[ shall yon on your knowledw find tliis way ?
/.S'//>. 1 've laen a due and wary no!e upon't ;
With whisi)eriiip inid most !-;iii!ty diii.u'ence,
In action ail of precept, be did show me
The way twice o'er.
Duke. Are there no other tokens
Between you 'f.;recd, concerninj^ her observance '?
Isiib. No, none, but onl> :; repair i' the dark ;
And that 1 have itossessed him my most slav
Can be but brief ; lor 1 have made him know
1 have a servant comes with me !i;oii:J.
That slays upon me ; whose persuasion is
1 come about my brother.
Duke. 'T is well borne up.
I have not yet made known to Mi;riana
A word of this. — What, ho I within I come forth !
316
Act IV Scii
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Re-enter Mariana
I pray you, be acquainted with this maid ;
She cotncs to do you good.
f*"''- i do desire tin- like.
Duke. Do you persuade yourself liiat I respect you ?
Man. (iood friar, I know you do, and have found U
^x£^'^'^' ''''''**^ ^''*^" ^'^'''* y"'"" t^'Hiipiinion hy tlie hand.
Who hath a story ready for your ear.
I shall attend your leisure : but nmkc h:\AQ ;
The vaporous night approaehes.
Muri. Will 't please you walk aside ?
_. , _^ , l/.'ic(//.7 Mariana and Isabella
Duke. O place and greatness, millions of false eves
Are stuck upon thee I volumes of report
Run with these false and most conlrarious quests
Upon thy doings 1 thousand escapes of wit
Make thee the father of their idle dreams.
And rack thee in their fancies !
Re-enter Mariana and Isahella
Welcome! How agreed ?
Isal). She '11 take the enterprise upon her, father.
If you advise it.
„ Duke. 'T is not my consent.
But my entreaty too.
„^/««^- L'ttle have you to say
V >>r:x you depart from him, but, soft and low,
" Remember now my brother."
■^^"/■'- ^^ Fear me not.
Duke. Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at all.
He is your husband on a i)re-contract :
To bring you thus together, 't is no sin,
Sith that the justice of your title to him
Doth nourish the deceit. Come, let us go •
Our corn 's to reap, for yet our Ulth 's to sow. [Exeunt
Scene II. — A Room in the Prison
Enter Provost and PoMi'iiv
Prov. Come hither, sirrah. Can you cut off a man's
head ?
Pom. If the man ; .i bachelor, sir, I can ; but if he
be a married mnn, lie is his wife's hoad, and 1 can never
cut oil a woman's head.
Prou. Come, sir : leave me vour snatches, and yield
me a direct answer. To-morrow morning are to die
(Jaudio and Barnardine. Here is in our prison a common
executioner, who in his oP'ce lacks a he, per : if you will
r*l7
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MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act IV Sc ii
take it on you to assist liim, it shall redeem ycu from your
gyves; if not, vou sluill have your full time of imprison-
ment, and your'dcUverancc with an unpiticd whipping, for
vou have been a notorious bawd.
^ Pom. Sir, I have been an unlawful bnwd, time -in of
mind ; but yet 1 will be content to be a lawfi'i l.-u.^rriin.
I would be glad to receive some instruction fron my fe'low
partner.
What ho, Abhorson
Prov.
Abhor.
Prov.
Where 's Abhor, .ri there v
Enter AnHORSON
Do vou call, sir ?
Sirrah, here 's a fellow will help you to-morrow
in your execution. If you think it meet, compound with
him by the year, and let him abide here with you ; if not,
use him for the present, and dismiss him. He cannot
plead his estimation with you : he hath been a ba\,d.
Abhor. A bawd, sir 1 lie upon him 1 he will discredit
our mvstery.
Prov. Go to, sir ; you weigh equally ; a feather wib
turn the scale. [Exit
Pom. Pray, sir, by your good favour, — fur surely, sir,
a good favour you have, but that you have a hanging
look,— do you call, sir, your occupation a mystery ?
Abhor. Ay, sir ; a mystery.
Pom. Painting, sir, I have lieard say, is a mystery ;
and your whores, sir, being members of my occupation,
usin^ paintinf'. do prove my occupation a mystery : but
what mystery there should be in hanging, if I should be
hanged, I cannot imagine.
Abhor. Sir, it is a mystery.
Pom. Proof ?
Afc^ior. Evcrv true man's apparel fits your thief. If
it be loo iittle for vour thief, your true man thinks it big
enough ; if it be too big for your thief, your thief thinks it
little enough : so, every true man's apparel fits your thief.
Re-enter Provost
Prov. Are vou agreed ?
Pom. Sir, l" will serve him ; for I do find your hangman
is a more penitent trade than your bawd,— he doth oftener
ask forgiveness.
'^ ''. You, sirrah, provide your block and your axe
to- row four o'clock.
. hor Come on, bawd ; I will instruct thee in my
tr;-.. J : . 'ow.
Pom. i do desire to learn, sir ; and, I hope, if you have
occasion to use me for your own turn, you shall find me
yare ; for, truh , sir, for your kindness I owe you a good
turn.
.318 •
Act IV Sc U
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A
[Knocking within
[Hxit Claudia
Prov. Call hither Barnardine and Claiuiio :
[Exeunt Powpcy and Abhorson
The one has my pity ; not a jot the other.
Being a murderer, though he were my brother.
Enter Claudio
Look, here's the warrant, Claudio. for thy death:
'T is now dead midnight, and by eight to-morrow
Thou must be made inunorlal. Where's i^arnardiue ?
Claud. As fast locked up in sleep as guiltless labour
When it lies starkly in the traveller's bones :
He will not wake.
Prov. Who can do good on him ?
Well, go, prepnre yourself.
But hark, what noise ?
Heaven give your spirits comfort 1
By-and-by. —
1 hope it is some pardon or rei)rieve
I'or the most gentle Claudio. —
Enter Dukl, disguised as before
Welcome, fatlier.
Duke. The best and wholesom'st spirits ol liie night
Envelop you, good piovost ! Who called here of late ?
Prov. None, since the curfew rung.
Duke. Not Isabel ?
Prov. No.
Duke. I'bey will, then, ere't be long.
Prov. What comfort is for Claudio •
Duke. There 's some in hope.
Prov. It is a bitter deputy.
Duke. Not so, not so : his life is par;dleled
Even with the stroke and line of his great justice.
He doth with holy abstinence subdue
That in himself which be spurs on iiis power
To qualify in others : were he mealed with that
Which he corrects, then were he tyrannous ;
But this being so, he 's just. — [Knocking ivithin] Now
are they come. — [Exit Provost
This is a gentle provost : seldom when
The steeled gaoler is the fricn.l of men.
[ Knocking with in
How now ? What noise ? That spirit's possessed with
haste
That wounds the unsisting postern with these strokes.
Re-enter Provost
Prov. [speaking to one at the door] There he must stay,
until the ofTicer
Arise to let him in ; he is called up.
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Act IV Sc ii
'I
Diike. Have you no countermand for Claudio yet.
But he must die to-morrow ?
Prov. None, sir, none.
Duke. As near the dawning, provost, as it is.
You shall hear more ere morning.
Prou. Happily
You something know ; yet I believe there comes
No countermand ; no such example have we.
Besides, upon the very siege of justice
Lord Angelo hath to the public car
Professed the contrary.
Enter a Messenger
This is his lordship's man.
Duke. And here comes Claudio's pardon.
Mess. My lord hath sent you this note ; and by me
this further charge, — that you swerve not from the smallest
article of it, neither in time, matter, or other circumstance.
— Good morrow ; for, as I take it, it is almost day.
Prov. I shall obcj'^ him. [/•.".\i7 MessenQer
Duke. [Aside] This is his pardon, purchased by such
sin
For which the pardoner himself is in.
Hence hath otVence his quick celerity,
When it is borne in high authority :
When vice makes mercy, mercy s so extended.
That for the fault's love is the offender friended. —
Now, sir, what news ?
Prov. I told you, Lord Angelo, belike thinking me
remiss in mine ofTice, awakens me with this unwonted
putting-on ; niethinks strangely, for he hath not used
it before.
Duke. Pray you, let 's hear.
Prov. [Reads] Whatsoever you may hear to the contrary,
let Claudio be executed by four of tlie clock ; and, in the
afternoon, Barnardine. For my better satisfaction, let me
have Claudio's head sent me by five. Let this be duly per-
formed ; with a thought, that more depends on it than we
must yet deliver. Thus fail not to do your office, as you
will answer it at your peril. — What say you to this, sir ?
Duke. What is that Barnardine, who is to be executed
in the afternoon ?
Prov. A Bohemian born, but here nursed up and bred ;
one that is a prisoner nine years old.
Duke. How came it that the absent duke had not either
delivered him to his liberty or executed him ? I have
heard it was ever his manner to do so.
Prov. His friends still wrought reprieves for him : and,
indeed, his fact, till now in the govei iment of Lord Angelo,
came not to an undoubtful proof.
320
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Act IV Sc ii
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
4 Duke. It is now apparent ?
1 Prov. Most manifest, and not <]iMn"ed by himself.
Duke. Hath he borne himself penitently in prison ? how-
seems he to be touched ?
Proo. A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully
but as a drunken sleep ; careless, reckless, an 1 fearless ('f
what's past, present, or to come ; insensible of mortality
and desperately mortal. ' '
Duke. He ^vants advice.
Prov. He will hear none. He hath evermore had the
liberty of the prison ; give him leave to escape hence he
would not : drunk many times a day, if not many davs
entirely drunk. We have very oft awaked him, as if to
carry hir to execution, and showed him a seeming warrant
for it : it hath not moved him at all.
Duke. More of him anon. There is written in vour
brow, provost, honesty and constancy : if I read it" not
truly, my ancient skill beguiles me: but in the bol.iness
of my cunning I will lay myself in hazard. Ciaudio, whom
here you have warrant to execute, is no grealc I'orteit lo
tiie law than Angelo who hath sentenced him. To make
you understand this in a manifested etiect, I crave but
lour days' respite, for the which you ai-e to do me both
a present and a dangerous courtesy.
Prov. Pray, sir, in what ?
Duke. In the delaying death.
Proo. Alack, how may I do it,— having the hour limited
and an express command, under penalty, to deliver his
head m the view of Angclo ? I may make my case as
Llaudio s, to cross this in the smallest.
Duke By the vow of mine order, I warrant you, if
my instructions may be your guide. Let this Barnardine
be this morning executed, and his head borne to Angelo
the favou^"^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^" "'"" ^°^^' ^"^ ^"^ discover
ir.^H''\u^' ^^u^^i^ ^ S"*^^^ disguiser. and you may add
to it. Shave the head, and lie the beard ; and sav it
vvas the desire of the penitent to be so bared before his
aeath . you know, the course is common. If anythin-^
tall to you upon this, more than thanks and good fortune
my life.'"*' ''*''''" ^ ^^''^''^^' ^ ""'" '^^^''''^ ""^^'"'^ '^ "^'^^
n',a' w'"''''" "'^' ^°°'* ^''^^^''^^ ' it is against my oath.
Prl ^Z"^ ^■°'' I''''''" t'^ t'^*-' ^"'^*^' or to the deputy ?
Prov. To him, and to his substitutes. ^
D.'.'..^, \ou will think you have made no ofTence if
the duke avouch the justice of your dealing. '
Prov. But what hkelihood is in that ?
Duke. Not a resemblance, but a certainty. Yet sin^^e
see you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, no?
i
38— K
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i
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Act IV So iii
persuasi' m ^vilh ease altcmpt you, I will go further
than I 1 111. to ])luck all fears out of you. Look you,
sir, hero is Iht hand and seal of the duke : you know the
character, I doubL not ; and the signet is not strange to you.
Prov. I know tlicm both.
Duke. The contents of this is the return of the duke :
you shall anon over read it at your pleasure ; where you
shall find, within tliese two days he will be here. This is
a thing that Angolo knows not. for he tliis very day receives
letters of strange tenour ; perchance, of the duke's death,
perchance, entering into some monastery, but, by chance,
nothing of what is writ. Look, the unfolding star calls
up the shepherd. Put not yourself into amazement how
these things should be : all diniculties are but easy when
they are known. Call your executioner, and off witli
Barnardine's head : I will give him a present shrift, and
advise him for a better place. Yet you are amazed ; but
this shall absolutely resolve you. Come away ; it is
almost clear dawn. [Exeunt
m
l!
Bf
u
^1!
Scene IIL — Another Room in the Same
Enter Pompey
Pom. I am as well acquainted here, as I was in our
house of prof( ssion : one would think, it were Mistress
Overdone's own house, for here be many of her old cus-
tomers. Firsts here's young Master Rash; he's in for
a commiodity of brown piper and old ginger, nine-score
and seventeen pounds ; of which he made five marks,
ready money : marry, then, ginger was not much in re-
quest, for the old women were all dead. Then is tliere
here one Master Caper, at the suit of Master Three-pile
the mercer, for some four suits of peach-coloured satin,
which now peaches him a beggar. Then have we here
young Dizzy, and young Master Deep-vow, and Master
Copper-spur, and Master Starve-lackey the rapier-and-
dagger-man, and young Drop-heir that killed lusty Pudding,
and Master Forthright tho tiiter, and brave Master Shoe-tie
the great traveller, and wild Half-can that sti.bbed Pots,
and, I think, forty more ; all great doers in our trade,
and are now " for the Lord's s;\ke."
Enter Abuohsox
Abhor. Sirrah, bring Biirnardine hither.
Pom. Master Bamardino ! you must rise and be banged,
Master Barnardine.
At'hor. What, ho, Barna. Jine 1
Bar. [Within] A pox o' your throats I \Mio makes
that noise there ? What are you ?
322
Act IV Sc iii
MEASURE
Pom.
so good,
Bar.
Abhor.
Pom.
executed
A bhor.
Pom.
riis :c.
Abhor.
Pom.
FOR MEASURE
You must be
Your friends, sir: the hanc'man
sir, to rise and be put to death.
^"o^'W ^^^^'^y' yo" ropiie, av.iiy I 1 nni sleepv.
Tell him, he must awake, and that quickiv too
Pray, Master Harnardine, awake till you are
, and sleep afterwards.
Go in to him, and fetch him out.
He is coming, sir, he Is coming : I hear his straw
Is the axe upon the block, siriaii ?
Very ready, sir.
Enter Barnardine
?!'!!• ^^^^ ^''^^- -"^^liorson ? what 's the news with you •>
Abhor, iruly. sir, I would desire you to clap into your
players ; for, look you, the warrant's come
no{'nUed\''o" 'L^"''' ^ ^""^^ ^^"'^ clrinking all night : I am
Pom. O, the better, sir; for he that drinks all nislit,
und is hanged betimes in the morning, may sleep the
sounder all the next day. ^ ^
Abhor. Look you, sir ; here comes your ffhostlv father
Do we jest now, think you ? r feuobuy lamcr.
Enter Duke, discjuised as before
Dulce. Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing how
hastily you are to depart, I am come lo advise you, comfort
you, and pray with you.
■u.Tl'Ju'u''' ""' ^ • V'''"'''' ''^^" drinking hard all night,
and I Mill have more time to prepare me, or they sh^l
hts d^'a^v VJ''f'" ;"'•' ^"''^'- ^ ^^^' "«^ consent to die
inis tlay, tliat s certain.
I nf.HA':,. ^'f''' It"" '""'^ '■ '•''"^' ^•^^''^'fore, I beseet-h you,
Look forward on the journey you shaU go
sn-^w';; ^ ''''''''' ^ '"^"^ "°^ "^'^ ^""''^''y ^"^ a°y mail's per-
Buke. But hear you, —
i^ar Not a word : if you have anything to say to me
come to my ward; for tlience will not 1 To-day.^ [S
Xff"^'- ^."//ttolive, ordie. O gravel heart ^- ^
Aflcx hiin, fellows : bring him to tlie block.
[Exeunt Abhorson and Pompey
Enter Provost
Prov. Now, sir, how do you find the prisoner >>
A« 1 r"f '^ "'^^•^^"'".^ unprepared, unmeet for death :
And, 10 transport him in the mind he is.
Were damnable.
nJ'''^^\- . .^^. ^^^^ "^ the prison, father.
I here died this morni'-g of a cruel fever
323
¥ t
m^.
§'5
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act IV Sc iii
One Ragozine, a most notorious pirate,
A man of Claudio's years ; his beard and head
Just of his colour. What if we do omit
Tliis reprobate till he were well inclined,
And satisfy the deputy with the visage
Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio ?
Duke. O, 't is an accident that Heaven provides I
Despatch it presently : the hour draws on
I'relixed by Angelo. See this be done.
And sent ;!ceording to command, whiles I
Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die.
Prov. This siiall be done, good father, presently.
But Barnardine must die this nflcrnoon ;
And how shall we cck.IIiuu' Claudio,
To save me from the ilangcr that might come
If he were known alive '?
Duke. Let this be done, — put them in secret holds,
Both Barnardine and Claudio :
Ere twice the sun halh made his journal greeting
To the under generation, you shall fmd
Your safety manifested.
Prov. I am your free dependant.
Duke. Quick, despatch.
And send the head to Angelo. [Lxj7 Provost
Now will I write letters to Angelo —
The provost, he shall bear them — whose contents
Shall witness to him, I am near at home.
And that, by areat injunctions, I am bound
To enter publicly : him I '11 desire
To meet me at the consecrated fount,
A league below the city ; and from thence,
By cold gradation and well-balanced form,
We shall proceed with Angelo.
Re-enlcr Provost
Prov. Here is the head ; I '11 carry it myself.
Duke. Convenient is it. Make a swift return;
For I would commune witii you oi such things
That want no ear but yours.
Prov. I '11 make all speed. [Exit
Isab. [Within] Peace, ho, be here!
Duke. The tongue of Isabel.— Slic 's come to know
If yet her brother's pardon be come liilher :
But I will keep her ignorant of her s:;oo(l,
To make her heavenly coinfort of despair,
When it is least expected.
Enter Isabella
Isab. Ho, by your leave 1
Duke. Good morning to you, fair and gracious daughter.
324
Act IV Sc iii
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Isab. The better, given me by so holy a man.
Hath yet the (icputy sent my brother's pardon ?
Duke. He hiith reloiised him, Isabel, from the world.
His head is olT, and sent to Anfjelo.
Isnh. Nay, but it is not so.
Duke. It is no other : show your wisdom, daughter.
In your close patience.
Isab. O, I ^vill to him, and phu-k out his eyes !
Duke. You shall not be admitted to his si>j;ht.
Isab. Unhappy CJaudio I Wretched Isabel I
Injurious world ! Most d:;;ntic(i Anj^ilo I
Duke. This nor hurts Imiu, nor proliis you a jot ;
Forbear it therefore ; give your cause to Heaven,
rilark what I say to you. which you shall !ind
By every syllable a faitliful verily :
The duke couies lionie to-morrow; — nay, dry your ej'es :
One of our convent, and his c ufessor,
Gives me this iustnncc : already he hath carried
Notice to Escp.lus and An,''elo,
''Vho do prepare to meet !iim at the gates.
There to give up their power. If you can, pace your wisdoni
in thai pood palli thai I would wisli it l,<) ;
And you sliall have your bosom on tins wretch,
Grace of the duke, revenges to your hearl,
And general honour. *
Isab. I am directed by you.
Duke. This letter then to i-riar I'elev give ;
'T is that he sent me of the duke's return :
Say, by this token, I desire his company
At .Mariana's housj to-ni,L!;lit. 1 ler caase ;<nd yours,
1 '11 perfect him withal, and he siiai! bring you
Before the duke ; and to the head of Angolo
Accuse him home, and home. For my poor self,
I am combin(^d by a sacred vow,
And shall be absent. Wend you with this lett.r :
(lommand these fretting waters from your eyes
With a light heart : trust not my holy order.
If I pervert your course. — Who 's here ?
Enter Lucio
Lucio. Good even, f'-iar : where 's the provost ?
Duke. Not within, sir.
Lucio. O pretty Isabella, I am pale at mine heart to
see thine eyes so fed : thou must be patient. I am fain
to dine and sup vvilh water and bran ; I dare not for my
iiead fill my boHy ; one friiiHiii meal woaid set me to 'i.
But they say, the duke will be here to-morrow. By my
troth, Isabel, I loved thy brother : if the old fantastical
duke of dark corners had been at home, he had lived.
[Exit Isabella
32.5
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act IV Sc
IV
Duke. Sir, llio <Uikc is ninrvellous little beholding lo
your reports ; but the host is, ho lives not in tlieni.
Lucia. Friar, thou kii(>\v(>st not tlic (iui<e so well as I
do : he 's a hotter woodman than tho\i takest hini lor.
Duke. Well, you '1' aiisvver this one. day. I'are ye well.
Lucio. Nay. larry I'll f^o along witli thee : 1 "can tell
tiiee pretty tales o[ tlie duko.
Duke. You have tolii ine too many of him already, sir,
if they be trr.e ; if not true, none were enough.
I.ucio. I was once before him for getting a w eneh Willi
child.
Duke. Did you such a' thing?
Lucio. Yes, nuirry, ili<l 1 ; I)ut I was fain to forswear it :
they would else have married me to tlie rotten medlar.
Duke. Sir, your company is fairer than honest. Rest
you well.
Lucio. By my troth, I '11 go with thee to the lane's end.
If bawdy talk olTend you, we '11 have very little of it. Nay,
friar, I am a kirul of burr ; I shall stick." {Excunl
ScENK IV. — A Room in Angei.o's House
Enter Angelo and Escalus
Escal. Every Ittlor ho hath writ hath disvouched other.
Anc]. In most uneven and distracted manner. His
actions show much like to madness : pray Heaven, his
wisdom be no I t;iinted I and why meet him at the gates,
and re-deliver our authorities there ?
Escal. I guess not.
Anij. .\nd w Ji\ sliould we proclaim it in an hour before
his entering, tlip.t if any crave redress of inji. Lice they
should exhii)it their petitions in the street?
Escal. He show s his reason for that : to have a despatch
of complaints and to deliver us from devices hereafter, which
shall then have no power to stand against us.
Ang. Well, I beseech you, let it be proclaimed :
Betimes i' the morn, I 11 call you at your house.
Give notice to sucli men of sort and suit
As are to meet him.
Escal. I shall, sir : fare you well.
Ang. Goodnight.— [Exit Escalus
This deed unshapes me quite, malces me unpregnant,
And dull to all proceedings. A deflowtred maid,
.\nd by an eminent body, that enforced
The law against it ! — Hut that her tender slianic
Yvill not proclaim against her maiden loss.
How might she tongue me ! Yet reason dares her no :
For my authority bears a credent bulk
That no particular scandal once can touch
326
Act IV Sc iv
MEASURE FOR .MEASURE
But it confounds the breather. He should have lived.
Save that his riotous youth, with dan^'eroiis sense,
Mifiht in the times to come have la'en revenge.
By so receivinf,' a dishonoured life
With ransom of such shame. Would yet he had lived 1
Alack, \vhen once our f,'race we have furtfot.
Nothing goes right, — we would, and we would not. [Exit
Scene V. — I'ields without the Town
I nier Duke, in his own liabit, and I'ai.\u Phter
Duke. These lctf( rs at tit time delixer me. [Giving lelltrs
The provost knows our purjjose and our plot.
The matter bcinj.: afoot, keep your iuslrucLion,
And hold you ever to our sjjecial drift ;
Though sometimes you do blench from liiis to that,
As cause doth minister. Go call at l-'lavius' house.
And tell him where I stay : give the like notice
To Valentiiius, Howi;ind, and to Crass'is,
And hid them Itring the trumpets to the ^.;tc ;
But send me Flavins first.
Fri. Pel. It shall be speeded well.
[Exit
Enter Varrius
Duke. I thank thee, Varrius ; thou hast made good
haste :
Come, we will walk. There 's other of our friends
Will greet us here anon, my gentle Varrius. [Exeunt
Scene VI.— Street near the City Gate
Enter Is.\bell\ and Mariana
Isab. To speak so indirectly I am loth :
I would say the truth ; but to accuse him so.
That is your part : yet I 'm advised to do it,
He says, to 'vailful purpose.
Mart. Be ruled by him.
Isab. Besides, he tells me, that, if pcradvenlure
He speak against me on the adverse side,
I should not think it strange ; for 't is a physic
That 's bitter to sweet end.
Mart. I would, Friar Peter —
. Isab. O, peace, the friar is come.
Enter Friar Peter
Fri. Pet. Come, I have found you out a stand most fit.
Where you may have such vantage on the duke.
He shall not pass you. Twice have the trumpets sounded :
327
M
MEASURF. FOR MEASURE
The Rcncrous :ind ftravost citi/cns
Have licnt the f>;itos, and very near upon
The duke Is entering : thtrclore hence.
away.
Act V Sc i
[Exeunf
ACT FIVE
Scene I.— A Public Place near the City Gate
MAP.rANA, veiled, IsAiuxi^A, and Fiuau Pi.tkix, behind.
lird'T on one side, t!te Dukk, in his oivn liahit, VAiuufS.
Lords ; from (lie nilur, Angi:i.o, I-:.scalus, '.ucxo.
Provost, O/licers and Citizens, at sencral do.jrs
Duke. My very worthy cousin, fairly mel : —
Our old and fMitiiful Irirnd, we are H'ad to see you.
.A/?/. a::d l-Jscid. H;iiM)v rt'lurn hv to your royal "race !
Dyke. Many and he.uly ni:«iiivin,'.'s to'you both.
\Ve "vc made inquiry oi you ; and we hear
Sucli ^'o(i(lnrss of your just ice, that our soul
Cimiiot l>ut yi.'ld you lortli to public thanks,
I'orerunning more recjuiLal.
'■^f'H- ^on make my bonds still !C,'reator.
Duice. O, your desert speaks loud; and I ^should
wronc! it,
To lock it ill the wards of covrrt bosom,
Wlien it deserves, wilii ch iraclers ol brass,
A lortfd residence ':i;dusl I'u toolli ot time
And razure of oblivion. Give me your hand,
.\nd let tlic subject see, to make them know
That outward courtcsi.s would tain j)r()claim
i avours that keep wiUiin. — Come, Escalus ;
You niusL w;ilk by us on our other hand : —
And gooii supjjor^ers are you.
FiUAii Peter and Isabella come forward
Fri. Pet. Now is your time. Speak loud, and knee!
bc'iorc him.
Tsal^. .Jasiiee, O royal duke I Vail vour regard
t'pou a wronged, I'd lain have said, a maid !
O worthy i>rince, (iishonour not your eye
i'.y throwing it on any oiher object
Till you have heard me in my true complaint.
And .civoa me justice, justice, justice, justice!
Duke, lulale your Nvrongs ; in wiiat ? by whom ? B
brief.
Here is Lord .\ncelo shall aive you justice •
Ueveai yoursell to him.
Js"l>- O worthy duke.
You bid me seek redv rnption of the devil.
Hear me yourself ; for that which I must speak
328
Act V Sc i
MEASURE FOR MEASIHB
Must either punish mc, not hcinu believed
Or wring rofinss from you. Hear mc, (). ht-ar mc, here I
An/,. My lord, her wits, I fear mo. arc not lirm :
She hath been a suitor to me for lur brotli^r
Cut off by course of justice, —
{''"^' . , , ... r\v course of justice I
Anfj. And she will speak most l)itterly -.lul stran-'c
JsalK Most stran-^c, but yet most truly will I speal?, '
I hat Ans'-lo s forsworn ; is it not strange ?
Hi il Anfjcio 's a njurdcrcr ; is 't not strange ?
I hat An;;clo is an adulterous thief,
An hypocrite, a virfiin-violafor ;
Is it not strange, and strange V
9"'^^- J, . _ ^'ay, it is ten times strange
Isab. It IS not truer he Is Angelo.
Than this is all as true as it is strange ;
Nny, it is ten tinu s true ; for truth is truth
To the end of reckoning.
Duke. Away with her.— Poor soul
She speaks this in the infirmity of sense.
fsab. O prince, I conjure t'hec, as thou bcliev'st
I here is another comfort Ihan this world,
^i hat thou ne^icct me not, with tiiaL ojiin'ion
i hat I am touched with madness. Make not impossible
Ihat which but seems uniike. 'T is not imp<;ssible
Hut one, the wicked'st caitiif on the ground.
May seem as shy, as grave, as just, as absolute,
AS Angelo ; even so may Angelo,
in all his dressings, ciiaracls, titles, forms.
iH'
an arch-villuin ; believe it, royal prince :
If he be less, be 's nothing ; but he 's more,
Had I more name for badness.
Tf S!i^K , r ^ . ^y n^ine honesty.
If she be mad, as I believe no other,
Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense.
Such a dependency of thing on thin»
As ecr I heard in madness. "'
Tj/;^"*- . ,, , O gracious duke,
Haip not on that ; nor do not banish reason
r-or mcquabty : but let vour -eason serve
1?!h'V ? ^}u ^/V^^' ^^Pl^^'^^^ ^^''*^i'<-^ it seems hid.
And snde the false, seems true.
Duke. 11 T, 4 1 ..
TT.,»- , iMany that are not mni'
Have sure more lack of reason.-Vvi.at N.ould you s^w '
. lab. I am tiie sister of one Clandio, ^ ^
^^onaeniueu upon the act of fornication
io lose his head; condemned by Angelo
L m probation of a sisterhood, °
M as sent to by my brother ; one Lucio
As then the messenger —
38-
329
MI-ASURE FOH MEASII^E
Act V Sc I
r
_ i i
pi
iil
•' iiri<». Th.il 's I, :in 't like your grace.
I c-ainc to hrr from ("Ifnidio, ami dcsind licr
To try h(T pracicus furlunc with Lord An^'clo,
I'tr her poor brother's pardon.
/'«•'//'. That 's he, Indeed.
You were not bid to s[)t;ak.
No, my Rood lord ;
I wisli vou now then :
Duke.
Isah.
I.ucio.
Dtike.
Dukr.
l.tirio.
Nor wislicd to hold my peace
Dukr.
Pray you, take note of it ; and when you liavo
A Imsiiicss for yourseli, pray lleaveti, you tlieii
lie poriert.
I.ucio. I warrant your honour.
The w.irratil 's for >f)urself : take liccd to it.
Tliis i'cnlli man tohl sonu-what of nry tale.— -
Ili^'hl.
it may be right ; but you are in the wronj;
To sp< ak bc'torc yoiu* lime. — Proceed.
I sub. I wont
To this i)cnurious caililT deputy.
Duki'. Tliat 's somewhat madly spoken.
hi^ih. Pardon it :
Tlio phr.is is to the matter.
])ukt\ Meiido'.l aj?ain. The matter ; — proceed.
Isah. In brief.-- I(> set the needless process by,
How I persuaded, iiovv I prayed, and kneeled,
Mow he retclled iiic iuid how I replied,—
For this was ol niiuii len.Uh.— the vile conclusion
I now bcf^in with s^rief and shame to utter.
He would not. bul by t;ilt of my chaste body
To his con(;uj)iscil)le intemperate lust.
Release my brother ; and, after much debatement,
My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour,
And I did yield to him : but the next morn betimes,
His purpose surfeiting;, he sends a warrant
For my poor brother's head.
Duke. This is most likely I
Isab. O, that it were ; s like as it is true I
Duke. Py Heaven, fond wretch I thou know st not what
thou speak'st.
Or else thou art suborned aa^unst his honour,
In hateful pracUce. First, his intejjrity
Stands without blemish ; next, it imports no reiison,
'I'iiat with sni'li vehemency he should pursue
I'aulls i)roi.'.r to himself: if he had so oiiended.
He would iiase wei^iiu'd tiiy i)roilier by iiimseii,
And not have cut him otT. Sonu' one hath set you on :
Confers I'i-' truth, and say by whose advice
Tliou iaiii -t hcTv to cotuplaiu.
Isab. And is this nil ?
330
Act V Sc 1
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
thai
Tiien, O, you blpssod mlnislors iibovc,
Keep mo in patience ; and. with ri[)enpfl tlnip.
Unfold the evil which is here \vr;i[tt uj)
In countenance I — Heaven shield your i^nxcv from woe
As I, thus wronRed. hence unheliev(''d go I
Diike. I know, you'd fain be ft,,,,,. _,\n odlcer I
To prison with her.— Shall we thus permit
A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall
On him so near us? This needs musi ]>v practice.
Who knew of your intent, and comiiig liill.er V
Isdb. One that I wouhl were here, I'riar Lodowick
Duke. A ^'hostly father, (>elike.— Who k:io\vs "
Lotlowick ?
liirio. My lord. I know him : 't is a meddlinj^ friar :
1 do not like the man : had he been lay, my l..r<l,
For certain words ho spake a;' unst your qrare
In your retirement, I had swiii-cti him soundly
J)iike. Words against me? This' -a f^ood' frinr. belikt
And to set ou lliis wretched woman here
A{,^ainst our subslitute !- Let this fiinr be found
I.iicio UuL yeslorni;^!it, my lord, slu- and that friar
I saw them at the prison, A saucy friiir,
A very scurvy fellow.
Iri. Pel. RIessed bo your roval firace I
I have stood by, mv lord, and I have lunrd
\our royal car abused, birst, hath this woman
Most wrongfully accused your substitute.
Who is as free from I ouch or soil with her.
As she from one unji^ot.
,. ^"'''^- We did b. lievo no less.
Knovy you that Friar Lodowick. that she S|)erdvs of '>
/•/■/. 1 el. I know him for a man divine and huiy ;
^o^ scurvy, nor a temporary nu-ddler.
As he 's reported bv tliis j^ontlcmaa •
And, on my trust, a man that never'vet
Old, as he vouches, misrei)ort vour pn.ce.
'^"cio My lord, most villainous! \ : believe it
r.nf !; if-' ■ ''\*^"; J'^" in l''ii«^ may come to clear himself
Rut at this instant he is sick, my lord.
Of a stranRe fever. Upon his mere request.
Intended gainst Lord Angelo, came I hither,
Liu " , ^'"'' ' •''"'• "^''^''^ 'If' ^^ith his oath,
And all probation, will make nn fnii ..i..,j.
Tn"h?r-r'T. ■'' '' ^'""'^^"t^fJ- J irst, for this woman.
To justify this worthv noblenu-n ^nuni.
So vulgarly and person.dlv accused,
Tm c'^'k >'°" J^^''»r disproved to her eyes,
TUI she herself confess it.
331
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act V Sc i
mi
:
M ^
Duke. Good friar, let's hear it.
[Isabella is carried off guarded ; and Mariana
comes forward
Do you not smile at this, Lord Angelo ? —
heaven, the vanitj' of wretched fools I —
Give us some seats. — Come, cousin Angelo ;
In this I '11 be impartial : be you judge
Of your own cause. — Is this the witness, friar ?
First, let her show her face, and after speak.
Mari. Pardon, my lord, I will not show "iy face
Until my husband bid me.
Duke. What, are you married ?
Mari. No, my lord.
Duke. Are you a maid ?
Mari. No, my lord.
Duke. A widow then ?
Mari. Neither, my lord.
Duke. Why, you
Are nothing then : neither maid, widow, nor wife.
Lucio. My lord, she may be a punk ; for many of them
are neither maid, widow, nor wife.
Duke. Silence that fellow : I would, he had some cause
To prattle for himself.
Lucio. W'ell, my lord.
Mari. My lord, I do confess I ne'er was married ;
And, I confess, besides, I am no maid :
1 have known my husband, yet my husband knows not
That ever he knew me.
Lucio
better.
Duke.
Lucio
Duke.
Mari.
He was drunk then, my lord : it can be no
For the benefit of silence, would thou wert so too 1
Weil, my lord.
This is no witness for Lord Angelo.
Now I come to't, my lord.
She that accuses him of fornication.
In selfsame manner doth accuse my husband ;
And charges him, my lord, with such a time.
When, I '11 depose, 1 had him in mine arms,
Wilh all the eflect of love.
Ang. Charges she more than me ?
Mari. Not that I know.
Duke. No ? you say, your husband.
Mari. Why, just, my lord, and that is Angelo,
Who thinks he knows that he ne'er knew my body.
But knows he thinks that he knows Isabel's.
Ang. This is a strange abuse. — Let 's see thy face.
Mari. My husband bids me ; now I will unmask.
[ Unveiling
This is that face, thou cruel Angelo,
Which once thou swor'st \;as worth the looking on :
332
:im.
Act V Sc i
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
This is the hand which, with a vowed contract.
Was fast belocked in thine : this is the body
That took away the match from Isabel,
And did supply thee at thy garden-liouse
In her imagined person.
Duke. Know you this woman I
Lucio. Carnally, she says.
Duke. Sirrah, no more.
Lucio. Enough, my lord.
Ang. My lord, I must confess, I know this woman ;
And Ave years since there was some speech of marriage
Betwixt myself and her, which was broke ol!.
Partly, for that her promised proportions
Came short of composition ; but, in chief.
For that her reputation was disvalued
In levity : since which time of five years
I never spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her,
Upon my faith and honour.
Mori. Noble prince.
As there comes light from heaven and words from breath.
As there is sense in truth and truth in virtue,
I am affianced this man's wife, as strongly
As words could make up vows : and, my good lord,
But Tuesday night last gone, in 's garden-house,
He knew me as a wife. As this is true.
Let me in safety raise me from my knees,
Or else for ever be confixed here,
A marble monument.
^^ ^"f^- I did but smile till now :
Now, good my lord, give me the scope of justice ;
My patience here is touched. I do perceive.
These poor informal women are no more
But instruments of some more mightier member.
That sets them on. Let me have way, my lord,
To And this practice out.
A ^^^^' . , , ^>'' ^^ith my heart ;
And punish them to your height of pleasure.—
Thou foolish friar, and thou pernicious woman,
Compact with her that 's gone, think'st thou, thy oaths.
Though they would swear down each particular saint
Were testimonies 'gainst his worth and credit
That 's sealed in approbation ?~You, Lord Escalus,
bit with my cousin : lend him your kind pains
To find out this abuse, whence 'tis derived —
There is another friar that set them on ;
Let him be sent for.
M.^h 'cf/tv, '^^"""'"^ ''^^ were here, my lord ; for he, indeed,
Hath set the women on to this complaint.
Your provost knows the place where he abides
And he may fetch him. '
333
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act V Sc i
"ff
Duke. Go, do it instantly.— [Exit Provost
And you, my noble and \scll-\varranted cousin,
Wliom it concerns to hear this matter forth,
Do with your injuries as seems you best,
In any chastisement : I for a while will leave vou ;
But stir not you, till you have well determined
Upon these slanderers.
Escal. My lord, we '11 do it thoroughly. [Exit Duke]—
Signior Lucio, did not you say, you knew that Friar Lodo-
wick to be a dishonest person ?
Lucio. Cucullus non facit monaclmm : honest in nothing,
but in his clothes ; and one that hath spoke most villainous
speeches of the duke.
Escal. We shall entreat you to abide here till he come,
and enforce them against him. We shall find this friar
a notable fellow.
Lucio. As any in Vienna, on my word.
Escal. Call that same Isabel here once again : I would
speak with her. [Exit an Attendant] Pray you, my lord,
give me leave to question ; you shall see how I '11 handle
her.
Lucio. Not better than he, by her own report.
Escal. Say you ?
Lucio. Marry, sir, I think , if you handled her privately,
she would sooner confess : perchance, publicly she ' 11 be
ashamed.
I will go darkly to work with her.
That 's the way ; for women are light at mid-
Escal.
Lucio.
night.
Re-enter Officers, with Isabella
Escal. [To Isab.] Come on, mistress. Here 's a gentle-
woman denies all that you have said.
Lucio. My lord, here comes the rascal I spoke of ; here,
with the provost.
Escal. In very good time : — speak not you to him,
till we call upon you.
Lucio. Mum.
to
Enter Duke, disguised as a friar, and Provost
Escal. Come, sir : did you set these women on
slander Lord Angclo ? they have confessed you did
Duke. 'T is false.
Escal. How 1 know you where you are ?
Duke. Respect to your great place I and let the devil
lie sometime honoured for his burning throne. —
Where is the duke ? 't is he should hear me speak.
Escal. The duke 's in us, and we will hear you speak:
Look you speak justly.
Duke. Boldly at least.— But, O, poor souls !
^^W'i^^
Act V Sc i
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
ir,
Come you to seek the lamb here of the fox ?
Good night to your redress. Is the duke gone ?
Then is your cause gone too. The duke's unjust.
Thus to retort your manifest appeal,
And put your trial in the villain's mouth
Which here you come to accuse.
Lucio. This is the rascal : this is he I spoke of.
Escal. "Why, thou unreverend and unhallowed fri;
Is't not enough, thou hast suborned these women
To accuse this worthy man, but, in foul mouth,
And in the witness of his proper ear.
To call him villain ?
And then to glance from him to the duke himself,
To tax him with injustice I— Take him hence ;
To the rack with him : — we '11 touse you joint by joint,
But we will know his purpose.— What, unjust ?
Duke. Be not so hot ; the duke
Dare no more stretch this finger of mine, than he
Dare rack his own : his subject am I not.
Nor here provincial. My business in this state
Made me a looker-on here in Vienna,
Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble,
Till it o'er-run the stew : laws for all faults.
But faults so countenanced, that the strong statutes
Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop.
As much in mock as mark.
Escal. Slander to the state I— Away with him to prison.
Ang. What can you vouch against him, Signior Lucio ?
Is this the man that you did tell us of ?
Lucio. 'Tis he, my lord.— Come hither, goodman
baldpate : do you know me ?
Duke. I remember you, su", by the sound of your voice •
I met you at the prison, in the absence of the duke
Lucio. O, did you so ? And do you remember what
you said of the duke ?
Duke. Most notedly, sir.
Do you so, sir? And was the duke a llesh-
a fool, and a coward, as you then reported him
Lucio
monger,
to be?
Duke.
You must, sir, change persons with me, ere
you make that my report : you, indeed, spoke so of him •
and much more, much worse. '
Lucio. O thou damnable feUow I Did not I pluck
thee by the nose, for thy speeches ?
Duke. I protest, I love the duke as I love myself
Ang. Hark, how the villain would close now.* after
nis treasonable abuses.
Escal. Such a fellow is not to be talked withal :— Awav
with him to prison. Where is the provost ?— Away with
him to prison. Lay bolts enough upon him, let him speak
335
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-MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act \' Sc i
I pardon ;
by your
no more.— Away with those gif?lots too, and with the
other confederate companion.
[The Provost lays hand on the Duke
Duke. Stay, sir ; stay awhile.
Ang. What 1 resists he ? Help him, Lucio.
Lucio. Come, sir ; come, sir ; come, sir ; foh ! sir.
WTiy, you baid-pated, lying rascal ! vou must be hooded,
must you ? show your knave's visage, with a po.\ to vou I
show your sheep-biting face, and be hanged an hour.
\\ ill t not off ?
[Pulls off the friar's hood, and discovers the Duke
Duke. Thou art the lirst knave that e'er made a duke —
First, provost, let me bail these gentle three.—
[To Lucio] Sneak not away, sir ; for the friar and vou
Must have a word anon.— Lay hold on him.
Lucio. This may prove worse than hanging.
Duke. [To EsciiL] What you have spoke,
sit you down.
We'll borrow place of him.— [To Ang.] Sir.
leave :
Hast thou or word, or wit, or impudence.
That yet can do thee office ? If thou hast.
Rely upon it till my tale be heard.
And hold no longer out.
■^'^9- O my dread lord,
I should be guiltier than my guiltiness,
To think I can be undiscernible.
When I perceive your grace, like power di\ine.
Hath looked upon my passes. Then, good prince.
No longer session hold upon ray shame.
But let my trial be mine own confession :
Immediate sentence then, and sequent death.
Is all the grace I beg.
I^uke. Come hither, Mariana. —
Say, wast thou e'er contracted to this woman ?
Ang. I was, my lord.
Duke. Go take her hence, and marry her instantly. —
Do you the office, friar ; which consummate.
Return him here again.— Go with him, provost.
[Exeunt Angelo, Mariana, Friar Peter, and Provost
Escal. My lord, I am more amazed at his dishonour.
Than at the strangeness of it.
I^iike. Come hither, Isabel,
i our friar is now your prince : as I was then
Advertising and holy Lo your business,
Not changing heart v.ith habit, I am still
Attorneycd at your service.
n^J^"^,' ^' Si'^e me pardon,
1 hat I, your vassal, have employed and pained
Your unknown sovereignty I
S36
Act V Sc i
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
ik
Duke. You are pardoned, Isabel :
And now, dear maid, be you as free to us.
Your brollHT's deull., i know, siis at your heart ;
And you may marvel, why 1 obscured mystdf,
Labourinp to save his lifo, and would not niL.ior
Make rasli rcmonslratice of my hidden power.
Than let him so be lost. O most kind maid,
It was the swift celerity of his death,
Wliich I did think with slower foot came on,
Tiiat brained my purpose : but now peace be with him 1
That life is better life, past fearing death,
Than that which lives to fear : make it your comfort,
So happy is your brother.
'^^^' I do, my lord.
Re-enter Angelo, Mariana, Friar Peter, and Provost
Duke. For this new-married man, approaching here,
Whose salt imagination yet hath wronged
Your well-defended honour, you must pardon
For Mariana's sake. But, as he adjudged your brother —
Being criminal, in double violation '
Of sacred chastity, and of promise-breach.
Thereon dependent, for your brother's life —
The very mercy of the law cries out
Most audible, even from his proper tongue,
" An Angelo for Claudio, death for death I "
Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure.
Like doth quit like, and Measure still for Measure.
Then, Angelo, thy fault thus manifested,—
Which, though thou wouldst deny, denies thee vantage,—
We do condemn thee to the very block
Where Claudio stooped to death, and with like haste —
Away with him.
Mari. Q my most gracious lord,
I hope you will not mock me with a husband.
Duke. It is your husband mocked you with a husband
Consentmg to the safeguard of your honour,
I thought your marriage lit ; else imputation,
I'or that he knew you, might reproach your life
And choke your good to come. For his possessions.
Although by contiscation they are ours.
We do instate and widow you withal.
To buy you a better husband.
. '^^""- ,, O my dear lord,
• orave no other, nor no better man.
■ikc. Never crav<; him : we are definite.
null' ^^^"^ '"^' ^'*'^' ~ V. [Kneeling
uuKe. You do hut lose your labour
Away with him to death.-[ro Lucio] Now, sir. to you
Man. my good lord I— Sweet Isabel, take my part :
337
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act V Sc I
1 1
Lend me your knees, and all my lifo to come
I '11 lend you all my life to do you scrvico.
Duke. Against all sonse you do importune her :
Should she kncol down in mercy of this fact.
Her brother's {^host his paved bod would break.
And take her hence in horror.
Man. Isabel,
Sweet Isabel, do yet but kneel by mc :
Hold up your hands, say nothing, I '11 speak all.
They say, best men are moulded out of faults,
And. for the most, become much more the better
For being a little bad : so may my husband.
Isabel, will you not lend a knee ?
Duke. He dies for Claudio's death.
Isab. Most bounteous sir, [Kneeling
Look, if it please you, on this man condemned,
As if my brother lived. I partly think,
A due sincerity governed his deeds.
Till he did look on me : since it is so.
Let him not die. My brother had but justice,
In that he did the thing for which he died :
For Angelo,
His act did not o'ertake his bad intent ;
And must be buried but as an intent
That perished by the way. Thoughts are no subjects.
Intents but merely thoughts.
Mart. ' Merely, my lord.
Duke. Your suit 's unprofitable : stand up, I say. —
1 have bethought me of another fault. —
Provost, how came it Claudio was beheaded
At an unusual hour ?
Prov. It was commanded so.
Duke. Had you a special warrant for the deed ?
ProD. No, my good lord : it was by private message.
Duke. For which I do discharge you of your olTice :
Give up your keys.
Prov. Pardon mc, noble lord :
I thought it was a fault, but knew it not,
Yet did repent me, after more advice ;
For testimony whereof, one in the prison.
That should by private order else have died,
I have reserved alive.
Duke. What 's he ?
Prov. His name is Barnardine.
Duke. I would thou hadst done so by Claudio. —
Go fetch him hither : let me look upon him.
[Exit Provost
Escal. I am sorry, one so learned and so wise
As you. Lord Angelo, have still appeared.
Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood,
338
mj>wwm^mmm:
i
ttkii
.-^•^c
Act V Sc i
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
c
I
And lack of tempered judgment afterward.
Ang. I am sorry that such sorrow I procure ;
And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart.
That I crave death more willingly than mircy :
T is my deserving, and I do entreat it.
Re-enter Provost, Barnardine, Claudio, mufped, and
Juliet
Duke. Which is that Barnardine ?
Prov. This, my lord.
Duke. There was a friar told me of this man. —
Sirrah, thou art said to have a stubborn soul.
That apprehends no further than this world.
And squar'st thy life according. Thou 'rt condemned ;
But, for those earthly faults, I quit them all.
And pray thee, take this mercy to provide
For better times to come. — Friar, advise him :
I leave him to your hand. — What muffled fellow 's that ?
ProD. This is another prisoner that I saved,
That should have died when Claudio lost his head.
As like almost to Claudio as himself. [Unuiuffles Claudio
Duke. [To Isab.] If he be like your brother, for his
sake
Then is he pardoned ; and for your lovely sake
Give me your hand, and say you will be mine,
He is my brother too. But fitter time for that.
By this Lord Angelo perceives he 's safe :
Methinks I see a quickening in his eye. —
Well, Angelo, your evil quits you well :
Look that you love your wife ; her worth, worth yours.—
I find an apt remission in myself.
And yet here 's one in place I cannot pardon. —
[ To Lucio] You, sirrah, that knew me for a fool, a coward.
One all -^f luxury, an ass, a madman :
Wherein have I so deserved of you,
That you extol me thus ?
Lucio. Faith, my lord, I spoke it but according to the
trick. If you will hang me for it, you may ; but I had
rather it would please you, I might be whipped.
Duke. Whipped first, sir, and hanged after. —
Proclaim it, provost, round about the city.
If any woman 's wronged by this lewd fellow —
As I have heard him swear himself there 's one
Whom he begot with child— let her appear,
And he shall marry her : the nuptial iinished.
Let him be whipped and hanged.
Lucio. I beseech your highness, do not marr\' me to a
whore ! Your highness said even now, I made you a duke •
good my lord, do not recompense me in making me a
cuckold. *
339
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
Act V Sc i
Duke. Upon mine honour, thou shalt marry her.
Thy slanders I forgive ; and therewithal
Remit thy other forfeits. — Take him to prison,
And see our pleasure herein executed.
Lucio. Marrying a punk, my lord, is pressing to death,
whipping and hanging.
Duke. Slandering a prince deserves it. —
[Exeunt officers with Lucio
bhe, Claudio, that you wronged, look you restore.
Joy to you, Mariana I— love her, Angelo :
I have confessed her, and I know her virtue. —
Thanks, good friend Escalus, for thy much goodness :
There 's more behind that is more gratulate.
Thanks, provost, for thy care, and secrecy ;
We shall employ thee in a worthier place. —
Forgive him, Angelo, that brought you home
The head of Ragozine for Claudio's :
The offence pardons itself. — Dear Isabel,
I have a motion much imports your good ;
Whereto if you '11 a willing ear incline.
What 's mine is yours, and what is yours is mine. —
So, bring us to our palace ; where we '11 show
What 's yet behind, that 's meet you all should know.
[Exeunt
J
. -i
SMI
340
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THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
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5
DRAiyrATTS PERSON.-R
Dttkk or Vknice
Prince of Mokocco "i
Prince of Auhaoon J '"*"^'' ^ ^"'"'^
Antonio, a merchant of Venice
Bassanio, hia friend, suitor to Portia
Gratiano "j
Satanio I
Salarino i" f^'^"^ ^ ■^^f">^io and Bdsaanio
Salerio j
Lorenzo, in love triih Jeaaica
Snvi^ocK, a Jew
TiTBAL, a Jen, his friend
Launcelot Gobbo, a cloum, servant to Shyloek, afterwaida aervant to
Baa/>anio
Old Gobbo, father to Lannrelot
Leonardo, servant to Bas.tanio
i'-althazar )
Stephano ) •"'■''""'* ^ ^''"■'*«
PcBTLA, a rich heiress
Xerissa, her waitinii-maid
Jessica, daughter to Shyloek
Magnificoes of Venice. OfHoors of the Court of Justice, Gaoler, Servants
to Portia, and other Attendants
SCENE.— Pori/y at Venice, and partly at Belmont
342
lyff. , jjayS^^^y*
4
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
i.
ACT ONE
Scene I. — Venice. A Street
Enter Antonio, Salar/no, and Salanio
Ant. In sooth, I know not why I am so sad.
It wearies me ; you say, it wearies you ;
But how I caught it, found it, or came by it,
What stuff 't is made of, whereof it is born,
I am to learn :
And such a want -wit sadness makes of me.
That I have mucli ado to Icnow myself.
Sdlar. Your ndnd is tossint* on the orean,
There where your art'osies with portly sail.
Like signiors and rich burghers on the flood.
Or, as it were, the pageants of the sea,
Do overpcer the petty trallickers
That curt'sy to them, do tliem reverence
As they fly by them with their woven winces.
Snlan. Believe me, sir, had I such venture forth.
The better part of my allections would
Be with my hopes abroad. I should be still
Plucking the gr;iss to know where sits the wind,
Peering in maps for ports, and piers, and roads ;
And every object that niif^ht make me fear
Misfortune to my ventures, out of doabt
Would make me sad.
Sdlar. My wind cooling my broth,
"Would blow me to an ague when I thought
What harm a wind too great might do at sea.
I should not see the sandy hour-^i,'lass run,
But I should think of shallows and of lliits.
And see my wealthy Andrew docked in sand,
Vailing her high-top lower than her ribs
To kiss her burial. Should I go to church,
And see the holy edilice of stone
And not bethink me straight of dangerous roclcs.
Which touching but my gentle vessel's side
Would scatter all her spices on the stream,
Enr'^be the roaring waters with mv silks ;
And, in a word, but even now worth this,
And now worth nothing ? Shall I have the thought
To think on this, and shall I lack the thought
That such a thing bechanced would make me sad ?
343
I
'^ r
THE MFHCHANT OF VrxlCIC
Act 1 Sc i
/.
-^~ jifi
Hut fdl not mc ; I know Antonio
Js sad to think upon I.is ..iercluui.iise.
My vent JJe "mV. n'"; "" ' ^"""'^ "'J' ^'^'■'""e ^^^^ *'.
^i> ventures iirc not in one bottom frusted
Nor to one pinc-e ; nor is my ^vhoIc estnte '
I p.m the fortune of .'.is present year
.ym;r. \\ hy , t ...n you are in love.
Ant.
Salar. Not In love neither •) Thnr, i f '• ^'^' '
Bocaus. you „r<. nol'n;crrv7"".rt ".re nV.'^r" "'"'"'
fSZ wu ",f ""',' "-T' T ^'y >■"" --- ™ ■' y
^oine that will evermore peep through their eves
And lauph ld<e parrots at a l.'i«-piuer • ^
^i'V'/^'"':'^"^''^i"^fi''''-aspyr/ •
That they U not show their teeth in wav of smile
Though Nestor swear the jest be lauSk' '
Enter Bassanio. LortnNzo. and Ghativvo
Ue leave you now with better company
rt5^it.^rriJ:i--^;?;--r^^^^^^
ft^/.c r °? n^oTow, my good lords.
\hen ? ''°"''''' ^"'^' ^'^^^ ^'^«" ^^'« I«"^h ? sny.
^'laL^^ W.''if '"". '^'""ee : must it be so ?
•"yalar. We II make our leisures to attend on yours.
Yo^'"have^?J°''^ ,""^ ''''^' ''-"*°'' ^^"t«"i« ;
^ou have too much respect up-)n the world •
Believe me you an marvellously chan.ed
vx^uK -it. . . ^^^ ni<-' Pii^iy tlie fool •
\nd le "^^^^"'^ ''"P^^^^ ^'^ old wrinldes CO ne,
Than my heart c.ol with niortilyiiig groans.
344
Sc i
Act I Scl
s:ul
5,
1
an,
ly.
10
I
#
THE MERCHANT OF VENICIJ
Why should n mnn whose bloo.l is warm within
Sit like his Rriuidsirc cut In alabaster
Sleep when hcnakes. and creep into the jaundice
fYnv. ."h" ^'^''^';•^■' ^ ^^!' l»'^-^' ^vhat. Antonio -!
1 love thee, an- 1 it is my love that speaks,—
I here arc a sort of men whose visages
l).» cream and mantle lik.- a standing pond
And do a wilful stillness enterluiu
\\ith purpose to be dressed In an opinion
in wisdom, nravitv. r)rofnund conceit •
As wlu. should say. ' I ani Sir Oracle, '
Aufl when I ope my li()s, let no do^ baric 1 "
O, my Antonio, 1 do ixiiow of these,
'I hal. tlicrclof.' only are reputed wise,
1-or sayinj^ n..lliin^ ; when. I am very sure
H hey should s|, 'ak. would almosl damn those oars
I li hi; 'r""'""^ ll'--'n. would c.dl their brothers foo'ls.
1 II tell thee more of this another lime •
j!ut tish not with this melancholv bait
lor this fool-^udf^con, this opinion —
Come, Rood Lorenzo.-haie ye well awhile :
I II end my exhortation after dinner.
Lor Well, wc will leave you then till dinner-time
I ii.ust be one of these same dumb wise men
lor (jfaliano never lets me speak.
f'ra. Well, keep me company but two years moe
Ihou shall not know the souncfof thine own TonTe
An -arewell : I'll grow a talker for this gear
Ora. hanks, i faiLh ; for silence is only commendable
In a neat's tongue dried, and a maid not vendibk '
Ant T II I ... [^'^^^^i^t (jrutiano and Lorenzo
Anf. Is lliat anything now ? ^»rtuzo
JJoss. Gratiano speaks an infinite deal of nothino more
01 w u ';f ."'*?" '? «!' ^'<-^"'^^- His reasons are as twTgm?ns
m vo^ ind t'l" n ' n^n'^'f '' ^'"*V ^^^ ^''^" seek aU Ty
t/"/' ^^*^" • ^^'" "^^^ "'^^^^ '^^■hat lady is the same
1 o whom you swore a secret pi^^rimage,
1 bat you to-day p.omised to tell me of ?
liass. T IS not unknown to you, Antonio
How nmch I have disabled mine estate
«y somelhin-^ showing a more swelling port
\ or Hr^L*'^'"^ ""f^"' '''''"'^ ^^'■'''"t continuance :
Aor do I now make moan to bf> ah>-i' -"d
irum such a noble rale ; bul my chief care
IS to come fairly off from the great debts
ipiri'n"'^' *""^' something too prodigal,
Hath left me gaged. To you, Antonio,
1 owe the most, in money and in love ;
34.=;
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act I Sc i
m
And from your love I have a warranty
To unburthen all my plots and purposes
How to get clear of all the debts I owe.
A "i"';,* ^.P^^y y°"' S°°^ Bassanio, let me know it :
And If it stand as you yourself still do,
Within the eye of honour, be assured,
My purse, my person, my extremest means,
Lie all unlocked to your occasions.
I int'^.^Zr^ ^fT^-^^P' ^^'>*^^" I 1^^^ Jost one Shalt
1 Shot his fellow of the self-snnic fliqht
The self-same way, with more advised watch
To find the other forth, and by adventuring' hoth
I oft found both. I urge this childhood proof
Because what follows is pure innocvnce.
I owe you much and, like a wilful vouth.
That which I owe is lost ; but if vou please
To shoot another arrow that sclf'vvay
Which you did shoot the first, I do iiol doubt.
As I will watch the aim, or to fmd both
Or bring your latter liazard back apa!- .
And thankfully rest debtor for tlic (ir
Anl. You know me well, and heroin spend but time
To wind about my love with circumstance ;
And, out of doubt, you do me now more wrcug
In making question of my uLlennost
Than if you had made waste of ;ili I have :
Then do but say to me what T should do,'
That in your knowledge may by me be flonc,
And I am prest unto it : therefore, speak.
Bass. In Belmont is a lady ricldy left.
And she is fair, and, fairer than that word.
Of wondrous virtues. Sometimes from her eves
I did receive fair speechless messages.
Her name is Portia ; nolhins undervalued
To Cato's daughter, Brutus' i'orlia ;
Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth.
For the four winds blow in from every coast
Renowned suitors ; and her sunny locks
Hang on her temples like a {-olden fleece.
Which makes her seat of Belmont Colchos' strand.
And many Jasons come in (|uesl of her.
O, my Antonio, had I but the menns
To hold a rival place with one of I hem,
I have a mind presages me sueli thrift
That I should questionless be fortunate.
v ^J^^' J^*^^ know'st that all my fori unes are at sea ;
Neither have I money, nor commodity
To raise a present sum : thorctfirc, ro f.-.r-ni •
Try what my credit can in Venice do :
That shall be racked even to the uttermost,
34G
Act I Sc ii
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
■J
I
n
-■ft
To furnish thee to Behnont. to fair Portia.
Go presently inquire, and so Avill I,
\V here money is. and I no question make
J o have it of my trust, or for my sake.
[Exeunt
Scene H.— Belmont. A Room in Portia's House
Enter Portia and Nr.iiissA
thifg^eat^'LTd.'"''' ''^""^' "^ "^^'^ ^^^y - --'-^^ of
Ner You would be, sweet madam, if your miseries
were m the same abundance as your iood fortunes are
And yet for aught I see, they are as sick that surfeit wTth
too much as they that starve with nothing. It is no nTean
happ.ncss, therefore, to be seated in the mean : supcrl?ui?y
comes sooner by white hairs, but competency lives longer
For. Good sentences, and well pronounced.
n ,',h/'y70uld be better, if well followed.
, A^''' J ! 1° ^^'^''® ''^ ^^^y 3s to know what were Good
to do. chapels had been churches, and po, men'rcott^ces
pnnces palaces. It is a good divine that follows his ow'?
ns ructions : I can easier teach twenty what were coo d
to be done, than be one of the twenty to follow mine own
teaching. The brain may devise laws for the hZT; b^t
a hot temper leaps o'er a cold decree : such a hare is mad-
ness, the youth, to skip o'er the meshes of good counsel
the cripple. But this reasoning is not in the fas Won 1o'
choose me a husband.-O me, the word choose I I ma?
neither choose whom I would, nor refuse whom I dislike •
so IS the wiU of a living daughter curbed by the\vi 1 of a
otf nrr^JuTell^r '^'' ^'^^^^^^' ^'^^ /cannot 'iLls^e
thiy/''; Yut^ '^'^®'" ^^5 «^'^r virtuous, and holy men at
Ka h.' h.^ih^ H^' •^°^^- ^"^f"'"^^'**"^ ' therefore, theTot?e y
in5 1 l,fl''^'''/^*^ '" ^^^'^^^ three chests, of gold, silver
and lead (whereof who chooses his meaning, chooses vou 1
will, no doubt, never be chosen by any rightly but one
whom you shall rightly love. But what warn li is herein
thrS^'i^mT^ thee over-name them, and as thou namest
l^Sl^^^'"' •' ^"^ --^'^^"^ to -y <iescrip7^^n'
Ner. I;irst there is the Neapolitan prince,
tnit^'nf ,^y; that's a colt, indeed, for he doth nothing but
talk of his horse ; and he makes it a a^e^^^ ^ '""'"?.?":
to lus own good parts that he can shoe him hrm?Hf^ T'.
much afraid my lady his mother pi ayed ahe S a .mith"
.Ver. Then is there the county p!a'atine ^^•
347
i'^
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Ir I'
1
ri
ri
Act I Sc ii
For. He doth nothing but frown, as who should sav
An you will not have me, choose." He hears me^ talS
and smiles not ; I fear he will prove the weeping philoiophe?
when he grows o d. being so full of unmannerly^^sadness in
hi. youth. I had rather be married to a death's-head with
me rn;"tJ:fse"tr'/ ''^" ^" '''''-' ^' '^''^- ^^^ ^«^-'
pZ' r''7 ^^y yo" hy the French lord. Monsieur Le Bon ?
i^or. God made him, and therefore let him nass for n
whl?' h '? 'l^'V '^"r ^' '' ^ ^'" ^° »^« ^ mocker? but he I
h\/'H k1''''^A^ *""■''' ^''"*^'' th^'^ tJie Neapolitan's, a better
bad habit of frowning than the count Palatine : he is everv
man m no man ; if a throstle sing, he falls straicht n
capering: he will fence with his own shadow If I should
marry him, I should marry twenty husbands. If he wou d
despise me 1 would forgive him ; for if he love me to mad-
ness, I sliall never requite huii.
ba^n-of Enf^fanY?'"" ''^" '° Faulconbridge, the young
Por. You know I say nothing to him, for he understands
not me nor I him : he hath neither Latin, French, So?
Itahan ; and you will come into the court and swear that
I have a poor pennyworth in the English. He is a proper
nian s picture ; but, alas, who can converse with a dumb-
show ? How oddly he is suited 1 I think, he bought his
doublet m Italy, his round hose in France, his bonnet in
Germany, and his behaviour everywhere
Pnr' ^u^ft^'l^yu"" °* ^^'^ Scottish lord, his neighbour ?
Por. That he hath a neighbourly charity in h m : for
he borrowed a box of the ear of the Englishman, and swo?e
he would pay him again, when he was able : I think the
Frenchman became his surety, and sealed under for another
Saxony's^ephiw •? ^°" ''' ^°""^ ''^^"^^"' '''' ^^^' "^
For. Very vilely in the morning, when he is sober, and
most vilely in the afternoon, when he is drunk : when he
is best he is a little worse than a man; and when he is
worst, he is little better than a beast. An the wo?st fall
that ever elL 1 hope I shall make shift to go ^5thou[ him
Aer. If ho should oiler to choose, and choose the right
casket, you should refuse to perform your father's wUl,
If you should refuse to accept him.
Por. Thoreloi-e, for fear of the worst, I pray thee set
a deep gluss of Hhenish wme on the contrary casket,'for
f the devil be withm, and that temptation without, I know
he wilJ choose it. I will do anything, Nerissa, ere I wm be
married to a spunge.
Ncr. You need not fear, lady, the havin- any of these
lo.ds they have acquainted me with their determinations ;
Which IS. indeed, to return to their home, and to trouble
348
OBoaC^'.
n
Act I Sciil THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
you with no more suit, unless you may be won by some
other sort than your father's imposition, depending on the
Por. If I live to be as old as Sibylla, I will die as chaste
as Diana unless I be obtained by the manner of my father's
will. I am glad this parcel of wooers are so reasonable :
for there is not one among them but I dote on his very
absence, and I pray God grant them a fair departure.
Aer. Do you not remember, lady, in your father's time,
a Venetian, a scholar, and a soldier, that came hitijer in
company of the marquess of Montferrat ?
caUed' ^^^* ^^^' *^ ^^"^^ Bassanio : as I thinic, so was he
Ner. True, madam : he, of all the men that ever mv
foolish eyes looked upon, was the best deserving a fair lady
Por. 1 remember him well : and I remember him worthv
of thy praise. -^
Enter a Servant
How now ? what news ?
Serv The four strangers seek for you, madam, to take
their leave ; and there is a forerunner come from a fifth
the prince of Morocco, who brings word the prince his
master will be here to-night.
Por. If I could bid the fifth welcome with so good heart
as I can bid the other four farewell, I should be glad of his
approach : if he have the condition of a saint, and the com-
plexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than
wive me. •■"an
Come, Nerissa.— Sirrah, go before.—
Whiles we shut the gate upon one wooer, another knocks at
^^^ ^°°''- [Exeunt
Shy.
Bass.
Shy.
fJass.
bound.
Shy.
Bass.
Scene III.— Venice. A public place
Enter Bassanio and Shylock
Three thousand ducats, — well.
Ay, sir, for three months.
For three months, — well.
For the which, as I f.oJd you, Antonio shall be
Antonio shall become bound, — well
ShaUIk„'wyura„:l"'r'.""'-' '""' J'"" P'--'- »« '
Amofuo bou";!,. "'°'""""' """^^'^ '" '"^ ■»<">"-. -■>"
Bass. Your answer to tliat.
Antonio is a good man.
Have you heard any imputation to the contrary?
Ho ! no, no, no, no :— my meaning, in saying tie
349
Shy.
Bass.
Shy.
»dL-.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act I Sc iii
iumcfcnf.^l^t'iifc*'' ^^""^ y°V understand me. that he is
sumcicnt . yet his means are in supposition. He hath an
argosy bound to Tripolis, another to the Indies I under
stand moreover upon the Rialto, he hath a th irS at Mexico
ab?oa? ' Bu%'fn '' ""S T.'' ^^"^"''^^ »^« hath squanderTd
h? lo H 7 '^ ^^'P^ ^^^ ^^^ boards, sailors but men • there
be land-rats and water-rats, water-thieves and laid thieves
I rnean pirates ; and then, there is the peril of MSswfnds
and rocks : the man is, notwithstanding, sufficient Three
thousand ducats ;-I think. I may take his bond ''
Bass. Be assured vou may
sJId'l iiiThi/!f- f'"''"* L"''''^ ' ^"^' that I may be as-
BaL f it ^f '"^ '"^- * ^^^J ^ ^P^^'^ ^^itb Antonio ?
Bass. If It please you to dine with us.
vour Dronhp't*'\hrMP°'^' ^° ^^.^ ^^ *h« habitation which
w?n h.?„^^.l' ^^® Nazante, con ured the devil into I
f'n/er Antonio
^oss. This is Signior Antonio.
T 1, ♦^T • f ^f"''^] How like a fawning publican he looks !
I hate hmi for he is a Christian ;
But more, for that in low simplicitv
He lends out money grat's, and brings down
The rate of usance here with us in Venice.
II 1 catch him once upon the hip
I will feed fat the ancient grudge 'l bear him.
He hates our sacred nation ; and he rails
t.\en there where merchants most do conL'regate
On me, iny bargains, and my well-won thrift, '
Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe
If I forgive him I
Bass. Shylock, do you hear ?
A J"^u }J^"^ debating of my present store.
And, by the near guess of my memory,
/.,^^"|l°tj"stantly raise up the ^uoss
Uf full three thousand ducats. What of that ?
Tubal, a wealthy Hebrew of my tribe,
\Nill furnish me. But soft I how many months
Do you desire?-! To Antonio] Rest you fair "ood sfenior •
Your worship was the last man in ou? mouths." ^ '
Ant Shylock, albeit I neither lend nor borrow
By taking nor by giving of excess,
Yet to supply the ripe wants of my friend,
- !. D/caK a custoiii. -Is he yet possessed
low much ye would ?
'^''^' Ay, ay, three thousand ducats.
350
''\ OK-^i^
Act I Sc ili
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Ant. And for three months.
w'^.Sk ^ '''^"^ ^'l'"^"^. =— ^^•"•ee months ; you told me so.
w*^.!*'^^^ your bond ; and let me see,— But hear you:
Methought, you said, you neither lend nor borrow
Upon advantage.
■^"'' I do never use it.
^u"?^'^; ^®" ''^^^^ S^'*^'^'^ ^^'^ ""cle Laban's sheep,—
This Jacob from our holy Abram was
(As his wise mother ^v^ought in his hchnlf)
The third possessor ; ay, he was the third,—
Ant. And what of him ? did he take interest ?
.STiy No, not talce interest ; not as you would say
Directly interest : mark what Jacob did.
When Laban and himself were compromised.
That all the canlings which were streaked and pied
vShould fall as Jacob's hire, the ewes, beiug rank
In end of autumn turned to the rams, '
And when the work of generation was
Between these woolly breeders in the act.
The skilful shepherd peeled me certain wands
And, in the doing of the deed of kind, '
He stuck them up before the fulsome ewes.
Who, then conceiving, did in eaning time '
J^all party-coloured lambs, and those were Jacob's
This was a way to thrive, and he was blest •
And thrift is blessing, if men steal it not
A I"'' '^^^^ ^^^ ^ venture, sir, that Jacob served for •
A thing not m his power to bring to pass.
But swayed and fashioned by the hand of Heaven
\\as this inserted to make interest good ?
Or is your gold and silver ewes and rams ?
Shy. I cannot tell : I make it breed as fast —
But note me, signior.
T' o^L n •. o . ^^^^^ ^^^ ^h'S' Bassanio ;
Tne de^ il can cite Scripture for his purpose
An evil soul producing holv witness
Is like a villain with a smiling cheek,
^ goodly apple rotten at the heart.
U, what a goodly outside falsehood hath I
^/iy. Three thousand ducats ;— 't is a s«od round ^i,m
Three months from twelve, then'u-L me sefthe Jate '
t" • J^^".' ^hylock, shall we be beholding to you ?
Tn £• JT'""' ^^?^«"i«' '"any a time and oft ^
In the Rialto you have rated me
About my moneys and my usances :
Still have I borne it with a patient shrug ;
i'or suflerance is the badge of all our trut
^ ou call me misbeliever, cut-throat do<»' '
And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine, °'
And all for use of that which is mine own.
351
''«-i-t-«.'....'Pti:
m
s
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act I Sc iii
?^ n h ' '^ """^ ''PP'^"' yo" "eed my help •
Go to then ; you come to n,e, and you sav ^ *
Ynn ^ S'* ' .""f ""'^"'^ '^^^^ moneys/' vof say so •
In 'fi^f ''''^ "^"^"^ y^"'* '•heum upon ,ny be^Trd '
And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur
^^atXuld ?:^^' '' '"'^"•^>^ •« y«- -it.
•• Hnth o , ^^y ^'^ y°" ^ Should I not sav
Hath a dog money ? Is it possible ^'^^'
ShTt'k" '."^^ ^^'^"^ thousand ducas" " ,.r
?v-^K f ^«^d Jow. and in a bondman's kev
Say 'this :- ^"^"^' ^"^ ^^^^P^-g humbleness,
"Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday 1 ist •
You ?aTl'"; «"^h a day ; anoth^JIfn e'' '
I 'lllend vo ??h1,«^ ' ^l^ ^^' ^^"'^ courtesies
1 11 lena you thus much moneys "> "
Ant I am as like to call thie so aealh
JnV ^".f*?"" ?^"'"' *« ^P"'-" thee too '
is toThvf -''"i^ 'H' "'""^y' ^•^"d it not
A K. thy friends ; for when did friendshio takP
Rnt f^'*,°l^'^'''^" nietal of his friend "^
Whn 'f h'^J''^'^"" *" *hine en.my ;
El'a°ct1he%'e"aUy!'°^ "^^'^^ ^^'^ ^^"- ^-e
I £|d be friends wiS^ou^^^^^^^^ =
kZif ^ ^^'^'"''' that you have stained me xWtl,
Supply your present wants, and take no doit '
?his iS^I ^o^f?;;"^"^^^' ^'^^ y- '" -t tar me.
Buss. This were kindness.
$ou:^' me to a notary, seal meVhere'"'"'" ^"^ ' ^^°^-
Your single bond ; and, in a merry sport.
If you repay me not on such a day
In such a place, such sum or sums as are
Expressed in the condition, let the ?or?eft
Be nominated for an equal pound
Of thrice three (i-pos thr- v-i..^ ^f ii ' .
<^hn n fofV \\ ^.itue of this bond.
3.52
|if?iS*ir^'^i*
LMIikilF...r':i-Jlfi»^h^
Scili
Act II Sc i
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
The thoughts of others !— Pray you, tell me this :
If he should break iiis day, what should I gain
By the exacllon of the forfeiture ?
A pound of man's flesh, ti^ken from a man,
Is not so estimable, profitable neilher.
As flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats. I say,
To buy his favour, I extend this friendship :
If he will take it, so ; if not, adieu ;
And for my love, I i>ay you, wrong me not.
Ant. Yes, Shylock, I will seal unto this bond.
S/iy. Then meet me forthwith at the notary's.
Give him direction for this merry bond.
And I will go and purse the ducats straight ;
See to my house, left in the fearful guard
Of an unllirifty knave ; and presently
I will be wilii you.
r„u^"f", , ^^^ *''"^- .'^t'ntl*^ Jew. [Exit Shylock
ihis Hebrew will turn Christian : he grows kind.
Buss. I like not fair terms and a villain's mind.
Ant. Come on, in this there can be no dismay ;
My ships come home a month I)cfore the day. [Exeunt
fi.
ACT TWO
Scene L— Belmont. A Room in Portia's House
Enter the Prince of Morocco, unci his Followers : Portia
Nerissa, and others of her Train. Flourish cornets '
Mor. Mislike me not for my complexion,
The shadowed livery of the burnished sun
To whom I am a neighbour and near bred.
Bring me the fairest creature northward born,
Where Phoebus' fire scarce thaws the icicles.
And let us make incision for your love
To prove whose blood is reddest, his or mine.
I tell thee, lady, this aspect of mine
Hath feared the valiant ; by my love, I swear.
The best regarded virgins of our clime
Have loved it too. I would not change this hue.
Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen.
For. In terms of choice I am not solely led
By nice direction of a maiden's eyes :
Besides, the lottery of my destiny
Bars me the right of voluntary choosing ;
But, if my father had not scanted me
And hedged me by his wit to yield myself
His wife who wins me by that means I told you
Yourself, renowned prince, then stood as fair '
.i)<-
353
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act n Sc ii
As any corner I have looked on vet
i- or my allcction. ^ '
Tliiipfnr. T Even for that Ithank vou •
And so may I, blind fortune le^ad'inc me
Andlither not attempt t?chJ"o"e'-,t''-!'n ''°'"" *""'^^'
nl? ^i'narri^ge : therefore be advised
^ our hazard shall be made ^ " ^^"^ "^'""^^
To make me blest or cursea-st''Z''onlZlT'"'
[Cornets, and exeunt
Scene H.— Venice. A Street
Enter Launcelot Gobbo
from this J™ my'LsZ "'f^l'P'^^"' ^^'^ ""^ to run
tempts me. s"Lg i° me^ GoSbo" "r' """'''""W. ™d
good Launcelot;- or "nZd miVh^" ' I-.funw'o' Gobbo,
Gobbo, use you; legs. tlke°the sUrt ru" a,fa°v" " ''T"'°'
science says, — " No • inV^ h^/i u ««ay. My con-
l>eed, honest Gobbo': "or as afor.'.n-^'* Launcelot ; take
lot Gobbo • do not nt, . ' aforesaid, " honest Launce-
Well, the mostcoura.: "ois'S bT'"^ ^•^''? ^^^ »»"«"« ■'
says the fiend ; " a^^■nyr'Jyl^^^^^^ V ^'^ ^ "
rouse up a brave mind," sa?s the liend '• ..f^^he heavens,
my conscience, hancinc ahnnf tL '. ^""^ ^""- Well.
s^s?\L'i.ToSr tr '?^"-»-"-?„^«
-'or. indeed, ^yl-lher-id'^reSl-L^ScKS^'^tS;;
354
im'.: i
Act II Sc U THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
grow to-he had a kind of taste :-well. my conscience
?' h '^^ ?^f^°*' ^""^^^ "°^" " Cud{?e," says the fiend :
Budge not, says my conscience. " Conscience." sav I
you counsel well ; " " fiend." say I, " you counsel weU : "
to be ruled by my conscience, I should stay with the Jew mv
master, who (God bless the mark) is a kind of devU : and
to run away from the Jew, I should be ruled by the fiend'
who, saymg your reverence, is the devU himself. Certainly'
the Jew IS the very devil incarnation, and, in my conscience
my conscience is but a kind of hard conscience t(. offer lo
counsel me to stay with the Jew. The fiend gives the
more friendly counsel : I will run, fiend ; my heels are at
your commandment ; I will run.
Enter Old Gobbo, wUh a basket
vvaylo Ma'sfer^Je'^vrf "^'"' ^'"' ' ^^'^ ^°" ^'^^^^ '^ '"^^
tJhlT' i^''f'^ ^ heavens, this is my true-begoUen
father, who, bemg more than sand-blind, high gravel-
blind knows me not :-I will try confusions with him
waylo IVlSr J^X? ^^"''^"^"' ' ""''^ ^«"' ^'^^^'^ i^ '^^
hJtVr^i, '^"'"'J y °? y^"'" "S^^ *^^"^ at the next turning,
but at the next turning of all, on your left ; marry, at the
very next turn mg, turn of no hand, but turn down in-
directly to the Jew's house.
ro?°*' ?^, ^""^'^ sonties, 't will be a hard way to hit
Can you tell me whether one Launcelot. that dwells witli
him, dwell with him, or no ?
Ar.^r"' '^^^^ y°" **' y°""8 '"^^^ster Launcelot "i—lAside]
Mark me now; now will I raise the watcrs.-[rnM
Talk you of young Master Launcelot ? ^ ^
Oob No master, sir, but a poor man's son : his father
Godte L^IA :^:Zr '''''''''' P°- --• ' -"
yoing^lasr^'^nc'efot^^^'" '^ '"'''' ' ^•"'' - '^'^ ^'
?nnn ^''^ J^orship's friend, and Launcelot, sir.
f ,>it . ' P'"^y y°"' ^''9°' "I'J i":in. ergo, I beseech vou
talk you of young Master Launcelot ? "eseecnyou,
fnnn I ^^""^elot, an 't please your mastership.
i^aun Ergo Master Launcelot. Talk not of Master
F^s^t n.'.r'- ' '°^*^^ y*'""S gentleman (ac^Jrding to
i-ates and Destinies, and such odd sayings the Sistor^ Thrn«
and such branches of learning) is^^nS^d deceased -'
as you would say in plain terms, gone to heaven"' ' °''
Gob. Marry, God iorbld I the boy was the verv st«fT
of my age, my very prop. ^ ^^ "**"
or^aTon PMn °°^ ^?^ ^ ^"^«'^' °^ ^ hovel-post, a staff,
or a prop .^— Do you know me, father ? *- » » "'-'*"»
355
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
m
'/fir
Act II s
sioul) alive or dead "^ "'^ ^'"^ (God rest
Aaan. Nay' ndeLr"Jf ''"'^ '.:''"^ = ^ "^"^^^ vou not
fail Of the k.^winrn e JtV''' >'°"i: *•>•««' y«u "?!«
his own cluld. \\el old m , //'''^./■•'ir ^^^^^ ^"0
your son. [Kneels] Ghi^ Z'lnl h.'" " ^^^ "«^»
come to lisht; murder cinnn?M f '■'"«• ^ruth w
may but in ti,'e Tnd tJuth ^Vj? ^'^ ^"'•^' « '"-"'« »«
Lau^elol!%'bo;.'"' '''''' "^- "^ ^"^ -^« you are n,
bul'Xe mc"vor'i,l^i' ^''''"r "" '"^^ 'o«''ng about i
f h^f*; ?^'' ""'"^ ^s Margery, indeed • r mi i
thou be Launcelot fhnn o-/ V"'*^*^^ • ' H bo sworn, i
Lord worshipped „igK? he LT'"Jk 7" I,'"'' """ "'"od
got : thou hast got more hair \,J^\'S^ ", ^'"'' h"" th,„
my nil-horse has on his tail ^ "'""• '"an Dobbir
backward. "l1°r's'ure ho iad" »■»' Dxh^n'^ tail grow,
I ha« o» „y fa"; Xn'f last's"v°'',fi„';''"- "" "'' '"' '"""
m,d1hy'-„:^^tir''a°«Tee''7 'l°ha;';''KL'ir <'°-' "">»
How grec you now ? brought him a present.
set^up'my'S'trrij. awa v'?o "?' wl.r "* P^^*' «« ^ have
run some ground. My mSer^c V " "''t ""^^^ *^^' ^ ha% e
present 1 t^ve him a hJltT^ ' l arn fo"'V!.''' ^'^'' ^'"^ ^
You may tell every Snger I hav^ wm!'''^'^ V''' '''^'^'■
I am glad you are coine • aivo JJ '"^ ^^^'- ^'^t'l^'-
Master Bassanio, who Tndeed niv^. ^""''^ P"""'^"* ^^ on^'
I serve not him, I wUl run as f.? afr'^rt "'^ ''^'^''''^^ ' ^^
O rare fortune here come? uJ ^""^ ^''' '''"^ ground.-
for I am a Jew,' if ^l IrT^^e 'i:^Tn'y i^n^g^r'^"' '^^^^^ ''
supper beTead^:? the /a'r'th":!;. i'S'^ ^« «« lasted, that
these letters delivered vutiLl ''•' °' *^* '=>«'^^' S^'«
desire Gr.tiano to^c^oleron'^t^o mrJ^^glnV-^^"- ^^^
/fifun. To him, father ^^^"'' '^ -^'^^''a/i/
Gof». God bless your worship I
•^f«.
n sc ii
J rest liis
>u not.
ou mifiht
It knows
news of
ruth wil/
^n's son
are not
Act II Scil THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
i ^fr J'"'«'y^'"*=>- Wouldst thou auRht with me ?
I uou. Here s my son, sir, a poor boy,—
I iK ♦ "• ,i^**f ° P'^"'" "^^y- s''"' b»t the rich Jew's nnn
f thnt would, slr,-as my father shall specify.- '
lo^efve^^ ^""^^ ° ^'"'''^ infection, sir, as one would say,
^'«""- Indeed, the short and the long is. I serve the
.low and have a deslre,-as my father shall specify!!!' '^'
.n?M o. * '"'*'*''r ^"'' ^^ ^''-'^^'ne your worships rever-
ence) are scarce cater-cousins,—
Aaun To be brief, the very truth Is, that the lew
having done me wrong, dolh cause me,-as my fathe?
heinp I hope, an old man, shall frutlfy unto you -!- '
Ool>. I have here a dish of doves, that I would bestow
upon your worship ; and my suit is.— ^
I^aiin. In very brief, the suit is impertinent to mvsclf
as your worship shall know by this honest old min • nn!I'
though I say it, though old mJn. yet poo? man, my father'
Bass. One speak for both.-What would you ?
Laun. Serve you, sir.
Gob. That is the very defect of the matter, sir.
S',? S .1^"'''^ !•'*''' ''■'=" ' ^''O" h^st obtained thy suit •
SIi> lock thy master, spoke with me this day, ^ *
And hath preferred thee, if it be preferment
1 o I( ive a rich Jew's service, to become
The follower of so poor a gentleman.
God, sir, and he hath enough ^ ^ °^
Bass. Thou speak'st it well. Go, father with thv «on
T.ake leave of thy old master, and inquire ^ '°"-
J y lodging out. To his Followers] Give him a liverv
More guarded tnan his fellows' : sec it done ^
Laun. lather, in.— I cannot get a service no • T hoxr«
the edge o a fea her7,o!i hln '" )'""' °' "^>' ''^« ^^ith
if PnrtnM» K ^^^^"er-bcfj^ here are simp e 'scanes • weU
aSecorne' •%?;?' '^^'^ '"^ ^ood wench for tk?s ge.-Tr -1!:
of an eye. ' YE^eunt^'i'^u -^"^^^
Thff ^n • ^ P K y. "'^^' goodTe^onarToT'thinronThls^'''^'
Lon Ai'T'"'! •'^^^"^'"tance : hie thee, go.
Leon. My best endeavours shall be done herein.
357
Mii^m
w
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
J'
f '
iif
Hi
f
Act 11 Sc
Enter GnATiANo
fco' ^^^^^ '* y°"^ master?
Gra.
Bass.
Cira.
liass.
Sisnior nassanlo.— ^''"'^^'''' s^''. he walks. [Ex
tiraliano.
I have a suit to you.
B^IZnJ'^ must not deny J?" I'^sJ'lJ^'ll^l^,'^,, ,
ThoHrt t'oo^^;nt?or.?.J"'a^nd b"!;!?, '^^ ^•^^^' ^^^^^-^
Parts that become thee hnppSy eno ' oh ''°'" '
Ami in such eyes as ours an S not r .'f «
But where thou art nnf tni,. V '•'"'",
To a May ,vHh son.e c-old dr"T/„Y ^, .'^e'^', r""
And lose my hopes. ^^ * go lo,
Usp all «h« ^1 ' ^'fi"' ^"<* say amen
r-^ XT .' ^"^" s^c your be iriiuf
B/;''hat'tT/„t.'4T./°-"'«'>' = ^°"" '-" not gage n,e
YoTh^?'r^* you rather^'t^opufor' P''^-
I have some business '^'^^ y°" ^^'^^ •'
SCK. ,„._The San,e. A R„o„ .„ Suv.ocks House
Enter Jessica rm<; Launcelot
Didst rob it o^^:^i^/\^^,^».
p/Kf<JU^;-t^^,»3^
Lorenzo, who is thy new n.Sstor's gm" 7 "°
358
tl ScJil
ks. [Exil
it.
you to
allano :
w
Act II Sc Iv
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Give lilm this letter, do it secretly :
And so farewell ; I would not have my father
See me in talk with thee.
Laun. Adieu I— tears exhibit my tonquc.-Mosl beauti-
ful paf:!nn, most sweet Jowl If a Christian <lo not play
the knave and Ret thoc, I am much deceived. But, adieu 1
these foolish drops do somewhat <lrown my manly spirit •
adieu I
Jes. Farewell, good Launcelot.— [Exit Launcelul
.Mack, what heinous sin is it in iiic,
To be ashamed to be my father's child I
Hut thoufih I am a ilau^hter to his blood,
I am not to his manners. O Lorcn/o.
If thou keep j»ro!nise, I shall end lliis strife.
Become a Christian and thy loving wife. [Ex/7
ir,
mo
veunt
ouse
Scene IV.— The Same. A Street
Enter Gratiano, LonENzo, Salarino, and Sai.amo
Lor. Nay, we will slink awav in suppcr-tlmc.
Disguise us at my lodging, and return
All in an hour.
Gra. We have not made good preparation.
Salar. Wo have not spoke us yet of torch-bearers.
Salan. 'T is vile unless it may 'be quaintly ordered,
And better, in my mind, not undertook.
Lor. "T is now but four o'clock, we have two hours
To furnish us.
Enter Launcf.lot with a letter
Friend Launcelot, what 's the news ?
Laun. An it shall please you to break up this, it shall
seem to signify. [(jioinrj a letter
Lor. I know the hand : in faith, 't is a fair hand,
And whiter than the paper it writ on
Is the fair hand that writ.
f'""- „ Love-news, in faith.
Laun. By your leave, sir.
Lor. W'hithcr gocst thou ?
Laun. Marry, sir, to bid my old master, the Jew, to
sup to-night with my new master, the Christian
Lor. Hold here, take this : tell gentle .Jessica I will
not fail her, speak it privately : [Exit Launcelot
Tio, gentlemen,
Will you prepare you for this masque to-night ">
I am provided of a torch-bearer.
Salar. Ay, marry, I '11 be gone about it straight.
Salan. And so will I.
359
THE MERCHANT OF VF. CE
Act n Sc V
At rCofio«^' I J . ^'^^^ f'^c and Gratiano
>5L "?r'. '°'^^'"« 5°"^e hour hence.
iialar. r is good we do so.
It wfn l^% ' K-^"' ^^^^^"^ ^«"^« to Heaven.
And n.vL ^i' ^'' «.^''*'^ daughter's sake ;
And never dare misfortune cross her foot
Unless she do it under tins oxcuso^^ '
That she is issue to a faithless Jew
Come go with me, peruse this as thou ooest •
Fair Jessica shall be my lorch-b.arer!^ ' [Exeunt
Scene V.-The Same. Before Shvlock's House
Enter Shvlock and Launcelot
i^r* WK , :. ^^'^y' J^'ssica I
I could do nothing without bidding '
ii'n/cr Jessica
Jes Call you ? What is your will ?
Sfiy. I am bid forth to siii),H.r, Jossin •
liiit yet I 11 go in liate, to food ui)on
The prod.ga Chrislian.-Jossioa mv girl
Look to ,ny houso.--I am ri.,i,i Iom h to co •
JopThTw'"'' "' ^'-I^'-^'^ving low.n s „v rest'
for I did dream of money-bags lo-ni" ht
cxpTyour repnmcir"' '''' '' '' '""^ ^^""8 "^^^^er doth
•J>/'y. So do I Ills.
sa^'^ si;^S^^!':^,!;;;j;i,--l^-^ togolhor.-I wU, no.
for nothing (hat mx , oi ?on ^ n'^ ^r" ''*'' ^''«n «t ^vas not
-: Ao. >\cun.Miay was tour year in th'afternoon ^""
360
Act II Sc vi
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Shij. What, are Ihere masques ?— Hear you me, Jessica,
Lock up my doors, and when you hear the drum,
And the vile squeaking of the wry-necked fife,
Clamber not you up to the casements then,
Nor thrust your head inlo the public street
To gaze on Christian fools with varnished f:ices :
But stop my house's ears, I mean my casements.
Let not the sound of shullow foppery eiiler
My sober house.— Hy Jacob's stall I swear,
I have no mind of fensiing forth to-night :
But I will go : — Go you before me, sirrah.
Say, I will come.
Laun. I will go before, sir.— Mistress, look out at
window, for all this ;
Tiiere will come a Christian by.
Will be worth a Jewess' eye. [Exit
What says that fool of Ilngar's oiTspring ? ha !
His words were '* Farewell, mistress ; " nothing
else.
The patch is kind enough, but a huge feeder.
Snail-slow in protif, and he sleeps bv day
More than the wild cat : drones liive not with me,
Therefore I part with him. and part with him
To one that I would have !.im help to waste
His borrowed purse. — Well, .(essic i, go in.
Perhaps I will return immediately.
Do as I bid you ; shut doors alter you :
Fast bind, fast find ;
A proverb never stale in thrifty mind. \Exil
Jes. Farewell ; and if my fortune be not crost,
I have a father, you a daujjiter, lost. [Exit
Shij.
Jes.
Shy.
Scene VI. — The same
Enter Ghatiano and Salaiuno, masqued
Gra. This is the penthouse, under which Lorenzo
Desired us to mike stand.
^"^'^''- His hour is almost past.
Gra. And it is marvel he outdwelis his hour,
For lovers ever run before the clock.
Salar. O I ten times faster Venus' pij:e(>ns fly
To seal love's bonds new matle, tluui tliev are wont
To keep obliged faith unforfeited 1
Gra. That ever holds : who risetii from a feast
With that keen appetite that he sits down ?
Where is the horse that doth untread again
1 lis tedious measures with the unbated lire
'That he did pace them first ? Ail tilings that are.
Are with more spirit chased than enjoyed.
38— I.* 351
I
- ' i
F ;
Hi:
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Act II Sc vi
How like a younkcr or a prodigal
The scjirlcd bark puis from iier native bay,
Hugged and embraced by the strumpet wind I
How hke the prodi-al ('oth she return
/ilh over- weathered ribs and ragged sails.
Lean, rent, and beggared by the strumpet wind 1
Enter Lorenzo
It^' SA?oM%r.° n? ^ "'""'^ '• "^°'« °' Ihis hereafter.
v«t r K * ^ ^^J'"'^^' yo"'" patience for my long abode •
Not I. but my aJIairs, have made you wait • '
PH w.rK '^f P'';^'' ^^ P'^>' ^''« thieves for wives
I 11 uatch as long for you then.-Approach :
Here dwells my father Jcw.-Iio. who's within •>
Enter Jessica abooe, in boy's clothes
aik"; t .^^" ^'■^ '^'°" ■• Tell me for more certainty
Albeit I'll swear that I do know yoar tongue ^'
Lor. Lorenzo, and thy love.
Fnr'wh.V'"''"?''' ''*'''^'"" ' ^"^ "^y 'ove, indeed,
Tor who love I so much ? And now who knows
But you, Lorenzo, v>ht thcr I ain yours '>
Lor. Heaven ami thy thou^hls'are witness that thou art
Jcs Here, catch this casket ; it is worth the oains
I am glad 't is ni^;ht, you do not look on me. ^
l;or I am much ashamed of my c.Kchan^e •
Hut love is blind, and lovers cannot see '
I he pretty follies that lh<.n.selves commit;
Tn cii ^^^f''"^'^' ^^'P'^ '""^'^^'^ ^^'»"lt» blush
To see me thus transformed to a boy
Lor. Descend, for you must be mv torch-bearer
Jes Vhat. must 1 hold a candle 'lo mv shfunes'?
n,ey ,n themselves, good sooth, are too ioo liX
VVhy t js an olfice ot discovery, love °
And I should be obscured.
R™ in the lovdy garnish oTAV""' """'
liut come at once ;
For the close night doth plav the runaway
And we are stayed lo. at liassanios leas?'
Jcs. I will make fast the doors, and "ild m-self
With some more ducats, and be with you slr."!:;ht
era Now, by my hood, a Gentile, and r'^fjei'"" "'"'"
Lor IJeshrew me. but I love Iut heartily •
For.he.sv.lse.if Ic.anju(],uofher ^'
And fair she ,s. If that mine eves be tnie.
And therefore, like hers- If. v!iso. fair -Lf,'
>Saaii she iie piaeed m my eons! :nit soul".' '
302
Sc vi
T.
le
Acl II Scvii
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Enter Jkssica
What, art thou come ?— On gentlemen ; away I
Our masquing mates by this time for us stay.
[Exit with Jessici and Salarino
Enter Antonio
Ant. Who's there ?
Gra. Signior Antonio I
Ant. Fie, fie, Gratiano, where are all the rest ?
'T is nine o'clock, our friends al! stav for vou :
No niusque to-night : tlu' wind is come about,
l^nssanio presently will go aboard ;
I have sent twenty out to seek for you.
Gra. I am glad on 't, I desire no more delight
Than to be under sail and gone to-night.
[Exeunt
art.
cwc
Scene VII.— Belmont. An Apartment in Portia's House
Enter Pohtia, willi the Piunce of Morocco, and their
Trains
Por. Go. draw aside the curtains, and discover
llie several caskets to this noble prince :—
Now make your choice.
.. wu'^' ^^^ *'"'^' *^^ ^"•''' '^^^^ ^^'^ inscription bears,
Who chooselh me lihail gain what many men desire."
The secontl. silver, which this promise carries,
"Who chooseth me shall get as much as lie deserves."
This thLd, dull lead, with warning all as blunt,
''Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hnlli."
I low shall I know if I do choo.se the right '?
Por. The one of them contains my picture, prince :
If you choose that, then I am yours withal.
Mor. Some god direct my judgment I Let me see : -
I will survey the inscriptions back again.
What says this leaden casket ?
•• Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath."
Must give~for what ? for lead ? hazard for lead ?
This casket threatens. Men that hazard all
Do it in hope of fair advant;i,<;cs :
A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross,
I 'II then nor give, nor hazard, aught for load.
What says the silver with her virgin hue 7
'• Who chooseth me shall -et as much as he deser\ is '
As much as he deserves ?— Pause there. Morocco
And weigh thy value wiih an even hand. '
If thou beest rated by thy estimation.
Thou dost dtbiTve enough ; and vet enough
May not extend so far as to the iady ;
36.3
m
I
IL ■
»f
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act H Sc vii
And yet to be afeard of my desorvinc
^Vere but a weak disabling of »,vs "f^
As much as I deserve I— Whv th^f 'c f. . ^
f do in birth deserve her. a S'inTcrtunis "^ '
But more than Uwsc, in love I do d^- serve
Ltt s SCO once more tliis saving ftpyvcd in aol.l •
From thJ f -^ • '''' '"*^ world desires her
1 rem the four corners <»f thn ...,rii, ti •
"« ,'>"•<■■' " 'lescTls. and tho vas Iv "ihl'l
lostop the toroisn siiiiils. l,„| ihcy conic
As o or a brook, to soe lair i'orlhi. '
Is"t nJ^r ","■«: <<""ai"s hor heavenly picture
TO 'ti'S s'o't r.? t™?,::;;,?. 'Tt^;,.r:; ~'' ' ''™"""""
S amped m gold, but that's i.iscnlpe i upon •
But here an angol in a rrolde„ Ih.i^ ^ " '
Lies all within. Dehver me the ;' .
Theri Jm'"y!:^f ^^' ^"''^^^ ^ -" "^ !"V form lie there.
^.^ondca.h,witl^-ld^^^^^^^^
A/a^// a ni-m A/.s ///^ /,„//, ^o/^ '
Jsiit my outs!,!,- to behold •
(iilded lorubs do ivomxs infold
{'. '" •'/'^'^ /"•' " OS wise (IS hold
^oung in lind?s. in jinl,nirnt \m
j our ai,s,rer ha I not hPcn inscrolVd
^:oid..nde,M.^;;;:r/;:;;;,;;;lr^-^'^-''/^.'' '
A<^ni.», adieu, f huvo to-v ..r.-.^ , ', ! ^" :
'» taice a tcdiou. leave': .hnsll,;;.;:;';;,. ,£^„
364
iA;j^w^3
^*/- _;....-
Scvii
Act II Sc viii
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Por. A gentle riddance. Draw the curtains ; fio.
Let all of his complexion choose me so. {Exeunt
ket
it
Scene VIII. — Venice. A Street
Enter Salarino and Salanio
Salar. Why, man, I saw Bassanio under sail :
With liim is Gratiano gone alonj? ;
And in their ship, I'm sure, Lorenzo is not.
Satan. The villain Jew with outcries raised the Duke,
Who went with him to search Bassaiiio's ship.
Salar. He came too late, the ship was under sail :
But there the Duke was given to understand
Til at in a gondola were seen together
Lorenzo and his amorous Jessica.
B'sides, Antonio certified the Duke
Tliey were not with liassanio in his ship.
Satan. I never heard a passion so confused,
So strange, outrageous, aiul so variable,
As the dog Jew did utter in the streets :
" My daughter ! — O my ducats ! — O my daughter !
Fled with a Christian I — O my Christian ducats !
Justice ! the law I my ducats, and my daughter I
A sealed bag, two seale^d bags of ducats,
Of double ducats, stolen from me by my daughter !
And jewels, two stones, two rich and precious stones.
Stolen by my daughter I — .Justice I find the girl 1
She hath the stones u[)ou her, and the ducats ! "
Satar. Wiiy, all the boys in Venice follow him.
Crying, his stones, liis daughter, and his ducats.
Satan. Let good .\ntonio look he keep his day,
Or he shall pay for this.
Satar. Marry, well remembered.
I reasoned with a Frenchman yesterday.
Who tohl me, in the narrow seas that part
The French and English, there miscarned
A vessel of our country richly fraught.
I thought upon Antonio when he told me.
And wished in silence tliat it were not his.
Satan. Ynu were best to tell Antonio what you hear ;
Yet do not suddenly, for it may grieve him.
Satar. A kinder gentleman 'treads not the earth.
I saw Bassanio and Antonio part :
Bassanio told him he would niakf some speed
Of his return : he answered — " Do not so ;
Slubber not business for my sake, liassanio.
But stav the v«'rv rini'ii' f>f f!i?^ t
•- r : 1 1 1
And for the Jew's bond which ht hath of me.
Let it not enter in your mind of love ;
305
h^
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
As shall convenientlv hli ^^^"^^ °' ^^ve
He ti ^!:iSr^^^i^^ ''-'
I pray thee, let us go and find hir!.^ T^^"^ ^^'^ !"'«•
And quicken his embraced h^a^^es?''
W 1 th some delight or other "''''^"^"
Act II Sc ix
Do we so.
[Exeunt
■< y?u Choose u;„'t''X^Jf„"^ n'nf c'n'f ^'^- "">'"-= P*™ ■■
Straight shall our n.inli , ri. "nta'niil.
S"t if you fail, rtK 'l^^f ' ■>« =o'omni»ed ;
>""ra!;%«°- -^iS'-r-"'
Of the right asurn'et'fn 'u,!;',')!; « ' '^'U
■■ Who chooscd, me m,2? - '""'• ■■""1 ^aso l^;,,.
What says tho golden clu-L!]n n f""'-
"•h.t MK.ny m.;,'",.. r" '^,i;';,« '.;' "»ny nu.„ desire."
% I R. f„„, „,„Hih„le, lh-,1 i, ' "7'' '"■■'> •>« '"I'lia
^-ii^ls in .he xv<.;n,:'\!!'V.::'^^:J^^"- '■•- the nKuU.t,
^^ca in inc lorce and r;;;,;) ;i';;;;;;:.^';;^'"'
4ff-''Mr,m^)^
\m>C.
'^^^i^^^m
Scix
Act II Sc ix
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
unt
;Iit.
ns.
I will not choose what many men desire.
Dccausc I will not jinnp with common spirits
And rank me with the barbarous multitudes.
Why, then to thee, thou silver treasure-house ;
Till nie once more what title thou dost bear :
" Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves."
And well said too ; for who shall ^^o about
To cozen fortune and be honourable
Without the stamp of merit ? Let none presume
To wear an undeserv<?d dignity :
! that estates, degrees, and offices,
Were not derived corruptly, and that clear honour
Were purchased by the merit of the wearer I
How many then should cover that stand bare ;
How many be conmianded that command ;
How much low peasantry would then be j'k-aned
From the true seed of honour ; and how much honour
Picked from the chaff and ruin of the times.
To be new-varnished I Well, but to my clioice :
" Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves."
1 will assume desert. — Give me a key for this,
And instantly unlock my fortunes here.
[He opens the silver casKci
Por. Too long a pause for that which you find there.
Ar. What 's here '? tlie portrait of a blinking idiot,
Fresenting me a schedule ! I will read it.
How much unlike art thou to Portia I
How much unlike my hopes and my desorvings 1
' Who chooseth me shall have as much i.s he deserves : "
Did I deserve no more than a fool's head '?
Is that my prize ? are my deserts no better ?
Por. To olTend and judge are dislinct oilircs.
And of opposed natures.
Ar. What is here ?
[Reads] The fire seven thuvs tried this :
Seven lirnrs trieil tlud JLid<inieril is
Th(d did iwner cli'>')se amiss.
Some there l>e tlud sliadiuvs kisi ;
Such li(tve [yut a slmdoiv's Idiss :
There be fools alive, I ivis.
Silvered o'er, mid so inns this :
Take wIkiI vije ijoti will !•■ be i,
J wilt ever he i/our head :
So be qone ; aim are spal.
Still more fool I sh:i!l r.pnrar
liV the lime I liii^;cr liert' :
With one fools head 1 caii'.e to woo,
Pit I go r.Nvay Vritb t'---o. —
Sw'ct. adiru. I'll \n'0\) my oa'li.
Patiently to bear my wrotli. [':v€unf \rragon and Trnfn
i;
II
THE MERCHANT OF VENirP
p ^ VLNICE Act HI Sci
O. these Sberale It^T ''"^'^ ^"e moth.
^or. Come, draw the curtain. Nerissa.
,. ^"f^r a Messenger
Mess. Where is my lady ?
A young Von",' an „„T„'' ,"''-""<■" "t y'
To signify the •.;^;°S,''"' ™""'' ""'uri-'
So iilcely an nnillass^do'/o '^1"°' ""''
As itlTV °" "'"'y «""""»■• was n( hand
ACT THREE
Scene I.— Venice. A Street
^"/<T Salaxio a/,,/ SALAruvo
[-;»' a Ship or',^j^ t!;,;^ I^:::;'t1r'' ^'^^^^ ^"^""-
nn? ^^^'^'^^y'ls. I IWnk they c.^lUh, n! , ^"^ "^""^^''^ ^eas ;
ilat nnd fatal, whcv tlie cSrc ,s ^ ' ''' ''' ^■*'''>' 'J'«nRerous
bunod, astheysayjtnivnnih:,> "' '"""^ ''' t-'i' sliin lie
of her word. ^ ^' '"'^ ^"''''^ ^''V^'^ be an honest woman
Salan. I would sli(> w
ever kunppod fringer or ,nZ', '^"i ''^''"^' ""^ ^"^^'P in that as
wept for the death of ,?', ^•'''' "^•'«''t>ours believe sh^
^^Ihout any slips o'prolixiv'^.. •'"''^'"'^- ^"' '^ s tr '
;>/ ^'IK-, that tiK- f,.fo^ A ,;' ;7r'':"'^^'f^'''"'i'iMm^^^^^^
tl'^'t i had a title ^ood em ''t 'keen .'"""'' Antonio-O.
J"f'r. Come, the full sf o > ^' '^'' "^'"^' ^^'^mpany-
.V'/t;n. 11;,, ■vvhnt sf>^n.< iu... ..
iiuth lost a ship. "- '• '''''" ' ^vTiy, the end is, ju
S68
Act III Scl THE MKRCHANT OF VENICE
Salar. I would It might prove the end of his losses
Salan. Let me say " amen " betimes, lesl the devil cross
my prayer, for here he comes In the likeness of a Jew.
Enter Shylock
How now, Shylock, what news among the merchants ?
bhy. You knew, none so well, none so well as you. of
my daughter s flight. •' '
.1 t°^"'''A Tu"^^ '• ^"*''''" • '• '°'' ^y P^''t, knew the taUor
that made the wings she flew withal.
^vi^n-^r. ^"^^ ^A^u"''*';. ^^^ ^'^ ^'^^ P''^'"t' »^new the bird
sas fledged ; and then it is the complexion of them aU to
leave the dam.
Shi/. She is damned for it.
^^^^°''' .7^^^ '* *=ertain, if the devil mav be her judce
Shif. My own flesh and blood to rebel ! '
Satan. Out upon it, old carrion, rebels it at these years *>
Shy. I say my daughter is my flesh and blood.
• ♦/■• u *'^*^ '* ^^^^ dillerence between thy flesh and
hers than between jet and ivory ; more between your
bloods than there is between red wine and rhenish. But
tell us, do you hear whether Antonio have had any loss at
sea or no V
Shy There I have another bad match ; a bankrupt
a prodigal, who dare scarce show his head on the Rialto '
hi.rfK/^'^ T"^ ^"^ *^""^^ ^'^ ^"^"8 upon the mart : I ot'
h m tl ."^ ^u- H^""^; ^^ '^^' ^°"^ ^o *=a» me usurer ; Kl
h m look to his bond : he was wont to lend money for a
Christian courtesy ; let him look to his bond.
1 • ?^ ^: ^y' ^ ^^ ^^^^' '*■ he forfeit, thou wilt not take
his flesh ; what 's that good for ?
if ^^ To bait flsh withal ; if it will feed nothing else,
t will feed my revenge. He hath disgraced me and
Inndered n>e half a million, lau^'hed at my losses.^nocked
at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted mv bafa^ins
rca onr/am'/'^'''t"l^ ^"^'"'^^ ' ^nd what?rh7s
reason / I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eves f hath not
a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections pas
sions ? fed with the same food, hurt with tlu same weapons
subject to the same diseases, healed by the s^mrSs'
ChSlian'i; 7'"h''' '''' 'K''"^' -inte/and s.mTneras a
Uir slian is ? If you prick us. do we not bleed '> if von
tickle us, do we not lauqh ? if you poison us, do we not
die ? and .f you wroni- us. shall we not reven-. ' ' Jf we
are like you in the rosl, we will resemble you in that If
a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his hundlity 5 revenge
/i^^l'^'f."''" ^^'••>"" <r J^-^v, what should his sufTerancr b^
-••V ^iuisciiUi cxan.,ni- V why. revenge. The villiinv Vn.",
LettTh; !„:^;i.c.r " ■■ ■"" " ^'"" «» '-^ ^"" • wm
86<*
'kl
,1 'i
Hiist
THE MERCHANT OF VF.NICE Act HI Sc I
Enter a Servant
Sl'In H* ^^""^ ^^^"^ "P «"^ *^own to seek him
[/vxeiin/ Sa/on/o, .Sc/ar/no. and Servant
Enter Tubai.
thf./f* ",°^ ^^^' '^"'^•'>' ? ^vhat news from Genoa ?
thou found my daughter ? ^-enoa /
nn?.tr. ' °""" "■"' "'"■^'' ' '"" ""-■'' <" h". but cr,„„„l
Slu,. What what, what ? ill luck, ill luck ?
I spoke with some of the saUors thnt escaped the
Tub
Shij.
true V
Tnh.
-Shar"."" t:;; «'•:-' Ti'^to?."" »-- «"°" -- ^
my tu I^n.^"^^„;r^c"o;r!ifc^.'."a?". ...U^/," ^^'^ «'
ducats I "ULdis ai a sittmg ! fourscore
company ?^v'ejr.\;';Twc.,°r'h^"'""';' ,'^"<''"'" '" "v
Shil I oJ , v. s.^/'T he cannot choose but breik
a^^"AurZ\v:z;':°'"'' "" ' ^'"« """ "^ '•"« «' y--
,..„"'!;';. ,P"* "P"" her 1 Thou tortura.l n.c T.,h^i • ■•
/^^^^S^^c«i-;Vf^--!:i^-;™^i^-
:!70
m^.e*J.x W^
Act III Scil THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Tub. But Antonio Is certainly undone.
Shy. Nay. that 's true, that 's very true. Go. Tubal,
fee me an onicer. bespeak him a fori night before. 1 will
have the heart of him. if he forfeit ; for were ho out of
Nenice. I can make what mertliandise I will. Co. ro,
Tubal, and meet me at our synagogue : go, good Tul);d •
at our synagogue, Tubal. ^ " [lixcunt
SfRNE 11. Relmont. A noom In Poutia's II<.use
Enter Bass.kmo, Poivnx, (iiiAfiANo, Nkius.sa, and
Attendants
Por. I pray you, tarry ; pause a day or two
Before you hazard, for in choosiuj,' wrong
I lose your company ; tlierefore, forbear awiiile.
There 's something tells me. but It is not lovr.
I would not lose you,~and you know yourself.
Hate counsels not in such a quality ;
But lest you should not understand me well
(And yet a maiden hath no fondue hut thou(,'hl)
I would detain you here some month or two
Eoforc you venture for me. I could tench you
How to choose right.— but then I am forsworn ;
.So wdl I never be : so may you miss me ;
But if you do, you '11 make me wnsh a sin,
That I had been forsworn. Beshrew your eyes.
They have o'erlooked me, and divided me :
One half of me is yours, the other half vours,
Mine own, I would say ; but if mine, tiion yours.
And so all yours. O, these naughty titiu-s
Put bars between the owners and their ri"hts •
And so, though yours, not yours ;- prove U so,
Let Fortune go to hell for it, not I
I speak too long ; but 't is to poise the time,
l^o eke It, and to draw it out in length.
To sUi-j you from election.
Buss I ^.t me choose.
For as I am, I live upon the rack.
wf^/"". ^'P*^" ^^^ "^'^' J5:iss;niio : then confess
What treason there is min.-'ed wilh vuur love
w('"u • ^'*'"^' ^"^ ^^""^ "«'>' treason of mislrust
Which makes me fear the enjovinq of my love
Ihorc may as well be amity and lif.>
'Twecn snow and lire as treason and nv love
/ or. Ay, but I foar you sp-.-ak upon' il.e rack,
NVlicre men enforct^d do speak aiiytliiii!,'
ir''- ^!:''n"\'''' '"'' '"^*- •'"'' ^'" fonRss the truth.
J or. Well then, coafcss and live.
''^^- Confess and love,
371
^ir2::ii<:U^Lj.^^i^
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A APPLIED IIVMGE I
^^ '653 tdst Mam Street
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THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act HI Scii
li.id been the very sum of my confession :
O happy torment, when my torturer
Doth teach me answers for deliverance :
But let me to my fortune and the caskets.
[Curtain drawn from before the caskets
Por. Away then, I am locked in one of them,
If you do lovo me, you will fmd me out.
Nerissa and the rest, stand all aloof.
Let music sound, while he doth ninke his choice.
Then, if he lose, he makes a swan-like end,
Fading in music. That *he comparison
May stand more proper, my eye shall be the stream
And watery dealh-hcd for him. He may win ;
And what is music then ? then music is
Even as the flourish when true subjects bow
To a ncw-ciowndd monarch ; such it is,
As are those dulcet sounds in break of day
That creep into the dreaming bridegroom's ear.
And summon him to marriage.— Now he gons.
\\ ith no less presence but with much more love
Th m young Alcides when he did redeem
The virgin tribute paid by howling Troy
To the sea-mcnster : I stand for sacrilfce.
The rest aloot are the Dardanian wives,
AViih bleared visages, come forth to view
The issue of the exploit : go, Hercules,
Live tliou, I live : — with much, much more dismay,
I view the fight than thou that mak'st the fray. '
A song, the whilst Bassanio comments on the caskets to
himself
Tell me where is fancy bred.
Or in the heart, or in the head ?
How begot, how nourished?
Replij, repU].
It is engendered in the eyes,
With gazing fed, and fancy dies
In the cradle where it lies.
Let us all ring fancy's knell :
I 'II begin it, — Ding, dong, bell.
All. Ding, dong, bell.
j'iass. So may the outwnrd shows be least themseivcs :
The world is still deceived with ornament.
In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt
BuL, being seasoned with a gracious voice.
Obscures the show of evil ? In reiigiun,
\Vlia1 damned error but some soJu-r brow
V\lll bless it and r.pprove it with a text.
Hiding tlie gross:u>ss with fair ornanKi.t ?
372
m^mmw.
Hit
^>?-^3!tiJ^>^<^
Sc ii
Act III Sc ii
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
There is no vice so simple but assumes
Some mark of virtue on his outward parts.
How many cowards, whose hearts are all as false
As stairs of sand, wear yet upon tluir chins
The beards of Hercules and frowning Mars,
Who, inward searched, have livers white as milk.
And these assume but valour's excrement,
To render them redoubted. Look on beauty.
And you shall see 't is purchased by the weight.
Which therein works a miracle in nature.
Making them lightest that wear most of it :
So are those crisped snaky golden locks.
Which make such wanton gambols with the wind
Upon supposed fairness, often known
To be the dowry of a second head.
The skull that bred them in the sepulchre.
Thus ornament is but the gulled shore
To a most dangerous sea ; the beauteous scarf
Veiling an Indian beauty ; in a word,
The seeming truth which cunning times put on
To entrap the wisest. Therefore, thou gaudy gold,
Hard food for IMidas, I will none of thee ;
Nor none of thee, thou pale and common drudge
'Tween man and man : but thou, thou meagre lead.
Which rather threat'nest than dost promise aught,
Thy plainness moves me more than eloquence,''
And here choose I. Joy be the consequence 1
Por. How all the other passions fleet to air.
As doubtful thoughts, and rash-embraced dcsnair.
And shuddering fear, and green-tyed jealousy 1
love, be moderate, allay thy ec'stacv.
In measure rain thy joy, scant this excess :
1 feel too much thy blessing 1 make it less,
For fear I surfeit 1
Bass. What fmd I here ?
^ . „ ,, . [Opening the leaden casket
Fair Portia's counterfeit. W^hat demi-god
Math come so near creation ? Move these eyes ?
Or whether, riding on the balls of mine.
Seem they in motion ? Here are severed lips
Parted with sugar breath, so sweet a bar
Should sunder such sweet friends. Here in her hairs,
The painter plays the spider and hath woven
A golden mesh to entrap the hearts of men
Faster than gnats in cobwebs. But her eyes.
How could he see to do thorn ? ha\inrr mnde one
'Methinks it should have power to steal both his.
And leave itself unfurnished : yet look, how far
The substance of my praise doth wrong this shadow
in underprizing it, so far this shadow
373
JWLrtii^ '^JJr-;. ;
m_
m :
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act Til Q "
Chance as fair, and choose as true
Since this fortune falls to you.
Be content, and seek no new
I would be trebled twenty times mlolf-
tiut she may learn ; happier than thic
She IS not bred so duU buL she can Lnr'n .
Happiest of all is, that her gent?e%nfrit '
Commits Itself to yours to be S ecled
Are yours mvTord ?' 'l'?'^ ^^'^ ^"""^^ "^vsolf,
Whic'h wheS'^-oa part fx^m 1^7;;'"' ^'^^ ^'"-'
Let it presagc^he'r'urorvou? ^^e '"'' "'^^^■'
OnH? ,^Iadam, you have bereft p,o of al! xv .^
Ante^ ''^^ T^^' t« yo» in my veins ''
As pff o "^ '' '"'^' confusion in my poS
As after some oration, fairly spoke '
374
Scii
Act III Sc U
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
ft
!5
tl
By a beloved prince, there doth appear
Among the buzzing pleiisCd multitiule ;
Where every somethinff, being blent together,
Turns to a wild of nothing, s:ive of joy,
Expressed, and not expressed. But when this ring
Parts from this finger, then parts life from hence ;
O, then be bold to say, Bassanio 's dead.
Ner. My lord ancflady, it is now our time.
That have stood by and seen our wishes prosper.
To cry, good joy. Good joy, my lord and lady !
Gra. My Lord Bassanio, and my gentle lady,
I wish you all the joy that you can wish ;
For, I am sure, you can wish none from me,
And, when your honours mean to solemnise
The bargain of your faith, I do beseech you
Even at that time I may be married too.
Bass. With all my heart, so thou canst get a wife.
Gra. I thank your lordship, you hav: got nic one,
My eyes, my lord, can look as swift as yours, —
You saw the mistress, I beheld the maid ;
You loved, I loved for intermission.
No more pertains to me, my lord, than you.
Your fortune stood upon the caskets there,
And so did mine too, as the matter falls ;
For wooing here until I sweat again.
And swearing till my very roof was dry
With oaths of love, at last, if promise last,
I got a promise of this fair one here.
To have her love, provided that your fortune
Achieved her mistress.
Por. Is this true, Nerissa ?
Ner. Madam, it is, so you stand pleased withal.
And do you, Gratiano, mean good faith ?
Yes, faith, my lord.
Our feast shall be much honoured in your marriage.
We '11 play with them the first boy for a thousand
ducats.
Ner. What, and stake down ?
Gra. No, w shall ne'er win at that sport, and stake down.
But who comes here ? Lorenzo, and his infidel ?
What I and my old Venetian friend Salerio ?
Enter Lorenzo, Jessica, and Salerio
Bass. Lorenzo and Salerio, welcome hither.
If that the youth of my new interest here
Have power to bid you welcome. By your leave
i bid my very friends and countrymen,
Sweet Portia, welcome.
Por. So do I, my lord ;
They are entirely welcome.
.375
Bass.
Gra.
Bass.
Gra.
m
1 i
if J
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
/ . At;t III Sc i
To c,„„e «ith him Song"" '^^'S ""-V,
And I have reason (nr u c- •' "^•^' ^^^^*
Commends him to you ^"^'^"""^ /)"^«'"«
r ^'"^•^- ' Pro T '.'.'''^* fir!.^sanio a letter
Gra Kcrissa, cheer von stnn„.i "'?'','"''> ''"* «<! (rt/w
^ our hand. Salerio. Whal 4 tS ' ^'9 '"" '«-lcoi„f.
How doth that royal mcivhnm ^ "'^^ ''""" ^'""cev
Th^r, ?"°--om' tewS Co":;.";.?;,"'"' "» "•^<'' '«=' >
CouM t-rn so^mnchYhe" nsl" uS" "■' «""'
?v'th"L\r^^s's;;;,is-. ,^?»' r- -<• ---'-
And I must freeiv hi '- h »! ^.^^^ yourself.
Ran in my vS , " '''''"^ ' '""1
And then r JnM^^',™' ^' «™tleman :
Ra.ing;';/J,'}'fat\°o"t ™' •™iS,;t-'' '^''^'
How much I woQ o K ^ -^ ^"^" see
My state 'Js no hii'-'Ps?'-, 'T'?^^" ' '''^' y«".
Tl^at I was worse ha„VoS' ?" "^^"i" '"'^ ^■°"'
/ have enstaeed mvs t^ . i ^ ' J^^ indeed.
Engaged my WeTid i hi. J'"*' ^'■'""'''
To feed mv meant tt '^^''^ ®"^"^y'
The pape?LThe"bod "oTmy ?ntd"' '^'^ '
Hath all t'ven?ures^"aiied1 %% ^'''^^^ '
Irom Tripolis, from Mexfco and En;.""', ""^ '^'^
Of merch;;^.;^:?;!^^;^^ dreadful touch
baler. * i
Not one, my lord,
37a
Act III Scii THR MERCHANT OF VENICE
f J'csldes, it should appear, that if he had
he present nioncv to discharge the Jew
lie would not take it. Never did I know
A creature, tliat did bear the shape of man
So keen and Rreedy to confound a man •
He plies the Duke at morning and at ninlit,
And doth impeach the freedom of the state
Th.^ u^l^' '"'"A ^"'^''''^- Twenty merchants.
Ihe Duke hnnself, and the magnilicoes
Of greatest port, have all persuaded with him
.ut none can drive him from tiie envious plea
Of forfeiture, of .luslice, and his bond
t/t , )^'''^", { ^^^^ ^^ '^^ '^'"^ ^ ^>'^^« heard liim swear
To Tubal, and to Chus, his countrymen,
J hat he would rather have Antonio's llcsh
I lan twenty times the value of the sum
1 hat he did owe him ; and I know, mv lord.
It law, authority, and power deny not'
It will go hard with poor Antonio.
bZ\ 'ril^f "' '^T^ /'^^"^ ^^'^^ *^ *hus in trouble ?
Tif K t The dearest friend to me, the kindest man,
i he best-conditioned and unwearied spirit
•1 doing courtesies ; and one in whom
I he ancient Roman honour more appears.
1 han any that draws breath in Italy.
Por. What sum owes he the Jew ?
Bass. For me, three thousand ducats
Pay him six thousand and deface the bond ' "'^ '"°'' '
J^ouble six thousand, and then treble that *
I^efore a friend of this description
Shall lose a hair through Dassanio's fault
iMrst fio with me to church, and call me wife,
And then away to Venice to vour friend •
J- or never shall you lie bv Porlia-s side '
\N ith an unquiet soul. You shall have gold
I pay the petty debt twentv times over
\\hen It IS paid, brin^ your true friend alon^' •
-My maid Nerissa, and myself, meantime, °
\Mll live as maids and v.idows. Come rway
i'or you shall hence upon vour weddiuf-day
J^id your friends welcnnic, show a mcrfv dicer-
Since you are dear boi.-lit, I will love you dear.'—
i T^ ^'"^^'^ ^^'' '^^''■'' ""^ your friend.
rarrfr'- /i!'^?J-,-'^'""'' Bassanio, M,, ships hare all mis-
y^'ouia live, all debts are cleared between you and I if I minht
7 Lf///'" "i ""^ '^'"^^- ^-oiwithstandini use your plcaTue
'/ your love do not persuade you to come, let not my letter '
377
I
IMf
il
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Act HI Sc i
nZ\ ^Q.'^'"''; despatch all business, and be cone
I xSu f^.b^'r"/ ^'Y^ y^""" e°»^ '«"vc to go away
M\ill make haste ; but till I como a" tin
No bed shall e'er be guilty of mrs^ry
Nor rest be interposer 'twixt us twain: [Exeun
Scene HI.— Venice. A Street
Enter Shvlock, Salaiuxo, Antonio, and Gaoler
Gaoler, look to him.
S^!f' TMi ),o, J^*^^! ^^ y^*' pood Shylock.
^/Jf/. I 11 have my bond ; speak not aciinst inv hnnH
I have sjj^rn an oath that I will have n? bond ^ °"^-
Bursin?o ?'' '"' ^S before thou hads 'a cause.
But since I am a dog, beware my fangs
The Duke shall grant me justice I do wonder
Thou naughty gaoler, that thou art so fond '
To come abroad with him at his request?
c; Jm^^.^^ *^^'^' '^^^i" "^e speak.
To Christian intercessors. I-ollow not ^
Thnf ^, i" '! ^''.^ "'^^^ impenetrable cur
That ever kept with men.
T'H fnii^,.r u- ^^^ ^"" alone :
H"seeks mv nf."° T'' ''^"^ '^"""^^^ P^^^^^s-
T nf? fi.n ^ ,^ ' ^'^ ^<^'''S0" ^^'^^ I know ;
I oft delivered from his forfeitures
lZlf':il\\Ta£l liT." "^^^^ '"°^" *« -'^ '•
WUltevcr grant this forfei^^ to I'.lcf ^"'^
p-^f ♦!' ^ ^"^^ cannot deny the course of la-v •
For the commodity that strangers have '
With us m Venice, if it be denied,
wL"?^''?*^P'''''''' ^^^ justice of the state
Conslstefh n^f' tr^t"'^^ P^°^'^ °f the city '
t21 !f^^°* ^^i nations. Therefore, go •
?hat /S r^^ ^^''^^ ^^^^ «° bated me'
That I shall hardly spare a pound of flesh
wJiTTT ^° '"y ^'°ody creditor.-l
A\ell, gaoler, on.— Pray God, Bassanio come
To see me pay his debt, and then I c?re noTl lExeunt
378
[Exit
ScUI
M
[Exeunt
Act III Sciv THr- MERCHANT OF VENICE
Scene IV.— Belmont. A Room in Pohtia's House
Enter Portia, Neiussa, Lo.ienzo, Jessica, and
Hai.tiiazar
Lor. Madam allhouRl, I speak it in your presence
^ ou have a noble and a true coiiccil l'r*=sence.
Of god-like amity ; whicl. appears most slronaly
In beanng thus the absence of vour lord
Hut, If you knew to whom you show tills honour
How true a gentleman you send relief,
How dear a lover of my lord, your husb.md,
I know, you would be prouder of the work
than customary bountv can enforce vou
VT u J "^^*^'' ^'^' repent for dcjurr '^ryod,
iNor shall not now : for in ' iTM^uilons
That do converse and w .ne time toru-thcr
\Vhose souls do bear an ,uai yoke; of love.
There nuis» be needs a uke proportion
AT^- u*^^"^T"*^' °^ "laiiners, and of spirit :
mich makes me think that this Antonio.
iicmg the bosom lover of my lord
Must needs be like my lord. If it he so.
How little is the cost I have bestowed
In purchasing the semblance of mv soul
From out tlie state of hcllisli cruelty I
This comes too near the praising of mvself •
1 iJcrefore, no more of it : hear other thines'
Lorenzo, I commit into your hands
Ihe husbandry and manage of mv house
Lntil my lord's return : for mine' own part
I have toward heaven breathed a secret vow
10 live m prayer and contemplation
Only attended by Nerissa hero,
Lntd her husband and my lord's return
there is a monastery two miles olT,
And there we will abide. I do desire vou
^Not to deny this imposition
The ^yhich my love and some necessity
Now lays upon you.
T iaH'i u Madam, with all my heart
I shall obey you in all fair commands.
A^f'-y.^^^. P^°P'<^ ^^ already know my mind
And will acknowledge you and Jessica '
in place of Lord Bassanio and mvself
^o fare you well till we shall meet again.
Jes' T S?i^'""^^^1'i'''! ?'=*PP>' ^^"'•s attend on you !
Pnr iT^'^ ?■«"'• '-'^^yshiP all heart's content.
To wkh if 1 '''?^ ^°" ^'''' y°"^ "^'sh, and am well pleased
10 wish it back on you: fare you well, Jessica.
[Exeunt Jessica and Lorenzo
379
'^'t:
THE MERCHANT OF VENlCh;
Act in Scv
Kj.. •
m
Now, Bnlthazar.
As I have ever found thee honest-true
So let me find thee still. Take this same letter.
And use thou all the endeavour of a man
in speed to Padua : see thou render this
Into my cousin's han«l, doctor litllario •
And look, what notes and fiarnunls he doth give thee
liring them, I pray thee, xsith imagined speed '
liiito the tranect, to the common ferry
Which trades to \ enice. Waste no time in words,
But get thee gone : I shall be there before thee
nal. Madam, I go with all convenient speed.' lExit
For. Come on. Nerissa : I have work in hand
ixJlr*^ ye know not of. We '11 see our husbands
Before they thmk of us.
^'^^- ^, Shall they see us ?
Tho^;*, They shall, Nerissa ; but in such a habit,
w?! S^^ ^'^''"'^ ^'""^ ^'« ^re accomplished
With that we lack. I '11 hold thee any wager
When we are both accoutred like young men '
I 11 prove the prettier fellow of the two •
And wear my dagger with the braver grace •
And speak between the change of man and boy
J\ith a reed voice ; and turn two mincing steps
Into a manly stride ; and speak of frays.
Like a fine bragging youth ; and tell quaint lies.
How honourable ladies sought my love.
Which I denying, they fell sick and died.
I could not do withal : then I '11 repent
And wish for all that, that I had not killed them.
And twenty of these punv lies I 'II tell
That men shall swear I have discontinued school
Above a twelvemonth. I have within my mind
A thousand raw tricks of these bragging Jacks
Which I will practise. ^° ^ '
Trfl Pie, what a question 's that,
Jr thou werL near a lewd interpreter I
But come, I '11 tell thee all mv ^vholc device
A\ hen i am in my coach, which stays for us
At the park <;^\c ; and therelore haste away
I-or we must measure twenty miles to-day. [Exeun!
Scene V.— The Same. A Garden
Enter Launcelot and Jessica
arff^K Jf' ^''"^y ' ^'^^' '"Ok you. the sins of the falhr-r
Tfea? voi l"^.T.'V ''^^^''■"^. ' "'^^'^^«^^' I promise ySu
1 fear you. I was always pjain with you, nud so now I
380
. WA.
Sc V
Act III Scv
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
[Exit
speak my aMitatlon of the matlor : therefore, lie of ^'ood
iheer; for, truly, I think you are (himned. There is but
one hope In It that can do vou any good, and that is Ijut
a kind of bastard hope M' ithir.
Jts. And what hope is that, I pray thee ?
Laun. Marry, you may -li.rtly hope that vour father
got you not, that you are not tlie .lew's daughler.
Jes. That wore a kind of l)astard hope, indeed : so the
sins of my mother should he visited upon me.
Liiiin. Truly then I fear you are damned both by father
and mother : thus ^vhen I shun Scylla, your father, I fall
into Cliarybdis, your mother. Well, you arc cone, both
ways.
Jes. I shall be saved by my husband ; he hath made me
a Christian.
Luun. Truly, the more to blame he : we were Chris-
tians enow before ; e'en as many as could well live one by
another. This making of Christians will raise tlie price of
hogs : if we grow all to be pork-eaters, we shall not shortly
have a rasher on the coals for money.
Jes. 1 '11 tell my husband, Launcelot, what you say •
here he comes.
Enter Lorenzo
Lor. I shall grow jealous of you shortly, Launcelot, if
you thus get my wife into corners.
Jes. Nay, you need not fear us, Lorenzo, Launcelot and
I are out. He tells me flatly, there is no mercy for me in
lu aven, because I am a Jew's daughter : and he says, you
are no good member of the commonwealth, for, in con-
verting Jews to Christians you raise the price of pork.
^'Or. I shall answer that better to the commonwealth
than you can the getting up of the negro's belly : the Moor
IS with child by you, Launcelot.
Laun. It is much, that the Moor should be more than
reason ; but if she be less than an honest woman, she is
indeed, more than I took her for. '
*J'Z''' How every fool can play upon the word I I think,
the best grace of wit will shortly turn into silence, and dis-
course grow commendable in none only but parrots. Go
in, sirrah ; bid them prepare for dinner.
Laun. That is done, sir ; they have all stomachs.
Lor. Goodly Lord, what a wit-snapper are you ! then bid
them prepare dinner.
Laun. That is done too, sir ; only, cover is the word.
Lor. Will you cover then, sir ?
Laun. Not so, sir, neither ; I know my duty.
Lor. Yet more quarrelling with occasion ? Wilt thou
show the whole wealth of thy wit in an instant ? I prav
thee, understand a plain man in his plain meaning : go to
381
i'
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
:» f
lit
!f
Act IV Sc i
thy fellows, bid them cover the table, serve in llio i,u-at
and we will come in to dinner. ^'
Aai/n For the tahlf. sir. it shnll be served in • for ii.p
sT'ii.v'*', 1 t';' V'"'"" • ^''^ y^^' ->.nin« in"to d?, . '
sir, Why, let it be as humours juid conceits shall govern.
ThoT^ni ? ;'f'''V»''^'"^''i"n. how his words are suited I '^'"'
I he fool hath planted in his memory
An army of f^ood words ; and I do know
A many fools, that stand in better place
Garnished like him. that for a tricksy wo'rd
Defy the matter. How clioerst thou, Jessica ?
And now. ^'ood swcef. say thy opini„n.
How dost thou like the Lord Bassanio's wife ?
Th« ?■ f o^ ''" e.xprcssin«. It is very meet
1 he Lord Bassamo live an upright life.
ly)r, havinR such a blessing in his iady.
He nnds the joys of heaven here on earth :
And, if on earth he do not mean it, then
In reason he should never come to heaven.
Why. If two gods should play some heavenlv match
And on the wager lay two earthly women. ' '
And Portia one, there must be something else
T-r-^r^K . ^^^'*^" ^"^^ a husband
Hast thou of mo, as she is for a wife.
Jes. Nay, but ask my opinion too of that.
7.T Ti^^'^"«"0"; first, let us go to dinner.
Tnr M ^' ' "It P'"^'"*' y^" ''■*'"« I have a stomach
Lor No. pray thee, let it serve for table-talk •
Uhail digesTit '''" ^P"^''^^' '"^^"^ «^h- things
«^^s. Well, I -11 set you forth. [Exeunt
i
3
ACT FOUR
Scene L— Venice. A Court of Justice
Pv.f."vT';;'r ^''''''' ^t' ^'^ariificoes ; Antonio.
Bassanio, Ghatiano, Salarino, Salerio, and others
Duke. Vvhat, is Antonio here ?
Ant Ready, so please your grace.
JJiike. 1 am sorry for thee : thou art come to answer
A stony adversary, an i.ihuman v.rctth
Lncapable of pity, void and empty
From any dram of mercy.
^"'- ^ I have heard
382
Aft IV Sc I
I
THl-: Ml-lU:iIANT OF VKMCE
Your «r;Kf luifh ta'en proat pjijns to qualify
Ills n.;orous courso ; but since he stands obdurate.
And that no lawful means can carry mc
Out of his envy's reach, I do oppose
My pn'icnce to his fury, and am armed
To sutler with a quietness of spirit
Tin- very tyranny and rafie of Ids.
Duke. Go one, and call the Jew Into the court
^alar. He s ready at the door. He comes, my lord.
Enter SnYLocK
Duke Make room, and let lum stand before our face.
S lylock, the world thinks, and I think so too,
i iiat thou hut lead'sl this fashion of thy malice
To the last hour of act ; and then, 't Islhouj^ht,
1 lou It show thy mercy and remorse more slrance
Than m thy strange apparent cruelty ;
Ami where thou now exact'st the penalty,
Which is a pound of this poor merchxnt's'flesh
rhou wilt not only loose the forfeiture,
But, touched with human gentleness and love
iM.rgivc a moiety of the principal ;
Glancing an eye of pity on his losses
That have of late so huddled on liis back,
I'.now to press a royal mercliant down
And pluck commiseration of his state
hrom brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint
I-rom stubborn Turks and Tartars, never trained
1 oflices of tender courtesy.
We all expect a gentle answer, Jew.
Shtj. I have possessed your grace of what I purpose ;
And by our holy Sabbath have I sworn
To have the due and forfeit of my bond :
If you deny it, let the danger light
Upon your charter and your city's freedom
^ ou '11 ask me, why I rather choose to have
A weight of carrion flesh, than to receive
Three thousand ducats ? I 11 not answer that,
liut, say. It is my humour : is it answered ?
What If my house be troubled with a rat.
And I be pleased to give ten thousand ducats
10 have it baned ? What, arc you answered yet ?
iome men there are love not a gaping pig ;
Some that are mad if they behold a cat ;
And others, when the bagpipe sings i' the nose,
<L.:mnot contain tlieir urine : for anection.
n* u °^ P^^'>i"". sways it to the moou
Uf what it likes or loathes, Now, for your answer.
AS mere is no firm reason to be rendered,
>N hy he cannot abide a gaping pig ;
383
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
A^.3ii^fl
Act IV Sc i
Why he, a harmless necessary cat ;
Why ho, a woollen bagpipe, but of force
Must yield to such inevitable shame
As to olTend himself, being oftended ;
So can I give no reason, nor I will not,
More th;m a lodrred iiato, and a certain loathing
I bear Antonio, that I follow thus
A losing suit against him. Are you answered ?
Bass. This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,
To excuse the current of thy cruelty.
Shy. I am not bound to please tl.ee with my answer.
Bass. Do all men kill the things they do not love ?
Sluj. Hates any man the thing he would not kill ?
Bass. Every offence is not a hate at first.
Shy. What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee
twice ?
Ant. I pray you, think you question with the Jew.
You may as well go stand upon the beach
And bid the main flood bate his usual height ;
You may as well use question with the wolf
Why he hath made the ewe bleat for L.e lamb ;
You may as well forbid the mountain pines
To wag their high tops, and to make no noise
When they are fretted with the gusts of heaven ;
You may as well do anything most hard
As seek to soften that (than which what 's harder ?)
His Jewish heart. Therefore, I do beseech you,
i\!ake no more ofTers, use no further means ;
But with all brief and plain conveniency,
Let me have judgment, and the Jew his will.
Bass. For thy three thousand ducats here is six.
Shy. If every ducat in six thousand ducats
Were in six parts, and every part a ducat,
I would not draw them : I would have my bond.
Duke. How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none ?
Shy. What judgment shall I dread, doing no wrong ?
You have among you many a purchased slave,
\^'hich, like your asses, and your dogs, and mules,
You use in abject and hi slavish parts
Because you bought them :— shall I sav to vou.
Let them be free ; marry them to your heirs ?
Why sweat they under burdens ? let their beds
Be made as soil as yours, and let their palates
Be seasoned with such viands ? You \m!1 answer,
The slaves are ours. So do I answer you :
The pound of flesh which I demand of him
Is dearly bought ; 't is mine, and I will have it.
II you deny me, fie upon your law 1
There is no force in the decrees of Venice.
I stand for judgment : answer ; shall I have it ?
384
Act IV Sc i
THE MERCPIANT OF VENICE
iT,S!lc''n .PP?" ""y P'*'^*''" ' '"■'^y dismiss this court.
Unless Bellano, a learned doctor
Whom I have sent for to determine this.
Come here to-daj'.
Salar. My lord, here stays without
A messenger with letters from the doctor
New come from Padua. '
Rnt'' /^^J"g j^s the letters ; call the messen e'er.
Th« ? ; 57,^^^heer, Antonio I What, man, roura^'r yet »
Ere thou Shalt lose for me one drop of blood
Ant. I am a tainted wether of the flock
Meetest for death : the weakest kind of fruit
Drops earliest to the ground, and so let me
Jou cannot better be employed, Bassanio. '
Than to live still, and write mine enitanh
Duke
Ner
Enter Neaissa, dressed like a lawyer's clerk
liass.
Shy.
Gra.
Came you from Padua, from Bcllario •>
From both, my lord. Bellario greets vour grace
To cut the forfeiture from that bankrupt there
Not on thy sole, but on thy soul, harsh Jew
Of thv i^^ hangman's axe, bear half the keenness
Of thy sharp envy Can no prayers pierce thee ?
Gra o''h."thnn H^' ^^°V '?'^^ ^^'^ *^"'^"''h to make.
Gra O, be thou damned, inexorable dog.
And for thy life let justice be accused !
ihou a most mak'st me waver in my faith
1 hold opinion with Pythagoras
1 hat souls of animals infuse themselves
Into the trunks of men : thy currish spirit
Governed a wolf, who, hanged for human slau-hte-
En en from the gallows did his fell soul fleet
l,rfM J? -l'^ tju,u lay'st in thy unhallowed dlun
Infused itself m thee ; for thy desires
Are wolfish bloody, starved, and ravenous.
Shy nil thou cinst rail the seal from ofY mv bond
Jlcpair thy wit, good youth, or it will fall
1 cureless ruin.— I stand here for law.
Duke. This letter from Bellario dolh commend
A young and learned doctor to our court
\\ here is he?
Ner. He attendeth here hard bv
Duke. ^^ 1th all my heart. Some three or four of you
38~M 3g.
iMmj^ji^^mm^^m
THE MERCHANT OP VENICE
Act IV Sc i
Go give him courteous conduct to this place.
Meantime, the court shall hear Bellario's letter.
Clerk. [Reads] Your grace shall understand, that, at
the receipt of your letter, I am very sick ; but in the instant
that your messenger came, in loving visitation was with me
a young doctor of Rome; his name is Balthazar. I ac-
quainted /jim with the cause in controversy between the Jew
and Antonio, the merchant ; we turned o'er many books
together : he is furnished with my opinion, which, bettered
with his own learning, the greatness whereof I cannot enough
commend, comes with him, at my importunity, to fill up your
grace's request in my stead. I beseech you, let his lack of
years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation,
for I never knew so young a body with so old a head. I leave
him to your gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better
publish his commendation.
Duke. You hear the learn'd Bellario, what he writes :
And here, I take it, is the doctor come.
["II
k
■
Enter Portia for Balthazar
Give me your hand. Came you from old Bellario ?
For. I did, my lord.
Duke. You are welcome ; take your place.
Are you acquainted with the diflerence
That holds this present question in the cotu-t ?
For. I am informed th'roughly of the cause.
Which is the merchant here, and which the Jew ?
Duke. Antonio and old Shylock, both stand forth.
For. Is your name Shylock ?
Shy. Shylock is my name.
For. Of a strange nature is the suit you follow ;
Yet in such rule, that the Venetian law
Cannot impugn you, as you do proceed.
[To Antonio] You stand within his danger, do you not ?
Ant.
For.
Ant.
For.
Ay, so he says.
I do.
Do you confess the bond ?
Then must the Jew be merciful.
Shy. On what compulsion must I V tell me
I^or. The quality of mercy is not strained.
It ilroppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath : it is twice blessed :
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest, it becomes
T]!c thron(^d monarch better than his crown :
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power.
The attril)ute to awe and majesty.
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings ;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway,
386
that.
i.i»"'<?tVTt .i
Act IV Sc i
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings
It is an attribute to God himself,
/ nd earthly power doth then show likest God's
\\ hen mercy seasons justice. Therefore Jew
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
1 hat in the course of justice none of us
Should see salvation : we do pray for mercy
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoken thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea.
Which if thou wilt follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there
Shy. My deeds upon my head I I crave the Law,
The penalty and forfeit of my bond.
Por. Is he not able to discharge the money '>
Bass. Yes, here I tender it for him in the court :
Yea, twice the sum ; if that will not suffice,
I will be bound to pay it ten times o'er.
On forfeit of my hands, my head, my heart,
n this Will not suffice, it must appear
That malice bears down truth. And I beseech you
N\ rest once the law to vour authority •
To do a great right, do" a little wrong, '
And curb this cruel devil of his will
Por It must not be : there is no power In Venice
Can alter a decree established ;
'T will be recorded for a precedent.
And many an error, by the same example,
V. Ill rush into the state: it cannot he
i>hy. A Daniel come to judgment ! yea, a Daniel I
wise young judge, how I do honour thee !
Por. I pray you let me look upon the bond.
^ny. Here t is, most reverend doctor, here it is
Por Shylock, there 's thrice thy money ofTored thee.
<iv.A , ^° ^^•^^' ^" ^'^^^' ^ h^^e an oath in heaven.
>nall I lay perjury upon my soui ?
^•o, not for Venice.
An'^T f„ u ... '^^'l^y' this bond is forfeit.
And lawfully by this the Jew may claim
A pound of fiesh, to be by him cut off
^c:.rest the merchant's heart. Be merciful :
lake thrice thy money ; bid me tear the bond.
^^ J"il ^^^ ^^ '^ P"^^^' according to the tenour.
n doth appear you are a worthy judge :
^ou know the law, vour exposition
Hath been most sound : I charge vou bv the Law.
\\ liereof you arc a well-deserving pillar '
1 roceed to judgment. By mv soul I swear,
1 here is no power in the tongue of man
1 alter me. I stay here on my bond.
387
feifcl^t.i^m.-!¥.j..
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act IV Sci
I
m
m ;
|r
«,
if
Ant. Most heartily I do beseech the court
To give the judgment.
^ P^^f"- \ hy then, thus it is :
You must prepare your bosom tor his knife.
Shy. O noble judge I O excellent young man !
For. For {he intent and , irpose ot the law
Hath full relation to the penalty,
Which here appeareth due upon the bond.
Shy. 'T is very true. O wise and upright judge 1
How much more elder art thou than thy looks 1
Por. Therefore, lay bare your bosom.
c ^^^' *u u ^ , ^y' his breast ;
So says the bond :— doth it not, noble judge ?—
" Nearest his heart : " those arc the very words.
Por. It is so. Are there balance here to weigh
The flesh ? "
Shy. I have them ready.
Por. Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge
To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death.
Shy. Is it so nominated in the bond ?
^ Por. It is not so expressed ; but what of that ?
T were good you do so much for charity.
Shy. I cannot find it : 't is not in the bond ?
Por. You, merchant, have you anything to say ?
Ant. But little ; I am armed and well prepared.
Give me your hand, Bassanio : fare vou well.
Grieve not that I am fallen to this lor you ;
For herein Fortune shows herself more "kind
Than is her custom : it is still her use
To let the wretched man outlive his wealth
To view with hollow eye and wrinkled brow
An age of poverty ; from which lingering penance
Of such misery doth she cut me off.
Commend me to your honourable wife :
Tell her the process of Antonio's end ;
Say how I loved you, speak nie fair in death :
And, when the tale is told, bid her be judge
Whether Eassanio had not once a love.
Repent not you that you shall lose vour friend.
And he repents not that he pays your debt ;
For, if the Jew do cut but deep enough,
I '11 pay it instantly with all my heart.
Bass. Antonio, I am married to a wife
Which is as dear to me as life itself ;
But life itself, my wife, and all the world,
Arc not with me esteemed above thy life ;
I would lose all, ay, sacrifice them all
Here to this devil, to deliver you.
Por. Your wife would give you little thanks for that.
If she were by to hear you make the oiler.
388
Act IV Sci THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Gra. I have a wife whom I protest I love :
I would she were in heaven, so she could
I-ntreat some power to change this currish Jew.
Ner. 'T is well you offer it behind her baclc :
1 he wish would make else an unquiet house.
Shy. These be the Christian husbands. I have a
daughter ;
'Would any of the stock of Rarrabas
Had been her husband, rather than a Christian.
N\e trifle time ; I pray thee, pursue sentence.
rru %' ^ P°""^ °^ ^^^^^ *'^"^« merchant's flesh is thine :
The Court awards it, and the Law doth cive it
Shy. Most rightful judRe !
Por. And you must cut this flesh from off his breast :
The Law allows it, and the Court awards it.
Sliy. Most learned judge !— A sentence 1 come, prepare I
Por. Tarry a little ; there is something else.
This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood ;
The words expressly are, a pound of flesh :
Take then thy bond, take thou thy pound of flesh •
But in the cutting it, if thou dost shed
One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods
Are, by the laws of Venice, conliscate
Unto the state of Venice.
^Z' ?."t?"f ^I^",^^' I-Mark. Jew :-0 learned judge I
Sliy. Is that the law ? j 8^ ^
IT ^^^* x^ Thyself shr.lt see the Act •
For, as thou urgest justice, be assured,
Ihou Shalt have justice, more than thou desirest
Gra. O learned judge 1— Mark, Jew :— a learned ludce I
An^fet i^^L^. ^^- ■' ^^y ^'^ ^-^^ ^^^"^
for' Soft I "''" ■' '^^ "^*>"^y-
The -Jew shall have all justice ;— soft I— no haste •
He shall have nothing but the penaltv.
Pn°r Sh*^®"^' ^" "P^S*"^ J"''g^' ^ ^^^'•ned judge !
Kh.^iv, Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh.
Shed thou no blood ; nor cut thou less nor more
But just a pound of flesh : if thou takest more
Or less than a just pound,~be it but so much
A fu 5? ^.* ^'^^^* **'■ *^«^^'y i" the substance
Ur the division of the twentieth part
oi one poor scruple, nay if the scale do turn
iiut in the estimation of a hair.
iaou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate.
V • A f cond Daniel, a Daniel, Jew !
Now, mfldel, I have thee on the hip.
Shu GivP iT ^^'^ • ^"^ P?"'' '' ^^^^ thy forfeiture.
^ny. Give me my principal, and let me go.
389
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act IV Sc 1
ji'P
Bass. I have It ready for thee ; here it is.
u u „ ^^ ^^^^^ refused it in the open court :
tie shall have merely justice, and his bond.
T ♦?''"•, *K ^^"'<^'' still say I ; a second Daniel I
I thank thee Jew, for teaching me that word.
D ^' ^u *" ^ "^t have barely my principal ?
t/^^'"" T ,°" ^''?'^ ^^^*^ nothing but the forfeiture.
To be so taken at thy peril, Jew.
Shy Why then the devil give him good of it I
I 11 stay no longer question.
Po''' Tarry, Jew •
The Law hath yet another hold on you.
It is enacted in the laws of Venice,
If It be proved against an alien,
That, by direct or indirect attempts.
He seek the life of any citizen.
The party against the which he doth contrive
Shall seize one half his goods ; the other iialf
Comes to the privy coffer of the State,
And the offender's life lies in the mercy
Of the Duke only, against all other voice.
in which predicament, I say, thou stand'st •
For It appears by manifest proceeding.
That indirectly and directly too,
Thou hast contrived against the very life
Of the defendant, and thou hast incurred
1 he danger formerly by me rehearsed.
DoNvn, therefore, and beg mercy of Llie Duke
Gra. Beg, that thou may'st have leave to hang thv-
self ; ° ■^
And yet, thy wealth being forfeit to the State,
Thou hast not left tlie value of a cord ;
Therefore thou must be hanged at the State's charge .
Duke. That thou shalt see the difTerence of our suirits
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.
For half thy wealth, it is Antonio's :
The other half comes to the general State,
Which humbleness may drive into a fine.
Por. Ay, for the State ; not for Antonio.
Shy. Nay, take my life and all ; pardon not that :
\ ou take my house, when you do take the prop
1 hat doth sustain my house ; you take my life,
When you do take the means whereby I live.
Por. WTiat mercy can you render him, Antonio '>—
Ora. A halter gratis ; nothing else, for God's sake —
Ant. So please my lord tlie Duke, and all the Coarl.
To quit the fine for one half of his goods,
I am content so he will let me have
The other half in use, to render it
Upon his death unto the gentleman
390
mmmmmkU^^^mmm
Sc 1 I Act IV Sc i THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
That lately stole his daughter :
Two things provided more,— that, for this favour.
He presently become a Christian ;
The other, that he do record a gift,
Here in the court, of all he dies possessed
Unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter.
Duke. He shall do this, or else I do recant
The pardon, that I late pronouncdd here.
Por. Art thou contented, Jew ? what dost thou sav ?
Shy. I am content.
^"'■- ^ Clerk, draw a deed of gift.
Sliy. I pray you give me loiive I o go from hcuce.
I am not well. Send the deed after me,
And I will sign it. •
Duke. Get thee gone, but do it.
Gra. In christening thou shalt have two godfathers
Had I been judge, thou shouldst have had ten more '
To brmg thee to the gallows, not the font. [H.rit s'hnlock
Duke. Sir, I entreat you home with me to dinner
Por. I humbly do desire your grace of pardon,
I must away this night toward Padua,
And it is meet I presently set forth.
Duke. I am sorry that your leisure serves you not
Antonio, gratify this gentleman.
For, in my mind, you are much bound to him.
[Exeunt Duke and his Train
Hass. Most worthy gentleman, I and my friend
Have by your wisdom been this day acquitted
Of grievous penalties ; in lieu whereof.
Three thousand ducats, due unto the Jew,
We freely cope your courteous pains withal.
Ant. And stand indebted, over and above.
In love and service to you evermore.
Por. He is well paid that is well satisfied :
And I, delivering you, am satisfied.
And therein do account myself well paid :
My mind was never yet more mercenary.
I pray you, know mc when we meet again :
I wish you rell. and so I take my leave.
Bass. Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further •
1 ake some remembrance of us, as a tribute
Not as a fee. Grant me two things, I pray you ■
Not to deny me, and to pardon me. '
Por. You press me far, and therefore I will yield
Uve me your gloves, I '11 wear them for vour sake • '
And, for your love, I 'II lake this ring fr6m you
i^>o not draw back your hand ; I '11 take no more ;
And you m love shall not deny me this
Bass. This ring, good sir ? alas, it is a trifle ;
1 wui not shame myself to give you this.
391
^1
In
lis 4
m
" Tit!
:^«.itf^^^n-
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act IV Sell
Por. I will have nothing else but only this •
And now. methinks, I have a mind to it
Th^T' . ■ '^ "^^'■^ depends on this than on the vahiP
The dearest ring in Venice will I give you. ^"^•
And find it out by proclamation :
Only for 1 his, I pray you, pardon me.
v«,.°r" . ^'^' ''l^' y*"" "'■« "^eral in offers.
You L^S'^ '"l""^ ^2 ^""^^ ''^"^ "°^' rethinks,
You teach me how a bcgRar should be answered.
AnnTh ^T^ '•'■'. *^^' *■'"« ^'^s eiven me by my wife •
And when she put it on, she made me vow ^ ^ '
pj '•?p^"'? ."""'" se". nor give, nor lose it.
A »' ff • . ^^L"^'' ^^'■^'** "^»"y "i«n to save their aif ts
An If your wife be not a mad-woman, ^
And know how well I have deserved this rina.
She would not hold out enemy for ever
For giving it to me. Well, peace be with you
Ant, My lord Bassanio. let H^'ZJ'tii^S^' ""''''''
Let his deservings, and my love withal, ** '
Zt^'^^n^'^'n'^ y^"' ^'^^«'« commandment.
r,-f« 1/ ♦u ' 9'"'*tiano ; run and overtake him.
Unto Antonio's house. Away 1 make haste.
Come, you and I will thithor prosentlv '^''" Gratiano
And in the morning early will we both '
Fly toward Belmont. Come, Antonio.
[Exeunt
Scene II.— The Same. A Street
Enter Portia and Nerissa
* ^J^^\ ,I"fI"ire the Jew's house out, give him thi« Hpoh
And let him sign it ; we '11 away to-night ^'^'
And be a day before our husbands home.
This deed will be well welcome to Lorenzo.
Enter Gratiano
ivT ^i""" , E^^^ ^•''' y^^ ^^^ well o'erta'en.
My lord Bassanio, upon more advice,
Hafh sent you here this ring, and doth entreat
\ our company at dinner.
TT.^^r- ^ ^ That cannot be.
His ring I do accept most thankfully.
And so I pray you, tell him : furtheiniore,
I pray you, show my youth old Shvlock's house
Gra. That will I do. " -"-use.
\ To Portia} T Ml ««n -f T ^^^' I would speak with you.—
Which THH 1^ ,?.'^ ^ ''''" ^^^ "^y husband's ring.
V^ Inch I did make him swear to keep for ever.
392
'^^ff^^^
Sell
ActV Scl THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
P^^- {'^f>J^^riss(>\ Thou may'st, I warrant.
We shrM have old swearing
That they did ^.ve the rings away to men ;
Ihit we '11 outface them and outswear them too
l-WoudJA way I make haste: thou know'st where I will
tarry.
Ner. Come, good sir, will you show me to this house ?
[Exeunt
I
ACT FIVE
Sr.ENE I.— Belmont. The Avenue to Portia's House
Enter Lorenzo and Jessica
y^n°^\J^^ moon shines bright. In such a night as this.
When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees.
And they did make no noise, in such a night
Troilus, methinks, mounted the Trojan wall's
And sighed his soul towards the Grecian tents
Where Cressid lay that night.
Did Thisbe fearfully o'ertrip the dew.
And saw the lion's shadow ere himself.
And ran dismnyed away.
c/'^I' .^ ,., ^" S"<^h a night
Stood Dido with a willow in her hand
Upon the wild sea-banks, and waved her love
To come again to Carthage.
»,"^^*- ,^ In such a night
.Medea gathered the enchanted herbs
Tiiat did renew old iEson.
Ts-'f[' . '" such a night
Did Jessica steal from the wealthy Jew
And with an unthrift love did run from' Venice
As far as Belmont.
„.;{^*- In such a night
iJid young Lorenzo swear he loved her v.vP,
stealing her soul with many vows of faith
vnd ne'er a true one.
.,/,''''• In such a night
L^id pretty Jessica, like a little shrcw^
blander her love, and he forgave it her.
Jes. I would out-nisht von did no b'>dv ron'o •
But, hark, I hear the footing of a man.
Lor.
Enter Stepiiano
Who comes so fast in silence of the night
Steph. A friend.
38— M«
393
m
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Act V Sc
S/fp/j Stephano is my name ; and I bring word
My mistress v.lll |,ofore tiic break of day
Be here at f3cImont ; she doth stray about
By holy crosses, whore she laieels and prays
lor happy wecUock hours. '
if^^K VT ,. ^'^" eomcs with iier ?
T nrif ^•''"''* ^"^ "" ^""^y h^*"'"''- «'"' hir moid.
I pray you, is my master yet returned ?
/.or. Mc is not, nor we have not lieard from him
But go v.e in. I pray thee, Jessica,
And ceremoniously let us prepare
Some welcome for the mistress of the house.
Enler Launcelot
Lofro 7 ml', sola r" '"^^ ""^''^ "-"""'<'• ^"^ »"»"«»
/-or. Leave holloing, man ;— here.
Lam. Sola 1 where ? where ?
Lor. Hero.
.,fu°u7* ,.'^^" '^'"'' ^'^^'■^ 's a PosL come from mv mn^f^r
et'm'in'nr '"'' '' '''"' "^^^^ '' "^ mastT "i'[ ^trc
Lor. Swcot soul, let 's in, and there expect their comtn^'
And yet no matter ; why shouid we go iA ? ^ommg.
w^i-'^'iL^ Stephano, signify, I pray you,
Withm the house, your mistress is at hand •
And bnng your music forth into the air. '\Exit S/rnhnnr.
How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon his bank ^ ^'
Here >ye will sit, and let the sounds of music
Creep m our ears : soft stillness and the niuht
Become the touches of sweet harmony.
Sit, Jessica : look, how the floor of heaven
Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold.
There s not the smallest orb which thou behold'st
But ,n his motion like an angel sings.
Still quiring to the young-eyed cherubins ;
^uch harmony is in immortal souls •
But, whilst this muddy vesture of decav
Doth grossly close it in, we cannot hear it.
Enter Musicians
Come, ho, and wake Diana with a hvmn •
AnH V7^^^*'^ ,^°"''^'''' P^^'"*^^ '^'o^r mislre'ss- ear.
And draw her home with music.
394
[Music
•^1.-
^,J-T'.'
•'^.K ' •• r^!/
Scl
Act V Sc I
THE ME^RCHANT OF VKNICi:
Jes. I am never merry wlicti I hear sweet music.
I Lor. I he rcison Is, your s|)irlls iire attentive ;
! For do but nntc a wild and wanton herd.
Or race of youthful and unhandled rolls,
IVtdiIng mad hounds. bellowin« j.n.l n. ii;liing loud.
Which is the hot condition of their hlood ;
If they but hear ptrchance a trumpet sound
Or any air of music touch their ears.
You shall perceive them make a mutual stand,
Tlieir savage eyes turned to a modest ga>e
hy the sweet power of music : therefore tiie poet
l)id feign that Orplieus drew trees, stones, and Hoods *
Since nought so stockish, hard, and full of ia;'e, '
I'.ut music for the time doth chanijo his nature '
Tlic man that hath no music in himself,
Aor is not moved with concord of sweel sounds,
Is nt for treasons, stratagems, and s|)oiIs ;
Tlie motions of his '.pirit arc dull as night,
And his affections dark as luvhus ;
lot no iuch man be trusted : Mark the music.
Enter Pomtia and Neiussa, a disUince
Por. That light we see is burning in my hall.
How far that HI lie candle throws his beams !
■So shines a goorl deed in a nan^^hty world.
A'er. When tiie moon shone we did not soe the c.ciidle
Por. So doth the greater glory dim the less:
A substitute sliines brightiv as a'king,
' ntil a king be by ; and then liis state
l.nipties itself, as doth an inland brook
Into the main of waters : — Music : hark I
Ner. It is your niusic, madam, of the house.
Por. Nothing is good, I see, without respect.
Alethinks it sounds much sweeter than by day.
Ner. .Silence bestows that virtue on it, madam.
Por. The crow doth sing as sweetiv as the lark
NMicn neither is attended ; and, I think,
The nightingale, if she should sing by day.
NVhen every goose is cackling, would be tliouglit
No better a musician than the wren.
J low many things by season seasoned are
To their right praise, and true perfection I —
Peace, ho 1— the moon sleeps with Endymion,
And would not be awaked.
_ ^o/"- That is the voice,
Or I am much deceived, of Portia.
Por. He kno\Ys me as the blind man knows the cuckoo,
oy the bad voice.
^^''' Dear lady, welcome home.
395
p '
i>*
I
Tin: MERCHANT OF VI-NICE
Act V Sc i
Por. Wc have been pnwinR for our husbands' wcl/iire,
VVhlrh speed, we hope, Ihe boiler for our wunls.
Are they riturntd ?
I. or. ^fndam. they nrc not yet ;
But there Is conic a niessm^tr before.
To signify their coming.
I'or. Go in. Nerissa ;
Give order to my servants. ti\;it tliey take
No note at all of our beini^ ;il)sent hence :
Nor you, Lorcino ; .lessiea, nor you. (A tucket xouii<lfd
Lor. Your luisl).anil is at Iiatid ; I hear liis trumpel.
We are no tdi-l iles, niadiim ; IVar you not.
J'ltr. rids ni^:;ht. metliiiil.s. is but the daylight sick ;
It looks a llltle pidcr : 'I is a day.
Such as the day is when tlic sun is hid.
rv-
•u
.•:t V
Enter B.vssANio, Antonio, Gr.\tiano, and their Followers
Bnss. Wc should hold day with the Antipodes
If you would walk in absence of the sun.
Por. Let me invc W'aM, btd lel nio not be light ;
For a liphl wife dolh make a iieavy husband,
And never be Hassanio so for me :
But God sort ail I You arc welcome home, my lord.
Boss. I thank you, madam. Give welcome to my
friend :
This is the man, this is Antonio,
To whom I am so iiilinitely bound.
Por. You should in all sense be much bound to him,
For, as I hear, he was much bound for you.
Ant. No more than I am well acquitted of.
Por. Sir, you arc very welcome to our house 3
It must appear in other ways than words.
Therefore I scant this brealhirif courtesy.
Gra. [To Nerissa] By yonder moon, I swear, you do me
wrong ;
In faith, I gave it to the judge's clerk :
Would he were gi It that had it, for my part,
Since you do take it. love, so much at lieart.
Por^ A quari ', ho, already! what's the matter?
Gra. About a hoop of gold, a pallry ring
That she did give me, whose posy was
For all the world like culler's poetry
Upon a knife. Love me, and leave me not.
Xer. What talk you of the posy or the value ?
You swore to mc v.hcn I did give 11 you
That you would wear it till your hour of death.
And that it should lie with you in your grave :
Though not for mc, yet for your vehement oaths.
You should have been respective and have kept it.
396
^isammm,^^^:^^'
1
I
Act V Sc I
TMR MERCHANT OF VENICK
Gave It u judRe's cI«Tk I no, Cod 's mv Jiul('i«.
The clerk will ne'er wear hair *»n 's fare that liad II
Gra. He will, nn if he live lo be n man.
Ner. Ay, If a woman live to be n man.
Gra. Now, by this hand. I fiave It to a youth,
A liind of boy, a IKtIe scrubhi^d hoy,
No higher than thyself, the iudRe s rlerk ;
A praling boy, that be««ed it as u fee :
I could not for my heart deny it him.
Por. You were to blame, ^I must be plain with you
io part so slightly with your wife's first Rift ;
A thing stucit on with oaths upon your linger.
And so riveted with faith unto your (Icsh.
I gave my love a ring, and made him swear
Never to part with it ; and here he stands :
I dare be sworn for him, he would not leave it
Nor pluck it from his linger for the wealth
Tha» -.' world masters. Now, in faith, Oratiano.
\ ou g <i your wife too unkind a cause of grief :
An 't were to me, I should be mad at it.
Bass. [Aside] \Vliy, I were Lest to cut my left hand of!
And swear I lost the ring defending it.
(}ra. My lord Bassanio gave his ring away
Unto the judge that begged it, and, indeed.
Deserved it too ; and then the boy, his clerk.
That took some pains in writing, he begged mine ;
And neither man nor master would take aught
But the two rings.
v K^fC . r . ^^"^^^ ^'"S gave you, my lord ?
Not that, I hope, which you received of me.
Bass. If I could add a lie unto a fault,
I would deny it ; but you see, my finger
1 lath not the ring upon it : it Is gone.
Por. Even so void is your falsa heart of truth.
By heaven, I will ne'er come in your bed
Until I see the ring.
^'<"'- Nor I in yours,
nil I again see mine.
^a"- Sweet Portia,
If you did know to whom I gave the ring.
If you did know for whom I gave the ring,
And would conceive for what I gave the ring,
And how unwillingly I left the ring,
^^hen naught would bo accepted but the ring,
iou would abate the strtuyth of your disr leasure.
Por. If you had known the virtue of the rinj'.
Or half her worthiness that gave the ring,
Or your own honour to contain the rinji.
Vou would not then have parted with the ring.
What man is there so much unreasonable,
397
■■K
'i
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Act V Sc i
If you had pleased to have defciuled it
With any terms of zeal, wanted the modesty
To urge the thing hold as a ceremony ?
Nerissa teaches mc what to believe :
I'll die for 't but some woman had the ring.
Bass. No, by mine honour, madam, by my soul.
No woman had it ; but a civil doctor.
Which did refuse three thousand ducats of me
And begged the ring, the which I did deny him.
And sullered him to go displeased away.
Even he that had held up the very life
Of my dear friend. What should I say, sweet ladv ?
I was enforced to send it after him ;
I was beset with shame and courtesy ;
My honour would not let ingratitude
So much besmear it. Pardon me, good lady
For, by these blessed candles of the night
Had you been there, I think, you would have begged
1 he ring of me to give the worthy doctor.
Por. Let not that doctor e'er come near mv house,
bmce he hath got the jewel that I loved.
And that which you did swear to keep for me
I will become as liberal as you : '
I'll not deny him any thing I have ;
No, not my hody, nor my husband's bed.
Know him I shall, I am veil sure of it :
Lie not a night from home ; watch me like Argus •
If you do not, if I be left alone.
Now, by mine honour, which is vet mine own
I '11 have that doctor lor mv bedfellow, '
Ner. And I his clerk ; (hereforc, be well advised
Mow you do leave me to mine own protection.
,. ^^^: , ^^'^"' ^^o you so : let not me take him then ;
I'or, If I do, I '11 mar the young clerk's pen.
Ant. I am the unhappy subject of these quarrels.
J or. Sir gneve not you; you are welcome notwith-
standing.
Bass. i>ortia, forgive me this enforced wrong;
And in the hearing of these many friends
I swear to thee, even by thine own fair eyes
Wherein I see myself — '
, ^^^- IMark you but that I
in both my eyes he doubly sees hiiDself ;
in each eye, one :— swear by vour double self.
-And there 's an oath oi credit.
13 '^f ^' f, • , ,. ^'-'5'' ^"^ I'ear me.
p. = -.o.i ii.is lauii. ;iii(i uy my soiii I swear,
1 never more will break an oath wilh thee.
Ant. I once did lend my body for his wealth,
Which, but for him that had your husband's rir.'
yu8
'o»
Act V Sc i
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
with-
Had quite miscarried : I dare be bound again,
.My soul upon the forfeit, that your lord
Will never more break faith advisedly.
Por. Then you shall be his surety. Give him t!iis
And bid him keep it better than the other.
Ant. Here, Lord Bassanio ; swear to keep this ring
Bass. By heaven, it is the same I gave the doctor.
Por. I had it of him : pardon me, Bassanio,
Por, by this ring, the doctor lay witli me.
Ner. And pardon me, my gentle Gratiano.
For that same scrubbed boy, the doctor's clerk,
In lieu of this, last night did lie with me.
Gra. Why. this is like the mending of high ways
In summer where the ways are fair enough.
What, are we cuckolds ere we have deserved it ?
Por. Speak not so grossly. You are aJi amazed :
Here is a letter, read it at your leisure ;
It comes from Padua, from Bellario :
There you shall fmd, that Portia wns the doctor,
Nerissa there, her clerk. Lorenzo here
Shall witness, I set forth as soon as you,
And even but now returned ; I Iiave not yet
Entered my house. Antonio, vou arc welcome ;
And I have better news in store for you,
Than you expect : unseal this letter'soon ;
There you shall find, three of vour argosies
Are richly come to harbour suddenly.
You shall not know bv what strauge accident
I chanced on this letter.
^^"'' I am dumb.
Bass. Were you the doctor, and I knew you not ?
Ora. Were you the clerk that is to make me cuckold ?
i\er. Ay ; but the clerk that never means to do it.
Lnless he live until he be a man.
Bass. Sweet doctor, you shall be my bedfellow :
vVhen I am absent, then lie with my wife.
Ant. Sweet lady, you have given nic life and living :
I' or here I read for certain that my ships
Are saf Jy come to road.
..^^^- , , How now, Lorenzo?
Aiy clerk hath some good comforts too for you.
'Vi!^'^''\ '^^' ^^^ ^'" 8^'^'« *^'»^"^ ^in» without a fee.
1 here do I give to you and Jessica,
From the rich Jew, a special deed of gift,
After his death, of aU he dies possessed of.
Lor. Fair ladies, you drop manna in the way
Ot starved people.
^J*''- It is ahnosl morning.
And yet I am sure you are not satisfied
t)f these events at full. Let us go in ;
399
m.
^',«>-\ ,
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Act V Sc I
And charge us there u on inter'gatories.
And we will answer all things faithfully.
Gra. Let it be so : the first inter'gatory,
That my Nerissa shall be sworn on, is,
Whether till the next night she had rather stay.
Or go to bed now, being two hours to day :
But were the day come, I should wish it dark,
Till I were couching with the doctor's clerk.
Well, while I live, I '11 fear no other thing
So sore, as keeping safe Nerissa's ring.
[Exeunt
iOO
Scl
eunt I
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
401
"^^i
• u
iih
DRAMATIS PERSOX^
Sib John Falstaff
Fenton, a young gentleman
Shallow, a country justice
Slender, cousin to Shallow
FOKD )
Page j '"'"*' Senll<:men dwelling a 'iadsor
William Page, a boy, son to Page
Sib Hugh Evans, a Welsh parson
Doctor Caitjs, a French physician
Host of the Garter Inn
Bakdolph ■»
NiSTOL I followers of Falstaff
Pym J
Robin, page to Falstaff
Simple, serfjant to Slender
Rugby, servant to Doctor Caiua
Mistress Fobd
Mistress Page
Anne Page, her daughter
.AlisTRESs Quickly, servant to Doctor Caiua
Servants to Page, Ford, etc.
SCENE.— Windsor, and the neighbourhood
402
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
ACT ONE
Scene I.— Windsor. Before Page's House
Enter Justice Shallow, Slender, and Sir Hugh Evans
Shal. Sir Hugl\, persuade nie not ; I will make a Star-
Chambcr matter of it : if he were twenty Sir John I-alstalTs,
he shall not abuse Robert Shallow, esquire.
Slen. In the county of Gloster, justice of peace, and
coram.
Shal. Ay, cousin Slender, and cust-alorum.
Slen. Ay, and Ratolorum too ; and a gentleman born,
master parson ; who writes himself Armigero, in any bill,
warrant, quittance, or obligation, Armigero.
Shal. Ay, that I do ; and have done anv time these
three hundred years.
Slen. All his successors, gone before him, hath done 't ;
and all his ancestors, that come after him, may : they may
give the dozen white luces in their coat.
Shal. It is an old coat.
Eva. The dozen white louses do become an old coat
well ; it agrees well, passant ; it is a familiar beast to man,
and signifies love.
Shal. The luce is the fresh fish ; the salt fish is an old
coat.
Slen. I may quarter, coz ?
Shal. You may, by marrying.
Eva. It is marring, indeed, if he quarter it.
Shal. Not a whit.
Eva. Yes, pyr-lady ; if he has a quarter of your coat,
there is but three skirts for yourself, in my simple conjec-
tures ; but that is all one : if Sir John Falstaii'have com-
mitted disparagements unto you, I am of the church, and
will be glad to do my benevolence to nuike atonements and
compromises between you.
Shal. The Council shall hear it : it is a riot.
Eva. It is not meet the Council hear a riot ; there is
no fear of Got in a not : the Council, look you, shall
desire to hear the fear of Got, and not to hear a riot ; take
your vizaments in that.
Shal. Ha 1 o' my life, if I were young again, the sword
should end it.
Eva. It is petter that friends is the sword, and end it :
and there is also another device in my prain, which, per-
403
■frw'
-f^ .■>,-
ill
M
I. 'i
•I
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Act I Sc i
adventure, prings goot discretions with it : there is Anne
Page, which is daughter to Master George Page, which is
pretty virginity.
Slen. Mistress Anne Page I She has brown hair, and
speaks small lilte a woman.
Eva. It is that fery person for all the orld : as just
as you will desire, and seven hundred pounds of moneys,
and gold and silver, is her grandsire, upon his death's-bed
(Got deliver to a joyful resurrections 1) give, when she is
able to overtake seventeen years old. It were a goot
motion if we leave our pribbles and prabbles, and desire
a marriage between Master Abraham and Mistress Anne
Page.
Did her grandsire leave her seven hundred pound ?
Ay, and her father is make her a petter penny.
I know the young gentlewoman ; she has good
Slml
Eva.
Shal
gifts.
Eva.
gifts.
Shal.
there ?
Eva.
Seven hundred pounds and possibilities is good
Well, let us see honest Master Page. Is Falstaff
Shall I tell you a lie ? I do despise a liar as I do
despise one that is false, or, as I despise one that is not
true. The knight. Sir John, is there ; and, I beseech you,
be ruled by your well-willers. 1 will peat the door for
Master Page. [Knocks] What, hoa 1 Got pless your
house here 1
Page. [ Within] tvho 's there ?
Eva. Here is Got's plessing, and your friend, and Justice
Shallow ; and here young Master Slender, that, pcradven-
tures, shall tell you another tale, if matters grow to your
likings. *^
Enter Page
Page. I am glad to see your worships well. I thank
you ior my venison, Master Shallow.
Shal. ]\Iaster Page, I am t^lad to see you : much good
do it your good heart I I wished your venison better ; it
was ill killed. — How doth good Mistress Page ?— and I
thank you always with my heart, la ; with my heart
Page. Sir, I Miank you.
Shal. Sir, I tuaiik you ; by yea and no, I do.
Page. I am glad to see you, good Master Slender.
Slen. How does your fallow greyhound, sir ? I heard
say, he was outrun on Cotsol'.
Page. It could not be judged, sir.
Slen. You '11 not confess, you '11 not confess.
Shal. That he will not.— 'T is your fault, 't is your
fault : — 't is a good dog.
Page. A cur, sir.
404
Act I Sc i
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Shul. Sir, he 's a Rood dog, and a fair dog ; can there be
more said ? he is gocd, and fair. -Is Sir John Faistall here ?
Page. Sir, he is witiiin ; and I would I could do a good
otiice between you.
Eva. It is spolce as a Christians ouf^lit to speak.
Shal. He hath wronged me. Master i'afjc.
Page, Sir, he doth in some sort confess it.
Shal. If it l)e confessed, it is nut redressed : is not that
so, Master Page " He hath wronged me ; indeed, he liath ;
—at a word, he hath ;— l)elieve me ;— Robert Shaliow,
esquire, saith, he is wron^'rd.
Page. Here comes Sir Jolm.
Enler Sir John Falstaff. BAnooLPii, Nym, and Pistol
Fal. Now, Master Shallow, you '11 complain of me to
the king ?
Shal. Knight, you have beaten my men, killed my deer
and broke open my lodge.
Fal. But not kissed your keeper's daughter ?
Shal. Tut, a pin, this shall be answered.
Fal. I will answer it straight :— I have done all this.—
That is now answered.
Shal. The Council shall know this.
Fal. 'T were better for you, if it were known in counsel ;
you '11 be laughed at.
Eva. Paiica verba. Sir John ; goot worts.
Fal. Good worts ? good cabbage.— Slender, I broke your
head : what matter have you against me ?
Slen. Marry, sir, I have matter in my head against you •
and against your cony-catching rascals, Bardolph, Nym
and Pistol. They carried me to the tavern, and made me
drunk, and afterwards picked my pocket.
Bard. You Banbury cheese I
Ay, it is no matter.
How now, Mephostophilus ?
Ay, it is no matter.
Slice, I say I pauca, pauca ; slice ! that 's my
Slen.
Pist.
Slen.
Nym.
humour
Slen.
Eva.
Where 's Simple, my man ?- can vou tell, cousin *>
Peace I I pray you. Nov. lot us understand :
there is three umpires in this matter, as I understa d • that
is—Master Page, fidclicct. Master Page ; and there is myself
(idehcct, myself ; and the three party is, lastly and finailv
mine host of tiie Garter. ^
Page. \We three, to hear it, and end it between them.
i^va. Fery goot : I will make a prief of it in mv note-
book ; and we will afterwards ork upon the cause, with as
great discreetly as we can.
Fal. Pistol,—
Pist. He hears with ears.
405
MM
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Act I Sc i
fc*j
He
and
w
Eva. The tevll and his tnm ! what phrase is this,
hears with car ? " NVliy, it is alTectalions.
Fal. Pistol, did you i)ick Master Sicndcr's purse ?
Slen. Ay, by these gloves, did 1^— or I would I might
never come in mine own great chamber again else — of seven
groats in mill-sixpences, and two Edward shovel-boards,
that cost me two shilling and two pence a-piece of Yead
Miller;- by these gloves.
Fal. Is this true, Pistol ?
Eva. No ; it is false, if it is a pick-purse.
Pist. Ha, thou mountain-foreigner 1 — Sir John
master mine,
I combat challenge of this laften bilbo. —
Word of denial in thy labras here ;
Word of denial :- froUi and scum, thou Host.
Slen. By these gloves, then, 't was he.
Nijm. Be aviscd, sir. and pass good inmiours : I ,.
s'.iy, " marry trap," with you, if you niii the nut-houk s
humour on me ; that is the very note of it.
Slen. By this hat, then, he in the red lace had it ; for
tiiough I cannot remember what I did when you made me
drunk, yet I am not altogether an ass.
Fal. What say you. Scarlet and John ?
Bard. Why, sir, for my part, I say, the gentleman had
drunk lumsclf out of his five sentences,—
Eva. It is his five senses : fie, wh-L the ignorance is I
Bard. And being fap, sir, was, as they say, cashiered;
and so conclusions pass d the careers.
Slen. Ay, you spake in Latin then too ; but 't is no
matter. I'll ne'er be drunk whilst I live again but in
honest, civil, godly comp uiy, for this trick : if 1 be drunk
I '11 be drunk with those thai have the fear of God, and not
with drunken knaves.
Eva. So Got udge me, that is a virtuous mind.
Fal. You hear all these matters d. nied, gentlemen •
you hear it. ^ . ,
Enter Anne Page, with wine ; Mistress Ford and Mistress
Page following
Page.
\^ithin.
Slen.
Page.
Fal.
by your
Page.
Nay, daughter, carry the wine in ; we '11 drink
r^ TT ..... [Exit Anne Page
O Heaven ! this is Mistress Anne Page.
How now. Mistress lord ?
Mistress Ford, by my troth, you are very well met ■
'V^r ?'?°^^ niistres.. [Kissing her
Wife, bid these gentlemen welcome.—
Come, we have a hot venison pasty to dinner : come
gentlemen, I hope we shall drink dowii all unkindness.
[Exeunt all but Shaliotv, Slender, and Evans
406
Act I Sc i THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Slen. I had rather than forty shillings, I had my Book
of Songs and Sonnets here.
Enlcr Simple
How now, Simple ? Where have you been ? I must wait
on myself, must I ? You have not the Book of Riddles
about you. have you ?
Sim. Book of Biddies I v,hy, did vou not lend it to
Alice Shortcake upon Ali-hallowmas last, a fortnight afore
Michaehiias ? °
67m/. Come, cor.; come, coz ; we stay for vou A
word with you. coz ; marry, this coz : tliore is, as'l were
a tender, a kind of tender, made afar oil bv Sir Hu.'h here •
do you understand me ? ^ '
T =h''n ■ T ')7' f'!\' ^."" '^^" ""^ '"'^ reasonable : if it be so,
I shall do that that is reason.
Shal. Nay, but understand me.
Slen. So I do, sir.
Ei'a Give ear to his motions. Master Slender. I will
description the matter to you, if you be capacity of it.
blen. Nay, I will do as my cousin Shallow says. I
pray you pardon me ; he 's a justice oi peace in his country
simple though I stand here. ^'
Eva. But that is not the question : the question is
concerning your marriage. cauuu 15,
Shal, Ay, that 's the point, sir.
An^r*Page?''^' '' "' ^''' ^""'^ P""'"* ""^ ^^ ' *° ^^'^^^^ess
abie'S;m}n!l^.' ^ '^ '"' '"' ^ '''" '"'''"^ ^'' "P^" ''*">' '^''»^°"-
Eva But can you alTection the oman ? Let us com-
mand to know that of your mouth, or of your Hps : for
(livers philosophers hold, tiiat the lips is parcel of the mouth ■
Uierelorc, precisely, can you carry your good will to the
Slial. Cousin Abranam Slender, can you love her ?
Slen I hope, sir, I wiU do as it shall become one that
would do reason.
nnfir.' I ^-7' ^"^'^ '^'''^' -'^"'^ ^'^ ^^^'^s. you must speak
positable, If you can carry her your desires towards her.
ma/^ ker^?' ^""^ """''' ''^'"' ^'•'"' "P''" ^'^^'^ ^^^'■>-
Slen I will do a greater thing than that, upon your
request, cousin, in any reason. ^ ^
Shal Nity, conceive me, conceive me, sweet coz : what
1 do IS to pleasure you, coz. Can you love the maid ?
6/en I will marry her, sir, at your request; but if
there be no great love in the beginuin-, vet Heaven may
decrease it upon better acquaintance, when nvc are marded
407
''•;-
';'/"
■ T ' i '-
« V^l^*
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Act I Sc 1
lit
nnd have more occasion to know one another : I hope, upon
familiarity will f^row more contempt : but if j'ou say,
" marry her." I will marry her ; thai I am freely dissolved,
and dissolutely.
Evil, it is a fery discretion answer ; save the faul is
In the ort dissolutely : the ort is, accordiiit^ to our meaning,
resolutely: his meanip«» is goot.
Shfil. Ay, I tiiiiik my cousin meant well.
Slcn. Ay, or else I would I might be hanged, la I
Shal. Here comes fair Mistress Anne. —
Re-enter Anne Page
'Would I wore young, for your sake, Mistress Anne 1
Anne. The dinner is on tlic table ; my father desires
your vvorshi|)s' company.
Shal. 1 will wait on liim, fair Mistress Anne.
Od's plcssed will ! I will not be absence at the
[i:.rcunt Shalluu) and Evans
Will 't please your worship to come in. sir ?
No, I thank you, forsooth, heartily ; I am very
Eva.
grace.
Anne.
Slen.
well.
Anne.
Slen.
The dinner attends you, sir.
I am not a-hungry, I thank you, forsooth.— Go,
sirrah, for all you arc my man, go, wait upon my cousin
Shallow. [Exit Simple] A justice of peace sometime may
be beholding to his friend for a man.-— 1 keep but three meii
and a boy yet, till my mother be dead ; but what though ?
yet I live like a poor gonl'cman born.
Anne. I may not go in without your worship ; they will
not sit, till you come.
Slen. l faith, I '11 eat nothing ; I thank you as much
as though I did.
Anne. 1 pray you, sir, walk in.
Slen. I had rather walk here, I thank you. T bruised
my shin th' other day with playing at sword and dagger
Avith a master of fence —three veneys for a dish of stewed
prunes ; and, by my troth, I cannot abide the smell of hot
meat since. — Why do your dogs bark so ? be there bears
i' the town ?
Anne. I think there are, sir
Slen. I love the sport well ;
at it as any man in England,
the bear loose, are you net ?
Anne. Ay, indeed, sir.
Slen. That 's moat and drink to me now, 1 have seen
Sackerson loose twenty times, and have taken him by the
chain ; but, I warrant you, the women have so cried and
shrieked at it that it passed— but women, indeed, cannot
aljide 'em ; they are very ill-favoured rough things.
408
I heard them talked of.
but I sliall as soon quarrel
Vou are afraid, if you see
liT^-^k i r-^^T^^^mmsFW ^mm.
Act I Sc ill THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Pe-enter Page
Page. Come, gentle Maslor Slon.kT, come ; we stay for
you. -^
Slen. I'll eat nothing, I thank you, sir.
Page. By cock and pic, you shall not choose, sir : come,
come.
Slen. Nay, pray you, lead the way.
Page. Come on, .sir.
Slen. Mistross Aimc, yourself shall go first.
Anne. XoL I, sir ; pray you, keep on.
Slen. Truly, I will not go first: truly, la, I will not do
you that wrong.
Anne. I pray you, sir.
Slen. I'll rather be unmannerly, than troublesome.
\ou do yourself wrong, indeed, la I [Exeunt
i
Scene II.— An outer Room in Page's House.
Enter Sir Hugh Evans and Simple
uf "u*, 9^ 5''°ur ways, and ask of Doctor Cains' house
which is the way ; and there dwells one .Mistress Quickly
which is in the manner of his nurse, or his try nurse, or his
cook, or his laundry, his washer, and his wrincer.
Sim. Well, sir.
Eva. Nay, it is petter yet.— Give her this letter; for
It is a oman that altogether 's acquaintance with Mistress
Anne Page : and the letter is, to desire and require her to
solicit your master's desires to Mistress Anne Page I
pray you, be gone : I will make an end of my dinner •
there s pippins and cheese to come. [Exeunt
Scene III.— A Room in the Garter Inn
Enter Falstaff, Host, Bardolph, Nym, Pistol, and Robin
Fal. Mine host of the Garter,—
J^^st. What says my bully-rook ? Speak scholarly and
Fal. Truly, mine host, I must turn away some of mv
followers. -^
Host. Discard, bully Hercules ; cashier : let them wac •
trot. trot. *'
Eul. I sit at ten pounds a week.
^ Host. Thou 'rt an emperor, Gcesar, Keisar, and Pheezar.
: y.iii cntcriam Bardoiph ; he shall draw, he sliall tan •
said I well, bully Hector ? ^ '
Eal. Do so, good mine host.
Host. I have spoke ; let him follow.— Let me see thee
iroth and lime : I am at a word ; follow. [Exit Host
409
THE MEFRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Act I Sc ill
r.
'O;
■
m
I .fif'
M
Fal. Bardolph, follow him. A tapster is a Rood trade :
an old cloak makrs a new jerkin; n withered scrving-nian
a fresh tapster. Go ; adieu.
Jiaril. It is a life tliat I iiavc desired : I will thrive.
Pist. () base (iongarlan wight I wilt tliou the spigot
wield ? I /,\r// liardolph
Nijm. lie was gotten in drink ; is not llie humour con-
ceited ?
Fal. I nm Riad I am so acquit of this tinder-ljox : Ids
tliefts were too open • ''is lileliing was like an uuskiHul
sinf'cr, — he kept not i. .-.
Nifiri. The good liuiaour is to steal at a ndtiim's rest.
/*j'.s/. Convey, the wise it call. "Steal?" foh I a fleo for
the j)hrasc I
F(tl. Well, sirs, I am almost out at heels.
Pist. Why, then, let kihr-s ensue.
Fal. There is no remedy ; I must couy-catch ; I must shift.
Pist. Young ravens must have food.
Fal. Which of you know I'ord of this town ?
Pist. I ken the wight : he is of substance good.
Fal. My honest lads, I will tell you what I am about.
Pist. Two yards, and more.
Fnl. No qidps now, Pistol : indeed, I am in the waisl
two yards about ; but I am now about no waste, I am
about thrift. Hriefly, I do mean to make love to Ford's
wife. I spy cnt lU.'.nenl j,i 'mt ; she discourses, s!ie
carves, she gives the leer of invitation : I can construe tlic
action of her familiar style ; and the hardest voice of her
behaviour, to be Englished riglitly, is, " I am Sir John
Falstafl's."
Pist. He liath studied her well, and translated her well, —
out of honesty into luigiish.
Nym. The anchor is deep : will that humour pass?
Fal. Now, the report goes, she has all tlie rule of her
husband's purse — be hath a legion of angels.
Pist. As many devils entertain; and "To her, boy,"
The humour rises ; it is good : humour me the
say I.
Xijm.
angels.
Fdl. I have writ me here a letter to her : and here
another to Page's wife, who even now gave me good eyes
loo, examined my parts with most judicious oullads :
sometimes the beam of her view gilded my foot, sometimes
my portly belly.
Pist. Then did the sun on dungliili shine.
Nym. I thank thee for that humour.
Fal. O, she did so course o'er my exteriors with such
a greedy intention, that the appetite of her eye did siein
to scorch me up like a burning-glass. Here *s another
letter to licr : she bears the purse too ; she is a region in
410
^piflgBiraL^itl^fl
Act I Sc Iv
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Guiana, nil {^old and hnunty. I will bo cheaters to tl
loni
i)Oth, n'.i they shall be excluquers to nie : th.v shall he
my i:ast and \V< >,i Indies, and I will trade to tliciu both.
Cio, bear thon Uiis letter to Mistress Page ; and Uiou this
to Mistress 1 ord. We will thrive, lads, we will thrive.
/'/a7. Sh:ill I Sir Pandarus of Troy become,
And by my side wear steel ? then, Lucifer lake all I
Nijm. I will run no base humour : here, take the
iuimour-Ieller. I will keep the haviour of reputalion.
y <//. [To liobin] Hold, sirrah, bear you these letters
timidly ;
Sail like my pinnace to the fioldcn shores. —
Ho«ues, hence I uvaunt I vanish like hailstones, Ro ;
Trudge, plod away o' the hoof ; seek shelter, pack !
I'alslall will learn the humour of the age,
iMcnch thrift, you rogues ; myself, and skirted page.
[i:xeunl I'alslufI and liobin
Pist. Let vultures gripe thy guls I for gourd and fullam
holds,
And high and low beguile the rich and poor.
Tester 1 11 have in pouch when thou shalt lack,
liase I'hrygian Turk.
Xi/m. I have operations in ray head wiiich be humours
of revenge.
Pist. Wilt thou revenge ?
Num. By welkin, and her star.
ris!. Will) wit, oi ..teel ?
Xi/m. With both the humours, I :
I will discuss the humour of this love to Page.
Pist. And I to Ford shall eke unfold
How FalstalT, vaiict vile.
His dove will prove, his gold will hold,
And his soft couch detilc.
Nijm. My humour shall not cool : I will incense Page
to deal with poison ; I will possess him with yellowness: for
tliis revolt of mine is dnnfjerous ; that is my true humour.
J'ist. Thou art the Mars of malcuatcnls : I seco..d tiiee ;
troop on. [Exeunt
Scene IV. — A Room in Doctok Caii ^'s House
Enter Mistrkss Quickly an' t (mple
Quick. What, John Rugby I —
Kntrr Rtjgby
f pray thee, go to the casement, and see if you can see
niy master. Master Doctor Caius, coming: if he do, i" faith,
:ind find anybody in the house, here v ill be ^^n old abusing
of God's patience and the king's Enghsh.
411
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Act I Sc iv
III
Rug. I'll go watch.
Quick. Go ; and we '11 have a posset lor 't soon at night,
in faith, at the latter end of a sea-coal lire. [Exit Rugby]
An honest, willing, kind fellow, as ever servant shall come
in house withal ; and, I warrant you, no tell-tale, nor no
breed-bate : his worst fault is, that he is given to prayer ;
he is something peevish that way : but nobody but has his
fault ; — but let that pass. — Peter Simple you say your name
is?
Sim. Ay, for fault of a better.
Quick. And Master Slender 's your master?
Sim. Ay, forsooth.
Quick. Does he not wear a great round beard, like a
glover's paring-knife ?
Sim. No, forsooth : he hath but a little wee face, with
a little yellow beard,— a cane-colourcd beard.
Quick. A softly-sprightcd man, is he not ?
Sim. Ay, forsooth ; but he is as tall a man of his hands
as any is between this and his head : he hath fought with
a warrener.
Quick. How say you ? — O, I should remember him : does
he not hold up his liead, as it were, and strut in his gait ?
Sim. Yes, indeed, does he.
Quick. Well, Heaven send Anne Page no worse fortune I
Tell Master Parson Evans, I will do what I can for your
master : Anne is a good girl, and I wish —
Re-enter Rugby
Rug. Out, alas I here comes my master.
Quick. We shall all be shent. [l^xit Rugbif] Run in
here, good young man ; go into this closet. [Shuts Simple in
the closet.] He will not stay long. — What, John Rugby !
John, what, John, I say I — Go, John, go inquire for my
master ; I doubt, he be not well, that he comes not home.
[Sing's] And down, down, adown-a, etc.
Enter Doctor Caius
Cuius. Vat is you sing ? I do not like dese toys. Pray
you, go and vetch me in my closet un boitier vert ; a box.
a green-a box : do intend vat I speak ? a grcen-a box.
Quick. Ay, fors' ; ; I '11 fetch it you. [Aside] I ant
glad he went not i Iniself : if he had found the young
man, he would hav» »eer horn-mad.
Cuius. Fe, fe, fe. je : i foi, il fait fort chaud. Je m'en
vals a la conr, — la grai.u" affaire.
Quick. Is it this, sir ?
Caius. Ouij, melte le au mon pocket ; depeche, quickly.
— Vere is dat knave Rugby ?
Quick. What, John liugby 1 John I
412
Act I Sc iv THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Re-enter Rdoby
Mere, sir.
You are John Rugby, and you are Jack Rogeby :
c a your rapier, and come after my heel to dc
Pug.
<opio. la
( ourL.
ling. 'T ;s ready, sir, here in the porch.
^ Caiv^. By my trot, I tarry too long.— Od's me 1 Qu'aii
J oubhe ? dere is some simples in my closet, dat I vil not
lor de varld I shall leave h.iiind.
Quick. Ay me 1 he '11 lind the young man there, and
be mad
Cuius,
larron !
Quick.
Caius.
Quick.
Caius.
O (liable 1 diable I vat is in my closet ?— Villainy !
[Pulling Simple oul] Ruj^by ; my rapier I
Good master, be content.
Verefore shall 1 be content-a ?
The young man is an honest man.
Vat shall de honest man do in my closet ? dere
IS no honest man dat shall come in my closet.
Quick. I beseech you, be not so phlegmatic ; hear the
Iruth of it : he came of an errand to me from Parson Hu"h
Caius. Veil. °
Sirn. Ay, forsooth, to desire her to —
Quick. Peace, 1 pray you.
Caius. Peace-a your tongue ! Speak-a your tale
Sim. To desire this honest gentlewoman, your maid
to sjicak a good word to Mistress Anne Page for my master'
in the way of marriage.
Quick. This is all, indeed, la ; but I '11 ne'er put mv
linger in the lire, and need not.
Caius. Sir Hugh send-a you ?_Hugby, baillez me some
paper : tarry you a little-a while. ( Wrifes
Quick. I am glad he is so quiet : if he had been thor-
oughly moved, you should have heard him so loud and so
melancholy.— But notwithstanding, man, I '11 do you your
master what good I can ; and the very yea and the no is,
he I rench doctor, my master,-! may call him my master,
«)ok you, for I keep his house ; and I wash, wring, brew,
ijake, scour, dress meat and drink, make the beds, and do
nil myself ; —
Sim. 'T is a great charge, to come under one body's
nand. •'
Quick. Are you avised o' that ? you shall find it a grtat
' ^arge : and to be up early and down late ;— but notwith-
^tiniding, to tell you in your ear— I would have po worHc of
u- my master himst-il is in love with Mistress Anne Pace •
i)ut notwithstanding that, I know Anne's mind, that 's
11 'ither here nor there.
Caius You jack'napc— give-a dis letter to Sir Hugh :
^y gar. It is a shailenge : I will cut his troat in de park ;
413
I
3 .•
,1
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act I Sc iv
and I vill teach a scurvy jackanape priest to meddle or
make.— You may be gone ; it is not good you tarry here :
by gar, I vill cut all his two stones , by gar, he shall not
have a stone to trow at his dog. [Exit Simple
Quick. Alas I he speaks but for his friend.
Caius. It is no matter-a for dat :— do not you tell-a
me, dat I shall have .\nne Page for mvsclf ?— By gar, I
vill kill de Jack priest ; and I have appointed mine host of
dc ,)artcer to measure our weapon. — By gar, I vill myself
have Anne Pa r^o.
Quick. Sir, the maid loves you, and all shall be well.
We must give folks leave to prate : what the good-jer 1
Caius. Rngliy, come to the court vit me. — By •-•rr, if
1 have not Anne Pape, I shall turn your head out of mv
door.— Follow my heels, Rugby. [Exeunt Caius and Runbi;
Quick. You shall have An fool's-head of your own. No,
I know Anne's mind for that : never a woman in Windsor
knows more of Anne's mind than I do, nor can do mon-
than I do with her, I thank Heaven.
Fcnt. [ Within] Who 's within there ? ho I
Quick. Who 's there, I trow ? Come near the house, I
pray you.
Enter Fenton
How now, good woman ? how dost thou ?
The better, that it pleases your good worship
Fent.
Quick.
to ask.
Fent.
Quick.
What news ? how does pretty Mistress Anne ?
In truth, sir, and she is pretty, and honest, and
gentle ; and one that is your friend, I can tell you that
by the way ; I praise Heaven for it.
Fent. Siiail I do any good, thinkest thou? Shall 1
not lose my suit ?
Quick. Troth, sir, all is in His hands above ; but not-
witlistanding. Master Fenton, I '11 be sworn on a book, siie
loves you.— Have not your worship a wart above your eye ?
Fent. Yes, marry, have 1 ; what of that ?
Quick. Well, thereby hangs a tal^:— good faith, it is
such another Xan;— but, 1 detest, an honest maid as ever
broke bread :— we had an hour's talk of that wart •— I
shall never laugh but in that maid's company !— but,
indeed, she is given too much to allicholiy and inusin'^:
but for you — well, go to. ''
Fent. Well, I shall see her to-day. Hold, there 's money
for thee ; let me have thy voice in my behalf : if thou sec'sl
her before me, coniincnd mc.
Quick. Will I ? i' faith, that we will ; and I will tell
your worship more of the wart the next time wc hove
conlidcnce, and of other wooers.
Fent. V/cll, farc\TeU ; I am in gr«at haste now. [Exit
414
Act II Sc i THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Quick. Farewell to your worship.— Truly, an honest
gentleman : but Anne loves him nol ; for I'know Anne's
niuul as well as another does.— Out upon 't 1 what have I
forgot ? ^j.^.^
ACT TWO
Scene I.— Before Page's House
Enter Mistress Page with a letter
Mrs. Paqe. What, hav I scaped love-letters in the
lioiulay-time of my beauty, and am I now a subject for
them? Let me see. [Heads
" Ask me no reason why I love you ; for though Love
use Reason for his physician, he admits him not for his
counsellor. \ou are not young, no more am I ; go to then
there 's sympathy : you are merry, so am I ; ha, ha I tlien'
there s more sympathy : you love sack, and so do I ; would
you desire better sympathy ? Let it suflice thee. Mistress
Page,~at the lenst, if the love of a buldier can suffice —that
Hove thee. 1 will not say, pity me,-'t is not a soldier-
like phrase ; but I say, love me. By me,
Thine own true knight,
By day or night.
Or any kind of light.
With all his might
For thee to tight, John Falstaff."
What a Herod of Jewry is this I— O wicked, wicked world '
—one that is well nigh worn to pieces with age, to show
^^'"f^'Z- a young gallant! What unweighed behaviour
hath this Flemish drunkard picked, with the devil's name
out of my conversation, that he dares in this manner assav
w*; \ )^^'y^ ^^ ^^^^ "°^ ^^^" th"^e in my company.—
\Vhat should I say to him ?— I was then frugal of mv mirth •
—Heaven forgive me 1— Why, I '11 exhibit a bifl in the
parliament for the putting down of men. How shall I be
revenged on him ? for revenged I will be, as sure as his guls
are made of puddings. ^
Enter Mistress Ford
110115^' "^^^^' -^^^^^^"^^^ ^^6e I trust me, I was going to your
Mrs. Page. And, trust me, I was coming to you. You
look very ill. «= j
Airs. Ford. Nay, i '11 ne'er believe thai ; I have to show
to the contrary.
Mrs. Page. Faith, but you do, in mv mind.
Mrs. Ford. Well, I do then ; yet, I say, I could show you
to the contrary. O Mistress Page, give me some counsel.
413
THE MERRY WIVES
WINDSOR
Act II Sci
one trifling
I
Mrs. Page. Wliat 's xie matter, woman?
Mrs. Ford. O woman, if it wt'ie not for
respect, I could come to such honour 1
Mrs. Page. Hang tlie trifle, woman ; take tlie honour.
What is it ? — dispense with trifles ; — wnat is it ?
Mrs. Ford. If I would but go to hell for an eternal
moment or so, I could be knighted.
Mrs. Pane. What ?— thou licst.— Sir Alice Ford 1—
These kniglils will hack; and so, thou shouldst not alter
the article of thy gentry.
Mrs. Ford. We burn daylight : — here, read, read ; —
perceive how I might be knighted. — I shall think the worse
of fat men, as long as I have an eye to make dilTerence of
men's liking: and yet he would not swear ; praised women's
modesty; and gave such orderly and well-behaved reproof
to all uncomeliness, that I would have sworn his disposition
would have gone to the truth of his words : but they do
no more adhere and keep j)lace together, than the Hun-
dredth Psalm to the tune of " Green Sleeves." What
tempest, I trow, threw this whale, with so many tuns ol
oil in his bcily, ashore c . Windsor ? How shall I be re-
venged on him ? I think, the best way were to entertain
him with hope, till the wicked iire of lust have melted him
in his own grease. — Did you ever hear the like ?
Mrs. Page. Letter for letter, but that the name of Page
and Ford difl'ers I — To thy great comfort in this mystery
of ill o])inions, here's the twin-brother of thy letter: but
let thine inherit lirst ; for, I protest, mine never shall. 1
warrant, he hath a thousand of these letters, writ with
blank space for different names, — sure more — and these are
of the second edition. He will print them, out of doubt ;
lor he cares not what he puts into the press, when he would
put us two : I had rather be a giantess, and lie under Mount
lY'lion. Well, I will find you twenty lascivious turtles, ere
one chaste man.
Mrs. Ford. Why, this is the very same ; the very hand,
the very words. Wiiat doth he think of us ?
Mrs. Page. Nay, I know not : it makes me almost ready
to Nvrangle with mine own honesty. I '11 entertain myself
like one that I am not acquainted withal ; for sure, unless
he know some strain m me that I know not myself, he would
never have boarded me in this fury.
Mrs. Ford. Boarding, call you it ? I '11 be sure to keep
him above deck.
Mrs. Page. So will I : if he come under my hatches.
I'll never to sea again. Let's be revenged ,n hun : lei s
appoint him a meeting ; give him a show >f comfort in his
suit ; and lead hirn on with a fine-baited delay, till he hath
pawned his horses to mine host of the Garter.
Mrs. Ford. Nay, I will consent to act any villainy against
416
Act II Sc i THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
l)im that may not sully the chariness of our honesty O
that my husband saw this letter ! it would give eternai
food to his jealousy.
Mrs. Piujc. Wliy, look, where he comes ; and my good
man too: he's as far from jealousy, as I am from rivin"
him cause ; and that, I hope, is an unmeasurablc distance.
Mrs. Ford. You ar'^ the happier woman.
Mrs. Paqe. Let's cjnsult together a;,'ainst this "reasv
kmght. Come hither. ' [Thcu retire
Enter Ford, Pistol, Page, and Xym
Ford. Well, I hope, it be not so.
Pist. Hope is a curtal dog in some ailairs ; Sir .John
aliecls thy wife.
Ford. Why, sir, my wife is not young.
Pist. He wooes both high and low, both rich and r)oor.
Both young and old, one with another, Fi)rd.
He loves the galMmaulry : Ford, perpend.
Ford, r.ove my wife ?
Pist. With liver burning hot : prevent, or go thou,
UKc Sir Actseon he, with Ringwood at thy heels:
O, odious is the name.
Ford. What name, sir ?
Pist. The horn, I say. Farewell :
Take heed ; have open eye ; for thieves do foot by night-
Take heed, ere summer comes, or cuckoo-l.irds do sin<^ —
Away, Sir Corporal Nym :—
Believe it. Page ; he speaks sense. [Exit
Ford. [Aside] I will be patient ; I will fmd out this.
Nym. [To Page] And this is true ; I like not the humour
ot lying. He hath v.Tonged me in some humours : I should
have borne the humoured letter to her ; but 1 have a sword
and It shall bite upon my necessity. He loves your wife '
there s the short and the Jong. My name is Corporal Nym .'
|, ^Pf ''»J.' and I avouch 't is true :— my name is Nym, and
balstaft loves your wife. -Adieu. I love not the humour of
bread and cheese ; and there s the humour of it. Adieu.
. f"'J^:. f-^^''^«l "The humour of it." quoth 'a 1 here's'a
ullow frights humour out of his wits.
Ford. [Aside] I will seek out FalstalT.
[Aside] I never heard such a drawling, affecting
Page.
rogue.
Ford.
Page
[Aside] If I do fmd it :— well.
„ 14*"^''] i wiii not believe such a Catalan, though
the priest o the town commended him lor a true man
^ord. [Aside] 'T was a good sensible fellow: well.
Page. How now, Meg ?
Mrs. Page. Whither go you, George ?— Hark vou.
r?s— T
41'
Page.
Ford.
Page.
Ford.
Page.
THE MKRRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act II Sc i
Mrs. Ford. How now, sweet Frank ? why art thou
mehmcholy ? .,.,-..
Ford. I melancholy 1 I am not melancholy.— Get you
home, go. . , ^ . x. i j
Mrs. Ford. 'Faith, thou hast some crotchets in thy head
now.— Will you go, Mistress Page ?
Mrs. Page. Have with you.— You'll come to dmner,
George 1— [Aside to Mrs. Ford] Look, who comes yonder :
she shall be our messenger to this paltry knight.
Mrs. Ford. Trust me, I thought on her : she '11 fit it.
Enter Mistress Quickly
Mrs. Page. You ore come to see my daughter Anne ?
Quick. Ay, forsooth ; and, I pray, how does good
Mistress Anne ? , . .
Mrs. Page. Go in with us, and see ; we have an hour s
talk with you. . , ,, ^ . ,,
[Exeunt Mrs. Page, Mrs. Ford, and Mrs. Quicklij
How now. Master Ford ?
You heard what this knave told me, did you not ?
Yes ; and vou heard what the otlier told me.
Do you think there is truth in them ?
Hang 'em slaves; I do not think the knight
would offer it : but these that accuse him, in his intent
towards our wives, are a yoke of his discarded men ; very
rogues, now they be out of service.
J'ord. Were they his men ?
Page. Marry, were they. . ,. .
Ford. I like it never the better for that. —Does he he at
thp Cjtirtcr ?
Page. Ay, marry, does he. If he should intend this
voyage towards my wife, I would turn her loose to him :
and wliat he gets more of her than sharp words, let it lie on
my head. , , , i ti
Ford. I do not misdoubt my wife, but I would be loatli
to turn them together. A man may be too confident : 1
would have nothing lie on my head : I cannot be thus
satisfied.
Page. Look, where mv ranting I'.csl of (he Garter comes.
There is either liquor in his pate, or money in his purse,
• when he looks so merrily. —
Enter Host
How now, mine host ?
Host. How now, bully-rooy; '. tlion 'rt a geiitlcman.--
Cavalero-justice. I sny, —
Enter Shallow
Slial. I follow, mine host. 1 follow. -
twenty, Good Muster Page,
us ? wo have sport in hand.
-Good-even and
Master Pago, will you go with
418
Act II Scii THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
you what our sport sliall be ^ ^ ''"''' ^ ^'^" ^«"
cavaUer ?'""''' '^'^ "° ^"^' ^^ainst my knight, my guest-
bunrsack'^^trgiJ-e^Jnlli^ou'^sl I'At' ^f". ? ^«^^'« o^
name is Brook, only Tor a St '"" ^"'^ ^''" *""^ "^y
rog/'s; said Vwoi. '"aL^ t,''°^ ^'^^''. '^^^'^ ^^^^^^ ^"^
^/'«/. Have with you, mine host,
his nfp'ier.' """''' '"'^^'^ '''' Frenchman hath good skill in
timefyou'^sTand'on disSceT '''"^ ^°" "^^''^ = ^'^ 'hese
would have maryoTFoir'lall^^^Ufsk^liSar^^' ^
Prni' S'""^' ^°>f ' ^'-''•^' h«re ' Shall we wap •>
thfntght"'"^ "^"^ ^""Tp^ '^^^ -^her hea? them scold
I'ord Though PaPP hi f ""' ""'i' ^^"'"""^ «"^ ^'«'7^
firmly on his witsSty,%e't fcaTnot'^'ut n"^' ^'^^"^^^^°
so cas Iv. She \vn^ in hil ^ cannot put off my op n on
[Exit
Sci-NE II.— A Room in the Garter Inn
':'n(er Falstaff and Pistol
pls't \vl'" Tu ^'"^^ ^^^^'^ '-' p^"ny-
s^vord wiuMj;^'.,*^^^" ^^« ^^^^'^ 's mine oyster, which I with
419
^•••■•r...l
SSL
■
I
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act II Sc ii
centlemen, mv friends, you were f^ood soldiers, and fall
fellows ; and uhen Mistress lirid<ii'l l(»st the handle of her
fan I took 't upon mine honour thou -.adst it not.
Pist. Didst thou not share? luuisL thou not hfteen
pence ? , . , . * .u t m
I'uL Reason, you rogue, reason : think st thou I II
endanger my soul gratis '? At a word, han^ no more aboul
me, I am no gibbet for you :- <Ao -.—ix short knife and a
throng:— to your manor of Pickt-hatch, ^o.— \ou U not
bear a letter for me, you roj^ue !— you stand upon your
honour !— Why, thou unconiinable baseness, it is as much
as I can do, to keep the terms of my honour precise : I, I,
I myself somelinies, leavini^ Uie fear of Heaven on the left
hand, and hidinji mine honour in my necessity, am fam
to shutlle, to hed!4e, and to lurch ; and yel you, rop:ue, will
ensconce your iw^s, your cat-a-mounLaiu looks, your red-
lattice phrases, and your bull-baiting oaths, under the
shcller of your honour I You will not do it, you '?
Pisl. I do relent : what would thou more of man ?
Enter Robin
Rob. Sir, here 's a woman would speak with you.
Fal. Let her approach.
Enter Mistress Quickly
Quick. Give your worship good morrow.
Fal. Good morrow, good wife.
Quick. Not so, an 't please your worship.
Fal. Good maid, then. ^ ^ .
Quick. I '11 be sworn ; as my mother was, the first hour
I was born. .
Fal. 1 do believe the swearer. What with me /
Quick. Shall I vouchsafe your worship a word or two ?
Fal. Two thousand, fair woman : and 1 '11 vouchsafe
thee the hearing.
Quick. There is one Mistress Ford, sir :— I pray, come
a little nearer this ways: — I myself dwell with Master
Doctor Caius.
Fal. Well, on : Mistress Ford you say, —
Quick. Your worship says very true :— I pray your
worship, come a little nearer this ways.
Fal. I warrant thee, nobody hears : mine own peopio.
mine own people.
Quick. Are they so ? Heaven bless them, and nuiKe
th ?ii His servants t
FaL Well : Mistress Ford ;— what of her ? ^
Quick. Why, sir, she 's a good creature. Lord, Lord .
your worship's a wanton I well. Heaven forgive you, and
all of us, T pray I
Fal. Mistress Ford ;— come, Mistress Ford, —
420
Act II Stii THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Quick. Marry, this Is the short and the lonj? of it. You
have brought her into such a cannries, as 't is wonflerfiil.
The best courtier of them all, when the court lay at Winrlsor,
could never have I)rouKlit her to such a canary, ^et there
has been Icnights, and lords, and gentlemen, with their
coaches; I warrant you, coach afttr coach, letter after
letter, gift after gift ; smelling so sweetly, -all musk,— and
so rushling, I warrant you, in silk and' gold : and in such
alligant terms ; and such wine and sugar of the best,
and the fairest, that would have won any woman's heart!
and, I warrant you, they could never get an eye-wink of
her.— I had myself twenty angels given me this morning •
but I defy all angels, -in any such sort, as they say— but
in the way of honesty .—and, I warrant vou, they could
never get her so much as sip on a cup with the proudest
of them all ; and yet there has been earls, nay, which is
more, pensioners ; but, I warrant you, all is one with her
Fal. But what says she to me ? be brief, my good she-
Mercury.
Quick. Marry, she hath received your letter; for the
which she thanks you a thousand times; and she gives
you to notify, that her husband will be absence from his
house between ten and eleven.
Fal. Ten and eleven.
Quick. Ay, forsooth ; and then you may come and see
the picture, she says, that you wot of ; Master Ford, her
husband, will be from home. Alas 1 the sweet woman
leads an ill life with him ! he 's a verv jealousy man ; she
leads a very frampold life with him, good heart.
Fal Ten and eleven : — woman, commend me tO her •
I will not fail her.
Quick. Why, you say well. But I have another mes-
senger to your worship. Mistress Page hath her hearty
commendations to you too ;— and let me tell you in your
ear, she 's as fartuous a civil modest wife, and one, I tell
you, that will not miss you morning nor evening prayer, as
any is in Windsor, whoe'er be the other :— and she bade 'me
tell your worship, that her husband is seldom Irom home ;
but she hopes there will come a time. I never knew a
woman so dote upon a man: surely, I think you have
charms, la ; yes, in truth.
Fal. Not I. I assure thee ; setting the attraction of mv
good parts aside. I have no other chnrnis.
Quick. Blessing on your heart for 't !
FaJ. But, I pray tme, tell me this.- h;!s Ford's wifp.
anci Pages wife, acquamted eacli other how they love me "
Q^ick. That were a jest, indeed !— they have not so
little grace, I hope :— that were a trick, indeed 1— But
Mistress Page would desire you to send her your little page
of all loves : her husband has a marvellous inf
ion to the
421
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Act II ScU
il
little paRo ; and, truly. Master Page is an honest man.
Never a wife In Windsor leads a better life than she does :
do what she will, say what she will, take all, pay all, go to
bed when she list, rise when she list, all is as she will : and,
truly, she deserves it ; for if there be a kind woman in
Windsor, she is one. You must send her your page ; no
remedy.
Fal. W'ly, I will.
Quick. Say, but do so, then : and, look you, he may
come and go between you both ; and, in any case, have a
nay word, that you may know one another's mind, and the
boy never nec<l to undtrsland anything ; for 't is not good
that children should know any wickedness : old folks, you
know, have discretion, as they say, and know the world.
Fal. Fare thee well : conmiend me to them both.
There's my purse ; I am yet thy debtor. — Boy, go along
with this woman. [Fxeunt Mistress Quickly and Robin]
— This news distracts me.
Pist. This punk is one of Cupid's carriers. —
Clap on more sails ; pursue ; up with your (Iplits ;
Give lire ! She is my prize, or ocean whelm tliciu all I
[Fxil
Fal. Sayest thou so, old Jack ? Go thy ways ; I'll
make more of thy body than I fiave done. Will they yet
look after thee ? Wilt thou, aficr tiie expense of so much
money, be now a gainer ? Good body, 1 thar.k thee : let
them say, 't is grossly done ; so it be fairly done, no matter.
Enter Bardolph, with a cap of sack
Bard. Sir John, there 's one Master Brook below would
fain speak with you, and be acquainted with you ; and
hath sent your worship a morning's draught of sack.
Fal. Brook is his name ?
Bard. Ay, sir.
Fal. Call him in. [Exit Bardolph] Such Brooks are
welcome to me, that o'crfiow such liquor. Ah, ha I
Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, have I encompassed you ?
go to ; via !
Re-enter Bardolph, with Ford disguised
Ford. Bless you, sir.
Fal. And you, sir : would you speak with me ?
Ford. I make bold to press with so little prtparation
upon you.
Fal. You 're welcome. What 's your will ?
— Give us leave, drawer. [Exit lUirdolph
Ford. Sir, I am a gentleman that have spent much :
my name is Brook.
Fal. Good Master Brook, I desire more acquaintance
of you.
422
Act II Scii THE MI£IUIY WIVi:?) OF WINDSOIt
Ford. Good Sir John, I sue for yoius ; not to charge
you ; for I must let you undcrsUuul I think myself in
better plight for a lender than you are ; the wiiich hath
somethinf^ emboldened me to this unscasoiic'l intrusion-
for they say, if money j^o before, all ways do lie open.
Fal. Money is a fiood soldier, sir, and will on.
Ford. Troth, and I have a bag of money here trouble
me : if you will help to boar it. Sir John, take all, or half,
for easing me of the carriage.
/•'(//. Sir, I know not how I may deserve to be your
porter.
Ford. I will tell you, sir, if you will give me the hearing.
1-al. Speak, good Master Hrnok : 1 shall be glad to be
your servant.
Ford. Sir, I hear you are a scholar,— I will be brief with
you ;— and you have been a man long known to mr., lhou"h
I had never so good means, as desire, to make myself "c-
quamted with you. I shall discover a thing to you, wherein
I must very much lay open mine own inipcrfection : but,
good Sir John, as you have one eve uoon mv follies as
you hear them unfolded, turn another iiilo the" register of
your own; that I may pass with a reproof the easit r
silh you yourself know how easy it is to be such an
olTender.
Fal. Very well, sir ; proceed.
Ford. There Is a gentlewoman in this town, her hus-
band's name is Ford.
Fal. Well, sir.
Ford. I have long loved her, and, I protest to vou,
bestowed much on her; followed her with a doting" ob-
servance ; engrossed opportunities to meet her • fee'd
every slight occasion, that could but nig:^trdly give me
sight of her ; not only bought manv presents to give her
but have given largely to many, to know what she would
hav-e given ; briefly, I have pursued her, as love hath pur-
sued nie ; which hath been, on the wing of all occasions.
But whatsoever I have merited, either in mv mind, or in
my means, meed, I am sure, I have received" none, unless
experience be a jewel ; that I hrve purchased at an infinite
rate, and that hath taught me to say this :
Love like a shadow flies when subslancr love pursues •
Pursuing that that flies, and /lying what pursues. '
Fed. Have you received no promise of satisfaction at
her hands ?
Ford. Never.
Have you importuned her to such a purpose ?
Never.
Df what quality was your love then '•
Like a fair house built upon another man's
423
Fal.
Ford.
Tin: MliURY WlVrS OF WINDSOR
Alt II Siii
proutul ; st> Hint I have lost my edifice by mistaking tlio
pliu-c wiitTc I crecteti it.
lull. To uluit purpose liave you unfolded this to me ?
i'ord. Wljcn I liavo told you tli;il. 1 liave told you all.
Some say, that though slie a|tpi ar honest to me. yet in
other plaees she enlartJclh Iut niirlh so far that there is
shrewd construction made of her. Now, Sir John, here is
the heart of my purpose : you are a >?entleman of excellent
breeding. adniiral)le discourse, of great admittance, au-
thentic in your place and person, generally allowed for
your many war-like, court-like, and learned preparations, —
F<il. O. sir :
/■'ord. Lk'lieve it, for you know it. — There is money ;
spind it, spend it ; sin-nd more ; spend all I have, only
give me so much of your time in exchange of it, as to lay
an amiable siege to the honesty of this Ford's wife : use
your art of wooing ; win her to consent to you : if any man
may, you may as soon as any.
Fal. Would it apply well to the vehemency of your
afloction, that I should win what you would enjoy ? Me-
thinks you prescribe to yourself very preposterously.
Ford. O. understand my drift. She dwells so securely
on the excellency of her honour, that the folly of my soul
dares not present itself : she is too bright to be looked
against. Now, could I come to her with any detection in
my hand, my desires had instance and argument to com-
mend themselves ; I could drive her then from the ward
of her purity, her reputation, her marriage-vow, and a
thousand other her defences, which now are too too strongly
embattled against me. What say you to 't. Sir John ?
Fal. Master Brook, I will first make bold with your
money ; next, give mc your hand ; and last, as I am a
gentleman, you shall, it you will, enjoy I'ord's wife.
Ford. O good sir !
Fal. I say you shall.
Ford. Want no money. Sir John ; you vShall want none.
Fal. Want no Mistress l^rd, Master Brook ; you shall
want none. I shall be with her — I ni;iy tell you— by her
own appointment ; even as you came in lo me, her assistant,
or go-between, parted from me : I say, I shall be with her
between ten and eleven ; for at that time the jealous
rascally knave, her husband, v.ill be forth. Come you lo
nie at night ; you shall know how I speed.
Ford. I am blest in yonr acquaintance. Do you know
Ford, sir ?
7^/;/. ITanc hini, riQor ouckol'Jiv l-;n:i\ ■' ! 1 know hini not.
Yet I wrong him, to call liim poor; tiicy sv.y, the jealou?
V ittolly knave liath masses <>■ uio!;« v, lor tlie which his Mii.
s ems to be well-favoured. 1 will use lur as the key of the
cackoldly rogue's coder: and Ihtres my harvest home.
42 1
Act ir sciii ip: MnnrtY \vrvF:s oi' Windsor
lynl I woul.l yoii knew TonJ, sir. lJi;,t you niiuht
avoid him. if you saw liitn. •' ^
l\d FlaiiR him, nitdumic-:.! sall-hutlcr ro«uc ! I will
s nro him out of his uits ; I Nviil aw.- him uilh u^^ cu.iM.I.
i( ^liaii h;ui« lil<c a mcl.-or oVr tlie .urkohl's horns Masf- r
l.rook thou slK.lt know I uill prcdomiiiit,. over tiu- ru-asaut
a-u Ihou Shalt h(. with his wif,..- Chm. to ,„,. soon al
ni^^ht.--l-onl s a kiiav. aiui 1 will :;-ravato h;s styl,. ;
thou. MasltT ISrouk. shall know him lor u knave an.
I u 'kold :— come to me soon at ni ;lit. (/■•,,/
l-ord. What a .lamncl h;i)i(urran r..sc;.l is Miis'-Mv
heart is ready to crack will, impali< nee.- - Wj. ,..vs Ih-s
is improyidpnt joalousv? my ss\l^ |,a,h sent to him'. thV
hour s f xed the match is ma.ie. \>oi,!d any n.an h: '•
bed shall be ahiiMd. my conVrs r,.ns.,rk.,l, ,„v rq,ulation
!^nawn at ; and 1 shall not only r.c.j.. this villainous
wron/,', but stan.l under the adoption ol alxuninablc tonus
•md hy him that docs .nc tl^is wro,.... 'iv.-ms : nan es '-
Ainamion sounds well: I.m. ifcr. well; Uarh.son. we'll •
'.'n V !?; '"-V'/J^jVils' additions, the nanus of li.n.ls : hut
cuckold I Wittul-cuckold : the devil himself hath iiot such
a nanie. Pa^'e is an ass. a secure ass; he ui!l trust his
V. 0. he will not he jealous. I will rather trust a .k,ni U
Nvilh my hut er, I'arson Hu-h the Welshman w^ h w
cheese, an irishman uith niy aqua-vita.- bottle, or a thie o
he nIotV fl''"'"7 '^'^''"'"•- '"''^" '">' '''''■ '^'^'' JH-rscU ih. n
.v^hn. ■".,''•' ':"''""^'l'^-^' tl'^" =^l'e devises ; and what
h-> thliilv in their he.Mls thev may ellect. tiiey will break
their hearts hut they will ellect. f leaven be pn cd for
my jealousy ! -J- leven o'clock the hour: t w 11 prevenf
*^.ir-e 1 will about It ; better iiiree hours to-, soon than a
"uuute too late. Fie, fie. lie 1 cuckold! cuckold Icu.koidl
[Lxil
SciiNE III.— Windsor I^irk
Entrr Cail-s and Ricj.y
Jack Rugby I
Sir.
Vat is de clock, .Tack ?
"lis past the hour, sir, that Sir Huf:h promised
By gar^hc has save his soul, dat he is no co.r.« .
h',^''w *"''»''-'' '/'S.^'ii^ie veil, dat he is no come. 'By^gar'
Ja< k Ruuby. he is dead already, if lie be come.
hini.^ff he came!"'''" ''' ' ^' """'' ^'"""^ """""^"P ""'^'^^^ ^''^
Cnius.
Cafus.
Hug.
Cams,
[lug.
t<' meet.
Cuius.
By gar, de herring is no dead
38-
so as I vill kill
425
mi
f
'1
ttli
t ]
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act II Sc Ui
him. Take your rapier, Jack ; I vill tell you how I vill
kill him.
Rug. Alas, sir, I cannot fence.
Caius. Villainy, take your rapier.
Rug. Forbear ; here 's company.
Enter Host, Shallow, Slexder, and Page
Host. Bless thee, bully doctor.
Shal. Save you, Master Doctor Caius.
Page. Now, good master doctor !
Slen. Give you good morrow, sir.
Caius. Vat be all you, one, two, tree, four, come for ?
Host. To see thee' fight, to sec thee foin, to see thee
traverse, to see thee here, to see thee there ; to see thee
pass thy punto, thy stock, thy reverse, thy distance, thy
montant. Is he dead, my Ethiopian ? is he dead, my
Francisco ? ha, bully 1 AVliat says my jEsculapius ? my
Galen ? my heart of elder ? ha ! is he dead, bully Stale ?
is he dead ?
Caius. By gar, lie is de coward Jack priest of de varld ;
he is not show his face.
Host. Thou art a Castilian, King Urinal I Hector of
Greece, my boy !
Caius. I pray you, bear vitness that me have stay six
or seven, two, tree hours for him, and he is no come.
Shal. He is the wiser man, master doctor : he is the
curer of soul<?, and you a curer of bodies ; if you should
fight, you go against the hair of your professions. — Is it
not true, Master Page ?
Page. Master Shallow, you have yourself been a great
fighter, though now a man of peace.
Shal. Bodikins, Master Page, though I now be old, and
of the peace, if I see a sword out, my linger itches to make
one. Though we are justices, and doctors, and churchmen.
Master Page, we have some salt of our youth in us ; we
are the sons of women, Master Page.
Page. "V is true. Master Shallow.
Shal. It will be found so. Master Page. — Master Doctor
Caius, I am come to fetch you home. I am sworn of the
peace : you have showed yourself a wise physician, and
Sir Hugh hath shown himself a wise and patient churchman.
You must go with me, master doctor.
Host. Pardon, guest-justice : — a word, Monsieur Mock-
water.
Caius. Mock-valer 1 vat is dat ?
Host. Mock-wator, in our English tongue, is valour, bully.
Caius. By gar, then I have as much mock-vatcr as de
Englishman. — Scurvy jack-dog priest! by gar, me vill cut
his oars.
Host. He will clapper-claw thee tightly, bully.
426
^^aj^^
i^^-^*»'
-^^^r^^^ku^fmrn \m^-
Act III Sci THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Caius. Clapper-de-claw ! vat is dat ?
Host. That is, he will make thee amends
Caius. By gar, me do look, he shall ciapper-de-claw
me ; for, by gar, me vill have it.
Ilost. And I will provoke him to 't, or let him wag.
Cams. Me tank vou for dat.
?vf f ^'n "^^'^•^o^Y' '^""y — but first, master guest,
and Master Page, and eke Cavalero Slender, go you throuoh
the town to Frogmore. ( Xside to thfm
Page. Sir Hugh is there, is he ? ^ ""
K -^l^i'u ^^ i^ ^^^'^ • ^*^^ ^^'^^^^ humour he is in, and I wiU
bring the doctor about by the nelds. Will it do well ?
Shal. We will do it.
Page, Shal., and Slen. Adieu, good master doctor.
^ . -, [Exeunt Page, Shallow, and Slender
Cams. By gar, me vill kill de priest, for he speak for a
jack-an-ape to Anne Page. ^
,^<'5'- ^ Let him die. Sheathe thy impatience ; throw
cold water on thy choler. Go about the fields with me
through Frogmore ; I will bring thee where Mistress Anne
rr&Vi\^ a farmhouse a-feasting, and thou shalt woo her.
(.ned I aim ? said I well ?
Caius. By gar, me tank you vor dat : by gar, I love
knllit^ Hn ! '^^" Procure-a you de good guest, de carl, de
knight, de lords, de gentlemen, mv patients.
Cams. By gar, 't is good ; veil said.
Host. Let us wag. then.
Caius. Come at my heels, Jack Rugby. [Exeun'
ACT THREE
Scene I.— A Field near Frogmore
Enter Sir Hugh Evans and Siau'le
m^ri'\J F'^^'^J^^ "r\' S«od Master Slender's serving
^nu) '""^/'•"""d Simple by your name, which way have
physli ? *''' ^^''^''' ^"^"'' ^^""^ '^^^' h^^^'lf doctor of
wav •" niH^lv'"^^ '''■' ^^"^ Pitty-ward, the Park-ward, every
ka T ^n"?'^^''''^'' ?."^ ?^'''y ^^'^y '^"t the town wn/
that way f<"hemently desire you you will also look
Sim. I will, sir. rp /• •
Eva Picss my soul! how full of cholers I Lm nud
tremphng of mind I-I shall be glad if he have deceived
me.-How melancholies I am I-I will knog his iSnals
427
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Act III Sc i
m- !
I li
j .
about his knave's costard, when I have good opportunities
fDr the ork : — pless my soul I [Sings
To shallow rivers, to whose falls
Melodious pirds sing madrigals ;
There will we make our peds of roses.
And a thousand fragrant posies.
To shallow —
Mercy on me 1 I have a great dispositions to cry.
Melodious pirds sing madrigals ; —
Whenas I sat in Pabylon, —
And a thcnsand vagram posies.
To shallow —
Sim. [Coming forward\ Yonder he is coming, this way,
Sir Hugh.
Eva. He 's welcome. —
To shallow rivers, to whose falls —
Heaven prosper the right I — What weapons is he ?
Sim. No weapons, sir. There comes my master, Master
Shallow, and another gentleman, from Frogmore, over the
stile, this way.
Eva. Pray you, give me my gown ; or else keep it in
your arms. [Reads in a book
Enter Page, Shallow, and Sliixder
Shal. How now, master parson ? Good morrow, good
Sir Hugh. Keep a gamester from the dice, and a good
student from his book, and it is wonderful.
Slen. [Aside] Ah, sweet Anne Page 1
Page. Save you, good Sir Hugh.
Eva. Pless you from his mercy sake, all of you I
Shal. What, the sword and the word ? do you study
them both, master parson ?
Page. And youthful still, in your doublet and hose this
raw rheumatic day !
Eva. There is reasons and causes for it.
Paije. We are come to you to do a good office, master
parson.
Eva. Fery well : what is it ?
Page. Yonder is a most reverend gentleman who, belike,
having received wrong by some person, is at most odds
with his own gravity and patience that ever you saw.
Shal. I have lived fourscore years and upward ; I never
heard a man of his place, gravity, and learning, so wide oi
his own respect.
Eva. What is he ?
Page. I think you know him ; Master Doctor Cuius,
the renowned French [)hysician.
428
L-y'
jSsH^iMmKi^^M^
Act III Scl THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Eva. Got s will, and his passion of my heart I I had as
hef you would tell me of a mess of porridae
Pag^ Why?
Eva. He has no more knowledge in Hibbocrates and
Oalcn,— and he is a knave besides ; a cowardly knave, as
you would desires to be acquainted withal.
Page. I warrant you, he 's the man should fight with
him.
Slen. [Aside] O, sweet Anne Page I
Shal It appears so, by liis weapons.— Keep them
asunder :— here comes Doctor Caius.
Enter Host, Caius, and Rugby
Page. Nay, good master parson, keep in your weapon
Shal. So do you, good master doctor.
Host. Disarm them, and let them question: let them
keep their limbs whole, and hack our English.
Cnius. I pray you, let-a me speak a Mord vit your ear •
verofore vill you not me. t-a me ?
Em. [Aside to Caius] Pray you, use your patience: in
good time.
Caius. By gar, you are de coward, de Jack dog, John ape
Eva. [Aside to Caius] Pray you, let us not be laughine-
stogs to other men's humours; I desire vou in friendship
and I wUI one way or other make you amends.— [A/out/l I
will knog your urinals about your knave's cogscomb for
missing your meetings and appointments.
Caius Diablc! Jack Rugby,— mine host de Jartiere,
have I not stay for him to kill him ? have I not, at de place
I did appoint ?
J^va. As I am a Christians soul, now, look you, this is
the place appointed. I '11 be judgment by mine host of the
uarier.
Host. Peace, I say ! Gallia and Guallia, French and
Welsh, soul-curer and body-curer.
Caius. Ay, dat is very good ; excellent.
Hor,t. Peace, I say ! hear mine host of the Garter. Am
1 politic ? am I subtle ? am I a IVIachiavel ? Shall I lose
my uoctor ? no ; he gives me the potions and the motions.
^iiall I lose my parson ? my priest ? mv Sir Huah ? no •
le gives me the proverbs and the noverbs.— Give me thv
hand, terrestrial ; so.— Give me thy hand, celcsti.il ; so —
l^oys of art, I have deceived you both ; I have directed you
10 wrong places : your hearts are mighty, your ^kins are
^^noIe, and let burnt sack be the ibsue.— Come, lay their
.■>..ords to puvvu.— Foiiow mc, lads of peace; lollow.'follow,
Shal Trust me, a mad host.— Follow, gentlemen, follow.
iilen. [Aside] O, sweet Anne Page I
[Exeunt Shallow, Slender, Page, and Host
420
THE MERRY WIVES 07^ WINDSOR Act III Sc ii
m i i
.■^«Sr'
Caius. Ha 1 do I perceive dat ? have you makc-a de
sot of us ? ha, ha 1
Eva. This is well; he has made us his vloutlUg-stog.
— I desire you, that we may be friends, and let us knog our
prains together to be revenge on this same scall, scurvy,
cogging companion, the host of the Garter.
Caius. By gar, vit all my heart. He promised to bring
me vere is Anne Page : by gar, he deceive nic too.
Eva. Well, I will smite his noddles. — Pray you, follow.
[Exeunt
Scene II. — A Street in Windsor
Enter Mistress Page and Robin
Mrs. Po'/c. Nay, keep your way, little gallant : you
were wont to be a follower, but now you are a i?ader.
"VVhether had you rather lead mine eyes, or eye your master's
heels ?
Rob. I had rather, forsooth, go before you like a man,
than follow him like a dwarf.
Mrs. Page. O 1 you are a flattering boy : now I see
you '11 be a courtier.
Enter Ford
Ford. W^ell met. Mistress Page. Whither go you ?
Mrs. Page Truly, sir, to see your wife : is she at home ?
Ford. Ay ; and as idle as she may hang together, for
want of company. I think, if your husbands were dead,
you two would marry.
Mrs. Page. Be sure of that, — two other husbands.
Ford. Where had you this pretty weathercock ?
Mrs. Page. 1 cannot tell what the dickens his name is
my husband had him of. — What do you call your knight s
name, sirrah ?
Rob. Sir John Falstaff.
Ford. Sir John Falstaff 1
Mrs. Page. He, he ; I can never hit on 's name. — There
is such a league between my good man and he ! Is your
wife at home indeed I
Ford. Indeed, she is.
Mrs. Page. By your leave, sir : I am sick till I see her.
[Exeunt Mrs. Page and Rabin
Ford. Has Page any brains ■? ha+h he any eyes ? hath
he any thinking ? Sure, they sleep ; he hath no use of
them. Why, ttiis boy will carry a letter twenty miles, as
easy as a cannon will shoot point-blank twelve score. He
pieces out his wife's inclination ; he gives her folly motion
and advantage : and now she 's going to my wife, and Fal-
stall's boy with her. A man may hear this shower sing in
430
Act III Sc ii THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
the wind :— and Falstaff's boy with her ?— Good plots !—
they are laid ; and our revolted wives share damnation
together. Well ; I will take him. then torture my w f"
pluck the borrowed veil of modesty from the so seemin/^
Mistress Page, divulge Page himself for a secure and wilful
Activon ; and to these violent proceedings all my nci"h-
bours shall ciy airn. [Clock strikes] The clock gives mc
my cue, and^my assurance bids me search • there I shil'
fmd Falstaff : I shall be rather praised for this than mocked ■
for It IS as positive as the earth is firm, that FalstalT is there .'
i will go.
Enter Page, Shallow, Slender, Host, Sir Hugh Evans
Caius, and Rugby
Page, Shal., etc. Well met, Master Ford
I'ord. Trust me, a good knot. I have good cheer at
home, and I pray you all go with me.
Shal. 1 must excuse myself, Master Ford
xvifh ^f /^""^ ? ™"'^ '' ^''^ • '''« '^^v« appointed to dine
with Mistress Anne, and I would not break with her for
more money than I '11 speak of.
vfJl"^' A ^^® ^^^® lingered about a match between Anne
Lswer" ™^ ''°"''" ' """"^ ^^'' ^^^ '''^ ^^""'^ ^^^*^ °"^
Slen. I hope, I have your good will, father Page.
vnn "^'hnf °'' ^T' -^''''^'' ^'""^^" ' I st'-^^d wholly for
you -but my wife, master doctor, is for you altogether.
Cams. Ay by gar ; and de maid is lovc-a me : mv
nursh-a Quickly tell me so mush. ^
hJ^^T^' \^^!: ^^y y°" *^ y°""S blaster Fenton ? he capers,
he dances, he has eyes of youth, he writes verses, he speaks
ca^y t ; t is m his buttons ; he will carry 't
/ age. Not by my consent. I promise you. The gentle-
man is of no having : he kept company with thf w Id
K 'No'^h^^V }r '\f '^^^ !"eh a r'egio'l.rhe knows too
E.r .f ' "" 'k "1" """^ ^'"'^ "" ^"^^ i'^ l^is fortunes with the
SSv ^^ '"^S?"t'V '^ ^^^ ^"*^« her, let him take her
simply the wealth I have waits on my consent, and mv
consent goes not that way. ' ^
wi/?'"'^"* I^?>eseech you, heartily, some of you go home
Tu^lPcH^^ ^'""^' ■ ^''^^'^ >'""^ ^'^^^'•' yo" shall ha?e sport!
l^laih^r ^""^^ nionster.-M.-,ster doctor, you shall go
9/,^?'^^^}!' ^^^'^''' P'-^Se.-and you, Sir Hugh. ^
•vr • ; t Yf"'. ^""l^ - ' well.-We shall have the freer
^aius. Go home. John Rugby ; I come anon.
i^alstalT, and drink canary with him. [£a.//
431
I
w
d'
m I f
la . - ;
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act III Sc iii
Ford. [Aside] I think, I shall drink in pipe-wine first
with him ; I '11 make hiin dance. Will you go, gentles ?
All. Have with you, to see this monster. [Exeunt
Scene III. — A Room in Ford's House
Enter .MisTRFiss Foiid and Mistress. Page
Mrs. Ford. What, Jolin I what, Robert !
Mrs. Page. Quickly, quickly: — is the buck-basket —
Mm. Ford. 1 warriiul. — What, Robin, 1 say I
Enter Servants with a basket
Conic, come, come.
Here, set it down.
Give your men the charge; we must be
Mrs. Parje.
Mrs. Ford.
Mrs. Page.
brief.
Mrs. Ford. Marry, as I told you before, .John, and
Robert, be ready here hard by in the brew-house ; and when
I suddenly call you, come forth, and without any pause or
staggering take this basket on your shoulders : tiiat done,
trudge with it in all haste, and carry it among the whitsters
in Datchct-mead, and there empty it in the muddy ditch
close by the Thames side.
Mrs. Page. You will do it ?
I ha' told them over and over ; they lark
Be gone, and come wlien you are called.
[Exeunt Servants
Here comes little Robui.
Mrs. Ford.
no direction
Mrs. Page.
How
Enter RoniN
now, my cyas-musket ? what news
Mrs. Ford.
with you ?
Hob. My master, Sir John, is come in at your bad;
door. Mistress Ford, and requests your company.
Mrs. Page. You little J;.ck-a-Lcnt, have you been true
to us?
Fob. Ay, I '11 be sworn. My master knows not of your
being here, and hath threatened to put me into everlasting
liberty, if 1 tell you of it ; for he swears he '11 turn mc away.
Mrs. Page. Thou 'rt a good boy ; this secrecy of thint
shall be n tailor to thee, and shall make thee a new doublet
and hose -I '11 go hide me.
Mrs. Ford. Do so. — Go tell thy master, I am alone
[Exit Robin] — Mistn ss Page, remember you your cue.
Mrs. Page. I warrant lliee ; if i do not act it, hiss me.
\Ex'i
Mrs. Ford. Go to, then : we 'II use this unwholesome
humidity, this gross watery pumpion ; — we '11 teach him to
know turtles from jays.
43-2
Li'i
:i^«*'*
m^..T^
i
'i
Act III Sc ill THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Enter Falstaff
Fal. Have I cauRht my hoavcniv jewel ? Why, now
let me die, for I have lived lonfi enough : this is the period
of my ambition : O this blessed hour I
Mrs. Ford. O sweet Sir John 1
,,.-^4 ^listress Ford, I cannot cog, I cannot prate,
Mistress Ford. Now shall I sin in my wish,— I would thy
husband were dead: I '11 speak it before the best lord I
would make thee my lady.
Mrs Ford. I your lady, Sir John I alas, I should be a
pitiful lady.
Fal. Let the court of France show me such another
I see how thine eye would emulate the diamond : thou hast
the right arched beauty of the brow thai becomes the ship-
tire, the tire-valiant, or any tire of Venetian admittance
Mrs. Ford. A plain kerchief. Sir John : my brows be-
come nothing else ; nor that well neither.
^fi" . ^\ ^^^^ ^"^^' ^^^^ ^^^ ^ tyrant to say so : thou
wouldst make an absolute courtier ; and the firm fixture of
thy foot would give an excellent motion to thy gait, in a
snni-circled farthingale. I see what thou wert, if Fortune
tliy foe were not. Nature thy friend : come, thou canst not
hide it.
Mrs. Ford. Believe me, there 's no such thing in me.
Fal \^hat made me love thee ? let that persuade thee
there s something extraordinary in thee. Come ; I canno''
cu-, and say thou art this and that, like a many of these'
hsping hawthorn-buds, that come like women in men's
apparel, and smell like Bucklersbury in simple time : I can-
not ; but I love thee, none but thee, and thou deservest it
Mrs. Ford. Do not betray mc, sir. I fear, you love
Mistress Page.
Fal. Thou mi/^htst as v.eP say, I love to walk by the
Lounter-gate, which is as hateful to me as the reek of a
limc-kiln.
Mrs. Ford. Well, Heaven knows how I love vou : and
you shall one day find it.
Fal. Keep in that mind ; I '11 deserve it.
Mrs. Ford Kay, I must tell you, so you do ; or else 1
could not be m that mind.
nob. [U'z7/j//}] Mistress Ford I Mistress Ford ! here's
Mistress Page at the door, sweating, and blowing, and
looking wildly, and would needs speak with you presently
Jal. She shall not sec me: I will ensconce me behind
4 )
ne arras.
Mrs. Ford.
Ionian. —
Pray you, do so : she s a very tattling
[Falsia/] hides himself behind the arras
Re-enter .Mistuess Page and Robin
V^Tiat 's the matter ? how now !
4.?f?
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act III Sc iil
t
11
1!B(3 J
"■ "I J
f I
yfii=~
I
Page. O Mistress Ford I what have you done ?
shamed, you are overthrown, you 're undone for
Mrs.
You 're
ever.
Mrs. Ford. What 's the matter, good Mistress Page ?
Mrs. Page. O well-a-day. Mistress Ford 1 having an
honest man to your husband, to give him such cause of
suspicion I
Mrs. Ford. What cause of suspicion ?
Mrs. Page. What cause of suspicion I — Out upon you I
how am I mistook in you 1
Mrs. Ford. Why, alas, what 's the matter ?
Mrs. Page. Your husband's coming hither, woman,
with all the ofllcers in Windsor, to search for a gentleman,
that, he says, is here now in the house, by your consent, to
take an ill advantage of his absence : you are undone.
Mrs. Ford. 'T is not so, I hope,
Mrs. Page. Pray Heaven it be not so, that you have
such a man here 1 but 'tis most certain your husband's
coming, with half Windsor at his heels, to search for such
a one : I come before to tell you. If you know yourself
clear, why, I am glad of it : but if you have a friend here,
convey him out. Be not amazed ; call all your senses to
you ; defend your reputation, or bid farewell to your good
life for ever.
Mrs. Ford. What shall I do ? — There is a gentleman, my
dear friend ; and I fear not mine own shame so much as his
peril : I had rather than a thousand pound he were out of
the house.
Mrs. Page. For shame ! never stand " you had rather,"
and " you had rather : " your husband's here at hand ;
bethink you of some conveyance : in the house you cannot
hide him. — O, how have you deceived me 1 — Look, here is a
basket : if he be of any reasonable stature, he may creep in
here ; and throw foul linen upon him, as if it were going to
bucking : or, — it is whiting-time, — send him by your two
men to Datchet-mead.
Mrs. Ford. He 's too big to go in there. What shall I do ?
Re-enter Falitaff
I 11
Fat. Let me see 't, let me see 't, O, let me see 't I
in, I '11 in. — Follow your friend's counsel : — I '11 in.
Mrs. P(tf]e. What I Sir John FalstalT ? Are these your
letters, knight ?
Fal. I love thee and none but thee : help me away ; let
me creep in here ; I '11 never —
[lie gels into the basket ; they cover him voi'h foul linen
Mrs. Page. Help to cover your master, boy. Call your
men. Mistress Ford. — You dissembling knight !
Mrs. Ford. What, John ! Robert I John 1
[Exit Robin
434
Act III Sc Ui THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Re-enter Servants
Go take up these clothes here, quickly : — where 's the cowi-
stafT ?— look, how you druinble : carry them to the laundress
in Datchet-mead ; quickly, come.
Enter Ford, Page, Caius, and Sir Hugh Evans
Ford. Pray you, come near ; if I suspect without cause,
why, then make sport at me, then let me be your jest ; I
deserve it. — How now ? whither bear you this ?
Serv. To the laundress, forsooth.
Mrs. Ford. Why, what have you to do whither they
bear it ? You were best meddle with buck-wasliing.
Ford. Buck 1— I would I could wash myself of the buck 1
—Buck, buck, buck ? Ay, buck ; I warrant you, buck, and
of the season too, it shall appear. [Exeunt Servants with
the basket.] Gentlemen, I have dreamed to-night : I '11 tell
you my dream. Here, iicre, here be my keys : ascend my
chambers, search, seek, find out : I '11 warrant, we '11 un-
kennel the fox. — Let me slop this way first. [Locks the door.]
So, now uncape.
Page. Good Master Ford, be contented : you wrong
yourself too much.
Ford. True, Master Page.— Up, gentlemen ; you shall
see sport anon : follow me, gentlemen. [Exit
Eva. This is fery fantastical humours and jealousies.
Caius. By gar, 't is no de fashion of France ; it is not
jealous in France.
Page. Nay, follow him, gentlemen ; see the issue of his
search. [Exeunt Page, Caius, and Evans
Mrs. Page. Is there not a double excellency in this ?
Mrs. Ford. I know not which pleases me better, that my
husband is deceived, or Sir John.
Mrs. Page. What a taking was he in, when your husband
asked what was in the basket !
Mrs. Ford. I am half afraid he will have need of washing ;
so, throwing him into the water will do him a benefit.
Mrs. Page. Hang him, dishonest rascal! I would all
of the same strain were in the same distress.
Mrs. Ford. I think, my husband hath some special sus-
picion of Falstaff's being here ; for I never saw him so gross
in his jealousy till now.
Mrs. Page. I will lay a plot to trv that ; and we will yet
have more tricks with Falstaff : his dissolute disease will
scarce obey this medicine.
Mrs. Ford. Shall we send that foolish carrion, Mistress
Quickly, to him, and excuse his throwing in!o the water ;
and i^ive him another hope, to betrav him to another punish-
ment ?
Mrs. Page. We '11 do it : let him be sent for to-morrow
eight o'clock, to have amends.
435
m ii
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act III Sc Iv
Re-enter Fono, Page, Caius, and Siu Hugh Evans
Ford. I cannot find him : may be, the knave bragged of
that he could not compass.
Mrs. Page. [Aside to Mrs. Ford] Heard you that ?
Mrs. Ford. [Aside to Mrs. Paf/e] Ay, ay, peace. — You
use me well, Master Ford, do you ?
Ford. Ay, I do so.
Mrs. Ford. Heaven make you better than your thoughts I
Ford. Amen.
Mrs. Page. You do yourself mighty wrong, Master Ford.
Ford. Ay, ay, I must bear it.
Eva. If there be anypody in the house, and in the
cha nbers, and in the collers, and in the presses, Heaven
for^,ive my sins at the day of judgment I
Caius. By gar, nor I too : dere is no bodies.
Page. Fie, tie, Master Ford 1 are you not ashamed ?
What spirit, what devil suggests this Imagination ? 1
would not have your distemper in this kind for the wealth
of Windsor Castle.
Ford. 'T is my fault. Master Page : I suffer for it.
Eva. You sulTcT for a pad conscience : your wife is as
honest a omans as I will desires among five thousand, and
five hundred too.
Caius. By gar, I see 't is an honest woman.
Ford. Well ; I promised you a dinner : — come, conic,
walk in the park : 1 pray you, pardon me ; I will hereafter
rBake known to you, why I have done this. — Come, wife ; —
come. Mistress Page. — I pray you, pardon me; pray heartily,
pardon me.
Page. Let 's go in, gentlemen ; but, trust me, we '11 mock
him. I do invite you to-morrow morning to my bouse to
breakfast: after, we'll a-birding together; I have a fine
hawk for the bush. Shall it be so ?
Ford. Anything.
Eva. If there is one, I shall make two in the company.
Caius. If dere be one or two, I shall make-a de turd.
Ford. Pray you, go, Master I'ai^e.
Eva. I pray you now, remembrance to-morrow on thi
lousy knave, mine host.
Caius. Dat is good ; by gar, vit all my heart.
Eva. A lousy knave ! to have his gibes and his mock
cries I [Exeunt
Scene IV. — A Room in Page's House
Enter FtNTUiN and Anne pAuii
Fcnl. I see, I cannot get thy father's love ;
Therefore, no more turn me to him, sweet Nan.
Anne. Alas ! hu\. Ihcn ?
43f?
Act III Sclv THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
H
ii
Pent. Why, thou must be thyself.
He doth object, I am too great of hirlh ;
And that, my state being galled with my expense,
I seek to heal it only by his wealth ;
licsicles, these other bars he lays before me, —
My riots past, my wild societies.
And tells mo, t is a thing imimssiblc
I should love thee, but as a property.
Anne. May be, he tells you true.
Pent. No, Heaven so speed me in my time to come !
Albeit I will confess thy father's wealth
Was the first motive that I wooed thee, Anne :
Yet, wooing thee, I found thee of more value
Than stamps in gold or sums in sealed bags ;
And 't is the very riches of thyself
That now I aim at.
Anne. Gentle Master Fenlon,
Yet scelc my father's love ; still seek it, sir :
If opportunity and humblest suit
Cannot attain it, why, then — hark you hither.
[Tlieij converse apart
Enter Shallow, Slender, and MrsTREss Quickly
Shal. Break their talk. Mistress Quickly : my kinsman
shall speak for himself.
Slen. I Tl make a shaft or a bolt on 't: slid, 't Is but
venturing.
Shal. Be not dismayed.
Slen. No, she shall not dismay me : I care not for
that, — but that I am afeared.
Quick. Hark ye ; Master Slender would speak a word
with you.
Anne. I come to him. — [Aside] This is my fatlier's choice.
0, what a world of vile ill-favoured faults
Looks handsome in three hundred pounds a year !
Quick. And how does good Master Fenton ? Pray you,
a word with you.
Shal. She 's coming ; to her, coz. O boy, thou hadst a
father I
Slen. I had a father. Mistress Anne ; my uncle can
tell you good jests of him.— Pray you, uncle, tell Mistress
Anne the jest, how my father stole two geese out of a
pen, good uncle.
Shal. Mistress Anne, my cousin loves you.
Slen. Ay, that I do ; as well as I love any woman in
Glostcrshire.
Shal. He will maintain yoi like a gentlewoman.
Slen. Ay, that I will, come cut and longtail, under
the degree ol a squire.
437
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act III Sc Iv
»i:i
A
• I
: \
.i I
\n .1
M.i
Shal. He will make you a hundred and fifty pounds
Jointuri'.
Anne. Good Master Shalltiw, kt him woo for himself.
Shal. Marry, 1 thank you for it ; I tliank you for that
good comfort. — She calls you, coz : I '11 leave you.
Anne. Now, Master Slender. —
Now, {^ood .Mistress Anne, —
What is your will ?
My will ? od 's hearllinRs. that 's a pretty jest.
Slen.
Anne
Slen.
indeed.
I ne'er made my will yet, I thank Heaven; 1
am not such a sickly creature, I Rive Heaven praise.
Anne. I mean. Master Slender, what would you with me .'
.S7e;i. Truly, for mine own part, I would lilile or nothing
with you. Your father, and my uncle, have made motions :
if It be my luck, so ; if not, hapjjy man be his dole ! They
can tell you how thir.gs ^0 belter than I can : you may
ask your father ; here lie comes.
Enter Page and Mistress Page
Page. Now, Master Slender : — Love him, daughter
Anne. —
Why, how now ? what does Muster Fcnlon here ?
You wrong me, sir, thus still to haunt my house :
I told you, sir, my daughter is disposed of.
Pent. Nay, Master Page, be not impatient.
Mrs. Page. Good Master Fenton, come not to my child.
Page. She is no match for you.
Pent. Sir, will you hear me?
Page. No, good Master Fenton. —
Come, Master Shallow ; come, son Slender, in. —
Knowing my mind, you wrong me, Master Fenton.
[Exeunt Page, Shallow, and Slender
Quick. Speak to Mistress Page.
Pent. Good Mistress Page, for that I love your daughter
In such a righteous fashion as I do.
Perforce, against all checks, rebukes, and manners,
I must advance the colours of my love.
And not retire : let me have your good will.
Anne. Good mother, do not marry me to yond fool.
Mrs. Page. I mean it not ; I seek you a belter husband.
Quick. That 's my master, master doctor.
Anne. Alas ! I had rather be set quick i' the earth.
And bowled to death with turnips.
Mrs. Page. Come, trouble not
yourself. — Good Master Fenton,
I will not be your friend nor enem.y :
My daughter 'will I question how she loves you,
And as I find her, so am I affected.
Till then, farewell, sir : she must needs ro in ;
Her father will be angry. [Exeunt Mrs. Page and Anne
438
I
s
,1
Act III Srv
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
i|
il
Fenl. I'arpwfil, gentle mistress. — Farewell, Nan.
Quick. This is my doing, now.—*' Nay," said I, " will
you cast away your child on a fool, and a physician? look
on Master Fonton." — Tliis is my doing.
Fenl. I thanit thee ; and I pray llicc, once to-niglit
Give my sweet Nan this ring. TIktc 's for thy pains.
[Exit
Quick. Now, Iloavon send thee good fortune I A kind
heart he hath : a \vf)inan would run through fire and water
for such a kind heart. Hut yet I would my master had
Mistress Anne ; or I would Master Slender had her ; or,
in sooth, I would Master Fenton had her. I will do what
I can for them all tliree; for so I have promised, and I '11
l)c as good as my word ; but speciously for Master I'enton.
Well, I must of another errand to Sir John I'alstafl' from
my two mistresses : what a beast I am to slack it I [Exit
ScENF. V. — A Room In the Garter Inn
Enter Falstaff and Bardolph
Fal. Bartl()lj)h, I say, —
Bard. Here, sir.
Fal. Go fetch me a quart of sack ; put a toast In 't.
[Exit Bardolph] Have I lived tu be carried in a basket,
like a barrow of butcher's of[al, and to be thrown in the
Thames ? Well, if I be served such another trick, I 'II
have my brains ta'en out, and buttered, and give them
to a dog for a new yar's gift. The rogues slighted me
into the river with as little remorse as they would have
drowned a bitch's blind puppies, fifteen i' the litter : and
you may know by my size, that I have a kind of alacrity
in sinking ; if the bottom were as deep as hell, I should
down. I had been drowned, but that the shore was shelvy
and shallow ;— a death that I abhor ; for the water swells
a man, and what a thing should I have been, when I had
been swelled ! I should have been a mountain of mummy.
Be-enter Bardolph with the wine
Bard. Here 's Mistress Quickly, sir, to speak with you.
Fal. Come, let me pour in some sack to tlie Thames
water ; for my belly 's as cold as if I had swallowed snow-
balls for pills to cool the reins. Call her in.
Bard. Come in, woman.
Ente. Mistress Quickly
Quick. By your le,«ive. — I cry you mercy : give your
worship <»ood morrow.
Fal. Take away these chalices. Go, brew me a pottle
of sack finely.
Bard. With eggs, sir ?
439
iilij!
»
mm
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act III Sc v
Fal. Simple of Itself ; I '11 no puUet-spemi in my
brewage. [Exit Bardolph] How now ?
Quick. Marry, sir, I come to your worship from Mistress
Ford.
Fal. Mistress Ford ! I have had ford enough ; I was
thrown into the ford ; I have my belly full of ford.
Quick. Alas the day ! good heart, that was not her fault :
she does so take on with her men ; they mistook their erection.
Fal. So did I mine, to build upon a foolish woman's
promise.
Quick. Well, she laments, sir, for it, that it would
yearn your heart to see it. Her husband goes this morning
a-birding : she desires you once more to come to her ;
between eight and nine. I must carry her word quickly :
she '11 make you amends, I warrant you.
Fal. Well, I will visit her : tell her so ; and bid her
think, what a man is : let her consider his frailty, and
then judge of my merit.
Quick. 1 will tell her.
Fal. Do so. Between nine and ten, say'st thou ?
Quick. Eight and nine, sir.
Fal. Well, be gone : I will not miss her.
Quick. Peace be with you, sir. [Exit
Fal. I marvel, I hear not of Master Brook : he sent me
word to stay within: I like his money well. — O, here he conies.
Enter Ford
Ford. Bless yuu, sir.
Fal. Now, Master Brook, — you come to know wliat
hath passed between me and Ford's wife ?
Ford. That indeed. Sir John, is my business.
Fal. Master Brook, I will not lie to you. I was at
her house the hoiu" she appointed me.
Ford. And sped you, sir ?
Fal. Very ill-favouredly. Master Brook.
Ford. How so, sir ? Did she change her determination ?
Fal. No, Master Brook ; but the peaking Cornuto her
husband. Master Brook, dwelling in a continual 'larum of
jealousy, comes me in the instant of our encounter, after
we had embraced, kissed, protested, and, as it were, spoke
the prologue of our comedy ; and at his heels a rabble of
his companions, thither provoked and instigated by his dis-
temper, and, forsooth, to search his house for his wife's love.
Ford. What, while you were there ?
Fal. While I was there.
Ford. And did he search for you, and could not find you ?
Fal. You shall hear. As good luck would have it,
comes in one Mistress Page ; gives intelligence of Ford s
approach ; and in her invention and Ford's wife's dis-
traction, they conveyed me into a buck-basket.
440
HiR^^ii^Sf!!?^^')^
Act III Sc V THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Ford. A buck-basket I
Fal. By the Lord, a buck-basket 1— rammed me in with
foul shirts and smocks, socks, foul stockings, and greasy
napkins ; that, Master Brook, there was the rankest com-
pound of villainous smell, that ever offended nostril.
Ford. And how long lay you there ?
Fal. Nay, you shall hear. Master Brook, what I have
suffered to bring this woman to evil for your good. Being
thus crammed in the basket, a couple of Ford's knaves,
his hinds, were called forth by their mistress to carry me
in the name of foul clothes to Datchet Lane : they took
me on their shoulders ; met the jealous knave their master
in the door, who asked them once or twice what they had
in their basket. I quaked for fear, lest the lunatic knave
would have searched it ; but fate, ordaining he should be
a cuckold, held his hand. Well ; on went he for a search
and away went I for foul clothes. But mark the sequel'
Master Brook r I suffered the pangs of three several deaths •
first, an intolerable fright, to be detected with a jealous
rotten bell-wether ; next, to be compassed, like a good bUbo
in the circumference of a peck, hilt to point, heel to head •
and then, to be stopped in, like a strong distillation, with
stinkmg c.othes that fretted in their own grease : think
of tbat,— a man of my kidney,— think of that ; that am
as subject to heat as butter ; a man of continual dissolution
and thaw ;— it was a miracle, to escape suffocation. And
m the height of this bath, when I was more than half stewed
in grease, like a Dutch dish, to be thrown into the Thames
and cooled, glowing hot, in that surge, like a horseshoe ;
think of that,— hissing hot,— think of that. Master Brook
Ford. In good sadness, sir, I am sorry that for mv
sake you have suffered all this. My suit then is desperate •
you '11 undertake her no more ? '
Fal. Master Brook, I will be thrown into }=:tna, as I
h.'ive been into Thames, ere I will leave her thus Her
husband is this morning gone a-birding : I have received
from her another embassy of meeting ; 'twixt eight and
nine is the hour. Master Brook.
Ford. 'T is past eight already, sir.
Fal. Is it ? I will then address me to my appointment
(.nine to me at your convenient leisure, and you shail know
now I speed; and the conclusion shnll be crowned with
your enjoying her. Adieu. You shall have her, Master
tsrook ; Master Brook, you shall cuckold Ford. [Ex/7
Ford. Hum. — ha I is this a vision ? is this a dream ?
do I sleep ? Master Ford, awake I awake, Master Ford I
there 's a hole made in vour best coat, Mnstcr Ford This
't is to be married : this 't is to have linen, and buck-
onskets. — Well, 1 will proclaim myself what I am : I will
now take the lecher ; he is at my house ; he cannot 'scape
441
^^tfims^^ssh
1 i
ijHtl
f' 1
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Act IV Sc i
; >
ii
1 ■ i
if
I
V
me ; 't is impossible lie should ; he cannot creep into a
halfpenny purse, nor into a pepper-box ; but, lest the
devil that guides him should aid him, I will search im-
possible places. Though what I am I cannot avoid, yet
to be what I would not, shall not make me tame : if I have
horns to make one mad, let the proverb go with me, — I 'II
be horn-mad. [Exit
ACT FOUR
Scene I.— The Street
Enter Mistress Page, Mistress Quickly, and William
Mrs. Page. Is he at Master Ford's already, think'st thou ?
Quick. Sure, he is by this, or will be presently : but
truly, he is very courageous mad about his throwing into
the water. Mistress Ford desires you to come suddenly.
Mrs. Page. I '11 be with her by-and-by : I '11 but bring
my young man here to school. Look, where his master
comes ; 't is a playing-day, I see.
Enter Sir Hugh Evans
How now, Sir Hugh ? no school to-day ?
Eua. No ; Master Slender is let the boys leave to play.
Quick. Blessing of his heart 1
Mrs. Page. Sir Hugh, my husband says, my son profits
nothing in the world at his book : I pray you, ask him
some questions in his accidence.
Eva. Come hither, William ; hold up your head ; come.
Mrs. Page. Come on, sirrah; hold up your head; answer
your master, be not afraid.
Eva. William, how many numbers is in nouns ?
Will. Two.
Quick. Truly, I thought there had been one number
more, because they say, Od's nouns.
Eva.
Will.
Quick
sure.
Eva.
peace.—
Will.
Eva.
Will.
Eva.
Will.
Eva.
Peace your tattlings 1 — What is fair, William ?
Pulcher.
Polecats I there are fairer things than polecats,
I pray you,
You are a very simplicity oman
What is lapis, William ?
A stone.
And what is a stone, William ?
A pebble.
No, it is lapis : I pray you remcniber in your pyain.
Lapis.
That is good, William. What is he, William,
that does lend articles ?
Will. Articles are borrowed of the pronoun ; and be
thus declined, Singulariter, nominativo, hie, haec, hoc,
442
i. V
^V^^'*
'^^::
■.-»lf ■ "-i* , ■■='i'
^aatv
^■■^ ::M^*^.rt^:^ '^:-'-^(j^:^'i^?iiH'&^''0S?r^'
■^J)pl-¥«:-t:»^.*
Act IV Sc ii THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
gemZo lti''"'ivJu^i'HJ°'' ^"^'"P^y YO", mark:
Eva. I pray you, have your remembrance child-
.accusalwo, hung, hang, hog. ic'uurance, cniKi .
cast Wimar?'^'"'^''^'^'''^"^^"---'^^^^^ '^ "- ^«^^tive
Wi7/. 0—vocativo, O.
nTi. ^ a""^"].®^' William ; focativc is, caret.
Quick. And that 's a good root.
Eva.
Mrs.
Eva.
Will.
Eva.
Will.
Quick.
Oman, forbear.
Page. Peace 1
What is your genitive case plural, William?
Genitive case ?
Ay.
Genitive,— /lorum, harum, horum.
^ Vengeance of Jenny's case I fie on hor f- isr«»v*.r
name her, child, if she be a whore.
Eua. For shame, oman I
i^Pu'^Ki ^°*" 1° "' ^° t<^ach the child such words —He
teaches him to hick and to hack, which thev 'H do fVs?
enough of themselves ; and to call ^horum.-S upon you
.ifZfnaP^^ll ^'* ^^°" '""^"^^ ? hast thou no under-
Thou art as fooir.if rf- ?"^ *^" ""^^^" ^^ ^^e genders ?
nf f, ^°°|ish Christian creatures as I would desires
Mrs. Page. Pr'ythee, hold thy peace.
prfnouns ""' "''''' ^""'™' '°"^" declensions of your
WiV/. Forsooth, I have forgot.
Eva. It is qui, qua;, quod; if you forget vour oz/iVc
Fvn' H?f ' ^^^ '.' "^ ^^"^'^ '^h^^-'^r than I thought he was
Mrs ^X^^l^f'P'^fi^^^^ory. Farewell, Mistress Page
Mrs. Page. Adieu, good S r Huch \Exil •<ir n„Jh^
Oct you home, boy.-Come. we stayToo lonf [S^!
Scene II.— A Room in Ford's House
Enter Falstaff and Mistress Ford
sufferance"'* J'fp/''''^' y°"^so"ow hath eaten up my
T r.1 f ^.^^^' y°" ^^e obsequious in your love and
FoC in%H '^"^^^*^ ^ ^^^'•'^-hre^dth ; not^Zy Mhtress
Ford in the Simple office of love, but in all the accouSe-
ment, complement, and ceremony of it. But are vou
sure of your husband now ? ^^^
iJ"- ^^'''^- "•^ '5 a-birding, sweet Sir John
Mrs. Page. [Within] What ho I gossip S 1 what hoi
443
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Act IV Sc i!
-^-j;-
Mrs. Ford. Step into the chamber, Sir John.
[Exit FalstafJ
Enter Mistress Paof.
Mrs. Page. How now, sweetheart ? who 's at home
besides yourself ?
Mrs. Ford. Why, none but mine own people.
Indeed ?
No, certainly. — [Aside to hrr] Speak louder.
Truly, I am so glad you have nobody here.
Why?
Why, woman, your husband is in his old
he so takes on yonder with my husband ; so
all married mankind ; so curses all Eve's
what complexion soever ; and so buffets
Mrs. Page.
Mrs. Ford.
Mrs. Page.
Mrs, Ford.
Mrs. Page.
""lunes again :
rails against
daughters, of
himself on the forehead, crying, " Peer out, peer out I
that any madness I ever yet beheld seemed but tamencss,
civility, and patience, to this his distemper he is in now. i
am glad the fat knight is not here.
Mrs. Ford. Why, does he talk of him ?
Mrs. Page. Of none but him ; and swears, he was
carried out, the last time he searched for him, in a basket :
protests to my husband he is now here, and hath drawn
him and the rest of their company from their sport, to make
another experiment of his suspicion. But I am glad the
knight is not here ; now he shall see his own foolery.
Mrs. Ford. How near is he, Mistress Page ?
Mrs. Page. Hard by ; at street end ; he will be here anon.
Mrs. Ford. I am undone ! the knight is here.
Mrs. Page. Why, then you are utterly shamed, and he 's
but a dead man. What a woman are you 1 — Away with
him, away with him : better shame than murder.
Airs. Ford. Which way should he go ? how should I
bestow him ? Shall 1 put him into the basket again ?
Re-enter Falstaff
Fal. No, I '11 come no more i' the basket. May I not
go out, ere he come ?
Mrs. Page. Alas, three of Master Ford's brothers watch
the door with pistols, that none shall issue out ; otherwise
you might slip away ere he came. But what make you hen.- ?
Fal. What shall I do ? — I 'II creep up into the chimney.
Mrs. Ford. There they always use to discharge their
birding-pieces.
Mrs. Page. Creep into the kiln-hole.
Fal. Where is it ?
Mrs. Ford. He will seek there, on my word. Neither
press, c(»iter, chest, trunk, well, vault, but he hath an
abstrar* for the re rmbrance of such places ; and goes
to them by his note : there is no hiding you in the house.
Fal. I 'U go out then.
444
^2^^Sz[|[2^^^C^^^^^^^^^^^^23^^BlI
Act rv Sc ii THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Mrs. Page. If you go out in your own semblance, you
die, Sir John. Unless you go out disguised, —
Mrs. Ford. How might we disguise him ?
Mrs. Page. Alas the day I I know not. There is no
woman's gown big enough for him ; otherwise he might
put on a hat, a mufller, and a kerchief, and so escape.
Fai. Good hearts, devise something : any extremity
rather than a mischief.
Mrs. Ford. My maid's aunt, the fat woman of Brentford,
has a gown above.
Mrs. Page. On my word, it will serve him ; she 's as
big as he is, and there 's her thrummed hat, and her mufller
too. — Run up, Sir John.
Mrs. Ford. Go, go. sweet Sir John : Mistress Page and
I will look some linen for your head.
Mrs. Page. Quick, quick ! we '11 come dress you
straight : put on the gown the while. [Exit Falslaff
Mrs. Ford. I would, my husband would meet him in
this shape : he cannot abide the old woman of Brentford ;
he swears, she 's a witch ; forbade her my house, and hath
threatened to beat her.
Mrs. Page. Heaven guide him to thy husband's cudgel,
and the devil guide his cudgel afterwards 1
Mrs. Ford. But is my husband coming ?
Mrs. Page. Ay, in good sadness, is he ; and talks of
the basket too, howsoever he hath had intelligence
Mrs. Ford. We '11 try that ; for I '11 appoint my nun
to carry the basket again, to meet him at the door with it
as they did last time. '
Mrs. Page. Nay, but he '11 be here presently • let 's
go dress him like the witch of Brentford.
Mrs. Ford. I 'U first direct my men, what they shall
do with the basket. Go up, I '11 bring linen for him straight.
^t n TT [Exit
Mrs. Page. Hang him, dishonest varlet 1 we cannot
misuse him enough.
We '11 leave a proof, by that which we will do,
Wives may be merry, and yet honest too :
We do not act, that often jest and laugh ;
T is old but true. Still swine eat all the draff. [Exit
Re-enter Mistress Ford with two Servants
•^^rs. Ford. Go, sirs, take the basket again on your
shoulders : your master is hard at door ; if he bid you set
It down, obey him. Quickly ; despatch. [Exit
First Serv. Come come, take it up.
Sec. Serv. Pray Heaven, it be not full of knight again
tirstServ. I hope not ; I had as lief bear so much lead.
Enitr Ford, Page, Shallow, Gaius, and Sir Hugh Evans
Ford. Ay, but if it prove true. Master Page, have you
445
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Act IV Sc ii
H
I
yll
■♦' 1
:r
any way then to unfool me again ?— Set down the basket,
villains !— Somebody call my wife. — Youth in a basket !
O you panderly rascals 1 there 's a knot, a ging, a pack, a
conspiracy against me : now shall the devil be shamed.—
What, wife, I say !— Come, come forth I— Behold what
honest clothes you send forth to bleaching.
Page. Why, this passes I Master Ford, you are not to
go loose any longer ; you must be pinioned.
Eva. Why, this is lunatics ; this is mad as a mad dog.
Slial. Indeed, Master Ford, this is not well ; indeed.
Ford. So say I too, sir.
Re-enter Mistress Ford
Come hither. Mistress Ford ; Mistress Ford, the honest
woman, the modist wife, the virtuous creature, that hath
the jealous fool to her husband f — I suspect without cause,
mistress, do I ?
Mrs. Ford. Heaven be my witness, you do, if you
suspect me in any dishonesty.
Ford. Well said, brazen-face ; hold it out. — Come forth,
sirrah. [Pulls the clothes out of the basket
Page. This passes !
Mrs. Ford. Are you not ashamed ? let the clothes alone.
Ford. I shall find you anon.
Fva. 'T is unreasonable. Will you take up yoiu* wife's
clothes ? Come away.
Ford. Empty the basket, I say.
Mrs. Ford. Why, man, why, —
Ford. IVIaster Page, as I am a man, there was one con-
veyed out of my house yesterday in this basket : why may
not he be there again ? In my house I am sure he is : my
intelligence is true ; my jealousy is reasonable. — Pluck me
out all the linen.
Mrs. Ford. If you find a man there, he shall die a flea's death.
Page. Here 's no man.
.S7ja/. By my fidelity, this is not well. Master Ford;
this wrongs you.
Eva. Master Ford, you must pray, and not follow the
imaginations of your own heart : this is jealousies.
Ford. Well, he 's not here I seek for.
Page. No, nor nowhere else, but in your brain.
Ford. Help to search my house this one lime : if I find
not what I seek, show no colour for my extremity ; hi mc
for ever be your table-sport ; let them say of me, " .\s
jealous as Ford, that searched a hollow walnut for his wife's
Icinan." S;'.tisfy mc once more ; once more search with mc.
Mrs. Ford. What ho ! Mistress Page ! come you and the
old woman down ; my husband will come into the chamber.
Ford. Old woman ! What old woman 's that ?
Mrs. Furd. Why, it is my maid's aunt of lircnlford.
440
ri> ..'C
•d'v.'^s;..
^,
■^i'^
'^... mm^.a:'m'mmmm.
iir.-
;^^
Act IV Scli THE MERRY WIVES OP WINDSOR
'''jlfrfp^rr^ '■" J-oman', cMhe,, Ua b„ M.stbess Page
\ ¥:i'^l\x p°m he ""'our'„'','i,"'H"^- S'- »' yo" hand,
^ /..mj you hag ?ou bagg^s?, you pofecarj„°r„"'"="' "■«"'
i ""Jj I '" conjure youfi ll foTun'^.t? 3;o''u°" TSf,,^
: a great peard under her muX? "' " ^'■" P'^"'" = ' ^P>'
■ eeSmen V^""' ■j"^"" " """c further. Co, ,.
... JmoSrnpaSuXyl'i^'eL';;^^^ '"" ^^ "'- not ; L heat
o'er the Tufr. lVhat''hT„„'^„'"f8eI hallowed, and hung
Mrs Pw ,,?." ru"', ""'"'°™us service. "
"■^Ja^ntKoZt'od-rd fflun'IS-or^- J*? "»
»f hta:' ,T he devlPhavel.im no?" '^' '=• ?"■•'■■ ^<^"™'' ""'
. and recovery hrw I n,vJ?,^°','".''^^'="'™P'i'. ""'' ""e
allompt us iJsain. "' ' """''• '" '"e «ay ot «.-,sle,
scried hfm? ^""" "' "^" ""^ ""*a„,ls how ,ve have
tl.'flguresT„t o't'^y^iu'r^'h^ihrSrlf "fr^r '° ^""^^
> ■.™;ld';Tha^eTh,'ng°s '^l"'^" """ "' "-' = H'^P^"^
{txeunt
447
(
1!^
!•♦ i
i- I
*
] t
* ^M i
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act IV Sciv
Scene III.— A Room in the Garter Inn
Enter Host and Bardolph
Bard. Sir, the Germans desire to have three of vour
horses : the duke himself wiU be to-morrow at court, and
they are gomg to meet him. '
Host. What duke should that be. conies so secretly ? I
hear not of him in the court. Let me speak with the
gentlemen : they speak English ?
Bard. Ay, sir ; I '11 call them to you.
Host They shall have my horses, but I '11 make them
pay ; I 11 sauce them : they have had my house a week at
command ; I have turned away my other guests : thev
must come oil ; I '11 sauce them. Come. [Exeunt
Scene IV.— A Room in Ford's House
Enter Page, Ford, Mistress Page, Mistress Ford, and
Sir Hugh Evans
Eva. 'T is one of the pest discretions of a oman as ever I
did look upon.
Page. And did he send you both these letters at an instant '
Mrs. Page. Within a quarter of an hour.
Ford. Pardon me, wife. Henceforth do what thou wilt •
I rather will suspect the sun with cold
Than thee with wantonness : now doth thy honour stand
In him that was of late an heretic,
As firm as faith.
Page. 'T is well, 't is well ; no more.
Be not as extreme in submission
As in offence ;
But let our plot go forward : let our wives
Yet once again, to make us public sport,
Appoint a meeting with this old fat fellow,
WbT re we may take him, and disgrace him for it.
Ford. There Is no better way than that they spoke of
Page. How? to send him word they'll meet him in
the park at midnight ? Fie, fie I he '11 never come
Eva. You say, he has been thrown in the rivers, and h:is
u ".Fu^'^'^^^'y peaten, as an old oman : methinks. thcie
should be terrors in him, that he should not come : me-
thinks, his flesh is punished, he shall have no desires
Page. So think I too.
A/rs Forrf. Devise but how you '11 use him when he conios,
And let us two devise to bring him thither
Mrs. Page. There is an old tale goes, that Hcrnc the
hunter,
Sometime a keeper here in Windsor Forest
Doth all the winter-time, at still midnight.
Walk round about an oak, with great ragg'd horns ;
448
^ Act IV Sciv THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Th^^''^ '('*'.''''« Marry, this is our device •
That FalstafI at that oak shall meet with n« '
thu7r ^^' '"'"^•^^ ^^^« ^'^ thougft upon, and
AnS t'Jfr^^ ™y daughter, and my little son.
And three or four more of their crowth!!'^ mi >
AMS^SeJ^t^.,^-sudd:S'
Ut them from forth a sawpit rush at once
wi^? some diffusa song : upon theTr s?ght
We tvyo in great amazedness will fly • '
ihen let them all encircle him about '
An 1 ^^"Z.-liJ^e' to pinch the unclean kniwht •
And ask him, why, that hour of fairy reve '
n their so sacred paths he dares to tJead '
In shape profane.
Mrs. Ford. And till he tell the truth
Let the supposM fairies pinch hi.n sound.
And burn him with their tapers
Mrs. Page. rp. . ....
V^fd'" ^V^i;^^^^^ ^^^«'^-' dis-hor'^^thI"pu?t''"^ '"°^^'"'
FoT ^™^ ^"^ Windsor. ^ '
Be practised well to this, or they 'IMieVr'^do 'f ""'''
be flko. -^ Y"^' ^"^'^ *^« ^^"dren their behaviours • I will
A^r^^h'arwsrb^i^^c^rnt"^" {^f /^^f ^^^^^^^
^.. Mrs. Page. My' £an shaf be t./e quSn o? aSThVJ'?'"-^'-
finely attired in a robe of white ^® '*''^®^'
I'- iiT„ii ^',f J '" '"■" ^Sain in name of Brook •
1- II tell me all his purpose. Sure, he 'U come. '
06 — o
449
lit
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act IV Scv
A ^f?*- ^T- , ^^'"" ",^* y"^ *^«*- Go, get us properties,
And tricking for our fairies.
/:>«. Let us about it : It is adriirable pleasures, and
fcry lionest knaveries [Exeuiu Page, Ford, and Evans
Mrs. P(uje. Go, Mistress Ford,
Send quiclvly to Sir Jolin, to know iiis mind.
I 11 to the doctor : he hatli my good will.
And none but he, to marry with Nan Page,
That Slender, though well landed, is an idiot.
And he my husband best of all aJTects :
The doctor is well moneyed, and his friends
Potent at court : he, none but he, shall have her.
Though twenty thousand worthier come to crave her [Exit
Si I
L
i
M
Scene V.— A Room in the Garter Inn
Enter Host and Simple
Host. What wouldst thou have, boor ? what thick-
skm ? speak, breathe, discuss ; brief, short, quick 'snap
from^MastirsfcntV.' '""' '"^ ^^'^^ "'"^ ^^^ ^^'^'^ ^^'^'^^
Host. There 's his chamber, his house, his castle his
s andmg-bed, and truckle- bed : 'tis painted about wh
c.Ti h^u^n' f',%''^"'' 'l"Jl^"^ "^^^- Go. knock and
knock. T say ''*" ^"^^^<'P°P^'''8'"»an unto thee:
Sini. There 's an old woman, a fat woman, gone ud into
lus chamber : I '11 be so bold as stay, sir, tUi she com?
down ; I come to speak with her, indeed.
I 1! rnii ' Rnii'' ^l^ T!",^"^ l}"^ ^"'g''* "^^y be robbed :
I U call. -Bully knight I Bully Sir John I speak from
t!p^hS.Sr^= art thou there 7 it is thine Lst. thTne^
Fat. [Above] How now, mine host !
Hnwn'!;f ^^^% 'f "" Bohemian-Tartar tarries the coming
doNvn of thy fat woman. Let her descend, bully, let her
descend ; my chambers are honourable : fie I privacy ? lie !
Enter Falstaff
x^ifhL '^^'T u^'f' ""'""^ ^^^^' "" °^*^ '^^ woman even now
with me, but she s gone.
BrenTford*'?^^ ^°"' "''' ^^^ '' ""^ *^^ "^^"^ ^°"^^" ^^
with"her^^' "''''''^' '"''^ "' "'"^^'^^-s'^^" '- what would you
Sim My master, sir. Master Slender, sent to her
sZ^ ^W'i!''''^}' \1'- '''?''^ '^ ^"°-' «"•' whether one
Pni ^'^\^^^^J'^^'}}}^'^i^^rn of a chain, had the cliain, or no.
Fat. I spake with the old woman about it.
450
J*w*>l^
T
now I
I of I
I
Sim.
Fal.
Sim.
Fal.
Sim.
Act IV Scv THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Sim. And what says she, I pray, sir ?
Fal. Marry, she says, that the very same man that
beguiled Master Slender of his chain co/enli i?in?^of It
I ?; T ^""f'^ ' ^°"'*' '•'''^'5 spolien with the woman
Fa/. What are they ? let us know.
Host. Ay, come ; quick.
Sim. 1 may not conceal theni, sir.
Host. Conceal them, and thou diist,
Kun^'pn^'^l^^'l' they w;ere nothing but about Mistress
have her?,; no ''' '^ ''''' '"^ "''''^'''' ^"--^^"^^ ^^
/•a/. 'T is, 't is his fortune.
What, sir ?
1^?. v'TJX' ■ ."f ""* ^'" • ''"^y- ^''^ ^o'"^" told me so.
May I be bold to say so. sir ?
Ay, sir ; like who more bold.
glad wit:uiese"tid"ingL"°"''^- ' ^'^'^" "^^'^^ '"^ -P;.^-
Host Thou art clerkly, thou art clerkly, Sir John
N\as there a wise woman with hee?
Fa/ Ay, that there was, mine host ; one, that hath
aught me more wit than ever I learned before in mv Hfe and
I paid nothing for it neither, but was paid for mj^earning
Enter Bardolph
hZI' Srl^' ^u^' ^'\ • cozenage ; mere cozenage !
Rnrli « *'*'''^ ^^ "^y '""^^^ • ^P*^^'' ^^'^'J of them, varlotto
Bard. Run away with the cozeners ; for so soun as I
came beyond Eton, they threw me oil f^om behind one o
hem, in a slough of mire ; and set spurs, and away like
throe German devils, three Doctor Faustuses. ^
..r.* J \ ^^^ ^o"'' ^^^ to "lect tne duke, villain Do
uot say, they be fled ; Germans are honest men
Fnter Sir Hugh Ev.vns
Where is mine host "
What Is* the mattt r, sir?
fri^nH ■ f "'•^''^ ^ ^^^^ °^ ^^"'' entertainments : there is a
«erma.?s 'tZ "^^ '"^ '""V'^ '^"^ "'*^' '^^'^ ^' three cozen
Mrmans, that has cozened all the hosts of Headines of
-Maidenhead, of Colebrook, of h, , ses and money f'toH
L°S ^ZT"^ ^;"'' "'"^ ^'^^ '■ >'^" ^'^ Wise. a^dJulof gibe
coL^iS^^'S^.^u'^^eli.' '' "'^^ ^^"^-^"^^"^ >•- ^'-"ii^^
Enter Doctok Gaius
Caius. Vere is mine host de Jarteere ?
dilemma. ' "'^'^'' '^°'**''' '" P^'-P'e^ity, and doubtful
Eva.
Host.
Eva.
461
I f
i 'I
11
:fi
r.'! •.
THE MERHY WIVnS OP WINDSOR Act IV Sc vl
SX ^ot/:'j„!.'..";„?f S.I!-.''" "- " ^..ojrci "
//OS/. Hue and cry, villain I Ro.-Assist mc knicht
inrncT"""" "'''^* "•"• ""%r^ ">•• vllla"n',-i*«am
, rul. I Nvouhl all tiio world m ^hri^^e^orei "d"''foi''rh '('''
been cozened, and beaten too I it sSm.ld con o « ?h«
ear of (he courl how I have been nuXrmed md hnw
wo^nn'"'?/'"''^'"" *'"^»^ »^«*^" washed and cudidl'id thev
nZ';'rsSrtriiit°h' r-^'i iiTra^ttv^* -"i '^r'
nu'nith their line wits t"l^ w^;ra?c" e'sM Sen a^^!^ SlfJ
Pe.ir. I never prospered since I forswore nivsolf Vt
/■-"'<'^ Mistress Quickly
Now, wlicnce come you ?
?!;;''^-T,/'^"'".fhe tNNo parties, forsooth.
and Vo thov^h',11 h "^ ,?".' '^r^y' ^"^ ''** d-'^'n the other :
ana so they shall be both bestowed. I have sufTer.>ri mnr«
for heir sakes. more than tlie villainous hiconstancvo
man s disposition is able to bear "n-onsiancy of
Ffl/. What tellst thou me of black and blue ? I w-.s
beaten myself into ail the colours of the rainbow md
was like to be apprehended for the witch of BrentTord bu
that my admirable dexterity of wit, mv counterfe?Mn; A
action of an old woman, delivered me fhrkmurco"^^^^^^^^
{Jinck. Sir. let me speak with you in your chimhpr •
you shall hear how thinss go. and. I warra.u! to your con-"
what nn? '' ^ l'^[''- ''*" '''y somewhat. Good cart •
doe. r;n "' V ^""^ ^^^ together I Sure, one of yo i
F«/ rnT' "'f ?" '"''"' ^h'-'l >°" "'•c so crossed ^
Fa/. Come up into my chamber. ll£xeun!
Scene VI.— Another Room in the Garter Inn
Enter Fenton and Host ^
Host. Master Fenton, talk not to me • mv ndnH i. I
heavy : I will give over all. ' ^ """ " '
J'f^^-'^'^^^^'^^^m^spcuk. Assist me in my nufuose 1
-And, as I am a gentleman, I'll give thee ^ P"*Pose, )
A hundred pound in gold more tlian your loss.
452
t- :
1
m^i^jl^m. «
IS
Act IV Sc vl THE MERRY WIVES OF WIVDSOR
7/05/ I will hear you, Masltr Fonton : and I will ni
the least, keep your (oiJiisol. "• "^
vvuk^/l !!''■*'"'. ""»e to time I have acquainted vou
\V th the dear love I bear to fair Anne I>a«. • ^
\\ho, mutually, hath answered my afTectlon
bo far forth as herself mifiht be hor clmoser?'
m!?,! ™y ^'•:'^ J have a letter fn.m her
Of such contents as you will wonder at :
The mirth whereof so larded with n.v matter
That neither slnRly can be mnnifesied '
\\i hout the show of both ; wherein fat FalstafI
Hath n great scene : the Image of the jest
I II show you here at large. Hark, good mine liost •
To-night at Herne's oak. just 'twixt twelve ml one"
Must my sweet Nan present the fairy queen '
The purpose why. Is here : In which dilguise
h\ ?nH ^^'J?.^' ^'^ something rank on foot
Her father hath commanded her to slin
Away with Slender, and with him at Eton
No^slr! ^ *° "'''"'^ ' '''*" ^"^^ consented.
And n.°i''f' «;:«r«t''onfi a«-»inst that match,
T?i ho JSn Pr^r ^'T'' »^'^^" appointed
wuM h^.fhall likewise shullle her awav,
Ann L^thr.'''"''^' are tasking of theiV minds,
str nSif ticanery, where a priest attends.
S rajght marry her : to this her mother's plot
She. seemingly obedient, likewise hath
Hor ?..fhT''^ ^"^ ^^t doctor. -Now. thus it rests :
Her father means she shall be all in white •
T^*^ ^ V^at habit, when Slender sees his time
1 o take her by the hand, and bid her go
ThP h„H ^°.'''V' *'''" '—^^"^ "^<>'h^''- hath intcnde.l
The better to denote her to the doctor,- '
for they must all he masked and vizarded. -^
With ?iV"'^ '" ^'f'^" '^^ ^hall be loose enrobed
And wi;r.1f P?"1'"*' """"8 'bout her head ;
And When the doctor spies his vantage rioe
The^maUl h^'th^^-^'^ ''•''"^' «"^ °" £[ ?okcn
^0?/ wi i^'''" """^^"^ t« 6" ^'ith him.
Fent' n^fu^ ™'''"' f l^ ^° ^<^^"^« ^ ^^ther or mother '>
A„ I K ?°"^' "^y 8ood host, to go along wth me • "
And in th! r f^*^hurch 'twixt twelve and one,
A"a..in the lawful name of marrying,
lo give our hearts united ceremony.
463
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act V
Sc
It I
:vfi*.«i
ACT FIVE
Scene I.— A Room in the Garter Inn
Enter Falstaff and Mistress Quickly
Fa/. Pr'ythce, no more prattlinc • an • T Mi \^^^A
Ders. Away, go. They say, there s divinity in odd
y/HrA. I 11 provide you a chain ; and I 'U do what r
can to get you a pair of horns. ^ '
mince '^'''^^' ' '''^ ' ""'^ ''*'*" = ^^^'^ "P yo"^ head, and
,. , ^ [Exit Mrs. Quickly
Enter Ford
,.,P°K^ ?°^' ^^^^^^^ ^^°ok ! Master Brook, the matter
will be known to-night, or never. Be you in thenar"
about midnight, at Heme's oak, and you shall see wonders
Ford. Went you not to her yesterdav sir i* vm, f^i i
me you had appointed ? yesieraay, sir, as you told
««f.°'* . ,^ ^'*^"^ ^P ''*''■' ^*^stcr Brook, as you see like a
Snnor /"'"' ^"^ ^ ^''''"^ '^'^ her NiLTer Brook ifke
a poor old xvoman. That same knave Ford, her hSsbnnd
tha ^ ever " oferrd ?'"" "' ^^i^^'^^^y '" h*"^' ^ter^BroSk,'
m.u ever go\erned frenzy: — I will tell vnn • h^ K„„t
grievously, in the shape of a woman -fo? hi Th..h.n ""1
not what t wns to be beaten, till lately. Follovv me • I 'II
hand.-I.ollow:-strange things in hand. Master Brook
follow.
[Exeunt
Page.
Scene II. — Windsor Park
Enter Page. Shallow, and Slender
. Conic, come: we'll couch i' the castli. .^itnv,
my daulhtV';? '"'" "' °"^ '"''--"-en^K^r^rilel;^',';:
Slen. Ay, forsooth ; I have spoke with her and we hnv ■
a nay-word, how to know one another. I come Irhern
hite. and cry. " mum ; " she cries. " budget "and bv
that we know one another. ' ^
Slial That 's good "too : but what neodr« cither voir
... ""?.'• ''^^ "'«'it is (lark ; light and spirits xvill bocn--
.t ^.... Heaven prosper ,.ur sport I No man means evil
454
ActV Scv THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDS01-.
I but the devil, and we shall know him by his horns. Let 's
I away ; follow me. ^^.^^^^^J
I Scene III.— A Street leading to the Park
t Enter Mistress Page, Mistress Ford, and Doctor C aius
' J^^«. Page. Master doctor, my daughter is in green-
1 l^rir^ '!f ^°"' ^™"' ^"^^ ^^' by the hand, awaf ^h
into th. Pnri'.^""^; ^"^ ^"'P^^'^ 't ''"'^'^'y- Go before
I into the Park : we two must go together.
I Cams. I know vat I have to do. Adieu
I hncho«/T- f^r?.yo" well, sir. [Exit Cnivs.] Mv
^ Jet n.^u' Z"*"^ '"^'J''''^'^ '° "^"<^h at the abuse of FnlstalT
I as he will chafe at the doctor's marrying my daughter : b t
i heLrt"SrTak ' '"'' ' ""'" '^'"^''^ ''^"" " ^'^^ ^^^^ «'
I and'Se'^^sh ^^^/^^ ^^'^"' ^"^ '^^^ ^-°P «' '-^- ^
i «. ^^"uu'^^u- '^^^^y """^ ^" touched in a pit hard by Heme's
• ?,'^f;.r*^V^'^"''*^. ''S"^' ' ^''"^h, at the ?ery instant of Fal-
I bt..fT s and our meelmg. they will at once display to the night
" ^J/r5. Ford. That cannot choose but amaze him.
i ^Irs. Page. If he be not amazed, he will be mocked •
If he be amazed, he will every way be mocked. '
Mrs. Ford. We '11 betray him tlnely.
ThY";*? ?^^ . ^^'''•"■''t such lewdsters and their lechery,
Tliose that betray tlicm do no treachery.
Mrs. Ford. The hour draws on. To the oak, to the onk 1
[Exeunt
Scene FV.— Windsor Park
Enter Sir Hugh Evans, and Fairies
D iSr R?il''. f"?' ''''"" • *=°'"'' ' ''^'^^ remember your
P^ rts. Be pold, I pray you ; follow mc into llie nit an.l
TrlrtJib '''' ^"t-h-o^^s. ^o as I pid you. Comj; c^n'e ;
[Exeunt
Scene V.— Another Part of the Park
Enter Falstaff disguised as Heme, with a buclc's head on
'\Zf: ^^^ Windsor bell hath struck twelve ; the n.inute
•Iraws on. Now, the hot-blooded gods assist me ?-!
ot onu^'n' •^*'^*' J?*^" ^^^t ^ b"" '««• tny Kuropa love
setontliy horns.-O powerful love I that, in some resnects
,ot '^'^0, Jupiter, a swan, for the love of Leda :— (j on ni
a g'oo c^'^'a f'T."r'' "^^^^'^ *^^«^ t« ^he cimplexZoi
1?''°^*' — ^/au't done first in tlie form of a beast — O
^JuVv^ a heastiy fault ! and then anotlKr fault in "
bl
•nee of a fowl ; lliink on 't, Jove : a f
oul fault.— \VI
ion
455
If I
r. A
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR \ct V Sc v
gods have hot backs, what shall poor men do ? For me I
am here a Windsor stag; and the fattest, I think, i' the
lorest— Send me a cool rut time, Jove, or who can blame
me to piss my tallow ? Who comes hers ? my doe?
Enter Mistress Ford and Mistress Page
m^''deerT''' ^^ '^°*'"' "* ^^'^^ '*"*'"*' ""^ ^^'^ ^ "^^
Fal. My doe with the black scut I— Let the sky rain
potatoes ; let it thunder to the tune of " Green Sleeves • "
hail kissing-comflts, and snow eringoes ; let there come
a tempest of provocation, I wUl shelter me here.
,, ^ . ... , ^ [Embracing her
Mrs. Ford. Mistress Page is come with me, sweet-heart.
J^al Divide me like a bribed buck, each a haunch •
1 will keep my sides to myself, my shoulders for the fellow
of this walk, and my horns I bequeath your husbands. \m
I a woodman ? ha I Speak I like Heme the hunter ?— Whv
now is Cupid a child of conscience ; he makes restitution
It n ^"""^ 'P.\"^' welcon.e. [^r^ise within
Mrs. Page. Alas, what noise ?
Mrs. Ford. Heaven forgive our sins I
Fal. What should this be ?
Mrs. Ford. ) .
Mrs. Page] ^^''^J'' ^^^y ' [They run off
*u^^'i *J.*^'"^' *^® *^*^^" ^'^^ "^t *^ave me damned, lest
the oil that s m me should set hell on fire ; he would Aever
else cross me thus.
^'^''^„^''' J^^f'^Ex^^^, as a Satyr; another Person m;
^obgoblin ; Anne Page, as the Fairy Queen, attended
t>y her Brother and others, dressed like Fairies, witli
waxen tapers on their heads
Anne. Fairies, black, grey, j^reen, and white,
^ou moonshine revellers, and shades of night,
You orphan heirs of fi.xed destiny,
Attend your oflice, and voiir quality. —
Crier Hobgoblin, make the fairy oyes.
Ilobyoblin. Elves, list your names : silence, you airy toys
Cmket, to Windsor chimneys slinlt thou leap • "^
Where fires thou find'sl unraked, and hearths unsweot
There pinch the maids as blue as bilberry : '
Our radiant queen hates sluts and sluttery.
i./"^; , '^^^Y '**' ^'''-"*'^ ' ''^ ^^^^ sP^'^J^s to them shall die
i 11 wink and couch ; no man their works must eye.
r..^ XVI, . ,. ,„ ^ \fier. down upon his fan
Lva. Where s I'cad ?— Go you, and when- vou find a mai 1
J hat, ere she sleep, has thrice her prayers said
B'-m up the organs of her fantasy, '
Sleep she as sound as careless infancy ;
456
i
ActV Scv THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
But those as sleep and think not on their sins.
Pinch them, arms, legs, backs, shoulders, sides, and shins.
Anne. About, about ; ai"«i».
Search Windsor casUe, elves, within and out :
Strew good luck, ouphs, on every sacred room.
That It may stand till the perpetual doom,
In state as wholesome, as in state t' is fit,
Worthy the owner, and the owner it.
The several chairs of order look you scour
\Nith juice of balm, and evfy precious fiower :
hach fair instalment, coat, and several crest.
With loyal blazon, ever more be blest I
And nightly, meadow-fairies, look, you sina.
Like to the Garter's compass, ir a ring •
The expressure that it bears, green let it be,
-More fertUe fresh than all the field to see ;
And Iloni soit qui mal y pense, write
In emerald tufts, flowers purple, blue, and white •
Like sapphire, pearl, and rich embroiderv
Buckle below fair knighthood's bending knee •—
Fairies use flowers for their charactery
Away I disperse I But, till 't is one oclock.
Our dance of custom round about the oak
Uf Heme the hunter let us not forget
A n^^f ' ^f^ ^°"' '^"^^ ^''"^ '" h^"^ • yourselves in order set ;
And twenty glow-worms shall our lanterns pe
I o guide our measure round about the tree
But, stay 1 I smell a man of middle-earth.
Fal Heavens defend me from that Welsh fairv, lest he
transform me to a piece of cheese I
Hobgoblin. Vile worm, thou wast oerlookod even in thv
birth.
Anne. With trial-Hre touch me Iiis finger-end
If he be chaste, the flame will i)ack descend
And turn him to no pain ; but if he start,
It is the flesh of a corrupted heart.
Hobgoblin. A trial ! come.
Eva. Come, will this wood take fire ?
FoL Oh, oh. oh 1 ^ ^^'" *"'" '"'"' '"'"' ''"'■' ^"P'''
Anne Corrupt, corrupt, and tainted in desire I
- )Out him, fairies, sing a scornful rlivine ;
^nd. as you trip, still pinch him to your time.
SONO
Fie on sinful lantusif !
Fie on lust arid Ui.turj} !
Lust is but a bloodi; nre,
!/■ :.^^t . J . ... _ . '. ;
ixantiCii iVUTi unCudiic (iiiiire.
Fed in heart ; whose flames aspire,
38-o« 457
^r--
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Act V Sc v
As thoughts do blow them higher and higher.
Pinch him, fairies, muluallij ;
Pinch him for his villniny ;
Pinch him, and burn him, and turn him about.
Till candles, and star-light, and moonshine be out.
[During this song the Fairies pinch Falstaff. Doctor Caius
comes one wag, and steals away a Fairy in green ;
Slkndkk another way, and takes o// a Fairy in while ;
and Fknton comes, and steals away Anne Page. A
noise of hunting is hmrd within. All the Fairies run
away. Fai.staff pulls off his buck's head, and rises]
Enter Page, Ford, Mistuf.ss Page, and Mistress Ford.
They lay hold on Falstaff
Page. Xay, do not ny ; I think, we 've wntchcd you now.
\MI1 none but Merne the hunter serve your turn ?
Mrs. Page. 1 ])ray you, come ; hold up tlu' jest no higher.—
Xow, f^ood Sir .John, how like you Windsor wives ?
Sec you these, husband ? do not tliese fair yolies
ik(Mnie tiie forest better than the town ?
Ford. Now, sir, who 's a cuckold now ?— Master Hrook,
FalsUilT's a knave, a cuckoldy knave ; here are his horns,
Mjster lirook : and. Master Drook, he hath enjoved nothing
of Ford's hut his buck-basket, his eudj^cl, and twenty
pounds of money, which must be paid to Master Brook';
his h.ir.ses are arrested for it, .Masl< r lirook.
Mrs. Ford. Sir John, we have had 111 luck ; we could
never meet. I will never take you for my love again ;
but I will always count you my deer,
Fal. I do begin to perceive," that I am made an nss.
Ford. Ay, and an ox too ; both the proofs are extant.
Ful. And these are not fairies '? I was three or four
iMiies in the thought, they were not fairies; and yet the
t uiltincss ot my ;nind, the sudden surprise of mv powers
drove the grossncss of the fopporv into a recei\Td belief
in despite of t.'ie tictli of all rhynie and reason, that lliev
were fairies. See now, how wit may be made a Jack-a-I.ent
when 't is upon ill employment I
FiHt. Sir .klui lalslall, serve Got, and leave your desires
and fairies will not pinse you.
J'ord. Well said, fairy Hugh.
Fvu. And leave you your jealousies too, I j)ray you.
l^ord. I will never mistrust my wife again, tilfthou art
able to woo her in good j:nf;lish.
Fal. Have I hud my brain in the sun. and dried it, that
il wants matter to prevent so gross o'er reaching as this'
Am I ridden witii a W elsh goat too ? slwdl 1 isave a coxcomb
of ine-.? 'T ih tiuw. I w-Tf Hiokcd with a -iece of tou^Ud
cheese.
•158
^r:j^
TAm
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1
ActV Scv
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Secse is not good to give putter : your pclly is all
Ford.
Page.
Ford.
Eva.
Eva.
putter.
Fal. Seese and putter I hnve I lived to stand at tlie taunt
of one that makes fritters of English ? This is enoufi to
be the decay of lust and late-walking through the realm.
Mrs. Page. Why, Sir John, do you think, though wo
would have thrust virtue out of our hearts by the hcail and
shoulders, and have given ourselves without scruple to
hell, that ever the devil could have made you our delight V
Ford. What, a hodgo-pudding ? a bag of flax ?
Mrs. Page. A puffed man ?
Page. Old, cold, withered, and of intolerable entrails ?
And one that is as slanderous as Satan ?
And as poor as Job ?
And as wicked as his wife ?
And given to fornications, and to taverns, and sack,
and wine, and metlieglins, and to drinkinrjs, and swearin"s'
and starings, pribbles and pmbbles ? " '
Fal. Well, I am your theme : you have the st:!rt of me ;
I am dejected ; I am not able to answer the Welsh flannel ;
ignorance itself is a plummet o'er me : use nie as vou will.
Ford. Marry, sir, we'll bring you to Windsor, to one
.Master lirook, that you have cozened of monev. to whom you
should have been a pander: over and above that you have
sulT( red, I think to re|)ay that money will bea biting aniiclion.
Page. Yet be cheerful, k nigh I • thou shr.It eat a pr.sset
to-night at my house ; where 1 wiil desire tliee lo Ijiui^li nt
my wife, that now laujilis at thee. Tell her. Master Sh nder
li:ith married her daughter.
.Mrs. Pagp. \Asid,\ Doctors doul)t tli:it : if .\nne Page
i>c mv daughter, she is, by liiis. Doctor Caius" wife.
Enter Sr,EM)iiH
Slen. Whoo, ho 1 ho ! father Page !
Pagr. Son. how now ? how now, son ? have you des-
patched ?
Slen. Despatched I— I'll make the best in Glostershir.>
ki;.)\v on 't ; would I were hanged, la, else.
Page. Of wh.'it. son ?
Slen. I came yonder at lUon to marrv Mistress Anne
I'age, and she s a great lubberly boy. If it had not been i'
the church, I would have swinj^ed him, or he shoidd have
swinged me. If I did not think it had been Anne I'age.
would I might never stir! am' 't is a postmaster's bov.
Page. Ijion my life, then, you took the wrong.
Slen. What need you tell me that ? I think so. when
1 took a boy for a girl. If 1 had been married to him, lor
all ho was in woman's apparel, I would not have had hini,
Page. Why, this is your own folly. Did not I tell you,
how you should know my daughter "by her garments ?
409
}
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••■••■f,
I ;
,1 ;
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
ActV Scv
shf cHed '"Ti?d.lt -V\ ^»''*'''«"d cried. " mum." and
JLt If - ' "}^°^^^' as Anne nnd I had appointed • and
yet it was not Anne, but a postmaster's boV '
Enter i:)ocTon Caius
pZ"^- J^u '' '*'"-''"^«- Who hath got the right Aife '<?
Page. My heart misgives me. Here comes Master Fenton
Enter Fenton and Anne Paob
How now. Master Fenton ?
Sin/" ^T" Y^^' '^*"* y°" "°t with master doctor maid •>
Fen/. You do amaze her : hear the truth of if
merr?S'^ ^^'^'^ """"'^^ ^^^ "^°«t shamc"u%. ''•
^« «r ♦kT ""'u' "** proportion held in love. ^
The truth is. she and I, long since contracted
Are now so sure that nothing can dissol'^ us.
The olTence is holy that she hath committed
And this deceit loses the name of craft
Uf disobedience, or unduteous title
Since therein she doth evitate and shun
A thousand irreligious curs(^d hours.
FnrV^'Jf'' marriage would have brought upon her
f. I *t?^*Z"*' "°' ^miiz6d : here is no renie( v -
"joy?"'' """' '""""y ' '•■'^"'O". H««.ven give thee
^^i?,'/ '^"J.'??' ""■ <'"-l'<'«<'<f. must he embraced
Heaven ^?, yout'any "LT; Z ^ , 'v. ^■'''" """"•'■
Good husband, let us every one go h„me
S,r'j!,ZL'S'^a«^°" "■" ''' " --'^ "- ^
n^J^^[^\ r. '^''^ ^t be so.— Sir John
To Master Br^ok v*- -» -v ■• • - - "'"'•
tor he. to-night, shall lie with Mistress I ord
460
[Exenni
"^^•^^
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
4
i
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DRAMATIS PERSONS
Theseus, duke of Atlicna
EoEUs, father to Hennia
Lysander ^ .
Demetrius J '" '''" ""*"' ""'"'^
PuiLOSTRATE, ma/iter of the revels to Theseua
Quince, a carpenter
Snug, a joiner
Bottom, a tnarer
Flute, a bellows-mender
Snout, a tinker
Stabveunq, a tailor
HiPPOLYTA, queen of the Amazons, betrothed to Theaeua
Hehsiia, daughter to Ejeus, in love with Lysander
Helena, in love with Demetriua
Oberon, king of the Fairies
TiTANiA, queen of the Fairies
Puck, or Robin Qood- fellow
Pease-blossom "j
Cobweb '.
Moth I
Mvstabd-seed
Fairies
■:5v
Other fairies attending thoir king and qtioen. Attendants
on Theseu!- and Hippolyti.
SQ\LS\L.— Athens and a Wood near it
462
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
ACT ONE
Scene I.— Athens. A Room In the Palace of Tiieseus
Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, PmLosTnATE, and Attendants
The. Now, fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hour
Draws on apace ; four happy days bring in
Another moon : but, O, mcthinks, how slow
This old moon wanes I she lingers my desires.
Like to a step-dame, or a dowager.
Long withering out a young man's revenue.
Hip Four days will quickly steep themselves in nichts •
Four nights will quickly dream away the time ; '
And then the moon, like to a silver bow
New-bent in heaven, shall behold the nicht
Of our solemnities.
^,P^- ,, Go, Philostrate,
Mir up the Athenian youth to merriments ;
/^.wake the pert and nimble spirit of mirth •
Turn melancholy forth to funerals.
The pale companion is not for our pomp. [Exit Philostrate
Hippolyta, I wooed thee with my sword "^'o^iraie
And won thy love doing thee injuries : '
liut I will wed thee in another key.
With pomp, with triumph, and with revelling.
Enter EoEVs, Hermia, Lysander, and Demetrius
Ege. Happy be Theseus, our renowned duke !
i InK^' 8ood Egeus : what 's the news with thee ?
Ege Full o vexation come I. with complaint
Against my child, my daughter Hermia.-^
Stand forth, Demetrius : - My noble lord,
1 ms man hath my consent to marry her —
Mand forth Lysander :-an(i. my gracious duke.
This man hath witched the bosom of my child.
Ihou thou, Lysander, thou hast given her rhvnics
And interchanged lovo-tokens with mv child •'
n.ou hast by moonlight at hor window sung,
With feigmng voice, verses of feigning love :
And stolen the impression of her fantasy
n„ prev^„.^jj.,jt ,„ unhardened youth :
VVith cunning hast thou filched my daughters heart
Tiirnvd her obedience, which is due to n" *
403
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
•li i
f 'i
:i
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1
^
-J
*l 5
•♦ n
'd 1 1
Act I Sc i
To stubborn harshness :— and, my gracious duke.
lie It so she will not here beft)re your grace
Consent to marry with Demetrius,
I beg the ancient privilege of Athens,—
As she is mine, I may dispose of her •
Which shall be either to this gentleiilan
Or to her death, according to our law
Immediately provided In that case
The. What say you, Hermla ? be advised, fair maid
To you your father should be as a god •
One that composed your beauties ; yea, and ono
To whom you are hut as a form In wax,
By him imprinted, and within his power
To leave the figure or disllgure It. —
Demetrius Is a worthy gentleman.
Her. So Is Lysandcr.
n ^A'' .»., ... '" himself he Is ;
Kut in this kind, wanting your father's voice.
Ihe other must be held the worthier.
i-f" t^.^"'^' "^y ''^^h^'" '<>o''<^d but with mv eves I
2 he Rather your eyes must with his judgn'.cnt look.
Her. I do entreat your grace to pardon me.
I know not by what power I am made bold.
Nor how It may concern my modesty,
In such a presence here, to plead my thoughts •
But I beseech your grace that I may know
The worst that may befall me in this case.
If I refuse to wed Demetrius.
The. Either to die the death, or to abjure
J or ever the society of men.
Therefore, fair Hcrmla, question vour desires •
Know of your youtli, examine well your bloo.i,
\N hether, if you yield not to your fathers choice.
You can endure the livery of a nun ;
For aye to be in shady cloister nicwed.
To live a barren sister all your life.
Chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitless moon.
Thncc blessed they that master so their blood
1 o undergo such maiden pilgrini;ige ;
But earthlior happy is the rose distilled
Than lliat which, withering on the virgin thorn
Crows, lives, and dies in single blessedness
,. ''7- ..r*".^.'" ^ 6row, so live, so die, my lord,
r.re I will yield my virgin patent up
Unto his lordship to whose unwished yoke
My soul lonsciits not to give soverei-'iily
Ti/'r\r'^'?*'r ""'^^^.P-^'ist^ ; "'"i I>y the' next new moon,-
1 lie senling-day helwixt niv luve ijiid mc
I-ur iNcnasung iiund of fcllowshit), -
Lpon that day, cither prejiare to'die
if
Act I Sc 1
A MIDSUMMER-NIGH f'S DREAM
u
For disobedience to your father's will ;
Or else to wed Demetrius, as he would j
Or on Diana's altar to protest
For aye austerity and single life.
rJ^''"' H^}?}}^' *^**' Hermia ;— und, Lysander, yield
Thy crnz<5d title to my certain rlRht.
Lys. You have her fathers love, Demetrius ;
Let me have Ilermia's : do you marry him
Ege. Scornful Lysander I true, he halh my love.
And what is mine my love shall render him :
And she is mine, and jUI my right of her
I do estate unto Demetrius.
Lys. I am, my lord, as well derived as he,
As well possessed ; my love is more than his;
My fortunes every way as fairly ranked—
If not with vantage —as Demetrius' ;
And, which is more than all these boasts can be
I am beloved of beauteous Hermia. *
Why should not I then prosecute my right ?
Demetrius, I '11 avouch it to his head.
Made love to Nedar's daughter, Helena,
And won her soul ; and she, sweet lady, dotes.
Devoutly dotes, dotes in idolatry,
Upon this spotted and inconstunt man.
. ^/"^'..J^'"*^ confess, that I have heard so much,
And with Demetrius thought to have spoken thereof :
liut, being over-full of self-allairs.
My mind did lose it.— But, Demetrius, come :
And come, Egeus : you shall go with me,
I have some private schooling for you both —
J or you, fair Hermia, look you arm yourself
To ht your fancies to your father's will,
Or else the law of Athens yields you up—
Which by no means we may extenuate-
To death, or to a vow of single life.—
Come, my Hippolyta : what cheer, my love ''—
Dumetrius and Egeus, go along :
1 must employ you in some business
Afjainst our nuptial, and confer with you
Of somelhins nearly that concerns vourselves.
tge. With duty and desire we follow you.
[tixeunt all but Lysander and Hermia
Ujs How now. my love ? \Vliy is your cheek s,, pale >
How chance the roses there do fade so fast *>
ner. Belike for want of rain, which I could will
t>eteem them from the tempest of mine eyes
Ljjs. Ay me ! for aught that ever I could re
V*v
uld ever hear by tale or hislorv,
ad.
Tile course of true love ne\
ut. either it was different in blood
er did run smooth
403
MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART
(ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2)
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=^ 1653 East Mair Street
r.S F?octiester, Ne« York 14609 uSA
iJS (716) 482 - 0300 - Phone
^= (716) 288 - 5989 - Fa«
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Act I Sc i
i<!--
l!£ti
; ;.
Her.
Lys.
Her.
Lys.
Her.
Lys.
O cross I too high to be enthrall'd i low I—
Or else misgraffcd in respect of ye. . j,
O spite I too old to be engaged to young 1 —
Or else it stood upon the choice of friends,
O hell I to choose love by another's eyes ! —
Or, if there were a sympathy in choice.
War, death, or sickness did lay siege to it.
Making it momentary as a sound.
Swift as a shadow, short as any dream.
Brief as the lightning in the collied night.
That, in a spleen, unfolds both heaven and earth.
And ere a man hath power to say, — " Behold 1 "
The jaws of darkness do devour it up :
So quick bright things come to confusion.
Her. If then true lovers have been ever crossed.
It stands as an edict in destiny :
Then let us teach our trial patience,
Because it is a customary cross
As due to love as thoughts, and dreams, and sighs.
Wishes, and tears, poor fancy's followers.
Lys. A good persuasion : therefore, hear me, Hermia.
I have a widow aunt, a dowager
Of great revenue, and she hath no child :
From Athens is her house remote seven leagues ;
And she respects me as her only son.
There, gentle Hermia, may I marry thee ;
And to that place the sharp Athenian law
Cannot pursue us. If thou lov'st me, then,
Steal forth thy father's house to-morrow night,
And in the wodft, a league without the town.
Where I did meet thee once with Helena,
To do observance to a mom of May,
There will I slay for thee.
^ ^^<^'"- My good Lvsander I
I swear to thee, by Cupid's strongest bow ;
By his best arrow with the golden head ;
By the simplicity of Venus' doves ;
By that which knitteth souls and prospers loves ;
And by that fire which burned the Carthage queen,
When the false Trojan under sail was seen ;
By all the vows that ever men have broke.
In number more than ever women spoke ;
In that same place thou hast appointed me,
To-morrow truly will I meet with thee.
Lys. Keep promise, love. — Look, here comes Helena.
Enter Helena
God speed fair Helena I Whither away ?
Her.
Hel. Call you me fair ? that fair again unsay.
Demetrius loves >uur fair : O happy fair I
466
[ Scl
tnia.
-}
la.
Hel.
Her.
Hel.
Her.
Hel.
Act I Sci A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Your eyes are lode-stars, and your tonauc's sweet nir
More tuneable than lark to shepherd's^ear '''
When wheat is green, when hawthorn buds aDDcar
Sickness is catching : O, were favour so. ^^
Yours would I catch, fair Hermia, ere I go •
My ear should catch your voice, my eye your eve
W^ro°t">f"' should catch your tongue's sweet melody
\\erc the world mme, Demetrius being bated. ^'
The rest I d give to be to you translated.
U, teach me how you look, and with what art
You sway the motion of Demetrius' heart
WW ■ A KT^ ''P'''' J^""' y"^ ^<^ 'oves me still.
skin'! ^°"' '"'' ''^"'^ ^^^"^ «^y sn»"«s such
Her. I give him curses, yet he gives me love.
O, that my prayers could such aflection move J
The more I hate, the more he follows me
The more I love, the more he hateth me.
His folly, Helena, 's no fault of mine
mkieT' but your beauty : would that fault were
Her. Take comfort: he no more shaU see mv face •
Lysander and myself will fly this place. ^ '
Before the time I did Lysander see,
deemed Athens as a paradise to me •
Th*?l"',^^^* ^^^^^ ^" ^y iove do dwell,
1 hat he hath turned a heaven unto a hell I
Lys. Helen, to you our minds we will unfold •
To-morrow night, when Phcebe doth behold '
Her silver visage in the watery glass.
Decking with liquid peari the bladed grass.-
A time that lovers' flights doth still conceal-
Through Athens' gates have we devised to steal.
Lpon faint primrose-beds were wont to lie
i;-mptymg our bosoms of their counsel sweet
There my Lysander and myself shall meet ; '
And thence, Irom Atliens turn away our eves
To seek new friends and stranger companies
Farewell sweet playfellow : p'ray thou for us
And good luck grant thee thy Demetrius 1-'
Keep word, Lysander : we must starve our sight
From lovers food, till morrow deep midnight
Lys. I will, my Hermia. [£'x,7 iferm.l-Helena adien •
As you on hmi, Demetrius dote on you I^ ' ""Ie^-,
TVou«h^?iV ^^.^^ '?r ^'"' ^^'^^^ ^°'"« can be 1 ^
r; ; £ /H^'^^^ ^ ^^^ thought as fair as she :
But what of that ? Demetrius thinks not so •
know what all but he do knnw •
ITS, doting on Hermia'
And
ey«
4G7
t {
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM Act I Sc ii
So I, admiring of his qualities.
Things base and vile, holding no quantity.
Love can transpose to form and dignity •
AndM°il f "^^^^'k^^ the eyes, but with the mind.
Kor hnfH r'"'"^ '' ""''."^^^ ^"P*^ P^J^ted blind : '
\\Z .c o H ''''* ^ "^'^^^ °' ^"y judgment taste ;
\\ ings and no eyes, figure unheedy haste :
And therefore is Love said to be a child
Because in choice he is so oft beguiled. '
t! ;y.«eg>sh boys in game themselves forswear,
bo the boy Love is perjured every where :
For ere Demetrius looked o. Hermia's eyne.
He hailed down oaths that he was onlv mine •
And when this hail some heat fron Hennia felt.
bo he disso yed, and showers of oaths did melt.-^
I wUl go tell him of fair Hermia's flight :
Then to the wood will he to-morrow night
Pursue her ; and for this intelligence
If I have thanks, it is a dear expense :
But herem mean I to enrich my pain.
To have his sight thither and back again. [ExC
,
Scene II.— Athens. A Room in Quince's House
Enter Quince, Snug, Bottom, Flute, Snout, and
Starveling
Quin. Is all our company here ?
according'?" ZTs^^^p. '° '"" "■"" «^»«^'y> ■»» "^ ".an,
Quin. Here is the scroll of every man's mmp -mhi^h i.
thought fit, through all Athens, t7pTay"in oTr intSd
before the duke and the duchess on his wedding-day at night
BoL First good Peter Quince, say what the play treat:
poiiit "" "^""^^ °' ^^^ ^^*°" ' ^"'^ so^^grow to a
Quia. Marry our play is— The most lamentable comedv
and most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisbe *
Bot. A very good piece of work, I assure you and i
nierry.-Now good Peter Quince, call forth yoii actors by
the scroll.— Masters, spread yourselves ^
Quin. Answer, as I call you.— Nick Bottom the weaver.
Ready. Name what part I am for. and proceed.
wTof '• D^ Bottom, are set down for Pyramus.
What IS Pyramus ? a lover, or a tyrant ?
A lover that kills himself most gallantly for lo% c
it . if T Ar? 1; "T f *u^ ^°T **'^'"f '" t^*^ **■"« performing of
It . If I do It, let the audience look to their eyes : I wUl
move storms, I will condole in some measure. To the rest :
408
Bot.
Quin.
Bot.
Quin.
Bot.
Scii
A
Flu.
Quin.
Flu.
Quin.
Flu.
Act I Scii A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
" The raging rocks
And shivering shocJvS
Shall break the locks
Of prison gates ;
And Phibbus' car
Shall shine from far,
And make and mar
The foolish Fates "
Here, Peter Quince.
AiX."*'] ^1'^ ^""^^ Thisbe on you.
If • It ^^'"^^ ' ^ wandering knight ?
NaV'faitVf ? "^"^ ^'yramu.iust lovl
beard comin^g. ^' ^'^ '"^ ""' ^^'^^ « ^on^^n ; I have a
spfak^n a^monTr^o^^^^tTe^^Tc:^^-l^TlS V^""' '^'' ' '"
Pyramus. my lover dear Ithv th^ Thisne, Thisne,"— " Ah,
Bot. Well, proceed.
?/"!"• Jobi" Starveling the tailor.
Star. Here, Peter Quince.
torn Sn^utiL'Sr ""' ^°" "^"^' P'^>' '^^'^^^'^ -other.
5/iou/. Here, Peter Quince.
h. re is a play fitted ' P"" •""""''• ' hopc
i. bae|re.rr Ta-^Jt': ^rs'tuT^"'" ' »"^ y-' "
roa^rtog "" '"'"' "" " "^^''"Pore, (or it Is nothing but
...K, that were e'no„'g"h" t'o'L'^g'S all" '"'^ "»""' ^'•™'< =
"/?«; I ^^""'"^ ^-''"g us, every mother's son
'.-Sou IfTh ,r°w"iis'thetwiJu^Sl ^°" ^'""'"wsht the
-"t to hang „s : ^^ .Ca^t^TS s^^SlH
469
r^T^,. I
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM Act II Sc i
will roar you as gently as any sucking dove ; I will roar you
an 't were any nightingale.
Quin. You can play no part but Pvran. o :— for
Pyramus is a sweet-faced man,— a proper 'man, as one
shall see m a summer's day,— a most lovely, gentleman-
like man :— therefore, you must needs nlay Pyramus
Bot. Well, I will undertake it. What beard were I
best to play it in ?
Quin. Why, what you will.
Bot. I will discharge it in either your straw-colour beard,
your orange-tawny beard, your purple-in-grain beard, or
your French-crown-colour beard, your perfect yellow.
Quin. Soihe of your French crowns have no hair at all
and then you will play bare-faced.— But, masters, here arc
your parts : and I am to entreat you, request you, and
desire you, to con them by to-morrow night, and meet me
in the palace wood, a mile without the town, by moon-
light : there will we rehearse, for If we meet in the city,
we shall be dogged with company, and our devices known.*
In the meantime I will draw a hill of properties, suth as
our play wants. I pray you, fail me not.
Bot. We will meet ; and there we may rehearse more
obscenely and courageously. Take pains ; be perfect ; adieu.
Quin. At the duke's oak wo meet.
Bot. Enough ; hold, or cut bov,slrings. [Exeunt
m
iSt! 1
; J
ACT TWO
Scene I.— A Wood lear Athens
Enter, from opposite sides, a Fairy and Puck
Puck. How now, spirit, whither wander you ?
Fai. Over hill, over dale,
Thorough bush, thorough brier,
Over park, over pale.
Thorough Hood, thorough fire,
I do wander e%erywhere,
Swifter than the moony sphere ;
And I serve the fairy queen.
To dew her orbs upon the green :
The cowslips tall her pensioners be ;
In their gold coats spots you see,- -
Those be rubies, fairy favours.
In those freckles live their savours ;
I must go seek some dew-drops here.
And h5)ng a pearl in everv cowslip's car.
Farewell, thou lob of spirits ; I '11 be gone :
Our queen and all her elves come here anon.
Puck. The king doth keep his revels here to-night
470
Act II Scu
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Sr n'/''*''' ^^^ "J"^^" come not within his si.M.t •
Scau e tM/' P'-'^'"« '^" '-'"^^ ^^'•^'th-
A ln..f K '^^ "'"^ '''^ ''<^'" attendant li; th
A lovely hoy, stoPn from an Indian kw
She never had so sweet a change i!c'
KnthT orh?*^'''" ^'^"'^ havfth^'child
Creep, into acorn cups and hide them thor» '''
That friKhts the maidens of the vi[h^e?v •
When I a fnt and bean-rod horse be.<ulte
-Ntiglung in likeness ot a liJIy toal • '
And sometime lurk 1 in a Rossin's linwP
I" very likeness of a roasted crab '
And when she drinks, against her lins T h„h
And on her withered dewlap po"r the afe'
I he wisest aunt, telling tl-.o s id.les t de
iTn's'lta I'Tr ""■?"■'"/' »""" n'ist^kcth'n,e,
»i, /^Trll/f aXll°r?'-y,''^'
Fa: And here my mis.ress.-Would ttat he were gone 1
Scene II
Enter, from one si, OoEnoN u^iik Ins Train, .n.
/r.m die oiher, Titania with hers ""^
rua WW ^y ,"^«0"I'ght, proud Titania
• l.ave-for^l;"i.a?d°a?."dr,pi:^!:'- ^^'P '--:
471
MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
Act 11 Sc ii
•i : ;
Obc. Tany, rash wanton. Am not I thy lord ?
Tita. Then I must be thy lady : but I know
Wlien thou hast stol'n away from fairy land
And in the shape of Corin sat all day,
Playing on pipes of com and versing love
To amorous Phillida. Why art thou here.
Come from the farthest steep of India,
But that, forsooth, the bouncing Amazon,
Your buskined mistress and your warrior love.
To Theseus must be wedded ? and you come
To give their bed joy and prosperity.
Obe. How canst thou thus, for shame, Titania,
Glance at my credit with Hippolyta,
Knowing I know thy love to Theseus ?
Didst thou not lead him through the glimmering night
From Perigcnia, whom he ravished ?
And make him with fair ^gle break his faith,
With Ariadne, and Antiopa ?
Tita. These are the forgeries of jealousy :
And never, since the middle summer's spring,
Met we on hill, in dale, forest, or mead.
By paved fountain, or by rushy brook.
Or in the beached margin of the sea,
To dance our ringlets to the whistling wind,
But with thy brawls thou hast disturbed our sport.
Therefore the winds, piping to us in vain.
As in revenge, have sucked up from the sea
Contagious fogs, which, falling in the land,
Have every polling river made so proud.
That they have overborne their continents ;
The ox hath therefore stretched his yoke in vain.
The ploughman lost his sweat, and the green corn
Hath rotted ere his youth attained a beard :
The fold stands empty in the drowned field.
And crows are fatted with the murrain flock :
The nine men's morris is filled up with mud ;
And the quaint mazes in the wanton green
For lack of tread are undistinguishable :
The human mortals want their winter here,
No night is now with hymn or carol blest,
Therefore the moon, the governess of floods,
Pale in her anger, washes all the air,
That rheumatic diseases do abound :
And thorough this dlstcmperature we see
The seasons alter : hoary-headed frosts
Fall in the fresh lap of the crimson rose ;
And on old Iliems' thin and icy crown
An odorous chaplet of sweet summer buds
Is, as in mockery, set. The spring, the summer.
The chiding autumn, angry winter, change
472
Act II Sc n
MIDSUMMER-NIGHTS DREAM
\i.^
i Bvlhl?!""' """'"' '• ""d the ma^M world
Marking ^hcemb" ^r.";"." ' y^"^^^' ^•''"^«'
When we hav e H i. , »''''''" ^" t*^« "ood
And grZ big be .lod wi h fh' "^' ^'^"^ ^°"^"ve
Which she, with preltv.nd wit?"'"" '^'?"^^ '
FoHowing.-her worn h t?,. u' sw.mmin? gait
Would imitat'ra;n;:i,^'^^p"o:rC-y y-ng squire^
A^^r a"ry';i;:rv?c"h^i"^" ^'4^"
Rut cv.« K . •'^"^^' "^" ^vith nierchandisp
And h^er'Kl'dn' '' ''''' '^«>' ^^'^^^ ^
And for Ker sake I wHl n^'t "^ \'' '^^y'
06p HnJ I .*" "'^^ P^""t With him.
If you will palientf; d"nc"h^ISr™™J"^''*"8-''''>^
if nof","" """"""SIU revels, go wuS us-
Ji not, shun nip nnfi r „.{ii ° "' »
Ott. Give me lh». hi ' ^^T.^""' I'amts.
Tila. No? ™ tSv tJlr^'r^i "'" «» *'"■ thee.
We shau chl<ie'l^„^J^i^ « ?Cn?erlfaf "' ^"^^ '
"uck. _
O&e Thaf xr^ ^- T ^ remember.
473
IT,
.'4 .«i
r-^^^i
%i»-
>,*;*•
Act II Sc ii
-i i
£irl
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
As it should pierce a hundred thousand liearts :
but I miKht see young Cupid's fiery shaft
Quenched in the chnste beams of the watery moon,
And the imperial votaress passed on,
In maiden meditation, fancy-free.
Yet marlted I where the bolt of Cupid fell :
It fell upon a little western flower,
Before milk-white, now purple with love's wound.
And maidens call it Love-in-idlenoss.
Fetch me that flower ; the herb I showed thee once :
The juice of it, on sleepinj,' eyelids laid.
Will make or ntan or woman madly dote
Upon the next live creature that il sees.
Fetch me this herb ; and be thou here again
Ere the leviathan can swim a league.
Puck. I '11 put a girdle round about the earth
In forty minutes. [Exit
Obe. Having once this juice,
I '11 watch Titania when she is asleep,
And drop the liquor of it in her eyes.
The next thing then she waking looks upon —
Be it on lion, bear, or wolf, or bull,
On meddling monkey, or on busy ape —
She shall pursue it with the soul of love.
And ere I take this charm oil from her sight —
As I can take it with another herb —
I 'II make her render up her page to me.
But who comes here ? I am invisible ;
And I will overhear their conference.
Enter Demetrius, Helena following him
Dem. I love thee not, therefore pursue me not.
Where is Lysander and fair Hermia ?
The one I '11 slay, the other slayeth me.
Thou toldst me, they were stol'n into this wood ;
And here am I, and wood within this wood
Because I cannot meet my Hermia.
Hence, get tlae gone, and follow me no more.
Hel. You (h-aw me, you hard-liearted adamant ;
But yet you draw not iron, for my heart
Is true as steel : leave you your power to draw,
And I shall have no power to follow you.
Dem. Do I entice you ? do I speak you fair ?
Or, rather, do I not in plainest truth
Tell you I do not nor I cannot love you ?
Hel. And even for that do I love vou the morfi.
I am your spaniel ; and, Demetrius, "
The more you beat me, I will fawn on you :
Use me but as your spaniel, spurn me, strike me.
Neglect me, lose me ; only give me leave,
474
-r^^B^MMi:^
• ■"'' V*-"-
Act II Scii
MIDSUMMLlR-NIGHT'S DREAM
rmvorthy as I am. to follow you.
\Vhat worscr place can I he« in your love ^
nL ^ "''''? "' >'"" "••^^' your <«"« ?
W h h '"• ?""''• "^ •'^ ''^"^^rl place
W^ v'"' ''/"■^'' «^ yo""- virginity.
f "• ^ ^piir virtue is my privik-o for lint
It is not ni^l.t wiien I do lei yourl.ce
Therefore I think I am not in the niS •
Nor doth this wood lack worlds of company
For you, m my respect, are all the Nvorld^'
I hen how can it be said I am alone '
Apollo flies, and Daphne holds the chase ^'~
The dove pursues the griffln ; the mild hind
Makes speed to catch the tit,('r. Boo less sneed
DeV"7"Jir T^''^ ''''' valour files l'''''^'
Or if tho.l r, "*"* ''-'^ ^'^y q"^^stions : let me go •
RnV I t H ^:'''°^^ ^^' "^^ "ot believe ^ '
But I shall do thee mischief in the wood.
?'n f n^'^^iif '''^°""' '-^"^ ^^-^re not made to woo
I II follow thee, and make a heaven of hcl
To die upon the hand I love so well!
Obe. Fare thee well nvnJ,5f f""' Demetrius and Helena
Thou Shalt nTCCf^a rsr./ s^ek thy ?ovr ^'^^ ^^^^^'
Re-enter Puck
I kno a bank whereon the S^h'^^'e^J^i^.t^ "^-
0,m! """^'P' ''"'' ^''« "°^^"ig violet grows '
Qi te over-canopied with lush woodbine '
>Mth sweet musk-roses, and with eglantine :
475
'^^V^
A MinsUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM Act II Sc Hi
There sloops TItanIa, sorue time of the night,
Lulled in those nowers with dances and dellRht •
And there the snake throws her enamelled skin,'
Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy In :
And with the Juice of this I '11 streak her eyes,
And make her full of hateful fantasies.
Take thou some of It, and seek through this grove
A swet't Athenian lady is In love
With a disdainful youth : anoint his eyes ;
But do it, when the next thing he espies
May be the lady. Thou shall know the man
By the Athenian garments he hath on.
lAlfcl it with some care, that he may prove
More fond on her than she upon her love.
And look thou meet me ere the first cock crow.
Puck. Fear not, my lord, your servant shall do so.
[Exeunt
Scene III.— Another part of the Wood
Enter Titania, with her Train
T/fa. Come, now a roundel and a fairy song •
Then, for the third part of a minute, hence ;
aome, to kill cankers In the musk-rose buds ;
bome, war with rere-mlce for their leathern wings
To make my small elves coats ; and some, keep back
The clamorous owl that nightly hoots and wonders
At our quaint spirits. Sing me now asleep :
I hen to your ofllces, and let me rest.
The Fairies Sing
w.
: !ii
First Fai. You spotted snakes with double tongue,
Thorny hedge-hogs, be not seen ; '
Newts and blind-worms, do no wrong,
Come not near our fairy queen.
Chorus
Philomel, with melody
Sing in our sweet lullaby ;
Lulln, luUa, lullaby ; lulla, lulla, lullaby ,
Never harm.
Nor spell nor charm,
Come our lovely lady nigh;
So, good night, with lullaby.
476
Sc iii I
Act II SclH
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHTS DREAM
Sec. Fai.
II
Weaotng spiders, come not here
Worm nor snail do no offence.
[Exit
Chorus
Philomel, with melodi,, etc.
Ott. What ;hou sccsl „h„„ H ^'"'■"^ '■i«''<'»
polt/orJhr.Vu.tve 'L"""""'^"-
-ove. and languish f„r hlTsake •
t-ard, or boar with bristled hair
Wai^ewhenlo^iil'vil^'^Si'litTei..
T c . ^"'^'' Lysander a/jrf Hehmta
Lio ,urt,«r ft^ d'-oTott;„tV7 ^'"'^•' "■>■ "«-•
[-•e iak?s .he'n,t^:,"g^5i^,re!s ^'o^?' "■"°^'"- '
I iiitan, that mv heart T.nT^ conference.
So thpt but one he i?[ vvp P ^"""'f '^ ^"'t'
LieluftSer off "?n 1"' '^''" ""^ ^^^^^^^y
SiK^h o . ' ^" human modestv
^uch separation as may well be safd
Becomes a virtuous ba^heloJ anuf maid,
477
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Act II Sc iii
;>«
So far be distant ; and good night, sweet friend :
Thy love ne'er alter till thy sweet life end I
Lys. Amen, Amen, to that fair prayer, say I ;
And then end life when I end loyalty I
Here is my bed : sleep give thee all his rest 1
Iler. With half that wish the wisher's eyes be pressed f
[Tliey sleep
Enter Puck
Puck. Through the forest have I gone,
But Athenian found I none.
On whose eyes I might approve
This flower's force in st'rnng love. —
Might and silence I Who is here ?
Weeds of Athens he doth wear :
This is he, my master said
Despised the Athenian maid ;
And here the maiden, sleeping sound
On the dank and dirty giound.
Pretty soul 1 she durst not lie
Nearer this lack-love, this kill-courtesy.
Churl, upon thy eyes I throw
All the power this charm 'oth owe.
[Squeezes the flower on Ly Sander's eyelids
When thou wak'st, let love forbid
Sleep his seat on thy eyelid :
So awake when I am gone ;
For I must now to Oberon. [Exit
Enter Demetrius and Helena, running
Hel. Stay, though thou kill me. sweet Demetrius.
Dem. I charge thee, hence, and do not haunt me thus.
Hel. O, wilt thou darliing leave me ? do not so.
Dem. Stay, on thy peril : I alone will go. [Exit
Hel. O, I am out of breath in this fond chase !
The more my prayer, the lesser is my grace.
Happy is Hermia, wheresoe'er she lies ;
For she hath blessed and attractive eyes.
How came her eyes so bright ? Not with salt tears :
If so, my eyes ai-c oftencr washed tlian hers.
No, no, I am as ugly as a bear ;
For beasts, that meet me, run away for fear ;
Therefore no marvel though Demetrius
Do, as a monster, fly my presence thus.
What wicked and dissembling glass of mine
Made me compare with Hermia's spbery eync ? —
But who is here ? — Lysander 1 on the ground !
Dead ? or asleep ? — I see no blood, no wound. —
Lysander I If you live, good sir, awake.
Lys. [Awakinrj] And run through fire I will, for thy
sweet sake.
478
Act II Sc m
MIDSUMMER-NIGHTS DREAM
Whore is DfmoSu^ o htw fl'?V" ""Z ''"'•'•
Is that vile name to perS "irnfy' s^™d1
w£f th„'?r«,?t?„^f,'o^?ri /S »•. .
^%rr„tt'! '^u^T- iH" T r * '
The Jll „r' ""!"'"' " '••'™n 'or "dove ?
?^hTh"°""=' '"e mirshal to my 'wif '
That , did nel?r'.l!„T ™Zt,r''"« ■"""'
KcK^djaira™r;iiTotr»»"'' ^- ■•».-
Ar;.t . ^ heresies that men do leave ^ '
Are hated most of those they did deceive •
|xariftrm7i- "
«-^lA.„Ai„,J Help me. L^sS.'help mo,
I? nlerfor'^ty J^^'Xfa'T' '™"' "'J" ^--' ''
Lysander, lo^okVow^do ^.Se ",7^.^^ '
kvsander what remnvoH 9 V ^ '^ .
W..at, out or hcarl^rrgle /iStt^a; r:7d ,
479
[Exit
do thy
i**'*!
'-■s.«jj3
^^^^m^^
' '
« 5
1; I
MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Act III Sci
Alack 1 where are you ? speak, an if you hear ;
Speak, of all loves ! I swoon almost with fear.
No ? — then I well perceive you are not nigh :
Either death, or you, I '11 find immediately. [Exit
ACT THREE
Scene I. — The Wood. Titania lying asleep
Enter Quince, Snuo, Bottom, Flute, Snout, and
Starveling
Bot. Are we all met ?
Quin. Pat, pat ; and here 's a marvellous convenient
place for our rehearsal. This green plot shall be our stage,
this hawthorn-brake our tiring-house ; and we will do it
in action, as we will do it before the duke.
Bot. Peter Quince, —
Quin. What say'sl thou, bully Bottom ?
Bot. There are things in this comedy of " Pyramus and
Thisbe," that will never please. First, Pyramus must draw
a sword to kill himself, which the ladies cannot abide.
How answer you that ?
Snout. By 'r lakin, a parlous fear.
Star. I believe, we must leave the killing out, when
all is done.
Bot. Not a whit : I have a device to make all well.
Write me a prologue ; and let the prologue seem to sav,
we will do no harm with our swords, and that Pyramus
is not killed indeed ; and, for the more better assurance,
tell them that I, Pyramus, am not Pyramus, but Bottom
the weaver. This will put them out of fear.
Quin. Well, we will have such a prologue, and it shall
be written in eight and six.
Bot. No, make it two more : let it be written in eighf
and eight.
Snout. Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion ?
Star. I fear it, I promise you.
Bot. Masters, you ought to consider with yourselves :
to bring in, — God shield us I — a lion among ladies, is a
most dreadlul thing ; for there is not a more fearful wild-
fowl than your lion living ; and we ought to look to it.
Snout. Therefore another prologue must tell he is hot
a lion.
Bot. Nay, you must name his name, and haif his face
must be seen through the lion's neck ; and he himself must
speak through, saying thus, or to the same defect,—
" Ladies," or, " Fair ladies ; — I would wish you,"— or,
*• I would request you,"— or, " I would entreat you,— not
to fear, not to tremble : my life for yours. If you think
480
Sci
Act III Sci
th ^
MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
^ io^^lSl^r I am ';^\f ^y^ -^ "^^^ ^ no, I a.n
• there, indeed let Mm nol > • ^^ *^^''^'' 'n^'» are : "—and
he is Snug! tt joini? '""' '"' """^^' ^"'^ t«" them plai'JJy
thSgr:-t'hat"is;\o^a„^f,r^„^"\ ^« ^- h-^I
for, you know. PvraS^nnd n^.T''"''\^"^^ ^ chamber;
5n«^. Doth tKemoon sii^e fhnt"]?' ^^ moonlight.
,, Bot. A calendar a caondirK-''?,'^y«"''P^^
nnf \A \\^ ''"^^ s^'"e that night.
chamber'Sowr"Se":^ Sv ^,S«"^«^ the great
uiay shine in at the casement^ ^' ^'" ' '^'^^ *^^ '"""n
th?rns"an;rV'lanyrn\r s^v^r^^ ^" ^^^ ^ ^"^^ o^
to present, the perso^of7T'.^''•'''''^' to disfigure, or
another thing :J'S hale a w."n^^ there is
for Pyramus and Thisbe sav. thi /" the^ great chamber ;
the chink of a wall ' ^' ^^"^ 'tory, did talk througli
BoiZi, ^''" '"" "=^-^^ ^"ng in ^ wall.-What say you
himlvfrme'plLt^^^lJTorfor"^^ ^^'^" '' -^ ^^t
^^bout him, to sL^mifv wall PnH iTv •'''' l""^^ rough-cast
thus, and through that crannv.H ?? i""' ^"'^' his fingers
'vhisper. "" ^t cranny shall Pyramus and Thisbc
-•-rmo/ho^s 's^Jn^'n'^d 'J^^IrV^ "^"- ^^^-^' ^^t down,
^'ito that brake ;-and so cvcrvon^ '^'•' 'P"^'"'^' ^^"^or
' ^" ^^ '^^.^ ""« according to his cue.
Enler Puck 6e///77rf
i'ncAj.^^ What hempen home-spuns have we swaggering
N^ near the cradle of the fairy queen ">
o) '„ « ' ^^^h^''Ps> if I see cause.
S; 'Thisr'o frin^"'-^^'-^'^^' ''^^^^ forth.
^/h^.nwK^"?""''' ''*'■""'"« sweet:
n .t 1 rk ^. ^■'^/'tl, my dearest Thisbe, dear
A^by^u;cfi;rniii1o^^::!'::.::-i'^--'^^ie,
J^- ^:^r;^2^-;^^^-^^'- Played here, ff;;;
--the ^^s b;j[7:; s^l^fno^^blrhJ^l^al^"^^ ""'^-
e again.
IS
481
1 i
II r I
f'!
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM Act III Sc
r,/''?- ",.}^°^\ radiant Pyramus, most lily-white of hue
ur colour hkc the red rose on triumphant brier
Most bnsky juvenal, id eke most lovely Jew,
As true as truest horsi that vet would never tire,
1 U meet thee, Pyramus, at Ninnv's tomb."
Quin '• Ninus' tomb," man.' Why, you must nc
speak that yet ; that you rmswcr to Pyramus. You spea
all your part at once, cues and all.— Pyramus, enter : vou
cue IS past ; it is " never tire."
Re-enter Puck, and Bottom, with an ass's head
This. O I—" As true as truest horse, that yet woul
never tire."
Pyr. "If I were fair, Thisbe, I were only thine."—
Quin. O monstrous 1 O strange 1 we are haunted—
Pray, masters I— fly, masters 1— help I [Exeunt Clown
^a^^' J, " ^°"°^ y°"' ^ '" ^^^'^ yo" 'bout a round,
1 hrough bog, through bush, through brake, through brier
Sometime a horse I '11 be, sometime a hound,
A hog, a headless bear, sometime a fire ;
And neigh, and bark, and grunt, and roar, and burn,
Like horse, hound, hog, bear, fire, at every turn. [Exi
4u \ ,y ^^ *'^^y ^"" away? this is a knavery o
them to make me afeard.
Re-enter Snout
Snout. O Bottom I thou art changed ! what do I sec
on thee ? r^^.^
Bot. What do you see ? you sec an asshead of your
own, do you ? ^
Re-enter Quince
Quin. Bless thee. Bottom 1 bless thee! thou art
translated. rp :.
Bot I see their knavery. This is to make an ass of
me , to fright mc, if they could. But I will not stir from
WnPi^T'T"^'',,''.''''^ *^^y ^^"- I ^^'i" walk up and down
liere, and I will sing, that they shall hear I am not afraid.
[Sings
The ousel-cock, so black of hue,
With orangc-tawnij bill ;
The throstle with his note so true,
The wren with little quill ; —
Tita. [Awaking] What angel wakes me from my
flowery bed ?
Bot. The finch, the sparrow, and the lark ;
The plain-song cuckoo gray,
Whose note full many a man doth mark^
And dares not answer, nay ; —
482
wm^^::mmm^wj^HS^mz^Mm:'^;^^:k^ii.
-^r¥-€;^SQ
T
MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
f Act III Sci
Mine ear Is m.rl»; ' gentle mortal, sing again •
mine ear is much enamoured of thv noto •
So IS m'ne eye enthralled to thv shjne • '
that sorae honest nerJ,bors'»nf„'„;~'''f """" ""e pity,
out of this wood, I have InoniL'.'"''' "'■' '"""Sh to get
And I «ii piy''try z?f'r„';i''°"'" ""^f ^i«p ••
That thou s''hal?lik7a"°a"''y' ISt^lfl"-
Pease-biossom > Cobweb , S ^and Mustord-secd .
Enter Four Fairies
Read}'.
And I.
First Fai.
Sec. Fai.
Third Fai. . , ^
Fourth Fai ^"^ ^-
Wth !! r"^ apncocks, and dewberries
To fa'n'"* S° Th"«' '-"r P-'"t^">.utternies.
fr., i.-„,-: *aii, mortal""' '°"^'"™^-
^ic. Fai. Hail I
J,/«^rf Fa/. Hail I
Fourth Fai. Hail I
your ;vo/sh%^sSe'''"^'P' "'''^^' heartily.-I beseech
Co6. Cobweb.
483
' *
M'H
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM Act III Sc ii
Bot. I shall desire you of more acquaintance, good
Muster Cobweb. If I cut my finger, I shall make bold with
you. Your name, honest gentleman ?
Peas. Pease-blossom.
Bot. I pray you, commend me to Mistress Squash, your
mother, and to Master Peascod, your father. Good Master
Pease-blossom, I shall desire you of more acquaintance too.
— Your name, I beseech you, sir ?
Mus. Mustard-seed.
Bot. Good Master Mustard-seed, I know your patience
well : that same cowardly, giant-like ox-beef hath de-
voured many a j-K'ntleman of your house. I promise you,
your kindred hath made my eyes water ere now. I desire
you more acquaintance, good Master Mustard-seed.
Tita. Come, wait upon him ; lead him to my bower.
The moon, methinks, looks with a watery eye ;
And when she weeps, weeps every little flower.
Lamenting some enforced cliaslity.
Tie up my love's tongue, bring him silently. [Exeunt
Scene II.— Another Part of the Wood
Enter Oberon
Obe. 1 wonder, if Titania be awaked ;
Then, what it was that next came in her eye,
Which she must dote on in extremity.
Here comes my messenger.
Enter Puck
How now, mad spirit ?
What night-rule now about this haunted grove ?
Puck. My mistress with a monster is in love.
Near to her close and consecrated bower,
While she was in her dull and sleeping hour,
A crew of patches, rude mechanicals.
That work for bread upon Athenian stalls.
Were met together to rehearse a play.
Intended for great Theseus' nuptial day.
The shallowest thick-skin of Ihat barren sort.
Who Pyramus presented in their sport,
Forsook his scene, and entered in a brake, I
When I did him at this advantage take ; ;
An ass's nowl I lixed on his head : i
Anon, his Thisbc must be answered.
And forth my mimic comes. When they him spy
As wild geeRp that Ihc creeping fowler eye,
Or russet-pated choughs, many in sort,
Rising and cawing at the gun's report,
Sever themselves, and madlv sweep the sky.
So, at his sight, away his fellows fly,
4S4
^j2S3BfflSM
Scii I Act III Scii A MIDSUMMER-NIGHTS DREAM
And, at our stamp, here o'er and o'er one falls;
3 He murder cries, and help from Athens calls.
I Their sense thus weak, lost with their fears thus strona
j Made senseless things begin to do them wrong ;
tor briers and thorns at their apparel snatch ;
; Some, ficeves,— some, hats,-~from yielders all things catch
1 led them on In this distracted fear,
I And left sweet Pyramus translated there :
I When in that moment— so it came to pass—
Titania waked, and straightway loved an ass.
Obe. This falls out better than I could devise.
But hast thou yet latched the Athenian's eyes
NVith the love-juice, as I did bid thee do ?
, Puck. I took him sleeping— that is finished too—
I And the Athenian woman by his side,
3 That, when he waked, of force she must be eyed.
I Enter Demetrius and Hermi.v
I Obe. Stand close ; this is the same Athenian.
I Puck. This is the woman ; but not this the man
I Bern. O, why rebuke you him that loves you so '>
I Lay breath so bitter on your bitter foe.
I T- ^Hu ^.°y ^ ^"^ ^'»'''*' ' ^^^ I should use thee worse.
I I'or thou, I fear, hast given me cause to curse.
I If thou hast slain Lvsander in his sleep,
I Being o'er shoes in blood, plunge in knee deep.
I And kill me too.
I The sun was not so true unto the day
I As he to me. \Vould he have stolen away
I From sleeping Hermia ? I '11 believe as soon
I This whole earth may be bored, and that tiie moon
-May through the centre creep, and so displease
Her brother's noontide with the Antipodes.
It cannot be but thou hast murdered him ;
So should a murderer look, so dead, so grim.
Dm;. So should the murdered look, and so should T
I lerced through the heart with your stern cruelty •
>et you, the murderer, look as bright, as clear, '
As yonder Venus in her glimmering spliere.
//er. What's this to my Lvsuidcr ? wiicre is he ?
Ah, good Demetrius. wiJt thou (;ive him me ?
Dem. I had rotlier give his carcass to my hounds.
iier. Out, dog ! out, cur ! thuu drivst me past
bounds
Of maiden's patience. Hast thou slain him then ?
iicnecforth be never numijered amona men '
O, once tell true, tell true, e'en for mv sake I
IJurst thou have looked upon him, being awake.
And hast thou killed him sleeping '? o'brave touch 1
could not a worm, an adder, do so much ?
485
,1
i
th<
>-'iV.,T V.'vJ
i^
^■ r<
111 11; h
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Act III ScU
An adder did it ; for with doubler tongue
Than thine, thou serpent, never adder stung.
Dem. You spend your passion on a misprised mood :
I am not guilty of Lysander's blood ;
Nor is he dead, for aught that I can tell.
Her. I pray thee, tell me then, that he is well.
Dem. An if I could, what should I get therefore ?
Her. A privilege never to see me more. —
And from thy hated presence part I so ;
See me no more, whether he be dead or no. [Exit
Dem. There is no following her in this fierce vein :
Here, therefore, for a while I will remain.
So sorrow's heaviness doth heavier grow
For debt that bankrupt sUcp doth sorrow owe ;
Which now in some slight measure it will pay,
If for his tender here I make some stay. [Lies down
Obe. What hast thou done ? thou hast mistaken quite.
And laid the love-juice on some true-love's sight :
Of thy misprision must perforce ensue
Some true-love turned, and not a false turned true.
Puck. Then fate o'errules, that, one man holding troth,
A million fail, confounding oath on oath.
Obe. About the wood go swifter than the wind,
And Helena of Athens look thou find :
All fancy-sick she is, and pale of cheer
With sighs of love, that cost the fresh blood dear.
I^y some illusion see thou bring her here :
I '11 charm his eyes against she do appear.
Puck. I go, I go ; look how I go, —
Swifter than arrow from the Tartar's bow. {Exit
Obe. Flower of this purple die,
Hit with Cupid's archery,
[Squeezes the flower on Demelrius's eyelids
Sink in apple of his eye !
Vv'hcn his love he doth espy.
Let her shine as gloriously
As the Venus of the sky. —
When thou wak'st, if she be by,
Beg of her for remedy.
Re-enter Puck
Puck. Captain of our fairy band,
Helena is here at hand ;
And the youth, mistook by me,
Pleading for a lover's fee.
Shall we their fond pageant see ? —
Lord, what fools these mortals be I
Obe, Stand aside : the noise they make
Will cause Demetrius to awake.
486
m:
m^^^^i^aj^^^^msL^'sx^^smss^^M^^
ScU
I
I
Act III Scil A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Puck. Then will two at once woo one, —
That must needs be sport alone ;
And v. ,e things do best please me
That btfall preposterously.
Enter Lysander and Helena
Lys. Why should you think that I should woo in scorn ?
Scorn and derision never come in tears :
Look, when I vow, I weep ; and vows so born,
In their nativity all truth appears.
How can these things in me seem scorn to you,
Bearing the badge of faith to prove them true ?
Hel. You do advance your cunnint? more and more
When truth kills truth, O devilish-holy fray !
These vows are Hermia's : will you give her o'er ?
Weigh oath with oath, and you will notliing weigh •
Your vows, to her and mo, put in two scales.
Will even weigh, and both as light as tales.
Lys. I had no judgment, when to her I swore.
Hel. Nor none, in my mind, now you give her o'er
Lys. Demetrius loves her, and he loves not you
Dem. [Awaking] O Helen, goddess, nymph, perfect
divme I i » I ,
To what, my love, shall I compare thine evne ?
Crystal is muddy. O, how ripe in show
Thy lips, those kissing cherries, templing grow I
That pure congealed white, high Taurus' snow,
Fanned with the eastern wind, turns to a crow
When thou hold'st up thv hand. O, let me kiss
This pureness of pure white, this seal of bliss I
Hel. O spite 1 O hell ! I see, you all are bent
To set against me, for your merriment :
If you were civil and knew courtesy
You would not do me thus much injury.
Can you not hate me, as I know you do,
But you must join in souls to mock me too ?
If you were men, as men you are in show,
You would not use a gentle ladv so ;
To vow, and swear, and superpfaise mv parts,
When I am sure yoa hate me with vour hearts.
1 ou both are rivals, and love Hermia ;
And now both rivals, to mock Helena :
A trim exploit, a manly enterprise,
To conjure tears up in a poor maid's eyes
\Vith your derision 1 none of noble sort
uould so olTcnd a virgin, and extort
A poor soul's patience, all to make you sport.
Lys. You are unkind, Demetrius ; be not so :
^or you love Hermia ; this you know I know :
And here, with all good will, with all my heart,
487
im:
h "
!|
If
if
04
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM Act HI Sell
In Hirmia's love I yield you up mv part :
And yours of Helena to rue bequeaUi.
Whom I do love, and will do till my death.
n.L T*"^" H''' "'"^''*"s waste more Idle breath.
Dem. Lysander, keep thy Hcrmia ; I will „ouc :
If e er I lovtd her. nil that love is Roue
My heart to hor but as guest-wise sojourned.
And now to 1 Klcn is it home returned.
There to remain.
-J-y*- Helen, it Is not so.
Dem. Disparage not the failh thou dost not know
Lest to thy peril thou aby it dear.— '
Look, where thy love comes ; yonder is thy dear.
Re-enter Hermia
Her. Dark night, that from the eye his function takes
The ear more quick of apprehension makes ; '
W herem it doth impair the seeing sense.
It pays the hearing double recompense —
^u^o^^!: 1°^^^',"^!"^, ^'y*'- Lysander, found ;
Mine car, I thank it, brought me to thy sound.
But why unkindly didst thou leave me so ''
nfr Wh?f 1'""^'^ ^^, '}^^'' '^'^'''"' '«^'« doth press to go ?
her wiiat love could press Lysandor from my side ?
pir^Hoi ^''''"k"' '''^'*' "'^t ^^'0"^^ "•^t let him bide,
rair Helena, who more engilds the niqlit
Than all yon fiery O's and eves of light.
Th At'/^il *^«" »"« ? could not this make thee know.
The hate I bear thee made me leave thee so ? '
Tj/j' 7°" T^P'^'*'' "^t '•' >'0" think : it cannot be.
liel Lo, she is one of this confederacy 1
ISow I perceive they have conjoined all three,
1 o fashion this false sport in spite of me
Injurious Hcrmia I most ungrateful maid 1
Have you conspired, have you with these contrived
To bait me with this foul derision ?
Is all the counsel that we two have shared.
wh«« "u ^'°''\. l^"" ''""'■^ that we have spent.
VVhen we have chid the hasty-footed time
tor parting us,— O, and is all forgot ?
All school-days' friendship, childhood innocence ?
NV e, Hermia, like two artificial gods,
Have with our noelds created both one flower
Both on one sampler, sitting on one cushion.
Both warbling of one song, both in one k'^v
As If our hands, our sides, voices, and minds,
T iS i''"" incorporate. So we grew together.
Like to a double cherry, seeming parted.
But yet an union in partition ;
483
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!i £^.^!MU:i: *^''M^lm£t^&h^*^^
ScU
V'
u
ikes,
I go
le?
Act III Sell A MIDSUMMEn-MGHT'S DHKAM
Two lovely berries mouhled on one stem ;
So. with two seeinln« bodies, but one heart ;
Two of the first, llkr coats in heraldry,
Due but to one, and crowned with one crest
And will you rend our ancient love asunder,
To join wilh men in scornlnR vour poor friend ?
It is not friendly 't is not maideidy :
Our sex, as well as I, may chide vou for 't,
Though I alone do feel the injury.
fler. I am amazid at your passionate words.
I scorn you not : it seems that vou scorn me
//(■/. Have you not set Lysander. as in storn.
To roliow me, and praise mv eyes and face '
And made your other love,' Demetrius.—
WIio even but now did si)iirn me wilh his foot,—
lo call me goddess, nvmph. divine, jmd rare
Precious, celestial ? Wherefore speaks he this
To her he hates? and when fore doth Lysander
Deny your love, so rich within his soul,
And tender me, forsooth, aftcction.
Out by your setting on, by vour consent ?
What though I be not so in pr..ce u,
So hung upon wilh love, so f'orlunai
But miserable most to love unloved
This you should pity ratiior than despise.
Her. I understand not what vou mtan by this
Hel. Ay, do, pcrsdver. counterfeit sad looks,
.Make mouths upon me when I turn my batk •
^\mk at each other ; hold the sweet jesl up •'
This sport, well carried, shall be chronicled
If you have any pity, grace, or manners,
vou would not make me such an argument
But, fare ye well : ' t is partly mine own fault,
vNhich death or absence soon shall remedy.
J^!/s. Stay, gentle Helena ; hear my e.xcuse :
My love, my life, my soul, fair Helena I
Hel. O excellent I
r(^''- „ Sweet, do not scorn !icr so.
nem. If she cannot entreat, I can compoi.
f-ys- Thou canst compel no more than she entreat •
I T?Jpn Tfi' ?K ^ "° T'''' '^,':^'''"' ^ ^^«" '1" ^'^^^^ pray ers-
llelen. I love thee ; by my life, I do :
I swear by that which I will lose for thee
lo prove him false that says I love thee not
Dem.
Li.'S.
I say, I love thee more tlian he can do.
If thou say so, withdraw, and prove il too.
come, —
lereto tends all this ?
Bern. Quick
Her. Lysanc,., „ ,
I-ys. Away, you Ethiop 1
Dem. No, no : he will
38— p«
489
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHTS DREAM
Act III Scii
IL' ■»■
li: i
Hel.
Lys.
Dem.
Socm to break loose, take on, as he would follow,
But yet come not.— You are a tame man, «o !
Lys. I lanfi off, thou cat, thou burr I vile thing, let loose,
Or 1 will shakf thee from me like o serpent.
Her. Why ore you grown so rude ? what chance Is this.
Sweet love ?
I^ys. Thy love ? Out. tawny Tartar, out I
Out, loathed medi.Mno I O hated potion, hence I
Jler. Do you not jest ?
Yes, sooth ! and so do you I
Demetrius. I will keep my word with thee.
I would I had your bond ; for I perceive
A weak bond holds you ; I 'II not trust your word.
Lys. What ? should I hurt her, strike her, kill her
dead !
Although I hate her, I '11 not harm he- so,
Hf. What can you do mc prcater harm than hate ?
Hate mc ? wherefore ? O mo, what news, my love V
Am not I Hcrmia ? Arc not you Lysander ?
I am as fair now as I was ercwhile.
Since night you loved me ; yet, since night vou left me.
Why, then you left me,— O, the gods forbid I—
In earnest, shall I say ?
^ '?/*• Ay, bv my life ;
And never did desire to sec thee more.
Therefore, be out of hope, of question, doubt ;
Be certain nothing truer : 't is no jest
That I do hale thee, and love Helena.
Her. O me 1— you juggler I you canker-blossom !
YOU thief of love I what have you come by night.
And stol'n my love's heart from him.
^J^^^- Fine, i' faith I
have you no modesty, no maiden shame,
No touch of bashfulness ? What, will you tear
Impatient answers from my gentle tongue ?
Fie, fie 1 you counterfeit, you puppet, vou I
Her. " Puppet 1 " why, so ; ay, that wav goes the
game :
Now I perceive that she hath made compare
Between our statures ; she hath urged her height
And with her perso age, her tall personage,
Her height, forsooth, she halh prevailed with him.
And are you grown so high in his esteem.
Because I am so dwarfisli, and so low ?
How low am I, thou painted maypole ? speak :
How low am I ? I am not yet so low
But that my nails can reach unto thine eyes.
T {^^' ^ Pf^y ^°"' t'liough you mock me, gentlemen.
Let her not hurt me : I was never curst ;
I have no gift at all in shrewishiioss ;
490
mKamm^r,^m^^- ""^^
Act III Scil
A NIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DilliAM
her
I
Jlrl.
Iter,
llel.
I. 'IS.
Ixm.
Hrl.
I am u right mnid for my ownrdlcc :
Let her not strike mo. Ynii. perhaps, mny think,
Recausc she Is som«lliln(? lovNcr than tnysolf,
That I can match her.
ff""- " Lower ! " hark, apnin.
Ilrl. Good Hcrn-.in, do not he so bitter with me.
I evermore did love you. FIiTmin.
iJid ever keep your rninuu'ls. n.-vcr wronged you ;
S.'ivc lliat. in love iinfn hrnietrius.
F told him of your s(<alth unto tills wood.
]\v followed you ; for lovr, I folioweil him ;
I Jul he hath cliid me henre. and threatened me
To strike me. spurn nu\ nay. to kill me too :
And now, so you will jot nie quiet ro,
To Athens will I bear niv folly back,
And follow you no further. Let nie go :
Vou see how simple ;md how fond I am.
Jler. Why, get you gone. Who is 't thnt hiiulers vou "
A foolish lieni-t. that I leave here heliirid.
v'hat, with Lysandcr ?
With Demetrius.
Be not oirnid : she shall not harm thee. Helena.
No, sir ; she shall not. thouj'h you takr her part.
O, when she 's am'ry. she is keen and shrewd.
She was a vixen, when she went to school ;
And, thou<:h she be but little, she is fierce.
Her. " Little " again ? nothing but " low " ond
" little I"—
Why will you sulTer her to flout me thus ?
Let me come to her.
•''y*- . Get you gone, vou dwarf;
\o\i minimus, of hindering knot-grass made ;
^ou bead, you acorn.
^<^'ri- You are too ofTicious
In her behalf that scorns your services.
Let her alone ; speak not of Helena ;
Take not her part ; for if thou dost intend
Never so little show of love to her,
Thou Shalt aby it.
^ .'/'s- Now she holds me not ;
Now follow, if thou dar'st, to trv whose right,
Of thine or mine, is most in Hefena.
Dem. Follow ? nay, I '11 go with thee, cheek by jole.
„ _, [^^eunt Lijscmder and bemelrius
Her. You, mistress, all this coil is 'long of vou
Nay, go not back.
^'^''- I will not trust you, I,
-Nor longer stay in your cursl companv.
^ our hands than mine are quicker for a fray ;
My legs are longer though, to run away. [Exit
491
I*
I
I' ll
v^-v..
11
il
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Act III Sc ii
f
Her. I am amazed, and know not what to say. [Exit
Obe. This is thy negligence : still thou mistak'ct.
Or else committ'st thy knaveries wilfully.
Puck. Believe me, king of shadows, I mistook.
Did not you tell me, I should know the man
By the Athenian garments he had on ?
And so far blameless proves my enterprise,
That I have 'nointed an Athenian's eyes :
And so far am I glad it so did sort.
As this their jangling I esteem a sport.
Obe. Thou seest, these lovers seek a place to fight :
Hie therefore, Robin, overcast the night ;
The starry welkin cover thou anon
With drooping fog, as black as Acheron ;
And lead these testy rivals so astray,
As one come not within another's way.
Like to Lysander sometime frame thy tongue.
Then stir Demetrius up with bitter wrong ;
And sometime rail thou like Demetrius ;
And from each other look thou lead them thus,
Till o'er their brows deatli-counlerfeiling sleep
With leaden legs and batty wings doth creep :
Then crush this herb into Lysander's eye ;
Whose liquor hath this virtuous property.
To take from thence all error with his might.
And make hi<; eyeballs roll with wonted sight.
When they next wake, all this derision
Shall seem a dream and fruitless vision ;
And back to Athens shall the lovers wond.
With league whose date till death shall never end.
Whiles I in this affair do tlice employ,
I '11 to my queen, and beg her Indian boy ;
And then I will her charmed eye release
From monster's view, and all things shall be peace.
Puck. My fairy lord, this must be done with haste,
For night's swift dragons cut the clouds full fast.,
And yonder shines Aurora's harbinger.
At whose approach, ghosts, wandering here ana tJure,
Troop home to churchyards ; damned spirits all,
That in crossways and Hoods have burial.
Already to their wormy beds are gone ;
For fear lest day should look their shames upon,
They wilfully themselves exile from light
And must for aye consort with bhick browed night.
Obe. But we are spirits of another sort.
I with the morning's love have oft made sport ;
And, like a forester, the groves may tread,
Even till the eastern gate, all fiery-red, ,
Opening on Neptune with fair blessed beams,
Turns into yellow gold his salt green streams.
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A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
■4
But, notwithstanding, haste ; make no delay :
We may elTect this business yet ere day. [Exit
Puck. Up and down, up and down,
I will lead them up and down :
I am feared in field and town ;
Goblin, lead them up and down.
Here comes one.
Re-enter Lysander
Lys. Where art thou, proud Demetrius ? speak thou now.
Puck. Here, villain I drawn and ready.
Where art thou ?
Lys. I will be with thee straight.
Puck. Follow me then
To plainer ground. [Exit Lysander, as following the voice
Re-enter Demetrius
Dem. Lysander, speak again.
Thou runaway, thou coward, art thou fled ?
Speak ! In some bush ? Where dost thou hide thy head ?
Puck. Thou coward, art thou bragging to the stars,
Tolling the bushes that thou look'st for wars.
And wilt not come ? Come, recreant ; come, thou child ;
I '11 whip thee with a rod. He is defiled.
That draws a sword on thee.
Dem. Yea ; art thou there ?
Puck. Follow my voice : we '11 try no manhood here.
[Exeunt
Re-enter Lysaxder
Lys. He goes before me, and still dares me on ;
When I come where he calls, then he is gone.
The villain is much lighter-heeled than I :
I followed fast, but faster he did fly,
Tiiat fallen am I in dark uneven way.
And here will rest me. [Lies down] Gome, thou gentle day !
I- or if but once thou show me thy grey light,
I '11 fmd Demetrius, and revenge this spite. [Sleeps
Re-enter Puck and Demetrius
Puck. Ho, ho, ho, ho ! Coward, why com'st thou not ?
Dem. Abide nie, if thou dar'st ; for well I wot,
Thou runn'st before me, shifLing every place,
And dar'st not stand, nor look me in the face.
V>'hcre art thou now ?
Piick. Come hither : I am here.
Dem. Nay, then, thou mock'st me. Thou shalt buy
this dear,
If ever I lliy face by day-light see :
Now, go thy way. Faintucss constraineth me
To measure out my length on this cold bed.
l^y day's approach look to be visited. [Lies down and sleeps
403
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Act IV Sci
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Re-enter Helena.
Hel. O weary night, O long and tedious night,
Abate thy hours : shine, comforts, from the east,
That I may back to Athens, by day-light.
From these that my poor company detest.
And sleep that sometimes shuts up sorrow's eye,
Steal me awhile from mine own company. [Sleeps
Puck. Yet but three ? Come one more ;
Two of both kinds make up four.
Here she comes, curst and sad.
Cupid is a knavish lad,
Thus to make poor females mad.
Re-enter Hermia
Her. Never so weary, never so in woe,
;^edabbled with the dew, and torn with briers :
I '-an no further crawl, no further go :
My legs can keep no pace wiLli my desires.
Here will I rest me till the break of day.
Heaven shield Lysander if they mean a fray. [Lies down
Puck. On the ground
Sleep sound :
I '11 apply
To your eye,
Gentle lover, remedy.
[Squeezing thn juice on Lijsander's eiies
When thou wak'st,
Thou tak'st
True delight
In the sight
Of thy former lady's eye :
And the country proverb known.
That every man should take liis owii.
In your waking shall be shown :
Jack shall have Jill ;
Nought shall go ill ;
The man shall have his mare again.
And all shall be well. [Exit Puck
ACT FOUR
Scene I.— The Wood. Demetrius, Helena, Lysander,
Hermia, lijing asleep
Enter Titania and Bottom, Fairies attending; Oberon I
behind unseen {
wJ-?°"t ,^0"^C' sit thee down upon this flowery bed. !
While I thy amiable cheeks do coy.
And stick musk-roses in thy sleek smooth head.
And kiss thy fair large ears, my gentle joy.
494
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Act IV Sc i
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Sleeps
down
eyes
^uck
5ER,
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But. Where 's Pease-blossom ?
Peas. Ready.
Bot. Scratch my head, Pease-blossom,— where 's Mon-
sieur Cobweb ?
Cob. Ready.
Bol. Monsieur Cobweb, good monsieur, get your weapons
m your hand, and kill me a red-hipped humble-bee, on the
top of a thistle ; and, good monsieur, bring me the honey-
bag. Do not fret yourself too much in the action, monsieur •
and, good monsieur, have a care the honey-bag break not ;
I would be loath to have you over-flown with a honey-bag'
signtor.— Where 's Monsieur Mustard-seed ?
Must. Ready,
Bot. Give me your neif, Monsieur Mustard-seed. Pray
you, leave your courtesy, good monsieur.
Must. What 's your wi"t ?
Bot. Nothing, good monsieur, but to help Cavalery
Pease-blossom to scratch. I must to the barber's, mon-
sieur ; for, methinks, I am marvellous hairy about the face,
and I am such a tender ass, if my hair do but tickle me I
must scratch.
Tita. What, wilt thou hear some music, my sweet love ?
Bot. I have a reasonable good ear in music : let 's have
the tongs and the bones.
[Music, Tongs, Rural Music
Tita. Or, say, sweet love, what thou desir'st to eat.
Bot. Truly a peck of provender ; I could munch your
good dry oats. Methinks, I have a great desire to a bottle
of hay ; good hay, sweet hay, hath no fellow.
Tita. I have a venturous fairy that shall seek
The squirrel's hoard, and fetch thee thence new nuts.
Bot. I had rather have a handful or two of dried peas.
But, I pray you, let none of your people stir me : I have
an exposition of sleep come upon me.
Tita. Sleep thou, and I will wind thee in my arras.
Fairies, be gone, and be all ways away. [Exeunt Fairies
So doth the woodbine the sweet honey-suckle
Gently entwi^t ; the female ivy so
Enrings the barky fingers of the elm.
O, how I love thee 1 how I dote on thee I [ They sleep
Enter Puck
Obe. [Advancing] Welcome, good Robin,
this sweet sight ?
Her dotage now I do begin to pity :
For, nieeUng her of late behind the wood.
Seeking sweet favours for this hateful fool,
I did upbraid her, and fall out with her ;
I- or she his hairy temples then had rounded
With coronet of fresh and fragrant flowers ;
495
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Act IV Sc i
And that same deNv, which sometime on the buds
Was wont to swell like round and orient pearls,
Stood now within the pretty flowerets' eyes,
Like tears that did their own disgrace bewail.
When I had at my pleasure taunted licr,
And she in mild terms bofr'Ted my patience,
I then did ask of her her changeling child ;
Which straight she gave me, and her fairy sent
To bear him to my bower in fairy land.
And now I have the boy, I will undo
This hateful imperfection of her eves :
And, gentle Puck, take this transformed scalp
From olf the head of this Athenian swain,
Thai, he awaking when the other do,
May all to Athens back again re])air,
And think no more of this night's accidents.
But as the fierce vexation of a dream : —
But first I will release the fairy qnpen.
[Touching h"r eyes with an herb
Be, as thou wast wont to bt ;
See, as thou wast wont to see :
Dian's bud o'er Cupid's flower
Hatli such force and blessed power.
Now, my Titania, wake you, my sweet queen I
Tita. My Oberon 1 what visions have I seen I
Methought, I was enamoured of an ass.
Obe. There lies your love.
Tita. How came these things to pass ?
O, how mine eyes do loathe his visage now !
Obc. Silence awhile. — Robin, take olT this head. —
Titania, music call, and strike more dead
Tlian coiunion sleep of all these live the sense.
Tita. Music, ho, music, such as charm.eth sleep !
{Still music
Puck. Now, when thou wak'st, with thine own fool's
eyes peep. [Takes off the ass's liead
Obe. Sound, music I Come, my queen, take hands with
ni'j.
And rock the ground whereon these sleepers be.
[Fairy Dance
Now th.ou and I are new in amity,
And will to-morrow midnight solemnly
Dance in Duke Theseus' house triumphantly,
And bless it lo all fair posterity.
There shall the pairs of faitliful lovers be
^Vedded,
Puck.
Obe.
"hcsca.s, all in joiiity.
I^airy king, attend, and mark,
1 do hear the morning lark.
Tlion, my queen, in silence sad.
Trip we after the night's shade ;
4.3n
Act IV Sc i
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Tita
We the Rlobe can compass soon,
Swifter than the wandering moon.
Come, my lord, and in our flight
Tell me how it came this night,
That 1 sleeping here was found
With these mortals on the ground.
[Exeunt Fairies. Sleepers lie sUll. Horns sound within
Eater Theseus, Hippolyta, Egeus, and Train
The. Go, one of you, find out the forester,
For now our observation is performed ;
And since we have the vaward of the day,
My love shall hear the music of my hounds.
Uncouple in the western valley; h-X them go I—
Despatch, I say, and find the forester. —
We will, fair queen, up to the mountain's top.
And mark the musical confusion
Of hounds and echo in conjunction.
Hip. I was with Hercules and Cadmus once.
When, in a wood of Crete, they bayed the bear
With hounds of Sparta : never did T bear
Such gallant chiding ; for, besides the groves.
The skies, the fountains, every region near
Seemed all one mutual cry. I never heard
So musical a discord, such sweet thunder.
The. My hounds are bred out of the Spartan kind,
So flewed, so sanded ; and their heads are hung
With ears that sweep away the morning dew ;
Crook-kneed, and dew-lapped like Thessalian bulls ;
Slow in pursuit, buL matched in mouth like bells,
J^ach under each. A cry more tuneable
Was never halloo'd to, nor cheered with horn,
In Crete, in Sparta, nor in Thessaly :
Judge, when you hear.— But, s(»ft ! what nymplis are these '>
h(je. My lord, this is my daughter here asleep ;
■" nd this, Lysander ; this Demetrius is ;
1 Uis Helena, old Nedar's Helena :
I wonder of their being here together.
The. No doubt, they rose up eariv. to observe
Tlie rite of May, and, hearing our intent,
< ame here in grace of our solemuitv. —
But speak, Egeus, is not this the day
'I hat Hermia should give answer of' her choice ?
Efje. It is, my lord
The. Go, bid tiie huntsmen wake them with their horns
[Horns, and shout within. Lysander, Hermia, Demetrius,
<irid Helena, loake and star/ up
The. Good morrow, friends. St. Valentine is nast •
t)egm these wood-birds bul
couple now ?
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Act IV Sc I
Li/s. Pardon, my lord. [He and the rest kneel to Theseus
The. I pray you all, stand up.
I know, you two are rival enemies :
How comes this gentle concord in the world,
That hatred is so far from jealousy,
To sleep by hate, and fear no enmity ?
Lys. My lord, I shai'. reply amazedly.
Half 'sleep, half waking : but as yet, I swear,
I cannot truly say how I came here ;
But, as I think — for truly would I speak, —
And now I do bethink me, so it is, —
I cr.me with Hermia hither : our intent
Was to be gone from Athens, where we might be
Without the peril of the Athenian law.
Egc. Enough, enough I my lord, you have enough :
I beg the law, the law, upon his head.
They would have stol'n away, they would, Demetrius,
Thereby to have defeated you and me ;
You, of your wife, and me, of my consent.
Of my consent, that she should be your wife.
Dem. My lord, fair Helen told me of their stealth,
Of this their purpose hither to this wood ;
And I in fury hither followed them.
Fair Helena in fancy following me.
But, my good lord, I wot not by what power —
But by some power it is — my love to Hermia,
Melted as doth the snow, seems to me now
As the remembrance of an idle gaud
Which in my childhood I did dote upon ;
And all the faith, the virtue of my heart.
The object and the pleasure of mine eye.
Is only Helena. To her, my lord,
Was I betrothed ere I saw Hermia :
But, like a sickness, did I loathe this food ;
But, as in health come to my natural taste.
Now do I wish it, love it, long for it.
And will for evermore be true to it.
The. Fair lovers, you are fortunately met;
Of this discourse we more will hear anon. —
Egeus, I will overbear your will.
For in the temple, by and by, with us.
These couples shaH eternally be knit.
And, for the morn».(g now is something worn,
Our purposed hunting shall be set aside.
Away, with us, to Athens ! Three and three,
We '11 hold a feast in great solemnity. —
Come, Hippolyta.
[Exeunt Theseus, Hippohjta, Egeus, and Train
Dem. These things seem small and undistinguishable,
Like far-off mountains turned into clouds.
498
Act IV ScU A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Jler. Methlnks, I sec these things with parted .ve.
When every thing seems double.
A ^^i'w * , T^ So methinks :
And I have found Demetrius, like a jewel,
Mine own, and not mine own.
J^^nx. It seems to me
That yet we Mcep, we dream.~Do not you think
The duke was here, and bid us follow him ?
Her. Yea, and my father.
^/^^- And Hippolyta.
Liis. And he did bid us follow to the temple
Dem. Why then, we are awake. Let's follow him :
And by the way let us recount our dreams. [Exeunt
Bot. [Waking] When my cue comes, call me, and I
will answer:— my next is, " Most fair Pyramus."—ncv hoi
—Peter Qumce ! Flute, the bellows-mender 1 Snout the
tmker I Starvehng I God 's my life, stolen hence, and left
me asleep.— I have had a most rare vision. I have had a
dream,— past the wit of man to say what dream it was •
man IS but an ass, if he go about to expound this dream.*
Methought I was-there is no man can tell what. Me-
^?"^^i / ^^?1 ^""^ methought I had,— but man is but a
patched fool, if he will offer to say what methought I had
The eye of man hath not heard, the ear of man hath not
seen, man s hand is not able to taste, his tongue to conceive
nor his heart to report, what my dream was. I will get
Peter Quince to write a ballad of this dream : it shall be
called Bottom's Dream, because it hath no bottom ; and
I wil sing it in the latter end of a play, before the duke •
pcradventure, to make it the more gracious, I shall sin« it
at her death. ^^ -^
Scene II.— Athens. A Room in Qlince's House
Enter Quince, Flute, Snout, and Starveling
Quia. Have you sent to Bottom's house ? is he come
Out of doubt, he is
Tt goes
home yet ?
Star. He cannot be heard of
transported.
Flu. If he come not, then the play is marred
not forward, doth it ?
Qu/n. It is not possible: you have not a man in aJl
Athens able to discharge Pvramus, but he.
Flu. No ; he hath simpfy the best wit of any handicraft
nian m Athens.
Quin. Yea, and the best person too ; and he is a verv
paramour for a sweet voice.
. ^'"- .^y°" ^^^^ say, paragon : a paramour is, God bless
us ! a thing of naught.
499
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Act V Sc i
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Enter Snug
Snu^. Masters, the duke is coming from the temple,
and there is two or three lords and ladies more married. If
our sport had gone forward, we had all been made men.
Flu. O sweet bullv Bottom ! Thus hath he lost six-
pence a day during his life ; he could not have "scaped
sixpence a day : an the duke had not given him sixpence
a day for playing Pyramus, 1 *U be hanged ; he would have
deserved it : sixpence a day in Pyramus, or nothing.
Enter Bottom
Bot. "Where are these lads ? where are these hearts ?
Quin. Bottom 1—0 most courageous day ! O most
happy hour 1 ^ ». * ,
Bot. Masters, I am to discourse wonders ; but ask me
not what ; for, if I tell you, I am no true Athenian, I will
tell you everything, right as it fell out.
Quin. Let us hear, sweet Bottom.
Bot. Not a word of me. All that I will tell you is, that
the duke hath dined. Get your apparel together, good
strings to your beards, new ribbons to your pumps : meet
presently at the palace ; every man look o'er his part ; for
the short and the long is, our play is preferred. In any
case, let Thisbe have clean linen, and let not him that plays
the lion pare his nails, for, they shall hang out for the lion's
claws. And, most dear actors, eat no onions, nor garlic,
for we are to utter sweet breath, and I do not doubt, but
to hear them say, it is a sweet comedy. No more words :
away I go ; away I [Exeunt
ACT FIVE
Scene I.~The Same. An Apartment in the Palace of
Theseus
Enter Theseus, Hippolyta, Philostrat j, Lords, and
Attendants
Hip. 'T is strange, my Theseus, that these lovers speak
of.
The. More strange than true : I never may believe
These anlick fables nor these fairy toys :
Lovers and madmen have such seethin,fj brains.
Such shaping fantasies, that apprehend
More than cool rens-np. ever comprehends.
The lunatic, the lover and the poet.
Are of imagination all compact :
One sees more devils than vast hell can hold ;
That is the madman : the lover, all as frantic.
Sees Helen's beauty in a brow of Egypt :
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The poet's eye, In a fine frenzy rolling
Doth glance from heaven to earth, from earth to heaven •
And, as imagination bodies forth
The forms of things unknown, the port's pen
Turns them to shapes, and gives to airy nothing
A local habitation and a name.
Such tricks hath strong imagination,
That, if it would but apprehend some joy.
It comprehends some bringer of that joy :
Or in the night, imagining some fear,
How easy is a bush supposed a bear ?
Hip. But all the story of the night told over.
And all their minds transfigured so together.
More witnesseth than fancy's images.
And grows to something of great constancy ;
But, howsoever, strange, and admirable.
The. Here come the lovers, full of joy and mirth.
Enter Lysander, Hermia, Demetrius, and Helena
Joy, gentle friends I joy, and fresh days of love.
Accompany your hearts I
-.,^y*; More than to us
Wait m your royal walks, your board, your bed I
The. Come now ; what masques, what dances shall we
have.
To wear away this long age of three hours
Between our after-supper and bed-time ?
Where is our usual manager of mirth ?
What revels are in hand ? Is there no play.
To ease the anguish of a torturing hour ?
Call Philostrate.
^^'^- Here, mighty Theseus.
The. Say, what abridgment have you for this evening ■>
\\ hat masque ? what music ? How shall we beguile '
J he lazy tmie, if not with some delight ?
Phil There is a brief how many sports are ripe :
Make choice of which y.-".r highness will see first.
TL wr, ■. ., ^ [Giving a paper
The. [Reads] "The battle with the Centaurs. to be sung
Hy an Athenian eunuch to the harp."
We '11 none of that : that have I told my love.
In glory of my kinsman Hercules.
" The riot of the tipsy Bacchanals,
Tearing the Thracian singer in their rage."
That is an old device ; and it was played
Ahen I from Thebes came last a conqueror.
'The thrice three Muses mourning for the death
Of Learning, late deceased in beggary."
That is some satire, keen and critical, »
Not sorting with a nuptial ceremony.
501
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Act V Sc I
" A tedious brief scene of youiiR Pymmus,
And his love Tliisbe ; very trn«ical mirth."
Merry and tragical I Tedious and brief 1
That is, hot ice, and wonderous strange snow.
How shall we find the concord of this discord ?
Phil. A play there is, my lord, some ten words long.
Which is as brief as I have known a plav ;
But by ten words, my lord, it is too long,
Wliich makes it tedious ; for in all the play
There is not one word apt, one player fitted.
And tragical, my noble lord, it is.
For Pyramus therein doth kill himself.
Which when I saw rehearsed, I must confess,
Made mine eyes water ; but more merry tears
The passion of loud laughter never shed.
The. What arc they that do play it ?
Phil. Hard-handed men, that work in Athens here.
Which never laboured in their minds till now.
And now have toiled their unbreathed memories
With this same play against your nuptial.
The. And we will hear it.
^f^^l- No, my noble lord ;
It is not for you : I have heard It over.
And it is nothing, notliing in the world,
Unless you can (ind sport in their intents,
Extremely stretched and conned with cruel pain,
To do you service.
The. 1 will hear that play :
For never anything can be amiss
When simpleness and duty tender it.
Go, bring them in ; — and lake your places, ladies.
l£'x/7 Philostrate
Hip. I love not to see wretchedness o'ercharged,
And duty in his service perishing.
The. Why, gentle sweet, you shall see no sach thing.
Hip. He says, they can do nothing in this kind.
The. The kinder we, to give them thanks for nothing.
Our sport shall be to take what they mistake :
And what poor duty cannot reach to do,
Noble respect takes it in might, not merit.
Where I have come, great clerks have purpos(5d
To greet me with premeditated wcicomes ;
Where I have seen them shiver and look pale,
Make periods in the midst of sentences,
Throttle their practised accent in their fears,
And, in conclusion, dumbly have broke ofT,
Not paying me a welcome. Trust me, sweet,
Out of this silence yet I picked a welcome ;
And in the modesty of fearful duty
I read as much as from the rattling tongue
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ActV Sci A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DKliAM
Of saucy and audacious eloquence.
Love, therefore, and longuc-tied simplicity.
In least speak most, to my capacity.
lie-enter Philostrate
Thi'' l^ii^h?^" ^°"' ^u^*'^' ^^^ Prologue is ad.lrf.st.
The. Let him approach. [Flourish of Trumpets
Enter the Prologue
Prol "If Nve ofTend. it is with our roo.1 xvill
That you should tliink, we come not to oJIond
That s the true bcginninp of our end.
Consider then, we come but In despite.
We do not come as minding to content you.
Our true mtent is. All for your deiight,
\\e are not here. That you should here repent vou
rhc actors arc at hand ; and. by their show.^ ^ '
Vou shall know all that you are like to kn.,w."
Lus' l^jHu'^-^''!:^ "^* '^'^"'^ "non points.
i^ys. He hath rid his prologue like a roiirrh mit • »,«
knows not the stop. A good mora my lord" it s* no?
enough to speak, but to speak true ' "°^
rhMrt nn }1'^^^^\ ^^ ^'""^^ P'^yed on this prologuc like a
The HU?n "^^ h' " '^^"^' ^"^ "''^ '" government
YnThfAo V ^P^^^^h^was like a trmgled chain ;
Nothing impaired, but all disordered.—
\v ho IS next ?
Enter Pyramus and Thisbe. Wall, Moonshine, and Lion
as in dumb-show
R»^'' "i'^ntles, perchance, you wonder at this show •
But wonder on, till truth make all things plain '
This man is Pyrnmus. if you would know ; ^
This beauteous lady Thisbe is, certain.
^ W.H^JhJl'"'',"^ f"^JO"gh-cast, doth present
AnH^l' ^^h ^il^ ^^^" ^hich did these lovers sun.Ier •
And through Wall's chink, poor souls, they are content
To whisper, at the which let no man wonder
^^Pri"^"; y:'^J '■"Item, dog, and bush of thorn,
Prcsenteth Moonshine ; for, if you will know.
B3;^moonshine did these lovers think no sco?n
To meet at Nmus' tomb, there, theiL- to woo.
Thi'*^''!^ S.u'l'^ ^'^'^^ ^y "«i"<^ I-ion bight,
The trusty Thisbe, coming first by night,
uid scare away, or rather did affright ;
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A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM Act V Sc I
And, ns she fled, her mnntle she did fall,
Which Lion vile with bloody mouth did stain.
Anon comes Pynunus, sweet youth and tall.
And finds his trusty Thlsbe's mantle slain :
Whereat with blade, with bloody blameful blado,
He bravely broaclieil his boiling bloody breast ;
And Tliisbe, tarrying in mulberry shade.
His dagger drew, and died. For all the rest,
Let Lion, Moonshine, Wall, nnd lovers twain.
At large discourse, while Iv they do remain."
[Exeunt Prologue, Pyramus, Thisbe, I. ion, and Moonshine
The. I wonder, if the lion be to speak.
Dem. No wonder, my lord : one lion may, when many
usses do.
Wall. " In tbir, same interlude it doth befall,
That I, one Snout by name, [)rcsent a wall ;
And such a wall, as I would have you think,
That had in it a crannied hole, or chink.
Through which the lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe,
Did whisper often very secretly.
This lime, this roughcast, and this stone, doth show
That I am that same wall ; the truth Is so ;
And this the crnnny is. rijzht and sinister,
Through which the fearful lovers ore to whisper."
The. Would you desire linic .^nd hair to speak better ?
Dem. It is the wittiest ^^rtition tiuit ever I heard dis-
course, my lord.
The. I^ramus draws near the wall : silence !
Re-enter Pyramus
Pijr. " O grim-looked night I O night with hue so
black 1
O night, which ever art, when day is not I
night 1 O night I alack, alack, alack I
1 fear my Thisbc's promise is forgot. —
And thou, O wall I O sweet, O lovely wall,
That stand'st between her father's ground and mine ;
Thou wall, O wall ! O swrct and lovely wall I
Show me thy chink to blink through with mine eyne.
[ Wall holds up his p.ngera
Thanks, courteous wall : .Jove shield thee well for this I
But what see I ? No Thisl)e do I see.
O wicked wall, through whom I see no bliss ;
Cursed be thy stones for thus deceiving me 1 "
The. The wall, methinks, being sensible, should cur-^o
again.
Pry. No, in truth, sir, he should not. — " Deceiving mo,"
is Thisbc's cue : she is to enter now, and I am to spy her
504
so
ActV Scl A MIDSUMMER-NIGHTS DREAM
In^r'^vn''', "^"l'" ^"" »''"" '^''•' '^ ^"' ''i" pat as I told
you.— bonder she conies.
Peenler TiiisnR
T-Zj/s " O wall, fviU often hast thou heard my moans.
I'or parting my fair I'yran.us and me : ^ '
My cherry lips have often kissed thy stones,
i liy stones with lime and hair knit up in thee."
Pyr. " I see a voice : now will I to the chink.
10 s|)y an I can hear my Thisbc's face.
Thishe I "
This. "My love I thou art my love, I think."
A /r, r ? '""'* "^^^^ t^'<^" ^v''^' ' •'"» I'ly 'over's flrace :
And like Liniander am I trust v slill." '
This.
Pi/r.
This.
Piir.
This.
Pyr.
And I like Helen, till the Fates me kill."
_ Not Shnfalus to Trocrus was so true."
" As Shafalus to Trocrus, I to you."
' O I kiss me through the hole of this vile wail."
, ,{..'*•'** ^^^^ ^'^"'s hole, not your lips at all."
VVilt thou at Ninny's tomb mtot me straight-
way ?
xvlfi V. 1}'^'' 'l[*'' 't'^c death, I come without delay."
An] k'- T'^us have I, Wall, my part discharged so ;
And, bemg done, thus Wall away doth go."
j..^ ^,„ , ., [l^Jreunt Wall, Pyramus and Thisbe
The. Now Is the mural down between the two neich-
Jiours. "tigw
j,.fr"'-»i,^'°/''"^*^''>'' ""'' '^^^' "^hcn ^valls are so wilful to
hear without warning.
IJip. This is the silliest stuff that e'er I heard
The. The best in this kind are but shadows ; and the
worst are no worse, if imagination amend them.
mp. It must be your imagination then, and not theirs
cni 4. ^^'^ imagine no worse of them than they of then.-
...M 'k 7 "'"^y P^" '°'' excellent men. Here come two
noble beasts m. a moon and a lion.
Enier Lion and Moonshine
Lion. •' You, ladies, you, whose gentle hearts do fear
1 he smallest monstrous mouse that creeps on floor
-May now perchance both quake and tremble here.'
\vhen hon rough in wildest rage doth roar.
Then know, that I, one Snug the joiner am,
A hon fell, nor else no lion's dam :
I'or, if I should as lion come in strife
ulo this place, 't were pity on my life."
The. A very gentle beast, and of a good conscience.
JnT' J.^'^^y^.^^^^ ^t a beast, my lord, that e'er I saw.
Lys. This hon is a very fox for his valour.
2 he. True ; and a goose for his discretion.
505
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
II
ActV Scl
1= 4
f
S!
m
m
Dent. Not so, my lord ; for his valour cannot cany his
discretion, and the fox carries llie goose.
The. His discretion, I am sure, cannot carry his valour,
for the goose carries not the fox. It is well : leave it to his
discretion, and let us listen to the moon.
Moon. " This lantern doth the horned moon present."
Dem. He should have worn the horns on his head.
The. He is no crescent, and his horns are invisible within
the circumference.
Moon. " This lantern doth the horndd XT' ion present ;
Myself the man i' the moon do seem to be."
The. This is the greatest error of all the rest. The man
should be put into the lantern : how is it else the man 1'
the moon ?
Dem. He dares not come there for the candle : for, vou
see, it is already in snulf.
Hip. I am aweary of this moon : 'would, he would
change I
The. It appears by his small light of discretion, that he
is m the wane ; but yet, in courtesy, in all reason, we must
stay the time.
Lys. Proceed, Moon.
Moon. " All that I have to say is, to tell you, that the
lantern is the moon ; I, the man in the moon ; this thorn-
bush, my thorn-bush ; and this dog, my dog."
Dem. Why, all these should be in the lantern ; for all
tliese are in the moon. But, silence ! here conies Thisbe.
Re-en' ?r Thisbe
This is old Ninny's tomb. Where is my love ? "
Oh I " [The Lion roars.— Thisbe runs off
This.
Lion.
Dem.
The.
Hip.
Well roared, Lion
Well run, Thisbe.
Well shone, Moon.— Truly, the moon shines with
good grace. [The Lion tears Thisbe's mantle, and exit
The. Well moused, Lion.
Dem. And then came Pyramus.
Lys. And so the lion vanished.
Re-enter Pyramus
f ^u' 1 "5-^^^* "^°°"' ^ '^^"^ ^^^^ for thy sunny beams :
1 thank thee, moon, for shining now so bright
For, by thy gracious, golden, glittering streams,
I trust to taste of truest ;isbe's sight.
But stay ;- spite I—
But mark, Dor Icnight,
What dreadful v jle . ere ?
Eyes, do you i^c v
How can it be ?
O dainty duck 1 O dear I
606
ActV Sci
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHTS DREAM
Thy mantle good.
What, stained >vith blood I
Approach, ye Furies fell I
O Fates, come, come :
Cut thread and thrum ;
Quail, crush, conclude, and quell ! "
I If. This pa ,sion, and the death of a dear friend, would
go Tear to make a man look sad.
.7-. B^shrtNV my heart, but I pity the man.
i^yr. " O, -.vherefore, Nature, didst thou lions frame,
Since lion vile hath here defloured my dear ?
Which is— no, no— which was the fairest dame,
That lived, that loved, that liked, that looked with cheer.
Come, tears, confound ;
Out, sword, and wound
The pap of Pyramus :
Ay, that left pap.
Where heart doth hop : —
Thus die I, thus, thus, thus I
Now am I dead ;
Now am I fled ;
My soul is in the sky :
Tonj^ue, lose thy light 1
Moon, take thy flif^liL ! " [Exit Moonshine
Now die, die, die, die, die." [Dies
No die, but an ace, for him ; for he is but one.
Less than an ace, man, for he is dead ; he is
[Stabs Inmselj
Dem.
Lys.
nothing
Tl\e.
With the help of a surgeon, he might yet recover,
and yet prove an ass.
Hip. How chance Moonshine is gone, before Thisbe
conies back and finds her lover ?
The. She will find him by starlight.— Here she comes
and her passion ends the play.
Re-enter Thisbe
Hip. Methinks, she should not use a long one for such a
Pyramus ; I hope she will be brief.
Dem. A mote will turn the balance, which Pyramus
which Thisbe, is the better ; he for a man, God warrant us '
she for a woman, God bless us. '
Lys. She hath spied him already with those sweet eyes.
And thus she moans, videlicet : —
" Asleep, my love ?
What, dead, my dove ?
O Pvratnus riris'^ '
Speak, si)eak 1 Quite dumb ?
Dead, dead ? A tomb
Must cover thy sweet eyes,
607
Dem.
This.
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
ActV Sci
:»■;
[S/fl6s herself
[Dies
These lily lips,
This cherry nose.
These ycl'ow cowslip cheeks,
Are gone, arc gone 1
Lovers, make moan I
ITis eyes were green as leeks.
O Sisters Three,
Conic, come to me.
With hands as pale as milk ;
Lay them in gore.
Since you have shore
With shears his thread ol silk.
Tongue, not a word :
Come, trusty sw^ord ;
Come, hlade, my breast imbrue
And farewell, friends. —
Thus Thisbc ends : —
Adieu, adieu, adieu."
The. Moonshine and Lion are left to bury the dead.
Dem. Ay, and Wall too.
Bot. No, I assure you : the wall is down, that parted
their fathers. Will it please you to see the epilogue, or to
hear a Bergomask dance between two of our company.
Thr. No epilogue, I pray you ; for your play needs no
cxcuac. Never excuse ; for when the players are all dead,
there need none to be blamed. Many, if he that writ il
had played Pyramus, and hanged himself in Thisbes
gnrter, it would have been a fine trn.aedy :— and so it is.
truly ; and very notably discharged. But come, your
Bergomask : let your epilogue alone. [A dance
The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve. —
Lovers, to bed : 't is almost fairy time.
I fear we shall outsleep the coming morn,
As much as we this night have overwatched.
This palpable gross play hath well beguiled
The henvy gait of night. — Sweet friends, to bed. —
A fortnight hold we this solemnity
In nightly revels and new jollity. [Exeunt
Enter Puck with a broo.n
Puck. Now the hungry lion roars,
And the wolf behowls the moon,
Whilst the heavy ploughman snores,
All with weary task fordone.
Now the wasted brands do glow.
Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud,
Puts the wretch, that lies in woe,
In remembrance of a shroud.
Now it is the time of night.
That the graves, all gaping wide,
508
ActV Sci
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT". DREAM
Ti(a
Ob
D
Every one lets forth ]ii.s sprite,
In the church-way pat hs to glide :
And we^airies, that do run
IJy the triple Hecate's team,
From the presence of the sun,
I'ollowing darkness like a dream,
Now are frolic ; not a mouse
Shall disturb this I .'awed house :
I am sent with broom before,
To sweep the dust behind the door.
Enter Obkron and Titania, wilh their Train
Obe. Through the house give glimmering li'^ht.
By the dead and Jrowsy fire ;
Every elf and fairy sprite
Hoj) as lif,iit as bird from brier :
And this dilLy, after me.
Sing, and dance it trippingly.
I-'irst, rehearse your song by rote.
To each word a warbling note :
Hand in hand, with fairy ,'ira. e,
^Vill we sing, and bless this placv.
[^ong and dance
Now, until the break of dav,
Through this house each falrv stray.
To the best bride-bed will we,
Wiiich by us shall blessed be ;
And the issue there cn.ate
Ever shall be fortunate.
So shall all the couples three
Ever true in loving ])e ;
And the blots of Nature's hand
Shall not in their issue stand ;
Never mole, harf-lij), nor srar,
Nor mark prodiirious, such as are
Despised in nativity.
Shall upon tlieir children be.
With this field -dew consecrate,
Every fairy take his gait.
And each several chamber bless,
Through tiiis palace. wiLii sweet peace ;
Ever sh:ill ^t in safelv rest.
And the owner of it blcbt.
Trip away ;
>hike no stay ;
]\rcet me ail by J)roidc"of day.
[Exeunt Oberon,' Titania, and Ti
uck. If we shadows have olTended.
iin
Think but t!
is. and ail is nuMuled,
That you have but slumbered
509
here.
A MIDSUMMER-NIGHT'S DREAM
Act . Sci
While these visio? d appear.
And this weak an idle theme,
No more yielding but a drcftm,
Gentles, do not reprehend :
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I 'm an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ore long ;
Else the Puck a liar call :
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
[Exit
M«
In
sio
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
ffii
DRAMATIS PERSON-E
;.|^
')ii
Don Pedro, prince of Arngon
Don John, his hostnrd brother
CLAurio, a young lord < / Florence
Benedick, a youmj lord of Padua
LfiONATO, governor of Mcssitia
Antonio, his brother
i3ALTHAZAB, (ittcudnnt on Don Pedro
^ ' followers of Don Joitn
CONRADE J
,, \-two OiJicers
V ERGES j
Friar Francis
A Sexton
A Boy
ri 'I '
III
Hero, daughter to Leonato
Beati:i'"e, nitce to Leonato
MARUAI'.ET I , ,, J- TT
1 qentlewomen attending on Hero
I RSULA j
Messengers, Watchmen, and Attendauta
SCENE. -Messina
)]2
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
ACT ONE
ScKNE I.— Before Leoxato's I-Fouse
Enl,r Leonato, Hero and Beath.ce ivilh a M.ssen.jcr
Arff-eoL's^S-'Ufl^o ,&'■■"' '^"""^•'- "'
boid by Do'n' ?ar'He hWI!'";'' ■''"^'=:^'■="|y --cm:
muchglacf'on't'''^ '" ""''' ^^'^ ^" ^'^^^^^"^ ^"^ be very
A/ess. In great measure.
Ihe "is or?!?? ^''"' *' ^'^"^^^ -'^^"^^"'o returned from
MKlfL%he^X^rn;son^' """^' ^^^^ = ^^-^ — ne
nZ'n M ^'""^ '' -^^ ^'^^^ y«" ^^^ fo^' niece ?
3S-Q 5,3
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act I Sc
';1
t f
■
■fpsi 5
iiil'i
I'm f
/.ro/i. Failh, niece, you U\\ Sifinior Benedick loo nmcli ;
but ii'"'il hv nioft \\itli you, I doubt it not.
JMcss. Ho hath done t^ood service, lady, in these Mars.
Bcdl. You had musty victual, and 1 ' liath ho'p to tat
it : Ire is a very valiant trencherman ; h j hatli an excellent
StOlIKiCl'..
Mesa. And a pood S()l(licr too, lady.
JU'iti. And a good soldier to a lady. But what is he to a
lord ?
Mrss. A lord to a lord, a man to a man ; stulT: d with all
honourable virtues.
Ih'iit. It is so, indeed ; he is no less than a stuiTcd man :
but lor the stufling,- -well, we are all mortal.
J. coil. You must nol, sir, mistake my niece. There is a
kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick and lu r : they
never meet, but there 's a skirmish of wit between them.
Jicdt. Alas, he gets nothing by that. In our last con-
llict four of his live wits went halting off, and now is the
whole man governed with one ; so that if he have wit
enough to keej) himself warm, let him bear it for a diflVr-
ence between himself and his horse ; for it is all the weaU'i
that he hath left, to be known a reasonable creature. — Win;
is his compiuiion now ? He hath every month a nc .v
sworn brotlier.
Mess. Is 't possible ?
Beat. Very easily possible : he wears his faith but as
the fashion of his hat ; it ever changes with the next block.
Mess. I see, lady, the gentleman is not in your books.
Beat. No ; an he were, I would burn my study. But,
I pray you, who is his companion ? Is there no youn^;
sqnarer now that will make a voyage with him to the de\ ii .'
Mess. He is most in the company of the right nobk
Claudio.
Beat. O Lord, he will hang upon him like a disease :
he is sooner caugiit than the pestilence, and the taker runs
presently mad. God help the noble Claudio I if he have
caught the Benedick, it will cost him a thousand pound ere
he be cured.
Mess. I will hold friends with you, lady.
Beat. Do, good friend.
Leon. You will never run mad, niece.
Beat. No, not till a hot January.
Mess. Don Pedro is approached.
Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthazar, and
Don John
D. Pedro. Good Signior Leonato, you are come to meet
your trouble : the fashion of the world is to avoid cost, and
you encounter it.
Leon. Never came trouble to my house in the likeness
514
i
i
Act! Scl MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
of your grace ; for trcable being gone, comfort shoul<l
remain; but wlien you depart from me, sorrow abides. an.I
lKil)!)mess takes Ins leave.
p I'cdro. You embrace your charge too willingly.— I
thmk, this IS your daugliter. oJ- '
Leon. IJer mother hath many times told me so.
Bene. \Vere you in doubt, sir, that you asked lier ?
Leon Sigmor benedick, no ; for then were you a child
D Pedro \ou have it full, Ben.dick ; we may guos
by this what you are, bem- a man.-Truly, the ladv"faliu.r.s
herself.— lie happy, lady, tor you are like an honourable
lutiior.
Bene. If Si-nior Leonato be her father, she would not
have his iicad on her shoulders for all Messina, as like him
US SIIC IS*
Beat. I wonder that you will still be t.Uking, Signior
Benedick : nobody marks you. ^
Bene. What, iny dear Lady DisdainI ore you yet liviriL'-^
Beat. Is it i)ossible tiisdain should die whilj siic liith
such meet food to iec<i it as Signior Benedick ? Courlesv
Use t must convert to disdain, if you come in her presence
Bene. Ihen is courtesy a turncoat.-But it is certain
I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted ; and I wouhi
IrZl I^^«'"or """" ""^ ' "■■"' ""' " '-" "-'-^ ■■ '-
Beat. A dear happiness to women : they would else
have been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God
and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that • 1 h a I
ratner hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he
Bene. God keep your ladyship still in that mind ; so some
gentleman or other shall scape a predestinate scratched face
ci V 5>cratchmg could not make it worse, an 't were
such a face as yours were. ' t. v>cic
S^'^f* }\^^^' ^^"" ^^'^ ^ ^^^^ parrot-teacher.
Beal A bird of my tongue is belter than a beast of yours.
Bene. I would, my Imrse had the speed of your toii-nu
uaL'lK Lr^'^""- ""''' ^^^P >'^- -•>• "• ^^^
you'of old^""" ''*''''^'' """"^ '''^^ ^ J'*'^"'' ^''''^ •• I ^^""^v
D. Pedro. This
is the sum of all : Leonato,— Signior
Claudio and Signior Benedick,— my dear friend Leo^nalo
hath invited you all. I tell him we shall stay u.re at the
least a month, and he heartily prays some occasion mnv
us longer :
prays from hisheart' ""'"''" '''''' ''' '' "" hyprocrite, but
-T^^^;,. iM'^"^ ^'^'''''^r '^^' ^°^'^' y°" shall not be forsworn.
fi„ ?i!!'l^'.'^..^*?"T.^^'^°'l^«' "ly lo^-d : being reconciled to
llic prince your brother, I
owe you all duly
51;
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act 1 Sc i
3
j>. I{
-1
John. I thank you : I am not of many words, but I
thank you.
Leon. Please it your grace lead on ?
D. Pedro. Your hand, Leonato : wc will go together.
[Hxcunt idl but licnedick and Claiidio
Claud. Benedick, didst thou note the daughter of
Signlor Leonato?
Bene. I noted her not ; but I looked on her.
Claud. Is she not a modest young lady ?
Bene. Do you question me, as an honest man should do,
for my simple true judfunent ; or would you have me speak
after my custom, as being a professed tyrant to their sex ?
Claud. No ; I pray thee, speak in sober judgment.
Bene. Why, i' faith, methinks she 's too low lor a high
praise, too brown for a fair praise, and too little for a great
praise ; only this commendation I can allord her, tlial
were she other than she is, she were unhandsome ; and being
no other but as she is, I do not like her.
Claud. Thou thinkest I am in sport : I pray thee, tell
me truly how thou likost her.
Bene. Would you buy her, that you inquire after her ?
Claud, Can the world buy such a jewel '?
Bene. Yea, and a case to put it into. But speak you
this with a sad brow, or do you play the flouting Jack, to
tell us Cupid is a good hare-finder, and Vulcan a rare
carpenter ? Come, in what key shall a man take you, to
go in the song ?
Claud. In mine eye she is the sweetest lady that ever
I looked on.
Bene. I can see yet without spectacles, and I see no
such matter : there 's her cousin, an she were not possessed
with a fury, exceeds her as much in beauty as the lirst of
. lay doth the last of December. But I hope you have no
intent to turn husband, have you ?
Claud. I would scarce trust myself, though I had sworn
the contrary, if Hero would be my wife.
Bene. Is 't come to this, in faith ? Hath not the world
one man, but he will wear his cap with suspicion ? Shall
I never see a bachelor of threescore again ? Go to, i' faith ;
an thou wilt needs thrust thy neck into a yoke, wear the
print of it, and sigh away Sundays. Look ; Don Pedro is
returned to seek you.
Re-enter Don Pedro
D. Pedro. What secret hath held you here, that you
followed not to Leonato's ?
Bene. I would your grace would constrain me to tell.
D. Pedro. I charge thee on thy allegiance.
Bene. You hear. Count Qaudio : I can be secret as a
dumb man, I would have you think so ; but on my allegi-
516
Act I Sol ,„-,,„ ^r,„ ^„gj.^ N„THlyG
»houl<n;c oVhe^^S"'"" '"'"''' "•" ^"""■■v. God r„r„lrt it
wen.'X '^'•■"' " ^'"' '""' ""! ">r Iho lady „ very
a.™.. And ■l,";a^,t'„';v , ,';r .T.:;,;^r„';'-
^ .«;;.., And hy „y two „dU,s and Jl^^uls^^lord. , sp„,„
n"?,''-. ''"''■■" ' '"^^ '"T- I fool
nJ ThJ'i"' ir '^™rt^v, I know.
^•^?rkr "ru";:ast'.f '■'■•' '•' '"-i- "" "^'
despite of benutv '^'^ ''" obsl.natc heretic in the
force"fhis1wj,.'""^^ ^^"''^ --•"^-" his part hut in the
f>v.t that I will J.ave rreche^l^^^^^^^
'>''"« niy bu-Ie in L invi Sip^^o.'', • /" ""^ ^orehc.ui. or
pnrdon rac. Because I "^1? no? do tt^^'Vff" '^"'"^" ^'^^^^
tnisl any, I will do myself the ri^ht .'t *'^' ''""''"S to mis-
fine is (for the which I rnnvVo thJ^ ? i'""'* "^"*^ ' ^^^ the
f^- Pedro. I shall s?S V,, "dii' o"n'.^' ^'? ^ ^^^"^^«'--
/^''7u>. With anaer wi I, XL ' ""^ P''^^*' ^^'^h love.
l'>.r'l; not With love "T^^ove h^? '' '''t';'"^ '^""S'^^' '"v
^vlth love, than I ^vi^ Ret ?Gain wi h h ' J- ^"'" "^^''^ l>Io«^i
eyes with a ballad-maker's nin nnH l^'"'"^'"^' P'^k out mine
•V -o;- anVl^thX"^^^
•^'•ouhier. and called Adnm ' ^^ '^''" ^^' ''^PP^'^ on the
'•/n'umoTh ^^'^'J'^^f-'^^'s^alltrv:
^ir it 's^Ji; ^^r",;''^'^ "-^ -^ yoke."
r>nedickbearirp1fck'o"the'L;T'r>f ^' ^^'^^ ^^^ ^^"^^^Ic
^"v forehead ; r„d let me he v nif ^"'"'' '''"'^ ^^^ them in
foal letters as they wri e - H.i ^' ^'"'"^^"^ ' ^"^ '" such
'"'em signify unSermfsWn''R ^^"^ ''""^ ^^ '"''«/•
ll>e married man " ^ '~ "^'^ ^"°" '"^^ see Bene-
;(i
5i:
lis
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act I Sc 1
Claud. If this should ever happen, thou woul.lst be
honi-mnd. . ., , ,
I). Pedro. Wav. If Cupid have not spent all his quiver
in Venice, thou wilt quake for this short Iv.
Bene. I look for an earthquake too, then.
D Pedro. Well, you will temporise with the hours. In
the meantime, Rood Si«nlor Henedlek. repair to l.eonato's :
commend me to him, and tell Iiini. I will not fad lum at
supi)er ; for. indeed, he hath made preat preparation.
liene. I have almost matter cnout^ii in me for such an
embassage ; and so I commit you— ,. , . ,
Claiu'. To the tuition of God. l-rom my bouse, if I had
D. Pedro. The sixth of .July: your lovinR friend,
Henedick. ^. , , ,
lU'ne Nay, mock not, mock not. The body of your
discourse is sometime guarded with fragments, and tiio
guards are but slightly basted on neither : ere you floui
old ends any further, exanunc your conscience : and so I
leave you. , ' , '^''
Claud. My liege, your hif^hness now may do me good.
I). Pedro. My love is thine to leach : teach it but how,
And thou shall see how apt it is to learn
Any hard lesson that may do tiiee good.
Claud. Hath Lconato any son, my lord ?
D. Pedro. No child but Mero, she 's his oidy heir. ^
Dost thou alTect her, Claudio 7
Claud. O, my lord.
When you went onward on this ended action,
I looked upon her with a soldier's eye.
That liked, but had a rougher task in hand
Than to drive liking to the name of love :
But now I am returned, and that war-lhoughls
Have left their places vacant, in their rooms
Come thronging soft and delicate desires.
Ml prompting me how fair young Hero is.
Saving, I liked her ere I went to wars.
D. Pedro. Thou wilt be like a lover presently,
And tire the hearer with a book of words.
If thou dost love fair Hero, cherish it ;
And I will break with her, and with her father,
\nd thou Shalt have her. Was 't not to tins end.
That thou begann'st to twis'. so fine a story ?
Claud. How sweetly do you minister to love.
That know love's griei by his compit xiuii i
But lest my liking might too sudden seem.
I would have salved it with a longer treatise.
D. Pedro. What need tiie bridge much broader thr.n U:>
"flood ?
The fairest grant is the necessity.
518
Arfl Scill rrriT ADO AHOUT NOTHING
I.ook, what will scrw is lit : 't is our., iiu,,. i .. .
An.i I wlli lit thre witi, ti.o Vrnlodv ' "^ '
I know wp sholl Iiave rovcllinL' to i,i"I,t •
I will assume thy part in soni.« disL'uiso '
Amlt(llfairHt.rolnm(:i..,u,!io-^ •
And in her hosoni I 'II unclasp ni'v licirt
An«i take her hoarins priscn.r with (li,. forro
Ami strons encounter of n,v amorous i.iie •
1 iicn. aftor, to her father will I hreak • '
And. the conclusion is. she s!ial! he tiiiiie
In practice ict us put it pasciiLly. * \!-vrim(
Sr.i-NT. IT.— A Room in LnoN'STo's TTunc
i:nlrr Lkovato ami Antom,,. mnii,,'/
».nJlrL'pn:v;™l';^^-„II;r?— 'i"o ^
y.f:;™^;;;f7^,';r^;,-;::\;L,,!i'i!'-'-. '""■■■''
Icon. Are tiu-y f^'ood V
Z K , . '" ^*'""''' *'"'^' '''^ ^'^''t told you this •>
,u::iLni^^u:^::ff:^''^^^^^ I -li. send^or h^,-; ana
ifsHr'h,,^'"/ "",j ''^ '''." ^''^ 't '-^5 '-^ 'J'-cam. till it appear
Screnil ncr<!nn<i rr,,<!<- //, . / i V. . ' I'^^it Antonio.
vouhavetodoi/ri :v\ '^^^ (^ousins. you know what
tfiis Inisv time. ^ ^'v.-l.-Good cousin, have a care
[I-^xeiinl
Scene HI.— Another Room in Lkonato's House
•■•• •■ •' .iwi; , ,7/-,m' V.U.NHADt;
■on. »ou should iicar rciison.
519
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
AcL I Sc Ui
in
•f.;
And when I have heard it, what blessing brings
John.
it?
Con. If not a present remedy, yet a patient sufferance.
John. I wonder, that thou, being (as thou say'st thou
art) born under Saturn, goest about to apply a moral
medicine to a mortifying mischief. I cannot hide whati am:
I must be sad when I have cause, and smile at no man's
jests ; eat when I have stomach, and wait for no man's
leisure ; sleep when I am drowsy, and tend on no man's
busmcss ; laugh when I am merry, and claw no man in his
humour.
Con. Yea ; but you must not make the full show of this,
till you may do it without controlment. You have of late
stood out against your brother, and he hath ta'en you newly
into his grace ; where it is impossible you should take true
not, but by the fair weather that you make yourself : it is
needful that you frame the season for your own harvest.
John. I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose
in his grace ; and it better fits my blood to be disdained of
all than to fashion a carriage to rob love from any : in
this, though I cannot be said to be a flattering honest man.
it must not be denied but I am a plain-dealing villain. I
am trusted with a muzzle, and enfranchised with a clog ;
therefore I have decreed not to sing in my cage. If I had
my mouth, I would bite ; if I had my liberty, I would do
my liking : in the meantime, let me be that I am, and seek
not to alter me.
Con. Can you make no use of your discontent ?
John. I m«ke all use of it, for Tuse it only. Who comes
here ?
Enter Borachio
What news, Borachio ?
Bora. I came yonder from a great supper ; the princo.
your brother, is royally entertained by Leonato, and I can
give you intelligence of an intended marriage.
John. Will it serve for any model to build mischief on ?
What is he for a fool that betroths himself to unquietness ?
Bora. Marry, it is your brother's right hand.
John. Who ? the most exquisite Claudio ?
Bora. Even he.
John. A proper squire 1 And who, and who ? which
way looks he ?
Bora. Marry, on Hero, the daugher and heir of Leonnto.
John. A very forward March-chick I How came vou
to this ?
Bora. Being entertained for a perfumer, as I was
smoking a musty room, comes me the prince and Claudio.
hand in hand, in sad conference : I whipt me behind tlie
arras, and there heard it agreed upon, that the prince
520
."■l
Act II Sci MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
hc'to SX^rS^X''""'^' ^"^ '^--o^ "^^^i-d her. give
foo^dlomy^M^XSre' '^,^,"^ ^''^thor : this may prove
glory of ,/y ovS throw: i?f cn,f crdS him ';"^ '''^''^ ?\' *"^
myself every wnv. You ire h n hV. ™ f "^ ^^'''y' ^ '^'^•s">
Con. To tlie death my lord '' ''""^ '^'" ''^^^'^' '"^ '^
greater: th^afl^ ^uhdle^r^^^^'^;!;- -.^h-V'^-r ''^ ^^^
Uora We 11 wait upon your lordship. ^e^^,^^^^^
ACT TWO
Scene T.-A Hall in Leoxato's House
Enter Leonato A.xo.xo, Hebo, Beat^uch, and others
see^^bi'm h^Ji'T o '''^,'^ ^'^^^ gentleman looks : I never can
see mm, but I am heart-burned an hour after
Bat- He' we?^ n "^'^ "-'«"^holy dljposi't ^n.
like an imace. and snv<! nr.fi„-„7, ^cucukk . tne one is too
l-;ys eldoli io"VvS™,re tafliina" °"'" '""' ""' -^
Jota^"„,„Sr;md1n,tg''!.^'?^r^''^'''', '°"8»= "> Count
Hcncdick's r"ce,_ •'°''" " ""^'ancholy in Signior
woma';, in/hf «o",5 Iff", VuldVt hT.r ':;i,r'" ""^
C™?' JuJ^^if ,^1'°V""''°°" "■'" ='^'"1 vouVro horns-.
'■■oiiiiig Lord I ■n.n'^ -^ ^""'^ "■'■'■J' "iwnliig and
l^elt: What" h^ulf I T ^'^ ';f r?^^ ''''' -^-"h no beard,
annnroi o„ ' , ^'^. "^"^ '''^^ '^"" • ^ress him in mv
.^-ru, and m^d.c him -nv waitine-sentlewoman ?
beard
He
-: . a.U^ ISslrr^a"- :;/2-^: -! ^ tha h^
youlhisnotforme:ai;;ihrVhat^Ie
an : and he that is more th
an a
38— o*
521
ss than a man, I am not
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act n Sc i
for him : therefore I will even take sixpence in earnest of
the bearward, and lead his apes into hell.
Leon. Well, then go you into hell ?
Beat. No ; but to the gate ; and there will the devil
meet me, like an old cuckold, with horns on his head, and
say, " Get you to heaven, Beatrice, get you to heaven ■
here 's no place for you maids : " so deliver I up my apes'
and away to Saint Peter : for the heavens, he shows me
where the bachelors sit, and there live we as merry as the
day is long.
Ant. \To Hero] Well, niece, I trust, you will be ruled
by your father.
Beat. Yes, faith ; it is my cousin's duty to make
courtesy, and say, " Father, as it please you : " but yet for
all that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or else make
another courtesy, and say, " Father, as it please me."
Leon. Well, niece, I hope to see you one day fitted with
a husband.
Beat. Not till God make men of some other metal than
earth. Would it not grieve a woman to be over-mastered
with a piece of valiant dust ? to make an account of h^r
life to a clod of wayward marl ? No, uncle, I '11 none •
Adam's sons are my brethren ; and, truly, I hold it a sin
to match in my kindred.
Leon. Daughter, remember what I told vou : if the
prince do solicit you in that kind, you know your answer.
Beat. The fault will be in the music, cousin, if you be
not wooed in good time : if the prince be too important,
tell him there is measure in everything, and so dance out
the answer. For hear me, Hero : wooing, wedding, and
repenting, is as a Scotch jig, a measure, and a cinque-pace •
the first suit is hot and hasty, like a Scotch jig, and full as
fantastical ; the wedding, mannerly modest, as a measure,
full of state and ancientry ; and then comes repentance'
and with his bad legs falls into the cinque-pace faster and
fasLer, till he sink into his grave.
Leon. Cousin, you apprehend passing shrewdly.
Beat. I have a good eye, uncle ; I can see a church by
daylight. "^
Leon. The revellers are entering, brother. Make cood
room I
Liter Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthazar, Don
John, Boraciiio, Margaret, Ursula, and others, masked
D. Pedro. Lady, will you walk about with vour friend ?
Hero. So you walk softly, and look sweetly, and sav
nothing, I am yours tor the walk ; and especially when 1
walk away.
D. Pedro. With me in your company ?
Hero. I may say so, when I please.
622
;l
I
r
Marg.
Balth.
Marg.
Balth.
Marg.
Urs.
Ant.
Urs.
Ant.
Urs.
Act II Sci MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
lutfsh^oulX?ikVtt%reV"^^^^ ^^^ God defend the
ho^fsl^^^e.'^^ ^'"'' '^ ^'"'^'"^"'^ ^«°^' Within the
n'p;rfr7''^s'nl''I",^°" •/''"'■ '''°"'^ ^« thatched.
iJ. /'edro. Speak low, if you speak love.
Balth. Well. I would vou did like me ^'^"^'' "'" ""'''
maY;i qu'a^iilLt' "°' '' ''' ^^"^ °^^'" ^^^ ^ '- ^ '--e
iu///i. Which is one ?
I say my prayers aloud.
I love you the better ; the hearers may cry Amen
God match me with a good dancer !
Amen.
., And God keep him out of my sight when thp
dance is done 1— Answer, clerk. ^ ^
Balth. No more words the clerk is answered.
it aTo^d? ram^n"oT' ' ^^" ^"^ ^'^^'^^ ^"^--•
I know you by the waggling of your head.
10 tell you true, I counterfeit him
You could never do him so Ul-well, unless vou wpr^
Ant. At a word, I am not.
Urs. Come, come, do you think I do not know vmi h^
your excellent wit ? Can virtue hide itse"f ? Go to^mum
^T.7 ^iS^'"'' ^^"^ ^PP«^^' «nd there's an end ' '
Beat. Will you not tell me who told you so ?
Bene. No, you shall pardon me.
Bene. ^°Vn,V°" "'' '^'^"^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^ '
.if ^ut ol'tfe «• H^rd^tV"Tll:s^'' \^rif Th^ ««^^
Signior Benedick that said so ^ ' ~^^^"' ^^'^^ ''''''
Bene. What 'she?
rTJ: l/"?'/"u^>'''" ^"°^ ^^™ ^vell enough,
-ocne. Not I, believe me. ^
Did he never make you lau^h ?
I pray you, what is he ? °
onlv hi« JlTi"^' ^^ i^ "^? prince's jester : a very dull fool •
libertfnes^deli'.fhMn'^r'^"^ impossible slanders f none but
hk vvit K.,? • ?^^ 'n h m ; and the commendation is not in
his VMt, but in his vdlainy,for he both pleases men and an-Vr
ure ho?c^- "it" i^^y ^^"8^ ^t him and beTt hfm ?°am
Bene w, "'" ?tf^ '' ^ ^"^"'^ ^^ ''^^ boarded m^ I '
you say '" ^ ^"'''' "^' e^^^^l^"^^n, I 'U tell him what
Beat.
Bene.
Beat.
623
11
it
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act II Sc 1
if
Beat. Do, do : he '11 but break a comparison or two on
me ; which, perad venture, not niarico.d, or jiot laughed at
strikes him into mcianolioly ; and then tliere 's a partrid-^'e
\ving saved, for tlie fool will eat no supper that nicirt
[Music within] We must follow the lenders.
Bene. In every ^'ood thing.
Beal. Nay, if tliey lead to any ill, I will leave them at
the next turning.
[Dance. Then exeunt all except Don John,
liorachio, and Claud io
John. Sure, my brother is amorous on Hero, and hath
withdrawn her father to break with him about '\ The
ladies follow her, and but one visor remains.
Bora. And that is Claudio : I know him by his bearing
John. Are you not Signior Benedick ?
Claud. You know me well ; I am he.
John. Signior, you are very n^ar my brother in -is
love : he IS enamoured on Hero. I pray you, dissuade him
from her, she is no equal for his birth : you may do the
part of an honcit man in it.
Claud. How know you he loves her ?
I beard him swear his affection.
So did I too ; and he swore he would marry her
John.
Bora.
to-night
John.
Claud.
'TSSE*
Come, let us to the banquet.
[Exeunt Don John and Borachio
Thus answer I in name of Benedick,
But hear these ill news with the ears of Claudio.
'T is certain so ;— the prince woos for liimself.
Friendship is constant in all other things
Save in the office and affairs of love :
Therefore, all hearts in love use their own tongues •
Let every eye ijegotiate for itself, '
And trust no agent ; for beauty is a witch.
Against whose charms faith meiteth into blood.
This is an accident of hourly proof,
Which I mistrusted not. Farewell, then, Hero I
Re-enter DENEDicii
Count Claudio ?
Yea, the same.
Come, will you go with me ?
Whither ?
Even to the next willow, about vo ir own business
count. What fashion will you wear the garland of?
About your neck, like an usurer's chain, or under your arm,
like a lieutenant's searf ? You must wear it one way, for
the prince hath got your Hero.
Claud. I wish him joy of her.
Bene. Why, that 's spoken like an honest drover : so
524
Bene.
Claud.
Bene.
Claud.
Bene.
Act II Scl JIUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Claud. I pray you, leave me.
*hf f"^* *^^? \ V°^'' ^'°" ^^'"'^^ "J^<^ t»'c blind man : 't was
cS TMf'^'r^'/^K^"^' ""^ y«"'" ^«^t the post
C/aud. If It will not be, I 'U leave you. [Exit
hene. Alas, poor hurt fowl I Now Nvill he creeo into
sedges.-liut, that my Lady Beatrice should Lnow me
and not know me I The prince's fool 1-Ha 1 it may be
I go under that title because I am merry.- Yea b?t so
I am apt to do myself wrong : I am not so reputed It's
he base though bitter disposition of Beatrice, that' nuts
the world into her person, and so gives me out Well ru
be revenged as I may. ' ^ "
Re-enter Don Peduo
Now, Signior, where 's the count ?
Did you
D. Pedro.
see him ?
FnmT'' jV.llh "l?-^ 'k''^' ^ ^'''''^ P'-'^^'^^l th^ P^'-t of Lady
tamt. I found hmi here as melancholy as a lodge in a
warren. I told him, and I think I told him true thft vou?
grace had got the good will of this young lady ; and I oflSed
hnn my company to a willow-tree, either to make him a
B^n^''^ Th. "^1? ^^^vhipped 1 What 's his fault ?
J^ene. The flat transgression of a schoolboy • whr.
Th?trSfrress^^il'Lrt'j,e'"s?c'a',e?. """' " '--6--'» '
-nJVIf' ^f^ V]^'^^ ""^ ^^^^ ^""ss the rod had been made
und the garland too ; for the garland he might have worn
as"J? l'/;;^*'' ''? }"' ''''^''' ''■'"'-' bestowed on you, who
as I take it, have stolen his birds' nest
thfmt^ot:-oJn:f '^^' '^'^' '^^"" ^^ ^^"- -^ ^-t-^
vofTay honestly. ''"°'"° ''''''''' ''''' ^^>''"8' ^>' "^^ ^^^th,
Z) Pedro. The Lady Beatrice hath a quarrel to vou • thj-
v.r^^^^^^^^^^ -i^^ ^^^ ^«ld\er she L'^mu'c'h
•.n^!,'b ■ K ?' '^•'Ju "Misused mc past the endurance of a block •
i T mv vVr;;'t^"' F" '^^^ *^" ''' ^^"l^ have answered
' J-' S»? ] fT ^'''°'' ^*^"^'- ^"^ ''"""^e life, and srold with
\\ .V ih„ • f"*-.' ""^ thinking 1 had been myself, that f
nw hEr''-^''^^'"' ^^'^^ I ^^^^ ^""«^^ than a g?eat
inaw , huddling jest upon jest, with such impossible con
a Sf' "P^" '"^' ^'^^t ^ stood like a man at a mark with
u AMioIe army shoothig at me. She speaks poSs, anS
.^25
l,->
'^.M^^^m^^^EM^s^'Ml
'^i^-.
i^-;.
'lid 'I i
•k4*
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act H Sc i
every word stabs : if her breath were as terrible as her
terminations, there were no living near her ; she would
infect to the north star. I would not marry her, though
she were endowed with all that Adam had left him before
he transgressed : she would have made Hercules have
turned spit, yea, and have cleft his club to make the Are too.
Come, talk not of her ; you shall find her the infernal At6
in good apparel. I would to God, some scholar would
conjure her, for, certainly, while she is here, a man may
live as quiet in hell as in a sanctuary ; and people sin upon
purpose, because they would go thither ; so, indeed, all
disquiet, horror, and perturbation follow her.
D. Pedro. Look, here she comes.
Enter Claudio, Beatrice, Hero, and Leonato
Bene. Will your grace command me any service to the
world's end ? I will go on the slightest errand now to the
Antipodes, that you can devise to send me on : I will fetch
you a toothpicker now from the farthest inch of Asia ;
bring you the length of Prester John's foot ; fetch you a
hair of the Great Cham's beard ; do you any embassage to
the Pigmies, rather than hold three words' conference with
this harpy. You have no employment for me ?
D. Pedro. None, but to desire your good company.
Bene. O God, sir, here 's a dish I love not : I cannot
endure my Lady Tongue. [Exit
D. Pedro. Come, lady, come ; you have lost the heart
of Signior Benedick.
Beat. Indeed, my lord, he lent it me awhile ; and I gave
him use for it, a double heart for his single one : marry,
once before he won it of me with false dice, therefore your
grace may well say I huve lost it.
D. Pedro. You have put Iiim down, lady ; you have
put him down.
Beut. So I would not he should do me, my lord, lost I
should prove the mother of fools. I have brought Count
Claudio, whom you sent me to seek.
D. Pedro. \\'hy, how now, count ? wherefore are you
sad?
Claud. Not sad, my lord.
D. Pedro. How then ? sick ?
Claud, ^-either, my lord.
Beat. The count is neither sad nor sick, nor niorry, nor
well ; but civil, count, civil as an orange, and something
of that jealous complexion.
D. Pedro. I' faith, lady, I think ynur hl.iznn tn be true ;
though, I '11 be sworn, if he i)e so, his" conceit is false. — Here,
Claudio, I have wooed in thy name, and lair Hero is won ;
I have broke with her father, and his good will obtained ;
name the day of marriage, and God give thee joy I
52()
H
ij;:i.±j^Z£^M:mL^i'
•'•'atjrt*'
-i2i£jii:.i
T
Act II Scl MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Beat. Speak, count, 't is your cue.
SprTh'c LTha^nT = ' ''" "^^ ■"^^^" '" ^-- ''''■'' ■'»'"
wiKkk^allH l^^h'" ' "f- " y?" '=™"°'' ^'»P his mouth
n D 1 ' . '' him not speak neither.
C/a«rf. And so she doth, cousin.
torwofd^L^tkn^s^^i^^^-^n'h-;;;^^^^^^
corner and cry heigh-ho for a husband 1 ^ '^ '" ^
^. Perfro. Lady Beatrice, I will get you one
Beat. 1 would rather have one of yoi? father's cettin^
Hath your grace ne'er a brother like vou ? Ym,n f Vk^'
%f |r ' '^^ i- -t iif r-e "^ --""
So~-~-r.TitX^«i-:
^S" I'^rTyriScv'und; ''r ''^"^^ ^ ^^^^ >^°" -^ ^
v-iy you mercy, uncle.— By your grace's pardon.
Uon'^^^-u^^y "/y f'-^th, a pleasant-spirited lady. ^^""'^
feJn'^'o ifv "n^"*"""^ "'"'^r^ ^^ *^^^^ t^" of a husband,
of sSit ' ^ "° '"'^"'' ^^^ "^o^ks all her wooers out
So^'^^n'r ^^,^ "''^'.^ ^"^ excellent wife for Benedick
chSch f"- ^'""- <^"'"'"<'' ™hen mean you to go to
527
•I!
'i :■■
i:
f ;
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act II Scli
4uf!""\ To-morrow, my lord. Time goes on crutches,
till love have all his rites.
Leon. Not till Monday, my dear son, which is hence a
just seven-night ; and a time too brief too, to have all
things answer my mind.
D. Pedro. Come, you shake the head at so lonj^ a breath-
ing ; Ijut, I warrant thee, Claudio, the time shall not go
dully by us. I ^vil^ in the interim, undertake one of
Hercules labours; which is, to bring Signior Benedick and
tlie Lndy Beatrice into a mountain of affection the one
with the other, I would fain have it a m;!lch ; and I
doubt not but to fashion it, if you three will but minister
such assistance as I shall give you direction.
J.eon. My lord, 1 am lor you, though it cost me ten
nights walchings.
Claud. And I, my lord.
D. Pedro. And you too, gentle Hero ?
Hero. I will do any modest ollice, my lord, to hclo mv
cousin to a good husband. "
D. Pedro. And Benedick is not the unhopefullesl
husband that I know. Thus far can I praise him : he is of
a noble strain, of approved valour, and coniirmed honestv
1 will teach you how to humour your cousin, that she shall
fall in love with Benedick ; and I, with your two helps
will so practise on Benedick, that, in despite of his quick
wit and his queasy stomach, he shall fall in love with
.ieatrice. If we can do this, Cupid is no longer an archer •
his glory shall be ours, for we are the only love-guds Go
in \Mlh me, and I will tell you my drift. [Exeunt
■i-
ScENE II. — Another Room in Leonato's House
Enter Don John and Borachio
John. It is so : the Count Claudio shall marrv tlu
daughter of Lconato. ^
Bora. Yea, my lord : but I can cross it.
'^?-^^' x.^^^' ^^'■' ^^^y ^^'^^^' ^"y impediment will be
medicinable to me : 1 am sick in diipleasure to him, and
whatsoever comes athwart his alloction ranges evenlv with
nunc. How canst thou cross this marriage '>
Bora. Not honestly, my lord; but so coverUv that no
dishonesty shall ai)pear in me.
John. Show me briefly how.
Bora I tiiink I told your lordship, a vear since, how
much I am in the favour of .Margaret, the'wailing-Gcnlle-
v\uiiian to Iiero.
Jolm. I remember.
Bora I can, at any unseasonable instant of the night,
appoint her to look out at her lady's cluuuber v,indo^\\
52S
AclII Sciii MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
m/rria"gc ?"""" '"" '* '" "'"'• '>> ""^ "- "-Ih or ll,is
contanunatcd slale. such a one\^ Hero ^^^^ ''"^'^ "P> ^° ^
IhaL Hero loves me • int^nH \ V . I"' ^^'^^ y°" ^"^w
prince and Ch'^dS asil^^ "oveoVvL'r frf .^'^^^ "^^
uho halh made tli s match nm.h^f'^'^ ''"'* honour,
^vho is thus like Vrbe cozen 'r wit ff'^^^S'-p "Nation,
n.uid-that you have discovered this Tl.ev'lm""" °' «
believe this without trial - nlLl it ■ \ ^'^^ scarcely
shall bear no less HkelihioVf... I . ^^"" instances, which
^vindow. hear me call M.rlrM i^*° '''\"'*' ""^ ^''' chamber
me ClaudioTTnd brini tS toT^ ^^'"^
before the intended widd\nrr for hf . ' ^*'' ."^^'y "^^ht
^^<Ta. Be you constant in the arriieofi^^ „ ^
cunnmg shall not shame me accusation, and my
John. I wm presently go learn their day of marriage.
[Exeunt
Scene III.— Leo.nato's Orchard
f/j/er Benedick
Boy,^
r, c- . . JE'n/er a Boy
noy. Signior. *
l.-e again' "^ S/S^^.^ ';*,™r.t"or"'S ^°^'' ■""'
629
Bene.
1^
ii:
f r
II
I - ;
>:
i :
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act n Sc iii
scorn by falling in love : and such a man is Claudio. I
have known when there was no music with him but the
drym and the fife ; and now had he rather hear the tabor
and the pipe : I have Icnown, when he would have wallccd
ten mile afoot to see a good artnour ; and now will he lie
ten nights awalcc, carving the fashJcn of a new doublet. He
was wont to speak plain and to the purpose, like an honest
man and a soldier ; and now is he turned orthographer •
his words are a very fantastical banquet, just so many
strange dishes. May I be so converted, and see with these
eyes ? I cannot tell ; I think not : I will not be sworn but
love may transform me to an oyster ; but I '11 take my oath
on I ' . till he have made an oyster of me, he shall never make
me >uch a fool. One woman is fair, — yet I am well ; another
is wise, — yet I am well ; another virtuous, — yet I am well ;
but till all graces be in one woman, one woman shall not
come in my grace. Rich she shall be, that 's certain ; w isc
or I '11 none ; virtuous, or I '11 never cheapen her ; fair, or
I '11 never look on her ; mild, or come not near me ; noble,
or not I for an angel ; of good discourse, an excellent
musician, and her hair shall be of what colour it please God
Ha, the prince and Monsieur Love ! I will hide me in the
arbour. [Withdrawn
Enter Don Peduo, Leonato, and Claudio, followed by
Balthazar and Musicians
D. Pedro. Come, shall we hear this music ?
Claud. Yea, my good lord. How still the evening is.
As hushed on purpose to grace harmony 1 —
D. Pedro. See you where Benedick hath hid himself ?
Claud. O, very well, my lord : the music ended.
We '11 fit the kid-fox with a pennyworth.
D. Pedro. Come, Balthazar, we 'II hear that song ag;iin.
Dalth. O, good my lord, tax not so bad a voice
To slander music any more than once.
D. Pedro. It is the witness still of excellency.
To put a strange face on its own perfection. —
I pray thee, sing, and let we woo no more.
Balth. Because you talk of wooing, I will sing ;
Since many a wooer doth commence his suit
To her he thinks not worthy ; yet he wooes.
Yet will he swear he loves.
D. Pedro. Nay, pray thee, come :
Or, if thou wilt hold longer argument.
Do it in notes.
Btdlh. Note this before my notes :
There's not a note of mine that 's w'orth the noting.
D. Pedro. Why, these are very crotchets that he speaks ;
Note, notes, forsooth, and noting ! [Music
Bene. [Aside] Now, divine air I now is his soul ravished I
530
(^^^'^^'jS^H'
dm^iii^'^y-'mi.,i^^^^'^
Act II Sclli MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
ot^mcn s Dodies?-WelI. a horn, for my money, when all 's
Dalth. [Sings]
Sir/h no more, ladies, sigh no more.
Men were deceivers ever ;
One foot in sea, and one on shore :
To one thing constant never.
Then sigh not so.
But lei them go,
And be you blithe and hnnmj.
Converting all ijour sounds of woe
Into, Hey nonny, nonny.
Sing no more ditties, sing no mo
Of dumps so dull and heavy ;
The fraud of men was ever so.
Since summer first was leavy.
Then sigh not so, etc.
?.' ,^u'^''°: Py "^y ^^''^^' a good song.
liaiin. And an ill singer, my lord
for^a 2m: "^ ' ""' "° ' '^'"^' '^*^" ^'"6"^^t ^^-^W enough
Bene. [Aside] An he had been a dog that should Have
howled thus, they would have hanged him • and I or-iv Si
^Z if^r^'' ^"^^^ "° "^'^'^hief I "l had a's Hef hJv'^hea d
the night-raven, come what plague could have come after
nr^^ f ho?"!; ♦ ^''''•' '"'''■''y ' ^"'^ t'^o" hear. Balthazar ■> I
11^ m'k^''* ".' '°"'^ excellent music, for to-morrow nieht
^^r^^i^'T ^-^"^ "^^- ^^^^^^^- ^varii^o:e^s
thfSsit?' 7-^7J'^'''^\t ^'^'■"1 S^'-^"^ «"• stalk on;
any man "*"'''' ^^'"^ ^^""^ ^'^^^^ ^^'""^^ ^'^^e loved
^^eon. No, nor I neither ; but most wonderful tlnf th^
ouh" ;lr, ^,''^"" ^^«"^"^- ^^^"^^"^•»^-' >vhon" she hath in all
outuard behaviours seemed ever to abhor
corne"'? ^'^""'''^ '' '^ ^'''''^^' ' ^''' 'he wind in that
_ f-eon. By my troth, mv lord. I mnnnt toii vk-i* m ^h.-n--
01 it, but that she loves him with an enra^^ed iffectVoM i'r
is past the infinite of thour^ht ^""^ed aJlection,— it
Ciaff'\ ^lu^v,^ '^^ ^"''^ ^"t counterfeit.
c./«£u/. Faith, like enough.
^eon. O God, counterfeit I There was never counter-
631
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act H Sclii
felt of passion came so lu ur the life of passion a* she dis-
covers It.
D. Pedro. Why, what clTecis of passion shows slie ?—
Claud. \Aside] Dail the liuok well : this fish will bite
Icon. What eflects. my inni ? She will sit vnu,— vou
heard my daughter tell vou how.
Claud, She did indeed.
J). Pcdru. How, how, I prav vou ? You amaze nu- •
I would have thouplit her spirit had been Invincible againsl
nil assaults of alTection.
Leon. I would have sworn it had, my lord : cspeclallv
against Benedick. —
lime. [Aside] I should think this a gull, but that tin
vhile-bearded fellow sj)eaks it : knavcrv cannot, sure, hide
liln self in such reverence. —
Claud. [Aside] He hath ta'en the infection : hold il
up.™
D. Pedro. Hath she made her nllection known to Bene-
dick V
Leon. No, and swears she never uill : that's her torment.
Claud. ^ 'T is true, indeed ; so your daughter says :
" Shall I," says she, " that have so oft encountered hini
with scorn, write to him that I love him ? "
Leon. This says she, now, when she is beginning to
write to him ; for she '11 be up twenty times a night, and
there will she sit in her smock, till she have writ a sheet of
paj)er.— My daughter tells us all.
Claud. Now you talk of a sheet of paper, I remember
a pretty jest your daughter told us of.
Leon. O,— when she had writ it, and was reading il
over, she found Hcnedick and Beatrice between the
sheet ? —
Claud. That.
Leon. O, she tore the letter into a thousand halfpence,
railed at herself, that she should be so immodest to write to
one that she knew would flout her : — " I measure him," says
she, " by my ow n spirit ; for I should flout him, if he writ "to
me ; yea, though I love him, I should."
Claud. Then down upon her knees she falls, weeps,
sobs, beats her heart, tears her liair, prays, curses ;— " u
sweet Benedick I God give me patience f"
Leon. She doth indeed : my daughter savs so ; and
the ecstasy hath so much overborne her, that my daughln
is sometimes afeard she will do a desperate outrage to
herself. It is very true.
D. Pedro. It were good thai Benedick knew of it bv
some other, if she will not discover it.
Claud. To what end ? He would but make a sport ot
it, and torment the poor lady worse.
D. Pedro. An he should, it were an alms to hang him.
532
Act II SciU
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
-you
l^vi^rur""""' '""' ""'"• ""■•• »"« »' »" »"»P1. ion, .1,0
Claud. And sho Is exccc.llnd «isc.
r;„„ n I " '•;">"""><• """ m lovIng Dmcdlck
.cn'o'cr". boJyr^.'ire^;i''„''-'„™''/'""'^r""* "' '»
tl,o victory. an, " „„ ,'" P,'"'! V „""'' ,'""' '''""'I '■all,
l.cr unci- and l,2?guanllan ' ' ' *""" ""^ """'■ "''"K
n^."; / wtid hariv^:iMr'.f,h^'rr!.r", "•" •"•''-*= -
hall myself. 1 nrav vm. "" "|J"<''n<;i-l». aii.l made her
ivhat a' will say."^^ '' ' ^''^ D^n^Jick o( it, and hear
sho"Xlie""°oliw l;:r':",'td',J'''il'",-^ '" ""= '">'.
l^eS°-~f HS£tr-rS
you kn„™ a«, ha7h rcoiue;:-;, illir^llSiJ = '"' "«' ■""". -
L/aurf He IS a very proper nian.
aJ^'h.^ t'S; S;';;'.,-;;;^rX't?j'e'"""'"'
mfJu""- "' """"• '"'I-". »how s„;„r;>;ars''-tl,at are
irPMr^"V '»''^'""' '» '"> valiant.
l.o«o?v?r"it seemrnoi"ii'°ht •, '"' "'° "J"" '''"" ''"■• Go<l.
"lake. Well, I amsor^ fn^ V " '■'""'= '"''S" J"'^ '"= «ll
l>.aodlck. and'teThlm^f'K^rZ'e ""='='=• "'"^ "' ^o seek
>J:acL^" "" ■""■ '-y '"" ■■ ' '<=' her wear it out uitl,
o,,uS. ''''^' """'' ""PO^^'W" : »he may wear h.r heart
'!.'Shler''™;tirco''oltT ^Ll", ""r,""-lh" o( it by your
' could M h he won d .no i'„ ' '"''" ?<:'"'dlck well.\„d
i-v much he is'urorthv ?*ha '^. TZT^f'T"' '" "'
WUI never l^.f i,^'ex';e??a;roL''"" "" "«' "''»" '"is, I
'«-"7td&s'i-X^-e^
633
Pi
m
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING AcL H Sc iii
carry. The sport will be, when they hold one an opinion
^l^^''^^^^'\^/ota8\^nd no such matter : that 's the sSne
that I would see, which will be merely a dumb-show Let
us send her to call him in to dinner.
n.n. fA^ [E3:eunt Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato
f hft^t"f I^^'^^'^'^i' from the arbour] This can be no trick :
hfs froS'H.'ro''%H'^y borne—They have the truth o
this froni Hero. They seem to pity the lady : it seems
her affections have their full bent Love me 1 whv it must
be requited I hear how I am censured Tthey say I wS
bear myself proudly, if I perceive the love come from her
they say, too, that she will rather die than give aZ sign
of affection.-I did never think to marry.-I must not
seem proud.— Happy are they that hear their detractions
I is a truth, I can bear them witness ; and virtuous • 't is
so, I cannot reprove it ; and wise, but for loving me ' By
Sl^''^"V. '^ '/ "^T ^^'^'^^^^ t« her wit, nor no great argument
of her folly, for I will be horribly in love with her ^I mav
chance have some odd quirks and remnants of wit broken
^f'?^^^'''?"l^ ^ •'^^^ ""ed so Jong against marriace
L"s voi?h" thi? rPP''''^"^'!f • ^ "^^^^°^«^ th^ m a? n
his youth, that he cannot endure in his age. Shall ouios
and sentences, and these paper bullets of the brain awe i'
man from the career of his humour ? No : the world mus?
be peopled. When I said I would die a bacheloJ I did no
BwhfV. °"^^^^^^.' '^H ^-''r '"^rried.-HerecomesLa?rke
Enter Beatrice
Against my will I am sent to bid you come In to
Beat.
dinner.
pint' F*^ Beatrice, I thank you for your pains.
tfeat. I took no more pains for those thanks than von
iave^cZe'' '"'"' "^ = " " ^^^ ^^^" painf", I'wo^^d^ot
Bene. You take pleasure then in the message ?
Beat. \ ea, just so much as you may take upon a knife's
o tL"nkmr-P'"?hn^" '"""' 'l"-""^' 'han "you took palnl
eogeVZ"p];lS?/ '"donotlove,.. .u„,a'jj;v".-g|
634
Act III Sci
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
ACT THREE
Scene I.— Leonato's Garden
r/7/er Hero, Margaret, and Ursula
?f n LTh^' ^'■'^"'•^' ^"d our' whole discourse
"^" of her ; say, that thou overhcardst us
W,Pr 't ^'' '^'^/ ^"^« the pleaches bo vcr'
pJrK- , honeysuckles, ripened by the sun
Forbid the sun to enter ; like favour! c'
Aanin.TC'^.^y P"""^^' that advance their pride
Against that power that bred it.— There AWHsh^ hi i ,
To listen our propose. This is thy oE ^'' ''''•
^/ r^. I II make her come, I warrant you. presently.
uur talk must only be of Benedick :
\Mien I do name him, let it be thy part
SvfX't ^1^ "'"'^ than ever man^dTd merit
My talk to thee must be, how Benedick
s sick in love with Beatrice : of S matter
That only wounds by hearsay. Now begin ;
P^ . , , ^^^^'' Beatrice, behind
nll7^^^^^^ Beatrice, like a lapwing runs
UrsKtV'"''^'.'.'' '''''' <>"^ con/erence
Cu^lu^ o^^n^^sThf Xi^^s^tr^ '^^ '''
And greedily devour the treacherous bait^'
So angle we for Beatrice ; who even now
Fea? vou ni? '"' ^^^°^^^"« cover't'ure"'''
Hero tV- "'^ P-'^'t of the dialogue.
ouhrfaisl';;^eTi;StraU;^^^^^ '-^ -t^^n^
U'now'^* ^ ""^"' ^'^^ '^ too disdJhZ ;
\s hn^^ '/ '^-/"it^ ^'•'^ '^s coy and wild
AS Haggards of the rock.
i>rs. r> 1.
Tlut Benedick loves Beatric^et ^n^i^^l^v ^^^
^ero. So says the prince, and my new-troth^d lord.
535
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act HI Sc i
Hii>
i;
H
r:
i li
If
^iiifl
Urs. And did they bid you tell her of it, madam ?
Hero. They did entreat me to ticquaiiit hir of it ;
Hut I persuaded them, if they loved Benedick,
To wish him wrestle with alTectlon,
And never to let Beatrice know of it.
Urs. Why did you so ? Doth not the gentleniiui
Deserve as full as fortunate a bed
As ever Beatrice shall couch upon ?
Hero. O God of love ! I know, he doth deserve
As much as may be yielded to a man ;
But Nature never framed a woman's heart
Of prouder stuff than that of Beatrice :
Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes,
Misprising what they look on ; and her wit
Values itself so highly, that to her
All matter else seems weak. She cannot love.
Nor take no shape nor project of affection,
She is so self-endeared.
Urs. Sure, I think so ;
And therefore, certainly it were not good
She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
Hero. Why, you speak truth. I never yet saw m
How wise, how noble, young, how rarely featured.
But she would spell him backward : if fair-faced.
She would swear the gentleman should be her sister ;
If black, why. Nature, drawing of an antick.
Made a foul blot ; if tall, a lance ill-headed ;
If low, an agate very vilely cut ;
If speaking, why, a vane blown with all winds ;
If silent, why, a block mov6d with none.
So turns she every man the wrong side out.
And never gives to truth and virtue that
Which simpleness and merit purchaseth.
Urs. Sure, sure, such carping is not commendable.
Hero. No ; not to be so odd, and from all fashions.
As Beatrice is, cannot be commendable.
But who dare tell her so ? If I should speak.
She 'd mock me into air : O, she would laugh me
Out of myself, press nie to death with wit.
Therefore let Benedick, like covered fire,
Consume away in sighs, waste inwardly :
It were a better death than die with mocks.
Which is as bad as die with tickling.
Urs. Yet tell her of it : hear what she will sav.
Hero. No ; rather I will go to Benedick,
And counsel him to fight against his passion.
And, truly, I '11 devise some honest slanders
To stain my cousin with. One doth not know.
How much an ill word may empoison liking.
Urs. O, do not do your cousin such a wrong.
636
an,
^iijm^Mmi^^^'
Act III Scii MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
She cann.ot be so much without true judament—
Having so swift and excellent a wit
As she is prized to have— as to refuse
So rare a gentleman as Signior Benedick.
Hero. He is the only man of Italy,
Always excepted my dear Claudio.
<zr.^Sl\ J P^^^ y°"' ^!,"°^ ^"Sry with me, madam.
Speaking my fancy : Signior Benedick,
For shape, for bearing, argument, and valour.
Goes foremost in report: through Italy.
Hero. Indeed, he hath an excellent good nnme.
Urs. His excellence did earn it, ere he had it.—
\\ hen are you married, madam ?
T'lf^u^" .If^^' *^^^y ^^y ;— to-morrow. Come, go in :
1 11 show thee some attires, and have thv counsel,
VV hich IS the best to furnish me to-morrow —
Urs [Aside] She's limed, I warrant you: we have
caught her, madam. j u • we nave
Hero. [Aside] If it prove so, then loving goes bv bans •
Some Cupid kiUs with arrows, some with traps ^ "
D 1 I.J . [Exeunt Hero and Ursula
neat [Adoancing] What fire is in mine ears ? Can
this be true ?
Stand I condemned for pride and scorn so much ?
(.ontcmpt, farewell 1 and maiden pride, adieu I
No glory Uves behind the back of such.
And Benedick, love on ; I will requite thee.
Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand
if thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee
i o bind our loves up in a holy band ;
For others say thou dost deserve, and I
Bcheve it better than reportingly. [j^^if
Scene II. — A Room in Leonato's House
Enter Don Pedho, Claudio, Benedick, and Leonato
n,o?' ^^^^^:^ ^ ^^ ^"^ ^^^y ^^" yo^r marriage be consum-
mate, and then go I toward Aragon. ^»"^um
Claud. I 'U bring you thither, my lord, if you '11 vouch-
s iie nic.
c'o^; iT/vnn. I^^^' ^^^^ V^^ ^^ ^' ^'^^* ^ soil in the new
f ;rhL J r "^''''•"^ee, as to show a child his new coat, and
Zht ?"" ^"^ '''*'^' *'•, ^ ^"^ <^"^y ^^ bold ^ith Benedick
lorl ,s company ; for, from the crown of his head to the sole
'■- id%' bo ' ^^i.?/" "^f^'U^l^ ^^^^ ^^^^« °^ thrice cut
ath m H I, /l^' t""" J""^ ^'^"•^ hangman dare not shoot
k (h 1 ^ ^^^^ ^ ^^^^^ ^^ s"""d ''IS « bell, and his tongue
BenT^KZ\7±' T^'' his heart thinks, histongue speaks
^ine. Gallants, I am not as I have been.
537
ll
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act III Scii
I
n
nZi ^?^^''^^l njethinks you are sadder.
^^"5; , I ha^•e the toothache.
D. Pedro. Draw it.
Bene. Hang it I
n'""n'' ^"'' '"y '• he is in love.
..nfcs itt'o S";; thn;'he''EaTi'o"?tr,''„'.'%"^^ '■" """•
to be a Dutchman tn H ,,/ . i^ , ^"'^"f^e disguises ; as
tl« shape oturc„'u°,;n'S at ™ "c"'™™ f'"'""","' °^„"'
waist downwards all .sinnc L i 'c ^.^'^^^'^-^ from the
upward, no rublot " U ?l^. s he have f ?."n ""'^ ^^ .''^^ '>'^'
ns it appears he hath, he is no fool fo? fan%^ '^'''^^'''"^''
have it appear he is ^"''^ ' ^^ ^^^^ ^^'o»ld
notheving Old 'signs' ^HeTr^sheir^HT".^"' "^^ '^
what should that bode ? ^^ ** mornings :
riSf''\T ^u^4^ ^"y "^'''" seen him at the barbPr'Q 9
of a b?ar,l.'""°"'' "' """'' »-°""8" "■="> "= "id, by the lo.,
• him-„';7t'by,hat''7''°''''''''''"'^'"^^'''-'=™t= can you smell
loxS"""- ■^'"" ■' •■" '"""' "^ '<> »y. "'= «veet youth 's i„
a»fi'rf'™\,„T 'Jvlf '"'"',"°'° °' " ■' '"' melancholy,
n p;,(,; V ■" "'•'" ''" «»"' '» "iisl' liis face ■•
hc.°\v';,:^Wsay„7h'';'"""' '■""'"" '" "-"l.ic.., I
in^'Xe.S&^l,!';:„i-;-^iS'!;,»i:i5:> '^ -^ -pt
co^'cif^f °oncK!t';st'r<;:v' "--^ '-"= '- ■""'•
Claiu!. Nay but I know who loves him.
knJ^; ' Mmnot'.'-'^^ ^^""'^' ' """'''' ^- = ' ™t. one that
of a[^";!;.s /^r him ' '" "^ '" ^^"^^^^"^ ' ^^^ "^ ^-Pi^e
^'^'^'vet ""n ;;;'^'» ^^^"■•'^<i ^vith her face upwards. I
^ ■'- ^a it IS no chanu for the toothache.- Old
338
Act III Sell
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
signior, walk aside with mo : I have studied eight or nine
wise words to speak to you, which these hobby-horses must
not hear. [Exeunt Benedick and Leonato
D. Pedro. For my life, to break with him about Beatrice.
CUiud. 'T is even so. Hero and Margaret have by this
played their parts with Beatrice, and then the two bears
v.ili not bite one another when they meet.
Enter John
John. My lord and brother, God save you.
D. Pedro. Ciood den, brother.
John. If your leisure served, I would speak with you'.
D. Pedro. In private ?
John. If it please you ; yet Count Claudio may hear,
for what I would speak of concerns him.
D. Pedro. What's the matter ?
John. [To Claud.] Means your lordship to be married
to-morrow ?
D. Pedro. You know he docs.
John. I know not that, when he knows what I know.
Claud. If there be any impediment, I pray you, discover it.
John. You may think, I love you not : let that appear
I'.creaftcr, and aim better at me by that I now will manifest.
For my brother, I think, he holds you well, and in dearncss
of heart hath holp to effect your ensuing marriage ; surely,
suit ill spent, and labour ill bestowed I
D. Pedro. Why, what's the matter ?
John. I came hither to tell you : and circumstances
shortened — for she has been too long a talking of — tlie lady
is disloyal.
Claud. Who ? Hero ?
John. Even she : Leonato's Hero, your Hero, every
man's Hero.
Claud. Disloyal ?
John. The word is too good to paint out her wickedness ;
I could say, she were worse : think you of a worse title,
and I will fit her to it. Wonder not till further warraat :
go but with me to-night, you shall see her chamber-winckjw
entered, even the night before her wedding-day : if you
love her then, to-morrow wed her ; but it would better fit
your honour to change your mind.
Claud. May this bo so ?
D. Pedro. I will not think it.
John. If you dare not trust that you see, confess not
that you know. If you will follow me, I will show you
en(!ugh ; and when you have seen more, and heard more,
proceed accordingly.
Claud. If I see anything to-night why I should not
marry her to-morrow : in the congregation, where I should
wed, there will I shame her.
639
'^M'^:
ft
i - ^
11 '
¥4 i*' "
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Act HI Sc HI
show Itself ? ^ *"" "" m'inlght, and let the issue
ri ^i"*";, " *y untowardly turned (
aaad. o mischief strancclv thwariinV, i
whr.„n l^^^f- £~ ■ - - - ^a.
[Exeunt
Scene III._A Street.
7)0.6 ^T ^"^^^"^^ '^''^ Verges, wiik the Watch
Vera d''*^ >'«" ««od men and true ^
salvatL. boVand sUl ^''^ ^^^ ^"^'^^^^y should sufTer
if ttf sho&:^:'a:;'S,Xt'in^t"h* '^^K^^'^^ '^^ "--'
the prince's watch. ^ ai'egiance in them, being chosen for
be constable ? ^ ^*^® "^^^^ desartless man to
the^/cln^'S aSrf^aS^*'^^'^^' ^'' ^ ^«-«« Seacoal, for
^^^^^'^'yo^^'^kT^^^ God hath
lyhe gin Of fortu^ne, bTtV w?i?e%\r;e;rcres"^.-
^o^*""?ou htve' ^f.'' "^^J^^ constable,-
Wel,^ory;uMa\^^;si'r.wh7 'veTodtS^ T"^ ^"^^-•
no boast of it ; and for yo^7wriuL .nH ^" .'' ^"^ "^'''ke
appear when there is naneed of sfiA? /'■^?"S' ^^^ ^hat
thought here to be the most spniif c ^"^S'^y- You arc
constable of the watch^ there?o,i h ^"^ ^'' '"a" ^or the
Tl^s is your charge r-YouS'^.^^^^^ T^'^^ ^^nt^^n-
men; you are to bid any nL sta„S K^^^ ^' ^^g'-o^"
and p^resentlyU^^h" r2 oUh^r^^fch'to^e^^ ^^* 'i'"^ ^^ '"
God you are rid of a knave together, and thank
Of uS'prince': rubje"<;^ts '''"' ^■'^" '^^ ^^ ^•d<^<^n, he is none
print's su'bTects'^.-.^:7shaVair'''l^^^ "'^"^ ^"t the
f roots ; for for the watch to J?. hT?^* ".^ "°^^'^- ^n t^'^'
Sf \'v /"/f ""' to brendured'^'^'^^ ""^ '^^'^ '^ '"o^t
>vhat belongsto Y'sS."^*^" ''"'P "'^" ^'^'^^ = ^e know
540
Act III Sciil MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
v.a^nf' ^?y' 7°" ^^^^^ "J'e an ancient and most ciuiet
^ec. Watch How, if tliey wUl not ?
iDor/6. Wfiy. tiien let them alone till they arc sober •
If they make you not then the better answer voumlv
5cc. VVafc/i. Well. sir.
Dogb If you meet a thief, you may susnecl him h„
la/hand'st* him ?"' '""^ •"" to b. a thief, shall w. not
wnai tie is, and steal out of your company.
Verg. Youhavebeenalwayscalledamercifulman narfriPr
Dogb. Truly. I would not hang a dog bv mv u m^?. k
more a man who hath any honesty in him^ ^ "' '""'*'
to rh^nursefrnd'lTd Ve?"s^l7iV" ^'^ "^^"^^^' ^«" ^^^ ^^
hefrus?'"''- ''"^' '' '^^ ""^ *»« «^^««P' «nd wm not
h.f S'lfk ^^' *M" **^P^^^ ^n peace, and let the chUd wake
V h.^ t h'"'^'"^..'. '^'^ *^« e^e 'hat will not heir her Snb
£>og6. This is the end of the charce Ynn mnct^Ki^
;J|J^KTLrht'yr-yTayTi- - ---
nS pf ^' \y..'.': '^^y' '*»at, I think, a- cannot
"e v,g.tant, I beseech you. [E^Z^rC^rrf^d v'4S
A41
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act III Sciii
,!
Enter Bohachio and Conrade
Bora. What, Conrade 1 —
Watch. [Aside] Peace I stir not. —
Bora. Conrade, I say !
Con. Here, man, I am at thy elbow.
Bora. Mass, and my elbow itched; I thought, there
would a scab follow.
Con. I will owe thee an answer for that ; and now
forward with thy tale.
Jiora. Stand thee close then under this penthouse, for
it drizzles rain, and I will, like a true drunkard, utter all
to thee. —
Watch. [Aside] Some treason, masters ; yet stand close.
Bora. Therefore know, I have earned of Don John a
thousand ducats.
Con. Is it pos.sil)le that any villainy should be so dear '?
Bora. Thou shouldst rather ask, if it were possible any
villainy should be so rich ; for when rich villains have need
ot poor ones, poor ones may make what price they will.
Con. I wonder at it.
Bora. That shows thou art unconfirmed. Thou knowest
that the fashion of a doublet, or a hat, or a cloak, is nothing
to a man.
Con. Yes, it is appare'
Bora. 1 mean, the fasiuon.
Con. Yes, the fashion is the fashion.
Bora. Tush : I may as well say, the fool 's the fou!.
But scest thou not what a deformed thief this fashion is ?—
Watch. [Aside] I know that Deformed ; a' has been
a vile thief this seven year ; a' goes up and down like a
gentleman. I remember his name.
Bora. Didst thou not hear somebody ?
Con. >tO ; 't was the vane on the house.
Bora. Seest thou not, I say, what a deformed thief this
fashion is ? how giddily a' turns about all the hot bloods
between fourteen and live-and-thirty ? sometime, fashion-
ing them like Pharaoh's soldiers in the reechy paintinj; ;
sometime, like god Bel's priests in the old church-window ;
sometime, like the shaven Hercules in the smirched worm-
eaten tapestry, where his codpiece seemsas massy as his club?
Con. All this I see, and I see that the fashion wears out
more apparel than the man. But art not thou thyself giddy
with the fashion too, that thou hast shifted out of thy tale
into telling me of the fashion ?
Bora. Not so ncitner ; but know, that I have to-nif;ht
wooed Margaret, the Lady Hero's gentlewoman, by the
name of Hero : she leans me out at her mistress' chamber
window, bids me a thousand times good night, — I tell tliis
talc vilely : — I should first tell thee, how the prince, Claudio.
t^,'t
Act III Sciv MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTJIING
and my master, planted, and placed, and possessed hv ,nv
Tcuunt^r '"'"' ^^" "'^^ «" ^» ''^ orchSid'lTs'amlK
Co/j. And thousht they Marfiaret was Hero ?
n iv\ 'n.'r?'''"'''- "">' '^'''''^'' ^f'^>t Don Join ha^ Si'
.nsay %Nent (.lau,:,„ enraged ; swore he would meet her'
as he was api)oi„tecl, nexl in.,rnin« at the tcmule amlfl. r!'
^>ec. U«/c/i. Cull up the right masLer constihl > \v/
h-Tt'. v^ '-'"'V'''''^ '.^^ "'-^t dangerous pece 01 echA
that ever was known in the i(Mni,i<.nv.caiUi 'ccmry,
.' = -"'' !Je;!?s'a its! '"' ''''"'■'"'' ''^ ^"^ '^^ ^'^^"^ = J ^'">^v
. -Masters, masters, —
.irant'j^it.:'- ^'"" ''' ""' '^^'^ ^^^"^ Deformed forth. I
Con. Masters,—
you'[o'g"';;u'„ u^'""" '"''^ ■■ «« 'harge you. Id us „Lcy
talfeZp „Yu,S: Lt^'ASr' " *°°^'^ '-"•"■'•""^. "-'8
wc'-'U obey ™a '"""'^ "' ''''""°"' ' »=■"•""' y-- C,m„c
ScExi: IV.— A Room in Leonato's House
/iVj/er Heuo, Margahkt, and Ursula
Uc'/rrher^ole"^'""'"' ^^"^^ '"^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^trice, and
Urs. I will, lady.
Ilcro. And bid her come hither.
Lrs. Well.
iVeZ X^'""^'"' ^ .V""^' y^"'- "^'»«'- ^^>hato were belUr '^
Af^r' ^F' ^'''^' ^'^^'*''' g"«^ ^'^^^'g' i 'ii Nvt-ar this
couiKill^^^^ ^^"^^ '^ "^^ - ^-^' ^ -^^ ^ ^v J^ant, your
wo^'onJ'l^a^;;^: '' ' '°°^' ^"^^ ^*'"" -^ "-^^-- 1 '11
v.reTVhmS ^i^'^ "^'"^ ^^'^ ''■'^'"" excellently, if the hai-
{'/'"«• O. tliat exceeds, they say.
Marg. By n.y troth 's but a night-gown in respect of
643
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MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Act III Sc Iv
yours,— cloth o' gold, and cuts, and laced with silver, set
v/lth pearls down sleeves, side sleeves, and skirts round
underborne with a bluish tinsel ; but for a flue, quaint'
graceful, and excellent fashion, yours is worth ten on 't. '
Hero. God give me joy to wear it, for my heart is ex-
ceeding heavy 1
Marg. 'T will be heavier soon by the weight of a man.
Hero. Fie upon thee ! art not ashamed ?
Marg. Of what, lady ? of speaking honourably ? Is
not marriage honourable in a beggar ? Is not your lord
honourable without marriage ? I think, you would have
me say, saving your reverence,— a husband : an* bad think-
ing do not wrest true speaking, I'll offend nobody. Is
there any harm in— the heavier for a husband ? Nonv I
think, an it be the right husband, and the ri«ht wife ; other-
wise 't is light, and not heavy : ask my Lady Beatrice eJse •
here she comes.
Hero.
Beat.
Hero.
Beat.
Marg.
a burden
Enter Beatrice
Good morrow, coz.
Good morrow, sweet Hero.
Why, how now ? do you speak in the sick tune ?
I am out of all other tune, methinks.
Clap 's Into " Light o' love ; " that goes without
' do you sing it, and I'll dance it.
Beat. Yea, " Light o' love," with your heels !— then if
your husband have stables enough, you '11 see he shall lack
no barns.
Marg. O illegitimate construction I I scorn that witii
my heels.
Beat. 'T is almost live o'clock, cousin : 't is time voi
were ready. By my troth, I am exceeding ill— heigh-ho'l
Marg. For a hawk, a horse, or a husband ">
Beat. For the letter that begins them all, H.
Marg. Well, an you be not turned Turk, there 's no more
sailmg by the star.
Beat. What mtans the fool, trow ?
Marg. Nothing I ; but God send every one their heart s
desire I
Hero These gloves the count sent me, they arc uu
excellent perfume. "^
Beat. I am stuffed, cousin, I cannot smell.
Marg. A maid, and stuffed I there's goodly catchiii"
of cold. ■^ v«i.^^i.iiio
Beat. O, God help me, God help me 1 how long ha\ e
you professed apprehension ? » '"» ^
Marg. Ever since you left it. Doth not my wit become
me rarely ? *^
.0,?^° D " is not seen enough, you should wear it in your
cap.— By my troth, I am sick. "^
514
Act III Sc 7
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHINfl
wit!i i)
yjf'rg. Cct you some of this disf illod Carduus IJ.iicdicf ns
and lay it to your heart : it Is the only thing for :. qualm "
Hero. Th( re thou prick'st her with a thistle
Beat Bencdictus ! Why Bemdi* tus ? you have some
moral In this Henrdictus.
Marq. Moral ? no, h^ my troth, 1 |,avc no moral mean-
ing : I nioant, plain holy-thistle. You may think, per-
ch;, ice, that I think you are In love : nay, by 'r ladv I am
not such a fool to think what I list : nor I list not to think
what I can ; nor indeed, I cannot tiiink, if I would think
my heart out of thinkinR. that you are in love, or that vou
Will be in love, or that you can he in love. Yet Benedi-k
was such another, and now is he become a man : he swore
he would never marry ; and yet now, in despite of his heart,
he eats his meat without f;rudgiti<4: and how vou may be
converted, I know not, but, methinks, you look with your
ryes as other women do.
licut. NVhat pace is this that thy tongue keeps ?
Marg. Not a false gallop.
lie-enter Ursula
^^J^''^^ .^^^^'''^: Y'^h^'*^^" •■ t''^- I^ i'lce, the rount, Signior
I>enedick. Don John, and all the gallants of the town, are
come to fetch you to church.
Hero. Help to dress me, f'ood coz, good Meg. good
^ ""'^- [fJxeunt
Scene V.— Anotlicr Room in Leon-.\to's House
Enter Leonato, witfi Dogderry and Vf.k(.!:s
Leon \yhat would you with me, honest neighbour '>
...„ ^k' ♦ ^ "^' ^''■' ^ ''■'•"^'^ ^^'•''^ ^^"'e confidence with
}ou, that decerns you nearly.
Leon. Brief, 1 pray you'll for, you see, it is a busy time
with me.
Dogb.
Verg.
Leon.
Dogb.
Marry, this it is, sir, —
Yes, in truth it is, sir.
What is it, my j^ood laends ?
^.tt' Goodman Verges, sir, speaks a little off the
rnH ?.^• ""? ""^"^ !".'''?• ^'^' ^"^ ^'^=* ^^^^'^ '"■^' "ot so blunt, as,
God help, I would desire they were ; but, in fuilh, honest
as the skm between his brows.
Ining. that is an old man, and no honester than I
WrrSL ^o'nParisons are odorous : palabras, neighbour
Leon. Neighbours, you are tedious.
L>ogb. It pleases your worship to say so, but we are
he poor duke s ofTicers ; but, truly, to? mine own par'!
icV ?*^^,/^'^'''"^ ^^ ^ ^'"6. I could find in ray heart to
bestow It all on your worship. ^
3S_R 545
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Act IV Sc I
Leon. All tliy tcdlousncss on me, ha I
u V.i' I H '*"**• •*" '' ^^*^'"*^ " thousand pound more than 't
Is , for 1 near as good exclamation on your worship as of
Vcrff. And so am I.
Leon. I would fain know what you have to say.
Vcrg Marry, sir, our watch to-night, excepting vour
r "n7ln^ SSr ' '^'^ ^^'- ^ -"P^« o' - --nt LIZ
veV'rnH.!° '"' ^-^^'*^"' '^"^^^ *' '^"^h, nc-ighbour \?rge; :-
well God s a good man ; an two men ride of a horse one
Jrnfi f'^l behind.-An honest soul, 1' faith, sir : by my
troth he is as ever broke bread ; but, God is to be wo?-
Frnn'' "thh'^'h "'". ^k^ ^'>''^«'-^1«»^. good neighbour I
n T 5^'^?.**'^.' neighbour, he comes too short of you.
Dogb. Gifts that God gives. ^
Leon. I must leave you.
Dogb One word, sir. Our watch, sir, have. Indeed
tTnf^hr^'"^ -"^'^ auspicious persons,'and\ve would have
them this mornmg examined before your worship
Leon. Take their examination yourself, and "brine it
Leon. Drmk some wine ere you go. Fare you well.
Enter a Messenger
t. heriusSd""' ""^=' "">' *°'>'™ '" el™ you, daughter
Leon. I '11 wait upon them : I am ready.
rtnnh r« ^r.^A 4. ^.^^^^f^i Leonato and Messenger
coal -bid ^?m^hrJ^-*"^'' ^""i .«f y«" *o Francis Sea.
coal , bid him bnng his pen and inkhorn to the gaol • wc
are now to examination these men. ^
Verg. And we must do it wisely
thiJ^^fJ^ii Y* "^"^ ''P''"'"^ '°^ "° ^^'*^'^ warrant you ; here 's
that shall drive some of them to a non-come : only get the
mra?'thTgtl'° "' '°^^'" ^"^ excommunication, a^f L!^?
ACT FOUR
Scene I.— The Inside of a Church
^rf.P^'' ^^''''°' Don John, Leonato, Friar Francis,
Claudio. Benedick, Hero, Beatrice, and Attenaaixi:.
■,/1,~!-i-
iJ
fri.^""; ^°"^*'' Friar Francis, be brief: only to the ph.in
d"tTes°aft^?warX' '°^ ^'" '^"'^ ''*^^°""' '^^^ P^^^^'"^'-^^
54G
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j Act IV Scl MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Claud ^ No'^""" ^^^^"'' ""^ '°''*'' ^•^ '"^^'•J' this lady ?
C/au</. Know you any, Hero ?
Hero. None, my lord.
Fri. Know you any, count ?
rS '^^^l™ake his answer ; none,
mcpnliy jl- ?„rCr4Vh^/ »,,h- .en „ay do , what
o.f/u"6"h.„raii.7,'h„'r's:r"°"" ^"^ '"-• -« "-=
£c £-« »-"^^^^^^^^^^ -" '-" ■■
Oi\e me this maid, your daughter ">
rf-^M;* ^A '^®®^?' ^°"' ^5 Go^ did give her m-
a<,Si„. ?"","«• ""'"' yo" render her again
Th^irl-eon\To!\^2e"lrcVrcl^YgTn' »»"' '^^^^^
O wh«; ^°TL"^,! ^ "'^^^ ^h« I'l^shes here : °°"—
O, what authority and show of truth
Can cunning sin cover itself withal I
Comes not that blood, as modest evidence
Her blush IS guiltiness, not modesty
Claud ^^^'^t^** you mean, my lord?
Ha^rvanSeTtK^
r/ "^Jd^defeat of her virgini^y^iT'' ^°"'^'
And so extenuate the 'forehand ,f/. ^"^^^^^^^
-■■v/, Lconato,
bT'Z *TP*t^ ^'^^ ^»th ^ord too large •
Rnkf '. ^.*>rother to his sister, showed '
Bashful sincerity, and comely 'love.
"era. And seemed I ever otherwise to you ?
547
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Bene.
Hero.
Claud.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Act IV Sc i
Claud. Out on thee, seeming I I will write against it :
You seem to me as Dian in h.T orb,
As chaste as is the bud ere it be blown ;
But you are more intemperate in your blood
Than Venus, or those pampered animals
That rage in savage sensuality.
Hero. Is my lord well, that he doth speak so wide ?
Claud. Sweet prince, why speak not you ?
T T" ?''^r'V >Miat should I speak ?
I stand dishonoured, that have gone about
To link my dear friend to a common stale.
Leon. Are these things spoken, or do I but dream ?
John. Sir, they are spoken, and these things are true.
This looks not like a nuptial.
True I O God I
Leonato, stand I here ?
Is this the prince ? Is this the prince's brother ?
Is this face Hero's ? Are our eyes our own ?
Leon. All this is so ; but what of this, my lord ?
Claud. Let me but move one question to your daushtcr
And, by that fatherly and kindly power
That you have in her, bid her answer truly.
Leon. 1 charge thee do so, as thou art my child.
Hero. O God, defend me ! how am I beset ! —
What kind of catechising call you this ?
Claud. To make you answer trulv to your name
Hero. Is it not Hero ? Who can blot that name
With any just reproach ?
Claud. Marry, that can Hero:
Hero Itself can blot out Hero's virtue.
What man was he talked with you yesternight
Out of your window, betwixt twelve and one ?
Now, if you are a maid, answer to this.
Hero. I talked with no man at that hour, my lord.
D. Pedro. Why. then are you no maiden.— Leonato,
I am sorry you must hear : upon mine honour,
Myself, my brother, and this grieved count.
Did see her, hear her, at that hour last niylit.
Talk with a rufllan at her chamber window.
Who hath, indeed, most like a liberal villain,
Confessed the vile encounters they have had
A thousand times in secret.
John. Fie, lie : they are not to be named, my lord.
Not to be spoke of ;
There is not chastity enough in language.
Without oJTence to utter them.— Thus, pretty lady,
1 am sorry for thy much misgovernment.
Claud. O ! lero ! what a Hero hadst thou been.
If half thy outward graces had been placed
About the thoughts and counsels of thy heart I
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Act IV Scl MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
But, fare thee \yell. most foul, most fair 1 farewell
Thou pure impiety, and Impious purity I
For thee I '11 lock up all the gates of love.
And on my eyelids shall conjecture hano.
To turn all beauty into thoughts of harm.
And never shall it more be gracious.
Leon. Hath no man's dagger here a point for me ?
S ??^' ^"y ""^' ^°"^^" ' ^h^r'^'o^ «ink i"u m
Smi>t;:^r heJTp^irifs u^ " ^'"^ '''"^^' ^"'"^ ^^"^ '^ "^^^^'
Bene. How doth 'fh? lady"?" ''''''' '''"' ""^ ^^""'^'^
£tris ^^^:t.^^, L^!l^^^ ^-^ '
That may be wished for.
^^?'' , _ How now, cousin Hero ?
Fn. Have comfort, lady. '
ifon. Dost thou look uf> "^
Leon WhProfnrp 9 \v»,^ ^'V wherefore should she not ?
The story that is printed in her blood ?— ^
Do not live Hero ; do not ope thine eyes •
Th' '^V.^^i!'^ *^«" wouldst not quicWy die
Thought I thy spirits wore stronger than thv shnmes
Myself would, on the rearward of reproached '
rhi'^'f f ^^l "^"- ^'••^^^J I' I had^but one'?
Chid I for that at frugal Nature's frame ?
one too much by thee I Why had I one ?
J hy had I not with charitable hand
1 ook up a beggar's issue at my gates •
JVho s.n.rch.-d thus, and mired with infamy,
T s shame derives itself from unknown loins -> "
But mine, and mine I loved, and nune I nr "se'd
Ad mine that I was proud on ; mine so m d . '
i;iint I myself was to myself not mine.
Intn'r^?^ l"-'; ^'^y- '''^'-O, she is fallen
Into a pit of ink, that the wide sea
Hath drops too few to wasli h. r clean nfain
lo her foul- tainted flesh I
F(>?mv n.rf T .-.,, ... ^'- '''■' ^« patient.
11^
J i'
I
now not what to snv
ini so iiltiii'd ill ^vender
Beat. O
, on my soul, my cousin is belied J
549
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MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Act IV Sc i
Bene. Lady, were you her bedfellow last night ?
T u •.^.'^'°' ^'■"'>'' "°*^ ' aithouRh, until last night,
1 nave this twelvemonth been her bedfellow
Leon. Confirmed, confirmed 1 O, that is stronger
made, *
JNTiich was before barred up with ribs of iron !
Would the two princes lie ? and Claudio lie,
\V ho loved her so, that, speaking of her foulness,
W ashed it with tears ? Hence from her, let her die.
J'ri. Hear me a little ;
For I have only been silent so long.
And given way unto this course of fortune.
By noting of the lady : I have marked
A thousand blushing apparitions
To start into her face ; a thousand innocent shames
In angel whiteness beat away those blushes ;
And in her eye there hath appeared a lire,
To burn the errors that these princes hold
Apainst her maiden truth.— Call me a fool ;
Trust not my reading, nor my observation'
Which with experimental seal doth warrant
The tenor of my book ; trust not my age,
.My reverence, calling, nor divinity.
If this sweet lady lie not guiltless here
Under some biting error.
J-t'on. Friar, it cannot be.
Thou scest, that all the grace that she hath left.
Is, that she will not add to her damnation
A sin of perjury : she not denies it.
Why seek'st thou then to cover with excuse
That which appears in proper nakedness ?
Fri. Lady, what man is he you are accused of '^
licro. They know that do accuse me, I know none.
If I know more of any man alive
Than that which maiden modesty doth warrant.
Let all my sins lack mercy ! — O Iny father 1
Prove you that any man with nie conversed
At hours unmeet, or that I vestornight
Maintained the change of words with anv crer.ture,
Refuse me. hate me, torture me to death.'^
Fri. There is some strange misprision in the princes.
Bene. Two of them have the very l)ent of honour ;
And if their wisdoms he misled in this,
The practice of it lives in .Joiin the bastard,
Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies.
J'fon. I know not. If tluv speak hut truth of her,
These hands shall tear her ; if thcv wroim her honour
The proudest of tiicm shall well hear of it.
'l"in;e hath not \il so drieci this i)loo(l ot mine,
Nor age so eat up my invention.
Act IV Sci
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Nor fortune made such havoc of mv moans
Nor my bad life reft me so much offrien Is
But they shall find, awaked in such a k.n.l '
Both strength of limb, and policy of mind.'
Ability in means, and choice of friends
To quit me of them throughly.
And let my counsel sway you in this cai^'' '"''''
Let her awhile be secretly kept in
And publish it that she is dead indeed •
Maintain a mourning ostentation •
And on your family's old monument
Hang mournful epitaphs, and do all rites
iliat appertain unto a burial
^rt, \i.irr>, this, well carried, s la 1 on her t)flv.if
Srn'ottr thnt'/'^^^'T -'-''''' '^ some go^ '"''
Hut not for that dream 1 on this strange course
But on this trayail look for greater b?rth '
Si>e dying, as it must he so maintainid
I pon the mstant that she was accused.
Shall be lamented, pitied and excused
Of every- hearer ; for it so falls out.
\Vhil! ''"^ ^''y'' '"'^ ^''''■'^ "«t to the worth
M h es we enjoy it, but being lacked and lost.
Th/; w'" '?? ^''''^ ^^''^ ^■'■^'"^"- then we find
\Vhnpf ."'' ^''^^ T^^^^^^^ion would not show us
\\ hiles It was ours.— So will it fare with rinnriin •
^^ hen we shall hear she died upon h^ words '
I lie Idea of her life shall sweet y creep
Into h.s study of imagination, ^
And every lovely organ of her life
More mo";-b;?^.'r ""/^ '" "^"'"^ ^'-^'^'""^ habit.
-More moMug. delicate, and full of life,
Th.n Iv^ <'ye and prospect of his soul.
And Wish he had not so accused her •
No hou.h he thought his accusation true.
I^ tus .,0 so and doubt not but succes
1 an I ,. an lay ,t down in likelihood.
': t If all aim but this be levelled false.
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^''<l, if it Sort
M'osition of Lhf. jadv-s death
Ml <'iHli this wonder of her nifamv
rt not well, \fMi
ni;
'■"iiceal her.
soir.e reclusive ain'
' ut 1 \M.ui,,if,i reputation,
'J Id of alJ eyes, I
<»ii.i.;u(
rt!i„'i(.iis life
minds, and injurit
r,5l
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act IV Sci
*4U
iJe/jf. Signlor Leonnto, let the friar ndvisc you:
And though you know my inwardness and love
Is very much unto the prince and Claudio,
\ct. by mine honour, I will deal in this
As secretly and justly as your soul
Should with your body.
„,/'''""• „ I^einfi that I flow in qricf,
1 he snu'illcst twine may lend me.
Fri. T is well consented : presently away ;
For to stninao sores stranfjely thev strain the cure
(.ome, lady, die to live : this wedding-day.
Perhaps, is but prolonged : have patience, and endure.
[Exeunt Friar, Hero, and Lconulo
Lady Beatrice, have you wept all this whUe ?
Yea, and I will weep a while longer
I will not desire that.
You have no reason : I do it freely.
Surely, I do believe your fair cousin is wronged
would right her'^r '"'''^ ""'^^^ ^^^ ""^^ ^''"''" °^ '"^ ^^^^
Bene. Is there any way to show such friendship ?
A very even way, but no such friend.
May a man do it ?
It is a man's ofFicc. but not vours.
r,^f ♦! * ,^ ^^'^ ^oye nothing in the wofld so well as you. Is
not that strange ? j u. .
Beat As strange as the thing I know not. It were as
possible for me to say, I loved nothing so well as you ; but
believe me not, and yet I lie not : I confess nothirig. nor I
deny nothing.— I am sorrv for my cousin
Bene. By my sword, l}oatrice,'thou lovest me.
Beat. Do not swear by it, and eat it.
Bene I will swear by it. that you love me ; and I ^^\\\
make him eat it, that says 1 love not you.
Beat. Will you not eat vour word ^
Bene. With no sauce that can be devised to it. I pro-
lest, 1 love thee. '
Beat. Why then, God forgive me I
Bene. What oHence, sweet Beatrice ?
Beat You have stayed me in a happy hour : I was
about to protest, I loved you.
Bene. And do it will aU thy heart
i. ffn';. } ''|^*',>"» ^^il'i so much of my heart, that n«.n.-
is leit 10 pruU'st.
Bene. Come, bid me do anvthing for thee
Kill Claudio.
Ha 1 not for the wide world.
Yon kill me to dcnv it. Farewell.
Tarry, sweet Beatrice.
Bene.
Beat.
Bene.
Beat.
Bene.
Beat.
Beat.
Bene.
Beat.
Bene.
Beat.
Bene.
Beat.
Bene.
"ff'nftsr^,^-
Sci
Act IV Sc U
Hft/O
ed.
hat
Is
' ns
t)Ul
)r I
.vill
ro-
vns
Beat.
in you.-
Bene.
Beat.
Bene.
Beat.
Beat.
saying.
licne
lU'iit.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
I am gone, though I am here.— There is no love
Nay, I pray you, let me go.
Beatrice, —
In faith, I will go.
We '11 be friends first.
You dare easier be friends with me, than floht with
mme enemy. **
Bene. Is Claudio thine enemy ?
Beat. Is he not approved in^he height a villain, that
hath slandered, scorned, dishonoured my kinswoman ?—
O, that I \vere a man 1— What I bear her in hand until
tliey come to take hands, and then with public accusation
uncovered slander, unmitigated rancour,— O God that I
were a man ! I would eat his heart in the market-place
Bene. Hear me, Beatrice,—
Talk with a man out at a window I— a proper
Nay, but, Beatrice,—
Sweet Hero 1— she is wronged, she is slandered,
siiu IS undone.
Bene. Beat —
Beat. Princes and counties I Surely, a princelv testl-
Trl'ivf^'n'^h^. r""^' *^"""^ confect; a sweet gallant,
surely 1 O, that I were a man for his sake I or that I had
any Ir.end would be a man for my sake I but manhood is
nultf. inio courtos.es, valour into compliment, and men
are only turned mto tongue, and trim ones too : he is now
as valiant as Hercules, that only tells a lie, and swears it —
1 c;u.n.>l be a man with wishing, therefore I will die a woman
witn i-rifving.
nnir. Tarry, good nealrlcc. By this hand, 1 love thee.
L se It for my love some other way than swearing
• '^''I'lik you in your soul the Count Claudio hath
a f lero ;
Via. Jis sure as I have a tliouqht or a soul.
I » ill 1 • '■-"""'''' ' I «"i enga^'od, I wiii chaliritae him.
I uil kiss your hand, and so 1 leave you. Bv this hand
Uaudio shall render me a dear account. AsVou hear of
n.o, so think of me. (Jo, comfort your cousin ; I must
viy she IS dead ; and so, farewell. [Exeunt
!.yit.
Bene.
I
Sr.KM-: II.— A Prison
i:ntcr Doc.vr.nuY, Vi:iu;r:s, and Sexton, in gonuu ; and the
U aid: Willi Conrade and Bohachio
^'iib. Is our whole dissemblv appeared ?
^erff. O ;, slool and a cushion for the sc.xlon.
■'^>.vtnn. Which be the malefactors ?
ns— !,♦
653
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act IV Sc ii
h ■
i
n
> If
m\
•n-
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i
Dogb. Marry, that am I and my partner.
Vcrg. Nay, that 's certain : we have the exhibition
to examine.
Sexton. But which are the ofTenders that arc to he
examined ? let them come before niaster constable.
Dotjb. Yea, marry, let them come before me. — \Vhat is
your name, friend ?
Bora. liorachio.
' Doffb. Pray, write down — Borachio. — Yours, sirrah ?
Con. I am a gentleman, sir, and my name is Conradc.
Doffb. Write tlown— master gentleman Conrade. —
Masters, do you serve God ?
Bora. I ^'^'^' ^'''' "^^'^ ^"P*^-
Dogb. ^V^ite down — that they hope they serve God :
— and write God first ; for God defend but God should
go before such villains !— Masters, it is proved already
that you are little better than false knaves, atu' it will
go near to be thought so shortly. How answer you lor
yourselves '?
Con. Marry, sir, we say we are none.
Doi/b. A marvellous witty fellow, I assure you ; but
I will go about witii him.^Coinc you hither, sirrah ; ;i
word in your ear, sir : 1 say to you, it is thought you arc
false knaves.
Bora. Sir, I say to you, we are none.
Dogb. Well, stand aside.- -'I'ore God, they are both
In a tale. Have you writ down— that they are none ?
Sexton. Master constable, you go not the way to
examine : you must call forth ilie watch that are their
accusers.
Dogb. Yea, marry, that 's the ettest way. — Let the
watch come forth. — Masters, I charge you, in the princes
name, accuse these men.
First Watch. This man said, sir, that Don John, tin
prince's brother, was a villain.
Dogb. Write down—Prince John a villain. — Why, this
is Hat perjury, to call a prince's brother villain.
Born. Master conslahie. —
Dogb.^ Pray thee, fellow, peace : 1 do not like thy
look, I pronu!-;e thee.
Sexton. What heard you him say else ?
Sec. Watch. Marry, that he had rcinivcd a thousam!
ducats of Don John, for accusing the Lady Hero wrongfully.
Dogb. Flat biughiry as ever was coinniitted.
Vcrg. Yea, by the ma.s, that it is.
Sexton. What else, feiio^.- ?
l^irst Watch. And that Count C.laudio did mean. un'>:i
his words, to disgrace Hero before the wiiole assciublv .
and nut marry her.
551
ActV Scl
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Dogb. O villain ! thou wilt be condemned into ever-
lasting redemption for this.
Sexton. What else ?
Sec. Watch. This is all.
Sexton. And this is more, musters, than you can deny.
Prince John is this morning secretly stolen away ; Hero
was in this manner accused, in this very manner refused,
and, upon the grief of this, suddenly died. — Master con-
stable, let these men be bound, and brought to Leonalo's :
I will go before, and show him their examination, [Exit
Dogb. Come, let them be opinioned.
Verg. Let them be in the hands —
Con. Off, coxcomb !
Dogb. God 's my life ! where 's the sexton ? let him
write down — the prince's ollicer, coxcomb. — Come, bind
tlum. — Thou naughty varlet !
Con. Away ! you are an ass ; you are an ass.
Dofib. Dost thou not suspect my place '? Dost thou
not suspect my years ?— O, that he were here to write
me down an ass !— but, masters, remember, that I am
an ass ; though it be not w ritten aown, yet forget not
that I am an ass. — No, thou villain, thou art full of piety,
as shall be proved upon thee by good witness. I am
a wise fellow ; and, which is more, an ofiicer ; and, which
is more, a householder ; and, which is more, as pretty
a piece of flesh as any in Messina ; and one that know's
the law, go to ; and a rich fellow enough, go to ; and a
fellow that hath had losses ; and one that hath two gowns,
and everything handsome about him. — Bring him :i\vuv.
—O, that I hiid been writ down an ass ! [Excur.l
ACT FIVE
ScF.xE I. — Before Lkoxato's House
Enter Li.on.\to and Antonio •
Ant. If you go on tluis, you will kill yourself ;
And 't is not wisdom thus to second griei
A.Lialnst yourself.
J-t'on. 1 pray thee, cease thy counstl,
^Vhich f.ills into mine ears as prolitltss '
.\s water in a sieve. Give not me counsel ;
Nor let no comforter deiiglit mine ear
Hut such a one whose wrontis <lo suit with mine :
i;rin.i; nie a father thai so ioved his child.
^^liltsL• joy of her is overwhihned like mir.e,
\.wl Iw.l u: 1. ..r _„, : .
Miasuif Ills woe the length and breadth ot mir.e.
And let it aiiswcr evtrv strain fur strain ;
tdi^^T^^
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
ActV Sci
n
i
pill
As thus for thus, and such n grief for such.
In every lineament, branch, shape, and form :
If such a one will smile, and stroke his heard,
Bid sorrow wag, cry hem when he should groan ;
Patch f,'rief with proverbs ; make misfortune drunk
With ciindle-wasters : bring him yet to me,
And I of him will gather patience.
But there is no such man ; for, brother, men
Can counsel, and speak comfort to that grief
Which they themselves not feel ; but, tasting it.
Their counsel turns to passion, which before
Would give preceptial medicine to rage,
Fetter strong madness in a silken thread.
Charm ache with air, and agony with words.
No, no ; 't is all men's office to speak patience
To those that wring under the load of sorrow,
But no man's virtue nor sufficiency
To be so moral when he shall endure
The like himself. Therefore give me no counsel :
My griefs cry louder than advert ist'mont.
Ant. Therein do men from children nothing differ.
Leon. I pray thee, peace 1 I will be fiesh and blood ;
For there was never yel piulosopher
That could endure the toothache patiently,
However they have writ the style of gods
And made a push at chance and sufTerance.
Ant. Yet bend not all the harm uj)on yourself ;
Make those that do offend you sufTcr too.
Leon. There thou speak'st reason : nay, I will do so.
My soul doth tell me Hero is bciied ;
And that shall Claudio know ; so shall the prince,
And all of them that thus dishonour iier.
Hnter Don Pkdho and Glai;dio
Ant. Here comes the prince and Claudio hastily.
D. Pedro. Good den, good den.
Claud. Good day to both of vmi.
Leon. Hear you. my lords, —
D. Pedro. Wo have some baste, Leonrdo.
Leon. Some haste, my lord !— well, fare you well, niv
lord : —
Are you so hasty now ? — well, all is one.
D. Pedro. Nay, do not ({uarrel with us, good old man.
Ant. If he could right himself with quarrelling.
Some of us would lie low.
Claud. Who wronj^s him ?
Leon. Marry, thou dost wrong me ; thou, dissembler,
!h(!!!.—
Nay, never lay thy hand upon thy sword ;
I fear thee not.
5r>Q
■J^-TWl
ActV Scl
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
"1
Claud. Marry, beshrew my hand
If it should give your age such cause of fear.
In faith, my hand meant nothing to my sword.
Leon. Tush, tush, man I never fleer and jest at me :
I speak not like a dotard, nor a fool,
As, under privilege of age, to brag
What I have done being young, or what would do
Were I not old. Know, Claudio, to thy head.
Thou hast so wronged mine innocent child and me,
That I am forced to lay my reverence by.
And. with grey hairs, and bruise of many days,
Do challenge thee to trial of a man.
I say, thou hast belied mine innocent child :
Thy slander hath gone through and through her heart,
And she lies buried with her ancestors,
O, in a tomb where never scandal slept.
Save this of hers, framed by thy villainy.
Claud. My villainy ?
^^'1' Thine, Claudio ; thine, I say.
D. Pedro. You say not right, old man.
T m*'°"' .. , . ^^y ^ord, my lord,
I 11 prove it on his body, if he dare,
Desi)ite his nice fence and his active practice.
His May of youth and bloom of lustihood.
Claud. Away 1 I will not have to do with you.
Leon. Canst thou so dall me ? Thou hast killed mv
child : ''
If thou kill'st me, boy, thou shalt kill a man.
Ant. He shall kill two of us, and men indeed :
liut that's no matter ; let him kill one first ;—
N\ in me and wear me, — let him answer me.—
Conu', follow me, boy 1 come, sir boy, come, follow me.
Mr boy, I '11 whip you from your foining fence ;
Nay, as I am a gentleman, I will.
Leon. Brother, —
Ant. Content yourself. God knows, I loved my niece ;
And she is dead ; slandered to death by villains.
That dare as well answer a man indeed
As I dare take a serpent bv the tongue.
Boys, apes, braggarts, Jacks, milksops I—
aP' ^ .. Brother Antony,—
Ant. Hold you content. What, man, I know tiiem.
yea.
And what they weigh, even to the utmost scruple :
Siramhhng, outfucitig, fashion-mongiu^^ boys,
1 hat lie, and cog, and lloul, deprave and slander,
\-o antickly, show outward hideousness,
- ...„ ..... ..K -„..j .x,;it a d:,-,-.tsi dangerous worils,,
liow they might hurt their enemies, if thev durst :
And this is all 1
I
557
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
ActV Sci
I.con. But. brotlicr Antony, —
•*"'• Come, 't Is no matter :
Do not you moddlo. lot me doni In this.
D. Pedro. Gentlemen l)oth, we will not wake your
patience.
Mv heart Is sorry for your rlauRliter's death :
B it. on my honour, she was charged with nolliing
lint what was true, and very full of proof.
Leon. My lord, my lord —
D. Pedro. I will not hear you.
Leon. Xo ?
Come, brother, away. — I will l)e heard. —
AnL And shall, or some of us will smart for it.
[Kxeunt Leonalo and Antonio
Enter Benedick
D. Pedro. See. see : here comes the man we went to
seek.
Clntid. Now. sifinior, what news?
Bene, nood day. my lord.
D. Pedro. Welcome, signior : you arc almost come to
part alnidst a fray.
Claud. We had like to have had our two noses snapped
oil witli two olfl men without teeth.
D. Pedro. Leonato and his brother. What thinks!
thou ? Had we fouf^ht, I doubt we should have been
too younf,' for them.
Bene. In a false quarrel there is no true valour. I
came to seek you both.
Claud. We have been up and down to seek thee ; for
we are high-proof melancholy, and would fain have it
beaten away. Milt thou use thy wit ?
Bene. It is in my scabbard ; shall I draw it ?
D. Pedro. ^ Dost thou wear thy wit by thy side ?
Claud. Never any did so, though very many have been
beside their wit.— I will bid thee draw, "as we do the min-
strels ; draw to pleasure us.
D. Pedro. As I am an honest man, he looks pale.~.\rt
thou sick, or angry ?
Claud. What, courage, man! What thouah care
killed a cat, thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill can-.
Bene. Sir. I shall meet your wit in the career, an voii
charge it against me. 1 pray you. dioose another subject.
Claud. Nay. then Rive him another stalV : this last
was broke cross.
/). I'ed.o. By this light, he changes more and more.
I think he be angry indeed.
Cl-riid. If lie be. \m- !;na;vs liuv. to turn his girdle.
Bene. Shall I speak a word in your ear ?
Claud. (Jod bless me from a challenge !
ActV Sci MICH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Bene. You arc a villain.— I jrst not.— I will make it
good how you dare, with what voii dare, and when you
dare— Do me righr. or I will protest your cowardice. You
have killed a swrot lady, ind her death shall fall heavy
on you. Let me hear from you.
Claud. Well, I will meet you, so I may have good cheer
D. Pedro. What, a feast ? a feast ?
Claud. V faith. I thank him ; he hath bid me to a calfs-
head and a capon, tfie which if I do not carve most curiously
say my knife 's naupht.— Shall I n .t find a woodcock too ?
Bene. Sir, your wit ambles well : It Roes easily
D. Pedro. I 'II tell thee how Beatrice praised thy wit
the other day, I said, thou hadst a fine wit " True "
said she, " a fine little one." - No," said I, " a creat
wit." " PiRht," says she, " a great gross one," " Nav "
said I, •' a good wit." " .Inst," said she, " it hurts nobody!"
Nay, said I, " the gentleman is wise." " Certain "
said she. " a wise gentleman." " Nay," said I, " he hath
the tongues," " That I believe." said she. " for he swore
a thing to me on Monday night, which he forswore on
Tuesday morning : there 's a double tongue • there 's
two tongues," Thus did she, an hour together, trans-
shape thy particular virtues; yet at last she concluded
with a s:gh, thou wast the properest man in Italy
Claud. For the which she wept heartily, and said she
cared not.
1). Pedro. Yea, that she did ; but yet. for al! that, an
It she did not hate him deadly, she would love him dearlv
The old man's daughter told us all.
Claud. All, all ; and moreover, God saw him when he
was hid In the garden.
D. Pedro. But when shall we set the savage bull's horns
on the sensible Benedick's head ? . •
Claud. Yea, and text underneath, " Here dwells Bene-
dick the married man I "
Bene. Fare you well, boy : you know my mind. I will
leave you now to your gossip-likr humour: you break
jests as braggarts do their blades, which. God be thanked,
Murt not.— My lord, for your many courtesies I thank vou • I
must discontinue your company. Your brother, the bastard,
IS tied from Messina: you have, among you, killed a sweet
'nd innocent lady. For my Lord LackI.eard there, he and I
saall meet : and till then, j)eace be with him, \Exil
D. Pedro. He is in earnest.
Claud. In most profound earnest ; and, I 'II warrant
you. for the love of FJcatrice.
D. Pedro. And hath challenged thee ?
Claud. Most siiicereiy.
uJhl/f^?; »^^'^^* •'' ^'■''^^y *^'"« '"^" 'S' ^hen he goes
lii Ins doublet and hose, and leaves ofT his wit !
559
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MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
ActV Sci
Claud. He is then a giant to an - e ; but then is an
ape a doctor to sucli a man.
D. Pedro. But, soft you ; let me be : pluck up, mv
heart, and be sad 1 Did he not say, my brother was fled V
Enter Dogbekuy, Veuges, and the Watch, with Coxrade
and BoRACHio
Dogb. Come you, sir : if justice cannot tame vou,
she saall ne cr weigh more rensons in her balance, Nav,
an you be a cursing hypocrite once, vou nmst be looked to'
D. Pedro. How now I two of my brother's men bound i
Borachio one I
Claud. Hearken after their offence, my lord !
D. Pedro. Oiricers, what offence have these men done '>
Dogb. Marry, sir, they have committed false report •
moreover, they have spoken untruths ; secondarily, they
are slanders ; sixth and lastly, they have belied a lady •
thirdly, they have verified unjust things ; and, to conclude!
they are lying knaves.
*, P\^ ^^r''^- ^^^^^' ^ ^^^ ^^>^<^ ^^'h^t they have done ;
thirdly. I ask thee what 's their offence ; sixth and lastly
why they are committed ; and, to conclude, what you
lay to their charge.
Claud. Rightly reasoned, and in his own division;
and, by my troth, there 's one meaning well suited.
D. Pedro. Who have you offended, masters, that you
are thus bound to your answer ? this learned constable
is too cunning to be understood. What 's your offence ">
Bora. Sweet prince, let me go no further to mine answer •
do you hear me, and let this count kill me. I have de-
ceived even your very eyes : what your wisdoms could
not discover, these shallow fools have brought to light •
who, in the night, ovcfheard me confessing to this man'
ho\y Don John your Wother incensed me to slander the
Lady Hero ; how you were brought into the orchard
and saw me court IVIargarct in Hero's garments; how
you disgraced her, when you should marry her. My
villainy Ihoy have upon record, which I had rather seal
with my death, than repeat over to my shame. The lady
IS dead upon mine and my master's false accusation';
^"n Hl'^'-'"^' ^ tl^iiire nothing but the reward of a villain.
D. Pedro. Runs not this snoech like iron through vour
blood ? -
Claud. I hive drunk poison whiles he uttered it.
D. Pedro. But did my brother set thee on to this *>
Bora, /iea ; and paid me richly for the practice of it.
D. Pedro. Ho is composed and frnircd of t""ache"v —
And fled he is upon this villainv.
Claud. Sweet Hero I now thv image doth appear
In the rare semblance that I loved it first.
5()0
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ActV Sci MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
the' :?xton''"o: ''"'" "'"^'^ "^'^'^^ S'^"^«^ Leonato. and
i?e-cn/er Leoxato, Antonio, and the Sexton
Th^f "; ^X'"'*' '' ^'^^ ^^"^^" ? Let me see his eves
That when I note another man like him. ^ '
I may avoid him. Which of these is he ^
Bora. If you would know your wronger, look on me
Leon. Art^^thou the slave, that with' thy breath'hast
Mine innocent child ?
f''^"- ^, Vea, even I alone.
Hi:f c"; ?°' "^'^ ^''' '''^"^'" ' tho" lJ<-'Jiest thyself •
Here stand a pair of honourable men '
A third IS ncd, that had a hand in it.l-
RecTrhwAr'""''. ^^r '"y daughter's death :
Record It ^Mth your high and worthy deeds
r was bravely done, if you bethink you of it
Ye? ? must sneT "rV^"'" '^ P^^^ y^"^' P^^^'*^"^^'
itt 1 must speak. Choose your revonee vours.U •
Impose me to what penance your invcM^on '
Can lay upon my sin : yet sinned I not.
But in mistaking. *
D. Pedro. By my soul, nor I ;
And yet, to satisfy this good old m:ui,
Th?t". ,^f"^."nder any heavy weight
Ihat he '11 enjoin me to.
ifon. I cannot bid you bid my daughter live
That were impossible ; hut, I pray you both
Possess the people in .MessiAa here '
How innocent she died ; and, if vour love
Can labour aug.it m sad invention.
Hang her an epitaph upon her tomb.
And sing it to her bones-sing it to-ni^rht —
lo-morrow morning come you to my h.ji.'se.
And since you could not be my sf>n-ir,-lav-
Be yet my nepiicw. .My hrulher hath a fiau^htcr
Almost the copy of my child that 's dead " '
And she alone u heir to both of us •
.- ^^^''"''- O nnhle sir
\our ov-er-kindness doth wring tears from me
I do embrace your oiler ; andclispose
From henceforth of poor ChuuhO
Leon. To-aionow then I will expect your coming ;
SGI
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MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
ActV Scii
To-night I take my leave— This naughtv man
bhall face to face be brought to Margaret
Who, I believe, was packed in all this wrong.
Hired to it by your brother.
Bora. isjo ^^y j^ j |^ _
Nor knew not what she did, when she spoke to me ; '
But always hath been just and virtuous
In anything that I do know by her
Dogb. Moreover, sir, which, indeed, is not under white
??s 'h^'^i' Plaintifl here, the offender, did call me
ass . I beseech you, let it be remembered in his punish-
ment. And also, the watch hoard them talk of one Do-
formed : they say, he wears a key in his ear, and a lock
IwT^ ^^ /u*' ^"^ ^°^^°^'' "^«"^y '" God's name! the
which he hath used so long, and never paid, that now men
grow hard-hearted, and will lend nothing for God's sSv'e
Pray you, examine him upon that point
Leon I thank thee for thy care and honest pains.
r«7.? '^ Vf ''■^"hiP speaks like a most thankful and
reverend youlli ; and I praise God for vou
Leon. There 's for thy pains.
God save the foundation.
Go, I discharge thee of thy prisoner, and I thank
Dogb
Leon
thee.
Dogb
„»,• r r J ^^^y^ ^" arrant knave with vour worshin •
which I beseech your worship to correct vourself for he
MSn'wen^r''-, Gocl keep your worship ; I wish ym,?
worship well; God restore you to health. I humblv Give
God^nJohibU it^'V'"^ '' "" ^Z'^ "^^^^'"S may be w^sh'id
uoa pronibit it I — Come, neighbour.
Tpnn T-ntn t« (^-icun/ Dogberry, Verges, and Watch
i.eon. Until to-morrow morning, lords, farewell
^^''"'^- To-night I '11 mourn with Hero.
r„.„ T3 • ,, l^'^'^^nt Don Pedro and Claudio
Leon. Bring you these follows on. Vve '1! talk with
-Margaret.
How her acquaintance grew with this lewd fellow.
[Exeunt
Scene II. — Loonato's Garden
Enlcr Benedick and Margaret, meeting
fenc. Pray thee, sweet Mistress Marsarot, deserve
my befutv? ^ ^^''' ''''^^ "'" ^ '^""^^^ "^ P^^^^^ «'"
Bene, "in so high a style, Margaret, that no man living
562
ActV Scii MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
sc'rvostT.' °"" '' ' '"^' •" '"-t --^'y truth, thou de-
Ji!:i^Ue^^^ S^ij^^ --^ -- -e ? -hy, Shall I
it Ses.'"''' '''' '^ ''•^ ^'"'^'^ '-'^ t''« '.n-oyhound's mouth ;
Inutu'thuTjr'' ^' ^•""^ '' t^« '-^-'^ foils, Which
Bene. A most manly wit, \Iar"qrpt • if «-;n * i. .
a woman : and so, I pray th^e caH RpVi ri. l "•''* ^"'"^
the bucklers. ^ ' " ^^eatrice. I give thee
^JUarn. Give us the swords, we have bucklers of our
thf;::^ wi^^ :;^*^s ^^i-r"" ^"^^^ ^"^ -
tor maids. '^ "'^'^ <i.-ingi.rous weapons
hamrgs. ''■'■"• ' "'" "" """'"^ '» yo". -h„. , think.
Bene. And therefore will come r/r •/ ,r
[6m.7/n5] 7v,e god of Z'; '^^" ^^^'^^^^
r//n/ sj7s obore.
And knows me, and knoivs me,
_ JIow pitiful I deserve
wSreV ' VoiluT^lie firl'" '7'"^' '^^■'^"^'^^'' ^^e good
^vhole bookfu? of these nnnnT^'''^'' ^^ P'^"^'^"' '-^"^^ -^
names yet rml smoolh y ?n t eT^en ^^d of TS?'. "'"^'^
why. they were never so tr,,K;;^ . ^ ^ ^^'^"'^ ^'^rse,
mypoorself i^lo^ Ar^rJ^Irnnn^t"^ over and over as
I have tried • I can flnr n^.V T^ ^''''''' '^ '" '"hyme ;
"bnhv" o,V 5 <^an iind out no rhyme to " ladv '' bn(
Dahy, an mnocent rhyme ; for " scorn " " LL '^
rhyming ,„a„e.. norT'ca„:;'„°i\.^„r ,e"uvalTermr-" '
Enter Beatrice
I me O. staTbut iill ?henT"'' ""'^" ^^ '"" ■"<■•
'.>"( Fou? iw ls°s hit''?„'^,f"^"''''.''°" • "'" '^i'^ thee,
hul foul breatl and Lnl l,r?,,V '"''■ .■""' '»'" "ind is
I «ill depart nni-i,".;, """ '"^'''"' '* "°is°me ; therefore
hear ,ron> hi,n". "r-iV^.^'SHhe^rr iS.^^li^
663
ij i I
' >\
IH ■
-
U
i
Mi
■^
*l -
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
ActV Sciii
I pray thee now, tell me, for which of my bad parts didst
thou first fall in love with me ?
Beat. For them all together; whic" maintained so
politic a state of evil, that they will not admit any good
part to intermingle with them. But for which of my eood
parts did you first sufTcr love for me ?
fene. Suffer love— a good epithet. I do suffer love,
indeed, for I love thee against my will.
Beat. In spite of your heart, I think. Alas, poor heart '
If you spite It for my sake, I will spite it for yours : for i
will never love that which my friend hates.
Bene. Thou and I are too wise to woo peaceably.
Beat. It appears not in this confession : there 's not one
wise man among twenty that will praise himself.
Bene. An old, an old instance, Beatrice, that lived in
the time of good neighbours. If a man do not erect, in
this age, his own tomb ere he dies, he shall live no longer
m monument than the bell rings and the widow weeps
Beat. And how long is that, think you ?
Bene. Question :— why, an hour in clamour, and a
quarter m rheum : therefore is it most expedient for the
wise— if Don Worm, his conscience, find no impediment to
the contrary— to be the trumpet of his own virtues, as I am
to myself. So much for praising mvself, who, I myself will
bear witness, is praiseworthy. And now tell me, how doth
your cousin ?
Beat. Very ill.
Bene. And how do you ?
Beat. Very ill too.
Bene. Serve God, love me, and mend. There will I
leave you too, for here comes one in haste.
Enter Ursula
Urs. Madam, you must come to vour uncle. Yonder 's
old coil at home : it is proved, my Lady Hero hath been
falsoly accused, the prince and Claudio mightily abused •
ami Don John is the author of all, who is fled and gone
Will you come presently ? ^
Beat. Will you go hear this news, signior ?
Bene._ I will live in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be
buried in thy eyes ; and, moreover, I wUl go with thee to
"^^' ^"^^«^ s- [Exeunt
Scene Ill._The Inside of a Church
Enter Don Pedro, Claudio, and Attendants, with music
cittd tapers
Claud. Is this the monument of Leonato ?
Atten. It is, my lord.
5G4
'i:^'^J^^>jU^^^"M^^''--nSfj8^
ActV Sciv
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHLNG
Claud. [Reads from a scroll]
" ^"xxr '°//''"'^' ^y Slanderous tongues
Was the Hero thai here lirs •
Death, in guerdon of her wrongs,
Gives her fame which never dies
So the life, that died with shame.
Lives in death with glorious fame."
Hanff thou there upon the tomb,
i raising her when I am dumb —
^o^v, mus.c, sound, and shig your solemn hymn.
SONO
Pardon, goddess of the night.
Those that slnv thy virgin knight :
J^or the which, with songs of woe
Round about her tomb they go. '
Midnight, assist our nioan ;
Help us to sigh and groan,
lieavih), heaviUj :
Graves, ijawn and yield your dead,
1 ill death be uttered.
Heavily, heavily.
Good morrow, masters: put your torrhos
Vcnrlj"tnu S .""s-rite" """'^ «°"* "'«" '
D. Pedro.
out.
S?nrJr' \^^'^, P'"''"''''^ ' ^"^ Jook. the gentle day
Thi^i ."'^ drowsy east with spots of grey
Cw'" ?"^""' ""^^ ^'''^'' "« = ^^'^ y«" ^vell.
D Pedro CnZ'^'^T'' T'''^'^" '■ ^'^^>^ ^'s several way.
An^Uhei^ L'eSj-f.^e%;;rin^r"' ^"^ ^'^ °"^- ^^^'^
T^F^"'ii^^ 1^"^ tfymen now with luckier issue snrPrt '..
Than this, for whom we rendered up thisC ? ^%"eunt
Scene IV.— A Room in Leonato's House
Enter Leoxato, Antonio. Benedick, Mahgvret
Beatrice, Ursula, Friar Francis, o/u/ Hero '
Fn. Did I not tell you she was innocent '>
T-r^/^"4u ^^^ *^^ I^''"c« ""^^ Claudio, who accused h^r
I pon the error that vou hoard dohofed • ^^*^"^^ '^^^
^ul^ Margaret was in some fault for this,"
Tn tK "!^ against her will, as it appears
in the true course of all the question
Ant. Well, I am glad that all things sort so well.
665
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Act V Sc iv
..1
• J ;
1
Bene. And so am I, bpiiiR olso by faith enforced
To call youn>:j Claudio to a rockoniiig for it.
^Jfx"?- ^y*^""' ^''i"?^htcr, and you sontlewomcn all,
\\ ulidraw into a chamber by yourselves.
And, vhcn I send for you, conic hither inasked :
The prince and Claudio promised bv this hour
To visit me. [Exviint Ladies.]— You know vour omce
brother : ' '
Vou must be father to vour brother's daughter
And fiive her to young Claudio.
Ant. Which 1 v.ill do with confirmed countenance
Bene. Friar, I must entreat your pains, I think.
Fn. To do what, signior ?
Bene. To bind me, or undo me ; one of them.—
Signior Leonato, truth it is, good signior,
Your niece regards me with an eye of favour.
Leon. That eye my daughter lent her : 4 is most true
Bene. And I do with an eye of love requite her
Leon The sight whereof, I think, you had from me,
i-rom Claudio, and the prince. But what 's your will *>
Bene. Your answer, sir, is enigmatical :
But, for my will, my will is, your good will
May stand with ours, this day to be conjoined
In the state of honourable marriage : —
In which, good friar, I sh.ill desire your help.
Leon. My heart is with your liking.
IT ■^^'' X,. . Aiid mv help.
Here come the prince and Claudio.
Enter Don Pedro and Claudio, with Attendants
D. Pedro. Good morrow to this fair assembly.
/-con. Good morrow, prince ; good morrow, Claudio :
A\e here attend you. Arc you yet determined
To-day to marry with my brother's daughter ?
Claud. I '11 hold my mind, were she an Ethiop.
Leon. Call her forth, brother : here 's the friar ready.
r, r> , ^ , [Exit Antonio
D. Pedro. Good morrow, Benedick. Why, what 's the
matter.
That you have such a February face.
So full of frost, of storm, and cloudiness ?
Claud. I think, he thinks upon the savage bull
Tush ! fear not, man, we'll tip thv horns with rn'd
And all Europa shall rejoice at thee,
As once Europa did at lustv .Jove,
When he would play the noble beast in love.
Bene. Bun Jove, sir, had an amiable low :
And some such strange bull leaped your father's cow,
And got a calf in that same noble feat.
Much like to you, for you have just his bleat.
566
Sc iv
Ac I V Sc iv
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHIXG
lic-cnfer Antonio, nnth the Ladies masked
face. -Wfv't, let nu> sop vnur
. ^; vour t;',;i;:,:,l^7';:, i''];^';. 'mt ""^ """• '^'- ^
V/<™. An.l ula.n I ,ivo,l, I wa» y'our olher ,vif<. •
Hero. ' x-^*u-
On. Hor .. dcHlcd ; but-Yj^l^^/"'^"""-
Ar.. , su- ,-, as I live, r am a inaki '
I II tc I you largely of fair Hero's death •
Meantime, let Mon.ler seem fa.niliar *
f^enc. So and fair, friar.-Which is Beatrice «>
' y^^vilf r'^^^^ — r^-"S;jWhatis
Do not you love me ?
\Vhv 7>,' "° "'''''^ ^^'''" reason.
Claudio, have^,ocn dece^ived -"'tltv ^l''"" '^' P""^'^' ^"^'l
^'e«/. Do not you love r^e"-)'^ '''"''^ ^'"^ ^''^•
bZ' mv"';r' no more than reason.
Arf much'deSived" To^ S'llld'"^^^^'^^^' ^^ ^--J-
'T£?-^r2?te;-^^^--^^
No, truly, but in fricnrily recomncnsp
^..». A „„raclc , horc-s our own hands against „„.
567
Beal.
Bene.
Beal.
Bene.
Beat.
Bene.
Beat.
I- con.
('laud.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
ActV Sciv
II
li ,
'i-!
hearts.— Come, I will have thee ; but. by this lit;ht, I take
thee for pity.
Beat. I would not deny you ;— but, by this Rood day. I
yield upon Rreat persuasion, and, partly, to save your life,
for I was told you were in a consumption.
Bene. Peace ! I will s»op your mouth.
D. Pedro. How dost thou, 'lionediciv. the married man ?
Bene. I'll tell thee what, prince : a coiloRe of wit-crackc is
cannot flout me out of my humour. Dost thou think: I
care for a satire or an epigram ? No : if a man will be
beaten with brains, a' shall wear nothing handsome about
him. In brief, since I do purpose to marry, I will think
nothing to any purpose that the world can say against it ;
and therefore never flout at me for what I have said against
it, for man is a giddy thing, and this is my conclusion. — For
thy part, Claudio, I did think to have beaten thee ; but, in
that thou art like to be my kinsman, live unbruised, and
love my cousin.
Claud. I had well hoped thou wouldst have denied
Beatrice, that I might have cudgelled thee out of thy single
life, to make thee a double-dealer ; which, out of question,
thou will be, if my cousin do not look exceeding narrowlv
to thee. -^
Bene. Come, come, we are friends. Let's have a dance
ere we are married, that we may lighten our own hearts
and our wives' heels.
Leon. We'll have dancing afterward.
Bene. First, of my word ; therefore play, music '—
Prmce, thou art sad ; get thee a wife, get thee a wife : there
IS no staff more reverend than one tipped with horn.
Enter a .Messenger
Mess. My lord, your brother John is ta'en in flight.
And brought with armed men back to .Alessina.
Bene. Think not on him till to-morrow : I '11 devise tlioo
brave punishments for him. — Strike up, pipers.
[Dunce. Exeunt
668
:i'*>:*'T^':/".*-"rm<^
OTHELLO,
THE MOOR OF VENICE
569
,tH
..it r - ■ ,
! '1'
ti t-r
- - * s
DRAMATIS PERSON.JE
Duke of Vknice
Bn.vnAvno. a acnalar
Othrr Senators
Gkatia.VO. brother to Brnhnntio
Lonovico, kinsman to Brabnntio
Othello, a noble Moor in the service of the Venetian state
Cassio, his lieutenant
L\f;o, his ancient
Rdderioo, n Venetian gentleman
MoNTANO. Othello's predecessor in the govermrrnt of Cyprut
Clown, servant to Othello
Dr-SDEMOXA, daughter to Brnbantio and wife to Othello
Emilia, wife to lago
BiANCA, mistress to Cassio
Sailor. AIcssonRor. Herald. Officora, Gontlomcn, Mu.^icians.
and Attondiints
SCENE.— For the First Act in Venice : during the rest of
the ploy at a seaport in Cyprus
570
OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE
ACT ONE
Scene I.— Venice. A Street
ICnler Rodf.higo and Iaoo
ir ever I did dream of such a matter.
At) nor me.
fnnn n '"" ^"'•'■•''^:;"'^' thou di'Ist hold him in thv V)te
lago. Despise me. if I do not. Threearenfonr^nffh •►
In personal suit to mak. me his lieutenant "'' ^'^y'
Off capped to him ;-and. by the faith mm
know my price. Im v.orth no worse a plTce •'-
Kvo ^""'m' '''^■^"« ^"'^ **^^" P'-i'Jc and purposes'
Kvac cs them with a bombast circumstmce
Horribly stuffed with epithets of waT •
-And, in conclusion, *
Nonsuits my mediators ; for. " Ccrtes " savs ho
I have already chose my ohiccr/' ' ^ '°'
And what was he ?
Forsooth a great arithmetician.
One M.chacl Cassio, a Florentine,
A fdlow almost damned in a fair wife
Vni n"'''^.'" ^"".^ ^ squadron in the field,
M iu ^'^'S'on (,f a battle knows
More than a spinster, unless the bookish theoric
\N herein the toged consuls can propo.se '
Is an hU'.'lTr' 'k-= '"f" P''''^"'«' ^^ithout practice
IS all his soldiership. But he. sir, had the electic n •'
At Hhodes, at Cyprus, and on other crounds
-hnsf.an and heathen,-must be lee'i and calmed
^> ' obitor-and-creditor, tiiis counter-caster
AndT ToVi',""' ?l"^^ ^^^ lieutenant b '' '
7?orf~ Rv i'''' ^^"^ '"^'■^ '~^^' Moorship-s ancient
Preferment f^oes by letter amUi^Toc,;' n ""^ ''''''"'
Ston 1\^"^''''!u^'•'''^'''^'«"' ^^"^''•e each second
\Vh^ h ''r ^ ^^"^ ^'''^- ^''^^'' sir. be judge yourself
*o love the Moor.
671
OTHELLO
Act I Sc i
i
mr:] ^
Rod. I would not follow him then
logo. O, sir. content you ;
I follow him to serve my turn upon him :
We cannot all be masters, nor all masters
Cannot be truly followed. You shall mark
Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave.
That, doting on his own obsequious bondage.
Wears out his time, much like his master s ass,
For nought but provender ; and when he 's old, cashiered :
Whip me such honest knaves. Others there are,
Who, trimmed in forms and visages of duty,
Kcp yet their hearts attending on themselves ;
And, throwing but shows of service on their lards,
Do well thrive by 'em, and, when they've lined their coats.
Do themselves homage : these fellows have some soul ;
And such a one do I profess myself.
For, sir.
It is as sure as you are Roderigo,
Were I the Moor, I would not be lago :
In following him, I follow but myself ;
Heaven is my judge, not I ) love and duty,
But seeming so, for my peculiar end :
For when my outward action doth demonslrats
The native act and figure of my heart
In complement extern, 't is not long after
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at : I am not what I am.
Rod. What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe.
If he can carry 't thus !
logo. Call up her father ;
Rouse him :— mcke after him, poison his delight,
Proclaim him in the streets : incense her kinsmen :
And, though he in a fertile climate dwell.
Plague him with flies : though that his joy be joy,
Yet throw such chances of vexation on 't,
As it may lose some colour.
Rod. Here is her father's house ; I '11 call aloud.
laao. Do ; with like timorous accent, and dire yell,
As V, hen, by night and negligence, the fire
Is spied in populous cities.
Rod. What, ho 1 Brabantio 1 Signior Brabantio, ho 1
Jago. Awake 1 what, ho 1 Brabantio 1 thieves ! thieves I
thieves !
Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags I
Thieves ! thieves I
Brabantio appears above, at a window
Bra. What is the reason of this terrible summons ?
Whnt is the matter there ?
Rod. Signior, is all your family within ?
572
Sci
Act I Sc i
larjo.
Bra.
lago.
OTHELLO
Are your doors locked ?
7nnnHc oj- . ^"^'^^y, Wherefore ask you this ">
yo" r'kown y""" "'' ''^'"' ' ''' ^^^'"«' P"t on
Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul •
Even now, now, very now, an old black ram '
Is tupping your white ewe. Arise aris/f
oi'pt' it*' T''J^^ ''''''^' wfthThe bell
AriSVsay'"' "'" "^"^ ^ ^^"^^^^ >-•
RoJ TIT .^^"^' ^^^'^^ you Jost your wits *>
B^* J?^t^',rXt1,*'^ "" ^°" <<"-'' "-y voice ,
^orf. My name is Roderi<io.
To^:taSt™,"ule^-™^^ "»»' "■"" -"- '
-Rorf. Sir, sir, sir,—
Bod. s-aiiBc.
In simpleand pure soul I eom°e1oTou° ''''^'"""'^
serv/oocurthe devilTd v^ V' "«'^» "■=" ^^ia not
you service, and you thmk wf^r.. .^S-"^""" "" ''"""' '■" do
.laughter civereJwlt'h'aBa^ba'; ho" '"''vT >« h'"'" ^■'"'■-
nephews neich to von • vn„'ii if„ ' ^^^ " ^"ve your
gennets for fermans ' ''''"'''" ^°' cousins, and
fann Yl'''^ P'""^^."^ ^^^^^^ ^^t thoU ?
andX Mo'o'arno;' ^'akinrthe'b ^^" y^: ^-^ ^-'^^hter
Bra. Thou art a viiraln ^ '^'^ ''''^'' ^^'^ ^^^'^^^
lago. ' yr
Z- ™S"--ha>ta„s.S? "irnLTh^rRodorigo
^v£v;f>'.e: ir^?ss';;fe c„!?si? !!--" ^■-
'll m^h^ """• " ''•-*'"" y^f fir daughter
At tnis odd-even and dull watch o' th.. „i„i,.
Bu?w^tT:t"^''^ "? worserorteUer'guZ'''
out with a knave of common hire, a 4ndoIlrr
urn. ri' "'"'P^ ^^ ^ lascivious Moor,- •
« this be known to you, and your allowance,
573
OTHELLO
Act I Sc i
^jccr,
■f 1
We then have done you bold and saucy wrongs ;
But if you know not this, my manners leli me
We have your wrong rebuke. Do not believe
That, from the sense of all civility,
I thus would play and trifle with your reverence :
Your daughter, — if you have not given her leave, —
I say again, hath made a gross revolt ;
Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes.
In an extravagant and wheeling stranger,
Of here and everywhere. Straight satisfy yourself :
If she be in her chamber or your house.
Let loose on me the justice of the state
For thus deluding you.
Bra. Strike on the tinder, ho I
Give me a taper 1 — call up all my people I —
This accident is not unlike my dream :
Belief of it oppresses me already. —
Light, I say 1 light I [Exit from above
lago. Farewell ; for I must leave you ;
It seems not meet, nor wholesome to my place,
To be produced — as, if I stay, I shall —
Against the Moor ; for I do know, the state —
However this may gall him with some check —
Cannot with safety cast him ; for he 's embarked
With such loud reason to the Cyprus wars.
Which even now stands in act, that, for their souls,
Another of his fathom they have none.
To lead their business : in which regard.
Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains,
Yet, for necessity of present life,
I must show out a flag and sign of love.
Which is indeed but sign. That you shall surely fina him,
Lead to the Sagittary the raised search
And there will I be with him. So, farewell.
[Exit
Enter, below, Brabantio, and Servants with torches
Bra. It is too true an evil : gone she is ;
And what 's to come of my despised time
Is nought but bitterness. — Now, Roderigo,
Where didst thou see her ? — O unhappy girl ! —
With the Moor, say'st thou ? — Who would be a father ? —
How didst thou know 't was she ? — O, she deceives me
Past thought ! — What said she to you ? — Get more tapers !
Raise all my kindred I — Are they married, think you ?
Rod. Truly, I think they are.
Bra. O Heaven 1 — How got she out ? — O, treason of the
blood !—
Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds
By what you see Ihcm act. — Is there not charms
By which the property of youth and maidhood
•^-^.^VW^-. ^g^-w
Act I Sc fi
OTHELLO
■Bra. Call ud mv hrnth„;' ^'!^' ^'''^'^' indeed.
Some one wayf s^me anStheT n ''"^'^ ^^" ^"^ ^^^^^ ^'^ '-
I may con.mand at most r^^^"^ """'' ■'" <^all ;
a nodengo ,-I n deserve your pains. [Exeunt
Scene IL-Venicc. Another Street
laao tTT"' ''"°' ""' ^"^^^-^^' -'^/' forces
Sometimes to do me seJvLV v'^ '"^^"^^>'
I had thought to h^lp vprWH ^^'"u ""■ ^^" ^i'ncs
0//». -tIs better as ut '"" ^"'^ ""^^^^ ^^e ribs,
/ag'o. -,^,
And spoke such scurw and Drovnkini't ^^ P'"''^*-''^'
Against your honour Provokmg terms
?S T'n^*^". ""'« godliness I have
I did full hard forbear him Bi t t r..
T"at^?he'^l"^f"^.^^ B"e asfu'rld'ofthy""' ''''
Will give Wm cable! ^^ '"^ '"^""'^^ ^^ «"-
^ly services whiVh t hof^^^^™ ^^ ^^^ spite :
From mcnf rfvi'7i?"'5 '^^ '«' """I '"'"'«
ilav speak unSf J § : ""'I my dcmcriis
As thiftll;! "have reaehe°d'' f" S" " '"'"""'
1 vould not my unhoused free condition
•or Z\'''','^^'-^mon and con£ '
:/4o^ t\:.:^^^ «.f ?a^: i-^^^^^ lights come yond .
^ou were best go in ^^'=''' ''"^ ^"^ '^'i^n^s :
•^'<^*^ ^ J I must be found :
OTHELLO
Act I Sc
[Exit
My parts, my title, and my perfect soul.
Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they ?
lago. By anus, I think no.
Enter Cassio and certain Officers with torches
0th. The servants of the duke, and my lieutenant.
The goodness oi i^he night upon you, friends !
^Vhat is the news ?
Cas. The duke does greet you, general ;
And he requires your haste-post-haste appearance.
Even on the instant.
0th. What is the matter, think you ?
Cas. Something from Cyprus, as I may divine.
It is a business of some heat : the galleys
Have sent a dozen sequent messengers
This very night at one another's heels ;
And many of the consuls, raised and met.
Are at tlie duke's already. You have been hotly called for
When, being not at your lodging to be found.
The senate hath sent about three several quests
To search you out.
0th. 'T is well I am found by you,
I will but spend a word here in the house.
And go with you.
Cas. Ancient, what makes he here ?
logo. Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land-carack :
If it prove lawful prize, he's made for ever.
Cas. I do not understand.
lago. He's married.
Cas. To who ?
Re-enter Othello
lago. Marry, to — Come, captain, will you go ?
0th. Have with you
Cas. Here comes another troop to seek for you.
lago. It is Brabantio. — General, be advised ;
He comes to bad intent.
Enter Brabantio, Rodekigo, and Officers, with torches am
weapons
0th. Holla I stand there 1
Rod. Signior, it is the Moor.
Bra. Down with him, thief !
[ They draw on both sides
lago. You, Roderigo ! come, sir, I am for you.
0th. Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust
them. —
Good signior, you shall more command with years
Than with your weapons.
Bra. O thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my
daughter ? —
576
^^^^K^^n^^M
I Scii
Act I Sc iii
OTHELLO
s
lant.
al;
•u?
lied for
[Exit
irack :
who?
ith you.
:hes and
thief !
oth sides
Yill rust
vecl my
Damnecl as thou art, thou hast enchanted h-r •
ivhoH " '^^^■'^"V^of '"-'f^it: were not bound.
So opposi e to marriage tliat she shunned
ri.o wealthy curk-d clarliM«s of our nal ^n
Mui tiom 1 er guardage to the sooty boson
Of such a hing as thou.^lo fear, not toTliaht
; I d^^e me the world, if 't is not ,^;oss in se s '
Kit thou hast practised on her with foul cl • rnr •
Abused her delicate youth with dru^s or i u'mr s '
I hat weaken inolion.-i li have "t disputed oi •
Is probrble, and palpable to tlunking '
■.r ,',;,'■■'' ^PI^'",^'Y'»'l ^i"'l do attach thee
Of ot c • \"m''; " ^''^ ^^■«'''^'' '' pracliser
Of arts inhibited and out of war-ant —
Lay hold upon him : if he do resist,'
Subdue him at his peril.
on'' . I Told your hands
Both >-ou of my inclining, and I he rest '
Aere it my cue to light, I should have known it
\\ Ihout a prompler.-Where will vou that I go
To answer this your charge ? ^
on™, and course ot direct sessfon."""" ' "" "' ''™
tall thee to answer.
„ ^''^- ,, What if I do obey *>
\\Z.^^^ *^^ ^""^^ ^^ therewith satisfied,
Whose messengers are here about mv side
Ipon some present business of the state.
To bring me to him ? '
Th,/li.,i. . • . "^ ^^ *^"^» niost worthy sicninr •
ramrrS,^rseTfor'' ^"^ ^'^"^ "«^^^ -'^' '
InlSStimeofthenigS^efll^g^S^i^-^^^^
;-/i any of my brothers of the state.
For it .,^1! ^'!^ *^'' '^'^•'^"8 ^« 't ^vere their own •
^or t such actions may have passage free '
Bond-slaves and pagans shall our statesmen be
[Exeunt
Scene IIL— The Same.
A Council Chamber
The Duke, and Senators, sitting at a table: O/ncers
attending
;jsi-
577
i'fr^m^-
>,/».
-•J-
III'. -,
i'i'
J? •
r
Act I Sc Ui
^irst Sen. Indeed, they're disproportioned :
My letters say, a hundred and seven {^alleys.
Duke. And mine, a hundred and forty.
n,^/^l^'^^i *u • ^"*^ "^'"^' two hundred :
But though they jump not on a just account,—
As in these cases where the aim reports
'T is oft with difference,— yet do they all confirm
A Turkish fleet, and bearing up to Cyprus.
Duke. Nay, it is possible enough to judgment :
I do not so secure me in the error.
But the main article I do approve
In fearful sense.
Sailor [Within] What, ho I what, ho I what, ho I
Off. A messenger from the galleys.
Enter a Sailor
?"?^' HM rr , . , Now, what's the business?
S(nl. ihe Turkish preparation makes for Rhodes •
So was I bid report here to the state
By Signior Angclo.
Duke. How say you by this change ?
First Sen. This cannot be,
By no assay of reason : 't is a pageant,
To keep us in false gaze. When we consider
The importancy of Cyprus to the Turk ;
And let ourselves ag;ihi but understand
That, as it more concerns the Turk than Rhodes,
So may he with more facile question bear it,
l-'or that it stands not in such warlike brace,
But altogether lacks the abilities
That Rhodes is dressed in :— if wc make thought of this
We must not think the Turk is so unskilful.
To leave that latest which concerns him first,
Neglecting an attempt of ease and gain
To wake and wage a danger profitless.
Duke. Nay, in all confidence, he 's not for Rhodes
I-irst Off. Here is more news.
Enter a Messenger
il/ess. The Ottomites, reverend and gracious,
Steering with due course toward the isle of Rhodes
Have there injointed them with an after fleet.
First Sen. Ay, so I thought.— How manv, as vou guess ?
]\Iess. Of thirty sail ; and now do thev re-stem
Their backward course, bearing with frank appearance
Their purposes toward Cyprus.— Signior Montano,
^ our trusty and most valiant servitor
ANith his free duly, recommends vou thus,
And prays you to believe him.
Duke. 'T is cerlnin then for Cvprus.^
Marcus Luccicos, is not he in town ?
578
•p/— «■„
ir^
Act I Sc iii
OTHELLO
nnki '"^Tv •,"'/' "°''' ^" r-'orence.
£-.to Bbabantio, Ot.„c,.lo, Uoo, Roderigo, ™rf
0/i:ctrs
U»i.^*»«j„, Idw .,„t see you; „e,c„.e, gentle
^H,i!;'''"i' J'"T t™""""' """ >•»"■■ lii'lp to-nisht
P Sl„"L'T/r/p-aeuT/^.leV'-"-^^^^
Is of so llood-eatc and o'crbearlng nJt "re
i!;?i'ius^"s?!,rf.i'';f ^""""^ »"■" --»-.
^^^>y daughter r^or'™r<iaUl;?e?',"""'
iJra. Dead ?
She is abused, stolon from me, and corruntod '^''' ^"^ ''''' '
l>y spells and medicines bought of mounfSrks •
For nature so preposterously to err ''''''^'^*-''""'^^ '
hi-mg not deficient, blind, or lame o^
Sans witchcraft could not.
hfSh^'hu.T'°''■?'',^'' ^^ ^h^t' in this foul proceedin't
Hath thus beguiled your daughter of hrrs.. f ^'
And you of her, the bloody book of law'
^ou shall yourself read in the bitter TJtter
S^d^r^oraS! ' ''-' ''^^'' -^ I-P- -n
HenMs the man tu. ,^""^^1^ ^ ^hank your grace.
n/T" i^'°^^""S. but this is so.
urn. Most potent, grave, and revererd sirtninr.:
It isrincf ^ ^"^ "^^ '^''■'^y this Old man's daughter
IL IS most true ; true, I have married her
HniulU ^'^^^ ^'^'^ ^^«"t of my oflending '
AnTlill;;e^ Sa ^.^^^.Jl^.^"^ I> my speech.
For Since thes^ arms ol niL^t J s^^e^jr^;;^!.
Till now some nine moons wasted, theySe Jsed
579
sense.
-*.>./
n
^'■'hl. ,
; -A i- i
OTHELLO
.i^Ji.^'^.^'
Act I Sc iij
Their dearest action in the tented field ;
And little of this great world c.in I speak.
More than pertains to feats of broU and battle :
And, therefore, little shall I grace my cause
In speaking for myself. Yet, by voiir gracious patience
I will a round unvarnished tale doiiver '
Of my whole course of love ; what drugs, what charms.
NNhat conjuration, and what mighty ni;"4ic,
For such proceeding I am charg'd withal?—
I won his daughter.
/^^"- A maiden never bold ;
Of spirit so still and quiet, that her motion
Blushed at herself ; and slie— in spite of nature,
Of years, of country, credit, everything —
To fall in love with what she feared to look on 1
It is a judgment maimed and most imperfect
That will confess, perfection so could err
Against all rules of nature ; and must be driven
To find out practices of cunning hell,
\\hy this should be. I, therefore, vouch again.
That with some mixtures powerful o'er the blood
Or with some dram conjured to this elfect, '
He wrought upon her.
,,,:?"^'"l To vouch tills, is no proof.
Without more wider and more overt test
Than these thin habits and poor likelihoods
Of modem seeming do prefer against him.
First Sen. But, Othello, speak :
Did you by indirect and forced courses
Subdue and poison this young maid's affections :
Or came it by request, and such fair question
As soul to soul affordeth ?
e ^^J^- , , I do beseech you.
Send for the lady to the Sagittary,
And let her speak of me before her father :
If you do find me foul in her report.
The trust, the oflice, I do hold of vou,
Not only take away, but let your sentence
Even fall upon my life.
^H^^- ^ . Fetch Desdemona hither.
Uth. Ancient, conduct thein ; you best know ttie
.„ , +•?, '^u^""" [Exeunt lago and Attendants
And, till she come, as trulv as to Heaven
I do confess the vices of mV blood.
So justly to your grave ears I '11 present
How I did thrive in this fair lady's love.
And she in mine.
Duke. Say it, Othello.
Och. Her father loved me ; oft invited me :
Still questioned me the story of my life,
580
^
4 *
1- ,»' ■■•^'■^W
iil'
:4r
[ Sclil
cnce,
■ms.
^ the
vlants
Act I Sc Iil
OTHELLO
Tn"f,.]l^ throufih, i-von from my hovish dnvs
fo tiie very moment that Iw iLu-mc t it •
^\hcrom I spake of m.,.sL disastrous oh nccs'
O moving ace .lents by (!oo<l and lid, '
\\herem of antres vast and doserts'idlo
To An " ''="'?*''="^ that each other eat? '~
Ihc Antiiroi,opha«i. and men ^vhose heads
w P''°^),''^T'''>"' t''^'''' shoulders. Th s to heir
\\ouId Desdemona seriously hicline : ' ''^''
Whi/. . Jiouse-airairs mouM draw her thence •
\ Hch ever as she could with haste dc spateh '
She d come again, and v.ith a greedv ear
lJv^ouv up my discourse. Which I observing
Ih a I would all my pilf:rima|,'e dilate,
^M ereof by parcels she had something heard
^;;' "«t intentively : I did consent, *- ''''^'
\\ hon T h" f '"^ ^7""*^ '^"' «f her tears,
^^hen I dul speak of some distressful stroke
Heaven h„d made her sueh a man: she thanked
Here comes the lady ; let her witness it*.
Enter Desdemona with Iago, a;,rf Atlendants
Good Brabanlio,"' ''" ''^' """^' "'" "^^ ^'-^"g^^^^ too.-
AWwi?tJ,''-' {"'"^"g'^-'d matter at the best :
Than th!^r ^'''^- '■^■<'"P0^^- rather use
iiian their bare hands.
I pray you, hear her speak :
581
OTHELLO
Act I Sc iil
,il
•J'
.J'
Hi
If she confess that she was half the wooer
Destruction on my head, if my bad blame
Light on the man ! — Come hither, gentle mistress :
Do you perceive in all this noble company
Where most you owe obedience ?
Des. My noble father,
I do perceive here a divided duty :
To you I am bound for life and education :
IVIy life and education both do learn me
How to respect you ; you 're the lord of duty, —
I 'm hitherto your daughter : but here 's my husband ;
And so much duty as my mother showed
To you, preferring you before her fatlicr,
So mucli I challenge that I may jjroless
Due to the Moor my lord.
Bra. God be with you ! — I have done. —
Please it your grace, on to the state aflairs :
I had rather to adopt a child than get it. —
Come hither, Moor :
I here do give thee that with all my heart.
Which, but thou hast already, with all my heart
I would keep from thee. — For your sake, jewel,
I'm glad at soul I have no other child ;
For thy escape would teach me tyranny,
To hang clogs on them. — I have done, my lord.
Duke. Let me speak like yourself ; and lay a sentence,
Which, as a grise or step, may help these lovers
Into your favour.
When remedies are past, the griefs arc ended
By seeing the worst, which late on hopes depended.
To mourn a mischief that is past and gone
Is the next way to draw new mischief on.
What cannot be preserved when fortune takes,
Patience her injury a mockery makes.
The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief :
He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.
Bra. So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile ;
We lose it not, so long as we can smile.
He bears the sentence well that nothing bears
But the free comfort which from thence he hears ;
But he bears both the sentence and the sorrow
That to pay grief must of poor patience borrow.
These sentences, to sugar, or to gall.
Being strong on both sides, are equivocal :
But words are words ; I never yet did hear.
That the bruised heart was pierced through the ear.
I humbly beseech you, proceed to the alTairs of state.
Duke. The Turk with a most mighty preparation makes
for Cyprus : — Othello, the fortitude of the place is best
known to you ; and though we have there a substitute of
582
•>J:.
. - ! ^. t^:mALMmkm^*^?^!z:i^\A' ^^S'
Act I Sc ill
OTiriiLLO
most nllowod sumcipnpv ,,«f « • .
of cfTects. thro TS/s f.?'"'""' " ''^^^'•♦"'«" '"'''tros,
therefore be rontcnt to slu h n r tZZ^ ^r ' ^'"" ""'^^
I crave nt.^,!;;;;>:;;r:;^'-«;P your state.
As evl' w?n'r'"r'^'*''*'^ and be o T '
-AS e\els with her breeding'.
^"^•e. If you please, be 't at her father's
IJni.
OUi. Nor I.
Des. 2^
To put my father in
hy being in his eye.
ill not have it so.
■ : r would not there reside.
.>afient thoughts,
TO;,,sist„V"'l;fet'ss:''''^""™''''-
My .Town! ; t v^S . rn''',f ;V"" '° »" """ ""■..
M.1V Irumnct to ,,.„ , , "'""" "' '"'tmcs
y-yin to t; fvo?y „m '1; "'y l>earts subdued
0///. Let her nv. .f "^-'^ '''^^^ him.
X- . -^r«- iier na\e vour vnifo
'>oi to comply with henf n, '
In me defunct — am. ^n '"""- '^■''""^' ''^^^ects,
Uf feathered TunM c i ' .y'*-"" ^'f^'^t-winged tovs
583
OTHELLO
Act I Sc i
1 If
And all lndlf?n nnd base ndvcrsltlps
Make hcnd aRafn^t my osliniation
ni her for her stay or Roing.' tIk- ailair ctUs Imle
And speed must answer It. imsic,
O/'/?' '**'"■ ^°" '""^^ "^'"y ^"-"'jJ'Jt-
Otlu llo, leave some olllror hehiiid ngain —
\\HU such tlurms elK' of quality and respect
As (loth import you. 'laiHii
A mn'n „o H of l,"o„osl^^;;„';l'7^K^"'' '"'""' '"■'• '"''"" ■
To his coMvo>:iiKT I iisslKll my wit,..
To l!;.;;', a anor me''"' '■°""' «""" «™" ^'""' ""'"<
nS?';^:;:^SK^S?? K^'''") An.l. ,.o,„e .«„,„.,
\oiir son-iti-law is far more fair than black
r 7oo. fo'iri ','s- ^iz^ sv^ftr".".-"
She has deceived her f.ther. and may thee "
01, My hfc upon her faith !-Honcst lago.
My Dosdemona must I leave to thee •
I pr .ythec, let thy >vifc attend on her
And brniR them after in the best advantage
Come Desdeniona ; I have but an hour ^
Of loxc. of \vorl<lly matters and direction
To spend vith thee : ve must obey the time.
Ippo , \I-^ieuni OUullo and Dcsdcmoni
^\ hat say'st thou, noble heart ?
\\ hat will I do. thinkest thou ?
N\ hy, go to bed. and slecj)
Av m' ''l^"o»ti'»^''iHy drown nivsclf.
Why, thoii":;';'!.!!;;^.;::;?^; ' ^"^" "-- •-- ^hee after it.
AW. It IS silliness to live when to live is tormrni • nn,i
Ji<"'. \\hat should I do *> T mnfo^^c .-f .-c i
to bo so f„,Kl ; ,.t il is „oAn n,y™?l,;?;o'a„",e„'"-i..'""""
5S4
logo.
Hod.
IlUJO.
Bod.
.^i
Act I : c iii
OTlIf-LLO
It sterile with l.lirnoss or m.i,. . ' 'V.'l"-^ = * •^^•'' •'> 'I'-ivc
the power and i^^^l^^^^^'l;"^ '""".^^^y ^ ^vhv.
If the balance of o ir ve, h. i \ *'" '*" '" *""" ^^*""<-
natures would conduct u' to mn,»'^ ?" ''='^^^"*"*« "' """r
but we have reason ?i coo? m.rr^'r^'"'^"'^^
slinps. our un.itted lusts uLr^'l'H ?""""«• our 'rarnal
call love fo be a sect or scion ''"' ' '"'^^ '"'' ^"'^^ >'«"
/?0'/. It cannot be.
'.nd blind puppies I hTvJ;rnf" ^^''''J <lrown c.fs.
I confess me ffl t„ thy deser? ni'^'ji ^HV^^ ''^'^^'' """
toughness ; I could never better L-i'^hi-H "" P«'-'IunU,Ie
money in thy purse • follow fhne« ^^^. *''^" "«^- ^"t
with an usurWbeard ? I sU''; f.^lT ' f^r^^^ thy favour
cannot be that Des lemona sh^.H .T '^ ^" l^^ P"""^®- ^t
to the Moor,-put mo^ev In !hv i.. ''"'^ continue her love
iv™j^.eSr ~S? ?Ht"'- -' -
body, she will find the e?ror of h.. u • ° '' '■'*''''* '''t^^ '''^
Jf thou wilt needs d-imnthvcA.r "?"*'y '" ^''-^ purse.—
than drowning Mnke all^ n,; '^"^ '' ''* "^"'"^ ^'^''''^''t^ ^vnv
sanctimony and a fai? ^^w {^^.KvTv"^^^^ '''"" ^'''"^^ • '^
•'•nd a super-subtle Vene i ,n he not fn''"H''''l"r ^•^'■'>^"i--".
=^"d all the tribe of heti hou thnU .n ^'T^ ^""^ ^"^ ^^'f^
"jake „,,„,y, ^, ;^^'^' drown n'.^S lit' U ' i"'"'"-^''
of the way : seek thou nthnr to k ,^^^^^ ' 't is <lf;in out
'ssue ?■ '' '" '''" ^'^ '''' '^ >"y hopes, if I depend on th.
toldThVe ViZ "aLrrrr'tT;^^"' ^^'^^ monev._I hav.
Jl^e Moor : nfy cau s h";;' ed'^'thr ''i ?k.^^ ^^'''"' ' hnfo
Let us be conjunctive in onrr ' "^ ^''^^ no loss reason,
-nst cuckold K!^^,;rrE 'Z^^.:'!:;!!J^J!^^- '■ 1^ thou
^ave more of this'to^mrrr^rowrTi ^J'^ "°"^y- ^^^« ^"^
«o^. ^Vhere Shall we meet i'thimorning?
^'''^ -^* 58.5
OTHELLO
Act II Sc
1 «i
Jago.
Rod.
lago.
Rod.
lago.
Rod.
lago.
At my lodging,
I 'II be with thee betimes.
Go to ; farewell.— Do you hear, Rodcrigo ?
What say you ?
No more of drowning, do you hear *>
I am changed. I '11 go sell all my land.
Go to ; farewell 1 put money enough in youi
Th„c JL^P^ , , i^'^^f Roderigc
Thus do I ever make my fool mv purse ;
For I mine own gained knowledge shouM profane
If I would time expend with such a snipe
But for my sport and profit. I hate the IMoor ;
And It IS thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets
He has done my office : I know not if 't be true •
Yet I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety. He holds me well ;
1 he better shall my purpose work on him.
Cassio 's a proper man : let me sec now ;
To get his place, and to plume up my will
In double knavery,— How, how '.'—Let's see •
After some time, to abuse Othello's ear
That he is too familiar with his wife :
He hath a person, and a smooth dispose.
To be suspected ; framed to make women false.
The Moor is of a free and open nature
That thinks men honest that Init seem to be so.
And will as tenderly be led by the nose
As asses are. — -
I have 't. It is engendered. Hell and night
Must bring this monstrous birth to the woVld's light. [Exit
! ' ■ \
'U ■
ACT TWO
ScENK I.— A Seaport Town in Cyprus. A Platform
Enter MoNTANO and two Gentlemen
Mon. What from the cape can you discern at sea ?
T r.l'^L H - ,^«/'^V'S at all : it is a high-wrought flood ;
I cannot, twixt the heaven and the main
Descry a sail.
A i^^n"' , ?^ethinks the wind hath spoke aloud at land :
A. fuller blast ne'er shook out battlements •
If it hath ruflianed so upon the sea,
What ribs of oak, when mountains melt on them.
Can hold the mortise ? What shall we hear of this "^
Sec. Gent. A segronalion of the Turkish fleet •
For do but stand upon the foaming shore
The chidden billow seems to pelt the clouds •
The wmd-shaked surge, with high and monstrous mane,
680
II Sc i
AcL II Sc i
n your
'oderigo
[Exit
3
i
■4
?
flood ;
OTHELLO
L'liice
10,
On the enchafed nood
Be not onsholforcrl and cml nvo P\^J"^^«sh "^et
It is impossible to bear it oit!'"^' "^ ""'' ^^'^^"^^ '
Third Crni J''^"' " ^^''"^ Gentleman
^ 'lira (jcni. New; loric f ^,.
The desperate temnest h^?h c "k ''''" '^''^ ^^^"^■
That thiir desiSnt 1 a i^ n '".^^^ P'" '^'"'■'^■^•
Hnth seen a gdevons Jr^rl ^ni """^t^ "''P '^^ ^'^""i
On most part of tSdr neet ^"^'^^''^^^ce
A Vcroncsa ; Michael r.-issio •" '' '"" P"' '"•
i'L""" •''"'* ^"'"t tempest '^ "■'"' P""'"
For I have served him ami fh^ ^'f '"^'""ns ho be ;
An indisllnet regard """^ ""^ """■" "'uo
F.-fevory minute K '=°"r' ''' '^ "» « J
Of rv, ^ minute is expectancy
Of more arrivance. ^
That^o^S!j^'^^,i:;«,valiant^ofU^
^*^'^'"^J A sail, a sail, a saill
^a«. VN hat noise ?
isle.
687
OTHELLO
Act II Sc
M'^
' 1 5. is ;
'I:
131' "'
i
Fourth Gent. The town Is pmptv ; on the brow o' the sea
btand ranks of people, and they cry " A sail I "
Cas. My hopes do shape him for the governor.
c /^ J «,». [Guns hrnrd
Sec. Gent. They do discharge their shot of courtesy •
Our friends, at least.
C«s, I pray you, sir. go forth,
And give us truth who 't is that is arrived.
Sec. Gent. 1 shall. [Exit
Mon. But, good lieutenant, is vour general wived ?
Cas. Most fortunately : he hath ach»-vcd a maid
That paragons description and wild fame ;
One that excels the quirks of blazoning n- ns,
And, in the essential vesture of creation
Does tire the ingener.
Re-enter second Gentleman
How now ! who has put in I
Sec. Gent. 'T is one lago, ancient to the cfonernl.
Cas. He has had most favourable and happy speed :
Tempests themselves, high seas, and howling winds,
The guttered rocks, and congregated sands, —
Traitors ensteeped to clog the guiltless keel, —
As having sense of beauty, do omit
Their mortal natures, letting go safely by
The divine Desdemona.
->^on. What is she ?
Cas. She that I spake of, our great captain's captain.
Left in the conduct of the bold lago ;
Whose footing here anticipates our thoughts
A se'nnight's speed.— Great Jove, Othello guard.
And swell his sail with thine own powerfulbrcath.
That he may bless this bay with his tall ship.
Make love's quick pants in Desdemona's arms.
Give renewed lire to our extincted spirits,
And bring all Cyprus comfort ? —
Enter Desdemona, Emilia, Iago, Roderigo, and
Attendants
O, behold.
The riches of the ship is come on shore I
Ye men of Cyprus lot her have your knees. —
Hail to thee, lady I and the grace of Heaven,
iScfore, behind thee, and on every hand,
Enwheel thee round I
-^<'s- . , I thank you, valiant Cassio.
What tidincs can von t<!! mp of tnv lord "^
Cas. He is not yet arrived : nor know I aught
But that he 's well, and will be shortlv here.
Des. O, but I fear — How lost you company ?
588
1
[I Sc
the sea
s hrnrd
irtesv :
[Exit
Act II Sci
;d
h
Id
f
OTHELLO
[}ViUun] A sail, a sail 1 ^''"- ,^„ ^ ^
•Jjef". Gent. Thpv oii-r. ti.^j ^ ^. ouns heard
This likewise ila friend. "^ ^'*'^^"« *^ *^^ ^'^adcl :
See, for the news I —
Good ancient, you axe welcomo • r r^ r^^ ^f ', Gentlemen
mistress: ^^eicome .— [To Emilia] welcome,
Let it not gall your patience, good lago
lou d have enough. '
^ ?y. In faith, too muchf ''^ "'^ ^P^^^'^"
I find It still, when I have list to sIccd •
Marry, before your ladyship, I grant '
J'i^V.t^ her tongue a iiltli n her heart
And chides with thinking. '
Ia7c!' Z"""" ^'^^'^ "^^^^ *^^"se to say so.
S..ints in your injuries, devils being olTended
i™;. \ ou shall not write my pruis,..
r/^^''" ^ ^*^"^^*^ ''"^fly' do not put nic to 't •
For I ani nothing, if not critical '
?4". '?.": ma;S^'-''^^^^^" '' -^ ^'-- to the harbour 7
The n'nn^ f " """u '"'''■^y ' ^"t I do beguile
<;iu. 'I r 1 *"\V^ oiacjv, anrl tluTcto have a wif
1)e ^"I'^-.V'^'^V'^'' '^'•^^^ '^^^ black less 1 '
^es. Worse and worse. « "t.
589
v^
OTHELLO
Act II Sc i
^m/7. How, if fair and foolish ?
lago. Slie never yet was foolish that was fair :
For even her folly helped her to an heir.
i' H.l^ioV'''"^ '''■^?M'^ ^^""'^ paradoxes, to make fools laugh
h^/M ""''•, V'2.^ miserable praise hast thou for her
that s foul ana foolish ?
Pt./fT" 7''f '^ '^ \'°"'' ^° ^^"^' «"^ ^""J'sh thereunto.
But does foul pranks which lair and wise ones do.
i.„ft"'n * f'yy i8""r^"^el— lliou praisest the worst
best. But what praise couldst thou bestow on a deserving
woman indeed? one, that, in the autliority oi her me "t'^
did justly put on the vouch of very malice itself > '
nujo. She that was ever fair, and never proud :
Had tongue at will, and yet was never loud •
Never lacked gold, and yet went never qay :
Fled from her wish, unu yx .. ,aid, " Nowl mav • "
Sae that, bemg angered, he.; revenge being nigh'.
Lade her wrong stay, and her displeasure lly ;
bhe that m wisdom never was so frail
To change the cod's head for the salmon's tail ;
bhe that could think, and ne'er disclose her mind
bee suitors following, and not look beliind :
bhe was a wight, i fever such wights were.—
Des. To do what ?
lago. To suckle fools, and chronicle small beer
i^nr^'^Af 1? "^^^'-.{^•'"f and itnpoLent conclusion 1— Do not
learn of him, Emilia, though he he thy husband—How say
>ou, Cassio ? IS he not a most profane and liberal cou-iseller "'
COS. He speaks home, madam : you may relish him
more m the soldier than in the scholar
lago. [Aside] He takes her by the palm : ay, well said
a 1^7n.'^n'''"' ^^"'"' V"" "^ ^h'^ ^^^^ ^ ensnare a grJt
a by as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do ; I will gyve thee
l?s cirtr^u" ''r^'^'^'P; .You say true', 'tis so^'^i^'deed
f such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantrv
.ft wmT" ^''^^'' ^^'^^ ^'""^ "°^ ^^''^^ y«"^ three linger Jo
olt, which now again you are most apt to play the sir i'l
\cry good ; well kiss.d, an excellent courtesy 'tis o
indeed Yet again your fingers to vour lips ? would thev
Moor! I know his trumpet. 'uj ii.l
Cas. 'T is truly he.
Des. Let 's meet him, and receive him.
Cas. Lo, where he comes I
Enter Othello and Attendants
O my fair warrior 1
^,?- Tf • ^^y d^^ar Othello !
Ulli. It gives me wonder great as mv content.
To see you here before me. O my sou!\s joy I
5D0
G!
*h.
Act II Sci
OTHEILO
■ I
If after every tempest come such calms
;T were now t" te^rs/ ha";^ "Tr'^rU? '"^'
ihat not another comfort like to this
Succeeds in unknown fate
/a^rt. [Aside] o ,.
But I '11 set down the pec^s thit m-.l , I'-''' ''"'"• ^""^'^ "^^ ;
As honest as I am " ^'^ ^^"^ "^"^^c,
0th. ' p
Honey, you shall be well-desirecl in ct,?,,^;
one: .^t^srefarcri^^^-^^-^' ^-^^--^''
, logo. Do thol^'mTet n^t^^^^^ -,'^ ^^^^^^^-nls
Wther. If thou be'st valiant ?.H,f "''' ^'*'^"""' ^"'««
in love have then a nnhi SfT'o ^^^^ ^'-^y' ^^^e men being
native to them;-list me 'Vh. , '7 """"'r'' "'"''^ than if
on the court of gLrc^-first T "''l' l^^T"^^ ''^^^^'^^
laao I^v n ''J' ' ^'^y- 't ^^ "«t possible.
^IaIkme^ fth'^1 f^^^^^^^ ^^^^ l^' l^/ -"i be instructed,
for bragging, and t iCglT fa^atlsuLnf ' "^^ 'Y^^''' ^^^
ove him still for prating ■> let not thi r ' .''."'^ ''"''^^ "^e
It. Her eve musf h» fin " ^^-^^^f '"y tliscreet heart think
to look on the^e-M " h' ''"'^ ''^^^^ ^^^'-'>t shall sh. h '"e
act of sport the?e should s!/' '''" ^^7^-^' "^'-^^^ clull^iUi the
-tiety^a fr^sh'^p^^^i? i'i^7eSs nTa'^ou? "' ^"" ^^ ^^'^
years, manners, and beiufio. ,m '"/.^yo"r, sympathy in
• n
■*,.■..
^'>c-
OTHELLO
Act II Sc i
her dtlicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to
heave the gorf^e, disrelish and abhor the Moor ; very
nature will instruct her in it, and compel her to some
second choice. Now, sir, this granted, — as it is a most
prcfinant and unforced position, — who stands so eminent
in the degree of this fortune, as Cassio does ? a knave very
voluble, no further conscionable than in putting on the
mere form of civil and humane seeming, for the better
compassing of 'lis salt and most hidden-loose allection ?
why, none ; why none : a slipper and subtle knave ; a
linder-out of occasions ; that has an eye can stamp and
counterfeit advanlaties, thougli true advantage never pre-
sent itself : a devilish knave I Iksides, the knave is hand-
some, young, and hath all those requisites in him that
folly and green minds look after ; a pestilent complete
knave : and the woman hath found him already.
Rod. I cannot believe that in her : she is full of most
blessed condition.
lago. Blessed fig's end 1 the wine she drinks is made
of grapes : if she had been blessed, she would never have
loved the Moor : blessed pudding ! Didst thou not sec her
paddle with the palm of his hand ? didst not mark that ?
Rod. Yes, that I did ; but that was but courtesy.
lago. Lechery, by this hand 1 an index, and obscure
prologue to the history of lust and foul thoughts. They
met so near with their lips, that their breaths embraced
together. Villainous thoughts, Roderigo ! when these
mutualities so marshal the way, hard at hand comes the
master and main exercise, the incorporate conclusion :
pish ! — But, sir, be you ruled by me : I have brought you
from Venice. Watch you to-night ; for the command, I 'II
lay 't upon you : Cassio knows you not :— I '11 not be far
from you : do you find some occasion to anger Cassio.
either by speaking too loud, or tainting his discipline ; or
from what other course you please, which the time shall
more favourably minister.
Rod. Weil.
lago. Sir, he is rash, and very sudden in choler, and,
haply, may strike at you : provoke him, that he may ; for
eve out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to mutinv.
whose qualification shall come into no true taste but by the
displanting of Cassio. So shall you have a shorter journey
to your desires, by the means I shall then have to prefer
them ; and the impediment most profitably removed, with-
out the wliich there were no expectation of our prosperity
Rod. I will do this, if you can bring it to any opportunity.
lago. I warrant thee. Meet me by-and-by at the
citadel : I must <"etch his necessaries ashore. Farewell.
Rod. Adieu. [ExU
lago. That Cassio loves her, I do well believe it :
599
Sci
Act II Sc iii
OTHELLO
That she loves him, 't is apt, and of Rreat credit •
The Moor— howboit that I endure him not—
Is of a constant, loving, noble nature ;
And, I dare think he '11 prove to Desdcniona
A most dear husband. Now, 1 do love her too ;
Not out of absolute lust— though, peradventure*
I stand accountant for as great a sin —
But partly led t<. diet my revenge.
For that I do suspect the lusty Aloor
Hath leaped into my seat ; the thought whereof
Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards
And nothing can or shall content my soul,
Till I am evened with him, wife for wife ; '
Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor
At least into a jealousy so strong
That judgment cannot cure. Which thing to do
If tins poor trash of Venice, whom I tra^h
For his quick hunting, stand the putting-on,
I'll have our Michael Cassio on the hip ;
Abuse him to the Moor in the rank garb,
For I fear Cassio with my night-cap too ;
Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me
for making him egregiously an ass, '
And practising upon his peace and quiet
Even to madness. 'Tis here, but vet confused :
Knavery's plain face is never seen till used.
[Exit
Scene II.— A Street
Enter a herald, with a proclamation; people following
}!: l^ ^^li'-'Ho's pleasure, cur noble and vr.liant
Her.
general, that, upon certain tidings now arrived, importing
imself into triumph ; some to dance, some to make bon-
res, eacli man to %yhat sport and revels his addiction leads
ni for, besides these beneficial news, it is the celebration
cluZr^lu- rr^° '"'^" '''^' ^'^ pleasure shou.d be pro-
ciduned. AH oITices are open ; and there is full liberty of
U-asling, from this present hour of ave till the bell liave
Scene III.— A Hall in the Castle
Enter Othello. Desdemoxa, Cassio, and Attendants
T .?'/'•. ^Z^^ Michael, look you to the guard to-night :
i-ei s teach ourselves that honourable stop
Aot to out-sport discretion.
Cas.. lago hath direction what to do ;
503
■<!:}
.?HiB
[H
- 1
!
I
fe. i ri
OTHELLO
Act II Sc iii
But, notwithstandiiig, with my personal eve
Will I look to't. ^
.,P'^^- ''•«« is most lionest.
Midiacl, {,'00(1 night : to-morrow with your earliest
Let me nave speccli with you.— [io Desdcmunal Come
my dear love : ' v-viuv,
The purchase made, the fruits are to ensue •
1 hat proiit 's yd to come 'twixt me and you.—
Good ni-ht. [Exeunt Othello, Desdemoiia, and Attendants
Enter Iago
Cas. Welcome, Iago : we must to the watch
.'... ^t" ^""^ ^'"^ I'""'"' li<^»tcnant; 'tis not yet ten
o dock. Our general cast us thus early for the love of his
Desdemona, who let us not therefore blame : he hath not vet
made wanton the night with her. and she is sport for Jove
Las. blie s a most exquisite lady.
Iago. And, I'll warrant her, full of game
Cas. Indeed, she 's a most fresh and delicate creature.
la>io. \\hataueyeshehasl methinks it sounds a parlev
to provocation. f"*^^j'
Cas. An inviting eye, and yet methinks right modest.
larjo. And, when she speaks, is it not an alarum to love '>
Cas. She is, indeed, perfection.
Iago Well, happiness to their sheets I Come, lieuten-
ant, I have a stoop of wine ; and here without are a brace of
Cas. Not to-night, good Iago. I have very poor ana
unhappy brains for drinking. I could VNell wish co^rt v
would m%-ent some other custom of entertaimnent
ior"^"' ^^^^ ^^^ ""^ friends ; but one cup ; I 'U diink
Cas I have drunk but me cup to-night, and thit w i^
era tUy qualified too, anu, behold, wlSV' inno^^ on'
makes here. I am unfortunate in the infirmity, and 3ar.
not task my weakness with any more.
Iago
desire it
Cas.
Iago.
Cas.
Iago
What, man 1 't is a night of revels : the gallants
Wliere are they ?
Here at the door ; I pray you, call them in.
1 11 do t ; but It dislikes me. [£^/'
\\ ith that winch he hath drunk to-night already,
He 11 be as full of quarrd and ollence
As my young mistress' dog. Now. mv sick fonl t?o'1-!-.
vviiuin love has turned almost the wmng side out " "'"^ '
lo Desdemona hath to-night caroused
Potations pottle-deep ; and he 's to watch.
Three lads of Cyprus— noble, swelling spirits,
594
Act II So iii
OTHELLO
!
That hold their honours in a wnry distance,
The very elements ot lliis \v;irlike isle —
Have I to-iii^ht Uustcred with llowinf? cups.
And they watch loo. Now, 'nioiif^st tins lloci< of drunkards
Am 1 to put our Cassio in some action
That may ollend tl;e isle : -but liere they come.
if consequence do Init approve my dream',
-My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream.
Re-mlcr Cassio, with him Montano, Gentlemen, and
Servant luitli wine
Gas.
Muix.
a soldier,
Icyo.
[Siwjs]
'Fore Ciod, they have given me a rouse ,.
uood faiLh, a liLlle one ; not past a puit, as 1 am
alrt ady.
Some wine, ho !
And Ut me the canakin clink, clink ;
And lei me the canakin clink :
A soldier's a man ;
A life's but a spa/i ;
W'hif then let a soldier drink.
Some v.iuc, boys !
Gas. 'tore God, an excellent sonj^.
lufjo. I learned it in England, where, indeed, they are
most potent in potthig : your Dane, your German, and
3our swag-bellitd Hollander,— Drink, ho !— arc nothiu'
to your English. ' °
Gas. Is your Englishman so expert in his drinking ?
laqo. Why, he drinks yuu, with facility, vour Dane dead
drunk ; he sweats not to overthrow your Almain ; he gives
your Hollander a vomit, ere the next pottle can be liiled
Gas. To t!ie health of our general I
Mon. I am for it, lieutenant ; and I 'li do you justice
laijo.
O sweet England I
King Stephen was a worthij peer.
His breeches cost him but a crown ;
He held them sixpence all too dear,
Wilh that he called the tailor town.
He was a wight of high renown.
And thou art but of low degree :
'T is pride that pulls the country down ;
Then take thine auld cloak about thee.
Some wine, ho i
Gas. Why, this is a more exquisite song than the other
%o. Will yuu hear 't again ?
Gas. No ; for I hold him to be unworthy of his place
that does those things.— Well, God 's above all ; and there
he soulsmust be saved,aud there be soulsmust not bt saved
lago. It 's true, good lieutenant.
5Ua
OTHELLO
Act II Sc i
W:
1' w - ■
Cus. Tor mine own part.— no offence to the ccneru
nor any man ul quaiity.--i hope to be saved
logo. And so do I too, lieutenant.
Cas. Ay, but, by your leave, not before me- tli
lieutenant is to be saved before the ancient. Let V hav
no more of this ; let 's to our aflairs.-God forJ^^ve us oii
th!ni";^nM"''"""V '^' 'f '""'^ '"> «"^ businesT Do n
thuik gentleman, I am drunk : this is mv ancient •— this i
"ly nm hand, and this is my left hand:-I an not drun
now ; I can stand well enough, and speak well enoSgl
-AW. Excellent well. *
thS"la.S.]c"^ "'" ''^" ' ^^" '""^^ "°^ ^^-'^ 1^';
watch"' '^° ^^"^ platform, masters : come, let 's set th!
lago. You see this fellow, that is gone before :
He IS a soldier, fit to stand by Citsar
And give direction ; and do but see his vice
r IS to his virtue a just equinox.
The one as long as the other : 't is pity of hira.
I fear the trust Othello puts him in,
On some odd time of his infirmity
Will shake this island.
"J^°"- ,^, But is he often thus ?
H/MitotT i^^u''"'?'''' ^^'"^ prologue to his sleep :
He 11 watcli the horologe a double set.
If drink rock not his cradle.
^. ^^«"' , It were well
1 he general were put in mind of it.
Perhaps, he sees it not ; or his good nature
I nzes the virtue that appears in Cassio,
And looks not on his evils. Is not this true ?
Enter Rodeuigo
lago. [Aside to him] How now, Roderieo ?
I pruy you, after the lieutenant ; go. fExit Roderino
Man And 't is great pity that the noble MoJr ^
Miould hazard such a place as his own second
\\ ith one of an ingraft infirmity.
It were an honest action to say
So to the Moor.
lugo. Not I, for this fair island :
I do love Cassio well ; and would do much
lo cure him of this evil.— I3ut hark I what noise ?
[Cry within. " Help 1 Help!"
Re-enter Cassio, pursuing Ruuerigo
Cas. You rogue 1 you rascal i
rff."* A i.„ * K ^^'hafs the matter, lieutenant ?
(.«s. A knave teach me my duty !
I 'II beat the knave into a twiggen bottle.
O0"J
f Act II Sciii
OTHELLO
i
Hod. Ocit me !
Cos. Dost thou prnte, rogue ? {Strifcin^ Ro<irrigo
"• Nay, good li(Miten;iiit
I prny you sir. hold your hnnd. ''''"^'"^ '""^
i-v. I Ml 1 I . ^-^^ "If" Ro, sir.
Or I II knock you o'er the rnnzziird.
c'r- Drunk I <^omo. come ; you 'ro .Irunk
Xay. Rood li,.ul.n.1.t,-Go,i-s will, .entlemal/r" ''""'"■"'
He p. ho 1 I.it-iitonant,— sir-.Mont;mo,-.sir :—
Help, mpstcrs !-Here 's a goodly watch, indeed I
Who 's that which rings the boll ?--D/«Wo. ho I ^^'" ''"^^
i he town will rise : God's will, lieutenant, hold I
\ou will be shamed for ever.
Enter Othello and Attendants
it T .-, , ^Vhat is tlio matter horp *>
n r- v} ^''S^ '*'" • ^ -'''" hurt to the death.
Utti. Hold, for your lives I
'"^'men 1- ^° ' ^'^'"'^"''^"t.-sir.-Montano.-gentlc-
Have you forgot all sense of place and <Uitv '
ruh ^J\^ general speaks to you ; hold, iV.r shame !
<nh. ^Vhy how now. ho ! from whence arisetii lliis '
Are we turned Turks, and to ourselves do that '
N\hich Heaven hath forbid the Ottomiles *>
•or Christian shame, put by this bari.iin.ii's brav.l •
that stirs next to carve for his own r,,.'e
Holds his soul light ; he <lies upon his nintion.-
Silence that dreadful bell ! it frights the isle
t-rom her propriety.— What is the matter", masters «>—
Honest lago, that look'st dead with grievin" "
Speak, who began this ? on thy love, I ch.r^re tliee
logo. I do not know :— friends all but now. even now
In quarter, and in terms like bride a.ul groom '
devesting them for bed ; and then, but now^
AS If some planet had unwitted men—
S'vords out, and tilting one at other's breast
bi opposition bloody. I cannot speak ^ '
Any beginning to this peevish odds ;
And would in action glorious I had lost
.noje legs that brouyiit. me to a part of it !
rt r ' '^'''"'*' '^' -^"^f'ael. you are thus forgot ?
nh w^'f?" ^?,"' P'"'''''" "''" ' ^ ^^^""«t speak!
Thl!: ^^^'■^f'y .Montano, you were wont be civil •
The gravity and stillness of your youth
597
^
II
>'
'J'
' >^w
OTHELLO
Acl II Sc
The worI(l hnlh nolcd. and voiir nnnip Is Rrrat
In mouths of wi.s( si censure : wliat 's the matter,
That you unlace your reputafiou tiuis,
And spend your rich opinion for the name
Of n night-brawler ? pivc me answer to it.
Mon. Worthy Otliello. I am iiurt to danger :
Your ofTlccr, la^^o, can Inform vou —
While I sp -e speech, whicii somclhinfj now ofTtnds me,-
Of all til ! do know : nor know I au^'lit
IJy me that 's said or done amiss this nif,'iit,
Iniess sclf-charify he sometime a vice,
And to defend ourselves it be a sin
Wlicn violence assails us.
^^^''- Now, by Heaven,
My blood begins my safer guides to rule ;
And passion, having my best judgment collied,
Assays to lead the way. If I once stir,
Or do but lift tiiis arm, the best of you
Sliall sink in my rebuke Give me to know
How this fcul rout began, who st-t it on ;
And he that is approved in this olience,
Though he had twinned with me, both at a birth,
Shall lose me.— What I in a town of war.
Yet vild • V penr.Jo's hearts brimful of fear,
To manage private and domestic quarrel,
In night, and on the court and guard of safety !
'T is monstrous.— lago, who began It ?
Mon. If partially aflined, or leagued in ofllce
Thou dost deliver more or less than truth,
Thou art no soldier.
I"90. Touch me not so near :
I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth
Than it should do offence to Michael Gassio ;
Y'et, I persuade myself, to speak the truth
Shall nothing wrong him.— Tlius it is, general.
IMontano and myself being in speech,
Tnere comes a fellow crying out for help,
And Gassio following him with determined sword
To execute upon him. Sir, this gentleman
Steps in to Gassio, and entreats his pause :
Myself the crying fellow did pursue.
Lest by his clamour— as it so fell out —
The town might fall in friglit : he, swift of foot.
Outran my purpose ; and I returned the rather
I- or that I heard the clink and fall of swords.
And Gassio high in oath, which till to-night
1 ne'er might say before. When I came^'back—
For this was brief — I found them close together,
At blow and thrust, even as again they were
When you yourself did part them.
598
I Act II Sc ill
OTJIIJLLO
I More of this mnttor can I not n port •—
I ly men nrc rncn : the host sometimes forcnl •—
I Ihoixuh Cnsslo did some litlic wr#nR to hini
As men in rafie strike those that wish them best.
^et surely Cassio. I believe, received
J-rom him that lied some slranKe Indignity,
Which patience could not pass.
Thy honesty and love doth mince tirm;itUT^'
Making it light to Cassio.-C.ssio. I love uVce?
Hut never more be ollicer of mine.—
Re-enter Dksdf.mona, attended
Look, if my gentle love be not raised up I
I il make thee an example.
?m' All . „ ^^'*'=^t 's the mailer ?
^ir fnr . 1""^ "'''''' ^^^'^^'^''^ 5 ^ome away to bed.-
lago, look y^ixh care about the town ^^'"'^'"'' '* ^"^ «/7
.\nd sdence those whom this vile brawl distracted.-
Lome, Desdcmona ; 't is the soldiers' life.
To have their balmy slumbers waked with strife.
-.^r, . [F'^cunt all but lano and Cwstin
aqo. What, arc you hurt, lieutenant ? ^
Los. Ay ; past all surgery.
logo. Marry, Heaven forbid I
/a^p. As I am an honest man, I thoucht vou had r^
ceived some bodily wound ; there is norf sense in that
than in reputation. Reputation is an idle and most false
.Tr^Th' °",^°l ^^'^^^^"^ merit, and lost%?^houtdeserv-
;'o^u;srs;ra'tse"r° Th^at^^ ^ ^li^^l^l^i
= ^nS-S!t--=in>^.-^-r£S^^
P^rburiion"" SueTo b" ^'" '^''^'^' '^^ '^^^ - i-^
Ptnous lion. Sue to him ,„: ui, and he 's yours.
.o ctn^H ^'''" ^'^^^""^ ^"^ ^0 *^e despised, than to deceive
<^«s. I know not.
699
OTHELLO
Act II Sc
I f
1 '
logo. Is 't possible ?
Cas. I remember a mass of things, but nofhin^ d
tinctly ; a qu;irrel, but nothing whercforp.— O r.r,<: t!;
men should put an enemy in their mouths to ^ oal aw'
their brains 1 that we should, with joy, pleasa: en, rnv(
and applause, transform ourselves into beasts I
lago. Why, but you are now well enough : i -vv car
you thus recovered ?
Cas. It hath pleased the devil drunkenness, to ^h
p. ace to the devil wrath: one unperfectness shows n
another, to make me frankly despise myself.
lago. Come, you are too severe a moraler. As the tim
the place, and the condition of this country stands, I coi!
heartily wish this had not befallen ; but, since it is as it i
mend it for your own good.
Cas. I will nsk him for my place again,— he shall tr
me, I am a drunkard. Had I as many mouths as Hydr
such an answer would stop them all. to be now a sensih:
man, by-and-by a fool, and presently a beast I O, Strang-
— i:very inordinate cup is unblessed, and the ingredient
a devil.
laqo. Come, come, good wine is a good familiar creature-
If It be well used : exclaim no more against it. And, goo-
lieutenant, I think you think I love you.
Cas. I have well approved it, sir. — I drunk I
lago. You or any man living may be drunk at a tin-i^
nian. I '11 tell you what you shall do. Our gencnd's \v;ft
IS now th*^ general :— I may say so in this respect, for th-t
he hath devoted and given up himself to the contemplation,
mark, and denotement of her parts and graces :— conf.-'is
yourself freely to her ; importune her ; she '11 help to put
you in your place again. She is of so free, so kind, so an ,
so blessed a disposition, that she holds it a vice in bor
goodness, not to do more than she is requested, iliis
broken joint, between you and her husband, entreat her to
splinter ; and my fortunes against any lay worth nami'^^
this crack of your love shall grow stronger than it was before.
Cas. You advise me well.
lago. I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest
kindness.
Ca/?. ' think it freely ; and betimes in the mornin? I
will be ^h I he virtuous Desdemona to undertake for mc,
I am t ipcr-^te of my fortunes if they check me her'-.
lago. V , are j,i ^j^^ ^^g^^^ ^^^^ night, lieutenant ;
I must to l.-e watch.
Cas. Good night, honest lago. f,".r;7
/gjo. And what ^ he then, that snj-s I play Uie vilhiiii ?
When this advice is free I give and honest,
Probal to thinking, and, indeed, the course
To win the Moor again ? For 't is most easy
600
II Sen I
hins, dis-
''~'i ti'.nt
:;iJ a'.v:u
'e, rovri,
jvv cano
to give
lows me
Acl II Sc iii
OTHELLO
• The incllnin;' Dcsrlcmona to subdue
In any hoiust suit : she 's Iramcd as fruitful
As the free elements. And then for her
To win the ^loor,— were 't to renounce his baptism.
All seals and symbols of redeemed sin,—
Mis soul is so enleltered to her love
Tiiat she may make, unmake, do what she list
I.ven as her apjjctile shall plav the j^od
\\ith his weak function. How am i then a villain,
10 counsel Cassio to this parallel course
Directly to his good ? Divinilv of hell '
V.hcn devils will their blackest\sins put on
'inc^>' do suggest at lirst with heavenlv shuws,
..s I do now ; lor wiiiles this honest fool
Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes
And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor,
i II pour this pestilence into his car,-
Yiiat she repeals him for her bodv's'lust •
:\''^' '^>;. li'J^^' i""fli she strives to do him good
Sue sliall undo her credit with the Moor
Si) will 1 turn her virtue i"to pilch ;
And out of her own goodness make the net
Tiiat shall enmesh them all.
Re-enter Rodfrigo
p, . T ^ * n , ^^^"^^' "<^^^'' riodcrigo ?
Rod. I do follow here m the chase, not like a hound that
liv.nts, but one that fills up the crv. Mv money is niost
'Ti thi'ri.;"-" '""^S^^f cxceedingiy well ludgeS
.1, I think, the issue will be, I shall have so much ex-
1)( . cnce for my pains ; and so, with no monev at all and
a uUle more wit. return again to Venice
/fl'yo. How poor are they tliat have not patience !
y. hat wound did ever heal but by degiees *>
iliou know'st we work by wit, and not bv wi
Aiul wit depends on dilatorv tiinc
l^oos 't not go well ? Cassio hath beaten thee,
Thn n.fwn '' !l''^ ""'"' '^^"■^' ''=^^t cashiered Cassio.
|huigh other things gi'ow fair against the sun,
'< I Iruits that blossom first will lirst be rine •
-oiUcnt thyself awhile.-liy tlie mass, 't is morning ;
lu'suie and action make the hom-s seem short
i^xtire thee ; go where thou art billeted :
-'.way, I say : thou shalt know inoi-e hc-reaftor •
-"^ 0': got thee
witchcraft ;
to be doju
)ne. [Lxit Rodcriyu] ']'
wo things are
io mubl move for Cassio to her mistress
/ II set her on
■ lyself the while to draw the Al
-'.'id b "
oor apart,
nng liim junip wlicu lie m;iy C
eoi
issio find
r^''.
'I
I V
',i
Cas.
Soliciting his wife :— ay, that 's the way :
Dull not device by coldness and delay. r/7
ACT THREE
Scene I.— Before the Castle
Enter Cassio, and some Musicians
(s Masters, play here,— I will content your pains -
" g"i?oral"'' '^'^''' ''^"^ ^^^' ""^ood^nlorio^
Enter Clown ^■''^'"
CIo. Why masters, have your instruments been i
Naples, that they speak i' the nose thus •'
1^ irsi Mils. How, sir, how ?
S;/ (/;"f/'''T'' ^ ^'"'^ ^■""' '''^"''^' ^vind-instrumcnts ?
I'lrst Mus. Ay, marry, are they, sir.
L/o. O, thereby hangs a tail.
First Mus. Whereby hangs a tale, sir ?
know" H?r^;n-f'[' ^y'^'^^'y a ^vi"d-instrument that
Know. But masters, here's monev for vou • and f,
general so likes your music, that he desires^vou', foi lovo'
sake, to make no more noise with it
First Mus. Well, sir, we will not.
to'taaain-'btlf^nl'n/"^ "'?^^ ^^'^* "^"^y "«t be heard
not greatly cte'. '^ ''''' '" '^'"' "^"^^'^ *'^^ S^"^^'-^' ""^^
F/rs/ Mus. We have none such, sir.
Cn \.J-^r''- ^}'^ "P y^""" P^P^s "^ your Jj'^g. for I '11 awav
Go; vanish into air, away 1 (=» "^ ^ u awa}.
r^/s Dncf ti,^„ V, . , [Exeunt Musicians
L,«s. ijost thou hear, mine honest friend ">
Co^ pJviil'"''',"''^ ^■°"' ^'^"*^'t ^'"^^""^ 5 i hear you.
_ Las. Pr ylhee, keep up thy quillets. There 's a noor
'„fJ,'"Tll'y.^.^. ^5 st-rnng, Idl her there's one Cassio
entreats her a little favour of speech
Clo. She is stirring, sir :
seem to notify unto her.
Cas. Do, good my friend.
Enter I ago
In happy time, lago.
lago. You have not been a-bed, then ?
Las. Why, no ; the day had broke
Before we parf.>d. I have made bold, - igo,
To send in to your wife : my suit to her
is, that she will to virtuous Dcsdemona
l-'rocure me some access.
wilt thou do thi
s .'
if she will stir hither, I shaJl
[Exit Clown
602
Act III Sc iii
OTHELLO
! a'Z\ devise a mean ,„ fJIIw^.t 'm^.'" ><"* -""'""y ^
I ?<ay be'm^oreTee."^' '""' '°'""'' -'" "'---
I Cm. I humbly thank you tor t. |/j^,-, /„„„
I never knew l^^xu lago
A Florentine more kind and honest.
Enter Emilia
Emil. Good morrow, good licutonant : I am sorrv
For your displeasure ; but all will sure he wel? ^
The general a..d his wife are talkin- of if
And she speaks for you stoutly : The Mo'or replies
liat he you hurt is of great fame in Cyprus
And great aninity, and that in wholesome wisdom
He might not but refuse vou : but he t rol...u h,?i
And needs no other suitor bi/t hl^^in-ii:!.;;'^''' '' ''''"' ^''^"'
1 o take the safst occasion by the front
lo bring you in again.
n.you think r„, „r that it'n!avUe Se L""'-
T win hoet^x. ,- ^''^^y y^^^' come in :
To sn.^,1 .? ^T '''^Z"" >'°^' ^'*''" ^'^'^-^ tinie
10 speak your bosom freely.
I am much bound to you.
[Exeunt
Scene IL— A Room in the Castle
Enter Othello, Two, and Gentlemen
\ ' , ,• ,T'^^'se letters give, lago, to the pilot
T nt In "V^.T^ ^"^'^^ '"^ the senaie '
RopairTeVe\?
Gent Wo /.^^^^"^['tion, gentlemen,-shall we see' t ?
'-ent. We 11 wait upon your lordship. [Exeunt
Scene IIL-Tho Garden of the Castle
Enter Desdemona, Gassio, and Emilia
/""husband "''"•^' '''■ ' ^^•''^'■-"t 't grieves
As if the cause were his.
ButT,vi,fhr .vio!;a"',^;','i":jri:?" -' "-'". cassio,
Ab friendly as you were. °
603
my
OTHEL'
Act III Sc
^^.
i •
'm
Co'*. Bounteous madam,
Whatever shall become of Michael Cassio,
He 's never anything but your true servant.
Des. I know 't : I Ihank you. You do love my lord
You have known him long : and be vou well assured.
He shall in strangeness stand no further olT
Than in a politic distance.
Cas. Ay, but, lady,
That policy may cither last so lonp.
Or feed upon such nice and waterish diet,
Or breed itself so out of circumstance.
That, I being absent and my place supplied,
INly general will forget my love and service.
Des. Do not doubt that : before Emilia here,
I give thee warrant of thy place. Assure thee
If I do vow a friendship I '11 perform it
To the last article : my lord sliall never rest ;
I '11 watcli him tame, and talk him out of patience ;
His bed shall seem a school, liis board a sliriit ;
I '11 intermingle everything he does
With Cassio's.suit. Therefore, be merry, Cassio;
For thy solicitor shall rather die
Than give thy cause away.
Enter Othello and Iago, at a distance
Emit. Madam, here comes mv lord.
Cas. :\Iadam, I '11 take my leave.
Des. Why, stay, and hear me si)eak.
Cas. Madam, not now : I am very ill at ease.
Unfit for mine own purpose >.
Des. Well, do your discretion.
Iago. Ha ! I like no I that.
Otli. What dost thou say ?
Iago. Nothing, my lord : or if— -I know not what.
0th. Was not that Cassio, parted from mv wife ?
logo. Cassio, my lord ? No, sure, I cannot think it.
That he would steal away so guiltv-like.
Seeing you coming.
<^'/'- I do believe 't was he.
Des. How now, my lord ?
I have been talking with a suitor here,
A man that languishes in your displeasure.
Oth. Who is 't you mean ?
Des. Why, your lieutenant Cassio. Good mv lord.
If I have any grace, or power + move vou.
His present reconciliation take ;
For, if he be not one thuL iruiy loves you.
That errs in ignorance and not'^in cunning,
I have no judgment in an honest face.
I pr'ythee, call him back.
004
[E.xit Cassi
IS-J
Act in Sc iii
-i
OTHELLO
n?; A,, ., , "^^'^''it he hence now ?
Des. Ay, sooth ; so humbled,
To'ln?/ ^'""V/'^/t part of his Mricf with me.
10 sullcr with hini. Good love, call him back
Ot/t.
Dcs.
0th.
Dcs.
Oih.
Des.
Oih.
^uis?^:*s,;:^ti^'r^--"^'-time.
Shall 't be to-night at luppl"?"' "'"^'' '^^ ^■°"-
To-morrow dinner then ? ''^'''' ""^ ^''■"'"^'^•
I meet the captains at the citadel' '"'" "'' ^^"'" ^' ^'"'"« '
nn^T^' }^^'^ ^''^"' to-morrow ni^iu ; or Tuesday morn •
^nrlT"^'"^ "''";u^' "'-''t ' «" ^Vodnesday morn^ '
I pi ythee, name the tinie, but let it not
'^.^i^f his trespass, m our common reason,-
Onf oM ' k'7 '^.y' ^'^^ '^■^^'•^ "^^'^t make examples
Out of her best,— is not almost a fault
To mcur a private check. When shall he come ?
Tc 1 me, Othello. I wonder in my soul,
\\ hat you could ask me thai I sl.ould deny,
Or stand so mammering on. What I Michael Cassio
UhPn'i'H" ^-^^'^^ "g ^ith you, and so many a time
\Vhenlhavespokeofyoudispralsingly, '
?. hr- Z!?-^'""'' P^'^ ' ^^ h^^*^ ^» much to do
I ^^^■den J SernoThlng" = ^^' '^" ^'^"^^ ^^'-^ ^« -" ^
jf ^ I Should entreat yo^'^aj^ Jr i;^:;'^"" ^
Or feed on nourishing dishes, or kc^p you warm
Or sue to you to do peculiar profit " ^^'^^m*
Whir "'' ""t"'" P^'""''' = "^y' ^^hen I have a suit
An If H•^^"" °^ P^^^*^ ^"d dillicult weight
And fearful to be granted.
Whorenn T ri» k u *u ^ ^^'^" ^^^^ *''ce nothing :
To ipn. ' ^^.^ ^*^s^,«^h thee, grant me this, ^
io eave me but a little to myself.
nes Shall I deny you ? no. Farewell, my lord.
stSgM ' ""^ C^^den^ona : I 'n' come to thee
Wh^t'.^'^^^'l' come.— Be as your fancies teach you •
A\hate er you be, I am obedient. lExit, withllnilia
Perdition • •
i,5ut I do love thee ! and wh^ .i I lov
Chaos
IS come again
e thee not
my soul,
ItiQo. My noble lord
0th.
What dost thou say, lago ?
mi
OTHELLO
Act III Sc
fei
!
; "yi
logo.
0th.
I(J(]0.
Ot'h.
logo. Did Michael Cassio, when you wooM mv ladv
Know of your love ?
0th. He did, from first to last : uhv do.U thou ask 'i
logo. liut for a satisfaction of my thought :
No further harm.
0th. Wliy of tliy thought, laRo ?
I did not think he had hten acquainted with h
O, yes ; and went hetwcen us very oft.
Indeed ?
Indeed 1 ay, indeed : discern'st thou aucht
that ?
Is he not honest ?
I"^o. Honest, my lord ?
?'''• ,, , , , Honest ! ay, hone;
logo. l\Iy lord, for aught I know.
0th. ^Vhat dost thou thuik ?
^^^^- Think, mv lord ?
T, ^^'\- , . Tliink, mv lore
liy Heaven, he echoes me,
As if there were some monster in his thought
Too hideous to be shown.— Thou dost mean something
I heard thee say even now,~thou lik'dst not that, °
Wlien Cassio left my wife : what didst not like ?
And, when I told thee he was of mv counsel
In my whole course of wooing, thou criedst, " Indeed ! "
And didst contract and purse thv brow together
As if thou then hadst shut up in thy brain
Some horrible conceit. If thou dost love me.
Show me thy thought.
lago. jNIy lord, you know I love you.
^ ^/''- , , , " I think thou dost
And,— for I know thou art full of love and honestv,
And weigh'st thy words before thou giv'st them breath.
Therefore, these stops of thine fright me the more ■
For such things in a false disloval knave
Are tricks of custom ; but in i\ man that 's just
They're close delations, working from the heart.
That passion cannot rule.
. ^'■^fJ'^- For Michael Cassio,
I dare be sworn I think that he is honest.
0th. I think so too.
^'■"■i^- Men should be what they scorn
Or, those that be not, would they might seem none !
0th. Certain, men should be what they seem.
lago. Why then, I think Cassio 's an honest man.
Oih, Kay, yet there 's more in this.
I pray thee speak to me as to thy thinkings.
As thou dost ruminate ; and give thy worst of thouglifs
Tlie worst of wonis.
^-'jo. Good my lord, pardon me :
G03
Ill Sciii
y lady.
u ask ?
with Iicr.
aught in
', honest.
iiy lord :
thing.
■>
cQd ! "
Act III Sc iii
)u dost ;
y,
eath,
scorn ;
f
m.
lgll<S
OTHELLO
I
A stranger to tliy thoughts '* '"' ''"'
lago. Til
Though L perchance, am vicim'^n mv ^^i^^'-
js"!;!f;;^:-^sr^n^i--^x:-j--uhie
lUvere not for your quiet, nor vou —o o'l
To kfvonV"''"'""^'' ^""^" ■^^>' «r'vis ;,
/wo. Good n^i-n,- in r^o ,^^'l'«t (hist tlu)u moau ?
Of that wliicii not enriches hini
nc Yvi/^ T^,>,._ :.. 1 ■ 'Hill,,
And nuikes mc poor indeed.
L ^' "^'''^'<^"' I H know thv Ihou^d.ls
Tii?nk'.f t. T .)^^y' '^^■^y is this ?
Wit ■ n .1, ''• '^^hanges of the moon '
' ''''^' suspicions ? No ; to be once in doubt
007
OTHELLO
Act III So
J I
Ts once to be resolved. Exchange me for a goat,
\Vhcn I shall turn I \c busiiu-ss of my soul
To such exsulllicate and i)lo\vii surmises,
Matchinj^ thy inference. 'T is not to make me jealous
To say — my wife is fair, feeds well, loves conii)any.
Is free of speech, sin^s, plays, and dances well ;
\Vherc virtue is, these are more virtuous :
Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw
The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt ;
For she had eyes, and chose me. No, lago ;
I '11 see before 1 doubt ; when I doubt, prove ;
And, on the proof, there is no more but this, —
Away at once with love or jealousy-
lago. I am glad of it : for now I shall have reason
To show the love and duty that I bear you
With franker spirit ; therefore, as I am bound,
Receive it from me — I speak not yet of proof.
Look to your wife : observe her well with Cassio ;
Wear your eye thus, not jealous nor secure ;
I would not have your free and noble n;iture.
Out of self-bounty, be abused : look to t.
I know our country disposition well ;
In Venice they do let Heaven see the prank
They dare not show their husbands ; their Ijcst conscier
Is — not to leave 't undone, but keep 't unknown.
Olh. Dost thou say so ?
logo. She did deceive her father, marrying you ;
And, when she seemed to shake and fear you'- looks,
She loved them most.
0th. And so she did.
lago. Why, go to,
She that, so young, could give out such a seeming.
To seel her father's eyes up close as oak, —
He thought 't was witchcraft :— but 1 'm much to blame
I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
For too much loving you.
0th. I am bound to thee for eve
lago. I see this hath a little dashed your spirits.
0th. Not a jot, not a jot.
lago. Trust me, I fear it has.
I hope you will consider what is sp-jkf
Comes from my love.— But, I do see you 're moved ;
I am to pray you not to strain my speech
To grosser issues nor to larger reach
Than to suspicion.
Olh. I will not.
lago. Should you do so, my lord,
My soeech should fall into such vile success
As my thoughts aim not at. Cassio 's my worthy friend
My lord, I see you 're moved.
608
the.
:-t III Sciii
OTHI-LLO
I
[Goirhj
. <loii!>Ucss,
1 do not think but ncsdcmona 's hon.-st.
I<!;;o. Lonij live she so 1 and Ion.-' live vou to tiiink so !
Uln. And yet, how nature erriiu; from itself
{".70. Ay, there 's the point :— ;is lo be bold with vou-
\ot to attect many pro|)usi(i niat< hes
')f her own clim.e. conipi.'xion, and deqree,
Wheruto, wo see. in ail tliinj^s nature le'ids •
I'oh ! one may smell in such a will most rank,
loul disproportion, thout^hts mm itural.—
lUit pardon me ; I do u<}^ in position
Distinctly speak of her, tlioi-:;h I mav fear
iler will, recodini; to her belter jud^nient,
"ay fall to mate!) you with her country forms
\n.l happily repent.
"'■'• Farewell, fareva-ll.
It more thou dost perceive, let me know more •
Set on thy wife to observe.— Leave nje, Ia"o '
/"/:•. -My lord, I take mv le^^•e. "
OHi. Vyiiy did I marry ?— ^Tiiis honest creature, do
. ces and knows more, much more, than i-e u:ii Ids
lago. [Returniru,] My lord, I would I mi"ht' entreat
your honour
To scan this thir- no further ; leave it to time.
Although 't IS fit that Cassio have his place,
i or, sure, he fills it up with preat ability —
U-t, If you please to hold him off awhile,'
\ou shall by that perceive him and his means •
-sote. If your lady strain his entertainment
\\ith any strong or vehement importunity •
^•-uch will be seen in that, in the meantime.
Let me be thought too busy in mv fears,—
-vs worthy cause I have to fear I atn ~
And hold her free, I do beseech your honour.
Oln. Fear not my government.
jago. I once more take mv leave.
^ 0th. This fellow 's of exceeding honesty,
-■^nd knows all qualities, Avith a learned spirit,
;■! human dealings ; if I do prove her haarard,
•iiougn that her jesses were my dear heart-strin-s.
I d winstle her olT, and let her down the wind,
•o prey at fortune. Irlaply, for I am black,
-.mi have not those soft parts of conversation
J aat chambercrs have ; or, for I am declined
'<hM , ^''''-. -^ ^"'•- ^ '-y"" '"^-^ '2 '"-ot much :
:^;it s gone, I am abused ; and my relief
„,'^iist be to loathe her. O curse of marriage I
I 'Kit we can call these delicate creatures ours,
■ wi not their appetites. I had rather be a toad.
[Exit
ive
38—
upon the vapour of a dungeon
609
(_'
A
OTHELLO
Act III J
ii
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others' uses. Yet, ' tis the plague of great ones ;
Prerogatived are tlicy less than the base ;
•T is destiny unshunnablc, lilte dcatli :
Even then this forlt<Jd plague is fated to us
When we do quicken. Look, where she comes.
If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself I—
I '11 not believe it.
Re-enter Desdemona and Emilia
^fs- How now, my dear Othello ?
Your dinner, and the gciuTous islanders
By you invited, do attend your presence.
0th. I am to blame.
. ^"- Why do you speak so faintly
Are you not well ?
0th. 1 have a pain upon my forehead here.
Des. 'Faith, that 's with watching ; 't will away aga
Let mc but bind it hard, within this hour
It will be well.
0th. Your napkin is too little.
[He puts the handkerchief from him, and she drur
Let it alone Come, I '11 go in with vou.
Des. I 'm very sorry that you are not well.
[Exeunt Othello and Desdeiri'
Emil. I am glad I have found this nai)kin :
This was hor first rcmonibrance from the Moor :
My wayward husband hath a hundred times
Woo'd me to steal 't ; but she so loves the token,—
For he conjured her she should ever keep it, —
That she reserves it evermore about her
To kiss and talk too. I '11 have the work ta'en out.
And give 't lago :
What he will do with it Heaven knows, not I ;
I nothing, but to please his fantasy.
Re-enter Iago
logo. How now ! what do you here alone ?
Emil. Do not you chide ; I have a thing for you.
Iago. A thing for me ?— it is a common thing—
Emil. Ha ?
Iago. To have a foolish wife.
Emil. O, is that all ? What will you give me now
For that same handkerchief ?
Iago.
Emil. What handkerchief .
Why, that the Moor first gave to Dcsdemona ;
That which so often you did bid me steal.
Iago. Hast stol'n it from her ?
Emil. No, faith : she let it drop by negligence ;
610
What handkerchief ?
LIII Sciii
ones ;
Act III Sciii
OTHELLO
faintly ?
r'ay again:
he drops i:
Desdemoiid
ut.
^
ou.
! now
iel ?
e;
And, to the advantage, I, being here, took 't up.
Looic, licre it is.
logo. A good wench ; give it me.
Emil. What will you do with 't, that you have been
so earnest
To have me lilch it ?
Ic'jo. Why, what 's that to you ?
[Snatching it
Emil. If 't be not for some purpose of import,
(live 't me again : poor lady I she '11 run mad
^VlK'n she shall lack it.
logo. Be not acknown on 't ; I have use for it.
(.0, leave me. [^\i,7 Emilia
I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin.
And let him find it ; trifles, light as air
Are to the jealous confirmations strong
As proofs of holy writ. This may do something ;
The Moor already changes with my poison :
Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste ;
But, with a little act upon the blood.
Burn like the mines of sulphur. — 1 did say so : —
Look, where he comes I
Re-enter Ot hullo
Not poppy, nor mandragora.
Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world.
Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep
Which thou owedst yesterday.
0th. Ha 1 ha I false to me.
lago. Why, how now, general ? no more of that.
0th. Avaunt I be gone 1 thou hast set me on the rack.—
I swear, 't is better to be much abused
Than but to know 't a little.
logo. How now, my lord ?
Olh. What sense had I of her stol'n hours of lust ?
I saw 't not, tho'ght it not, it harmed not me :
I slept the next night well, was free and merry ;
I found not Cassio's kisses on her lips :
He that is robbed, not wanting what is stolen.
Let him not know 't and he 's not robbed at all.
lago. I am sorry to hear this.
0th. I had been happy, if the general camp,
Pioneers and all, had tasted her sweet body.
So I had nothing known. O now, for ever,
t-arewell the tranquil mind I farewell content I
Farewell the plumed troop, and the big wars.
That make ambition virtue ! O, farewell !
Farewell the neighing steed, and the shrill trump.
The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing life,
6H
OTHKLLO
Act HI Scii
TIic royal banner, and all quality,
I'rUlc, pomp, an«l cirninistancc of plorlous war t
And, O you mortal onuini-s, whose rude tlirojits
The Immortal Jove's dread clamours counterfeit.
Farewell ! Oflullo's ofciip;ilion "s Rone I
1(11/0. Is 't possihle, my lord--
Olh. Villain, be sure thou prove mv love a whore, -
!k' sure of it ; <^ivi' mo tli( ocular proof ;
Or, by the worth of mine elernal soul.
Thou hadst been better have been born a dog
Than answer my waked wrath.
^'"■1°- Is 't come to fliis ?
Olli Make me to sec 't ; or. at Ih.- Jcust. so pro\f it
I hat the prolj.ttion bear no hin^ie nor loop
To hang a doubt on ; or woe upon thy life 1
Ic'/o. My noble lord, —
^ Ollt. If thou dost slander her, and torture me, —
Never pray more ; abandon all remorse ;
On horror's head horrors accumulate ;
Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed :
tor nolhinc canst thou to damnation add
Greater than that.
. ^"'>'^- O srace I O hea\{n forgive me 1
Are you a man ? have vou a soul, or sense ?-
God be wi' you ; take mine olfice.— O wretched fool,
That liv st to make thine honesty a vice I —
monstrous world I Take note, take note, O world
To be direct and honest is not safe.—
1 thank you for this profit ; and. from iienre
I II love no friend, sith love breeds such olTence.
0th. Nay, stay :— thou shouldst be honest.
lago. I should be wise ; for honesty 's a fool.
And loses that it works for.
T ♦u?''; . ^ ^y the world,
I think my wife be honest, and tiiink she is not ;
I think that thou art just, and think thou art not •
I 11 have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh
AS Uian s visage, is now begrimed and black
As mine own face.— If there be cords, or knives.
Poison, or lire, or sutfocating streams,
I '11 not endure it.— Would I were satisfied I
logo. I sei , sir, you are eaten up with passion.
I do repent me that I put it to vou.
You would be satisfied ?
^^^- , . ^Vould ! nav, T will.
WnnM\ '1\ '"^^ • ""* "^''' ''' '^"^^ sutislitd, my lord ?
iV h i^ yo"' the supervisor, grossly gape on,—
Behold her tupped ?
?'''• ^, Death and damnation : 1
Jago. It were a tedious difllculty, I think,
G12
I Scjii
Act III Sclii
OTIII.l.LO
f if
a?
To hrin« thnn to tl.at prosport ; dnmn tlu-m tl,..,.
If <>vir mortal vyvs do sw llu-n l...lsU-r
Moro than their ow„ ! \vj,;,i n,,.,, ? how Hum, ?
\NJint hluill I s.-iy ? Where 's sUisnulior. '
It IS inipossihh' yon should see this
Were lluy as piinie -.'.s -.,;,ts. :,s hol'ns frmnkeys,
As s;dl its woh.s in pride, nnd io(,ls as n,-,,ss
As i.'inoraiiee ni;,de <lrunk : ImiI \. t. I siy
If imputation, and strong tircuinMances'
N\lu« !i lead direetiv to the door d triitli
Will ;'ive yoii salisiaction. voii nut^ht h:/vc if
Olli. Ciive 11. e a living reason she 's .Iis|ov;d
tiiU". I do n(d like th( odin ; ' '
Hut. sith I am etdcred in this ch'iso so lir
Pricked to 'l hv foolisli lion.siv and love '
I w.ll «o on. 1 h,v v.ith Cassii. h.tdv • *
And, hein« trouhled will, n ra^injr tooth.
I could not i-h ( p.
There are a ki>)d of men so loose of soul,
lli.d 111 their sh ci.s uill mutter their all'TS •
thie of this kind is Cassio. '" '
ir. ^i-ep r heard him say.'—- Sweet Desdemona •
J. el us he wary, let us hide our loves ! "
And then sir, world .!„■ ..ripe and urinp mv hand.
\ -VT . "^^y* '■' "■' ■''^"■'' ' " •'"'• t'"^'» kiss me hard
As If he plucked up kisses hv the roots
! iiat {4re\v upon my lii)s : then laid his lea
')vcr my thi^h. and s:,hed. and kissed ; and then
, ^ ^ "'^'''' ^"'''' **^''^ ^''^'^^ *'»^'^' to tlK' Moor : "
<nn. o monstrous I monstrous I
(Mh. But his denoted a foregone conclusion ■
1 IS a shrewd douht, tliou..'h it he but a dream
lorjo And tliis may help to thicken other proofs
I hat do demoiistraLc tliinly.
?'^' ., . I 'H tear her all to pir , ,.5
loyo. Nay, but be wise : yet we see nothing done •
She may be honest yet. Tell me but this • '
' >ve you not sometimes seen a handkerchief
^.potted with straw hcriies in your wife's hr,„d ?
'Mti. 1 gave her sucli a one : t was my iirst cift
'uo. know not that : but such a handivircliicf—
1 am sure it was your wife's— did 1 to-day
»t'e (.assio wipe his beard with.
T'- M . . I^ it he that,—
i^'iio. It it be that, or anv that was hers,
n speaks a-ainst her, with tlie other proofs.
^ ^tn. o, that the slave had forty thousand lives !
->ne IS too poor, too weak for my rcven. c
^ow do I s.'o 't is true.— Look here, lago';
613
OTHELLO
Act III Sc iv
All my fond love thus do I blow to heaven :
'T is gone.—
Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell I
Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne
To tyrannous hate I Swell, bosom, with thy fraught,
For *t is of aspics' tongues 1
lago. Yet be content.
0th. O, blood, blood, blood I
lago. Patience, I say ; your mind perhaps may change.
Oth. Never, lago. Like to the Pontic sea
Whose icy current and compulsive course
Ne'er feels retiring ebb, but keeps due on
To the Propontic and the Hellespont ;
Even so my bloody thoughts, with violent pace,
Shall ne'er look back, ne'er ebb to humble love,
Till that a capable and wide revenge
Swallow them up. — [Kneeling] Now, by yond marble
heaven.
In the due reverence of a sacred vow
I here engage my words.
lago. Do not rise yet. — [Kneeling
Witness, you ever-burning lights above I
You elements that clip us round about I
Witness, that here lago doth give up
The execution of his wit, hands, heart.
To wronged Othello's service ! Let him command,
And to obey shall be in me remorse,
What bloody business ever.
Oth. I greet thy love,
Not with vain thanks, but with acceptance bounteous.
And will upon the instant put thee to 't :
Within these three days let me hear thee say
That Cassio 's not alive.
lago. My friend is dead ; 't is done at your request :
But let her live.
Oth. Damn her, lewd minx ! O, damn her 1
Come, go with me apart ; I will withdraw,
To furnish me with some swift means of death
For the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant.
lago. I am your own for ever. [Exeunt
Des.
Clo.
Des.
Clo.
is stabbing
Des. Go to.
Scene I"V.— Before the Castle
Enter Desdemona, Emilia, and Clown
Do you know, sirrah, where Lieutenant Cassio lies ?
I dare not say he lies anywhere.
Why, man ?
He is a soldier ; and for one to say a soldier lies,
Where lodges he ?
614
■^■.■- *
Act III Sc iv
OTHELLO
I Clo. To tell you where he lodges, is to tell you where I lie.
I Des. Can anything be made of this ?
I Clo. I know not where he lodges ; and for me to devise
a lodging, and say, he lies here, or he lies there, were to lie
in mine own throat.
Des. Can you inquire him out, and be edified by report ?
Clo. I will catechise the world for him ; that is, make
questions, and by them answer.
Des. Seek him ; bid him come hither ; tell him I have
moved my lord in his behalf, and hope all will be well.
Clo. To do this is within the compass of man's wit ; and
therefore I will attempt the doing it. [Exit
Des. Where should I lose that handkerchief, Emilia ?
Emil. I know not, madam.
Des. Believe me, I had rather have lost my purse
Full of crusadoes ; and but my noble Moor
Is true of mind, and made of no such baseness
As jealous creatures are, it were enough
To put him to ill thinking.
i^n^il- Is he not jealous ?
Des. Who ? he ! I think the sun where he was born
Drew all such humours from him.
^'"'^' X .„ . Look, where he comes.
Des. I will not leave him now, till Gassio
! Be called to him. —
Enter Othello
How is 't with you, my lord ?
0th. Well, my good lady.— [Aside] O, hardness to
dissemble ! —
How do you, Desdemona ?
J"- Well, my good lord.
0th. Give me your hand : this hand is moist, my lady.
Des. It yet has felt no age nor known no sorrow.
OUi. This argues fruitfulness and liberal heart :
Hot, hot, and moist : this hand of yours rctjuires
A sequester from liberty, fasting and prayer,
..luch castigation, exercise devout ;
For here 's a young and sweating devil here
That commonly rebels. 'T is a good hand,
A frank one.
Des. You may, indeed, say so ;
For 't was that hand that gave away my heart.
0th. A liberal hand : the hearts of old gave hands :
But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts.
Des. I cannot speak of this. Come now, vour promise.
0th. What promise, chuck ?
Des. I have sent to bid Cassio come speak with you.
Olh. I have a salt and sorry rheum ollends me.
Lend me thy handkerchief.
61S
OTHELLO
Act III S
,i
Des.
Olli.
Des.
0th.
Des.
0th.
Here, mj' lord.
That wliich I f?ave you.
I have it not about me.
Not?
No, indeed, mv lord.
That is a fault.
That handkerchief
r3id an Egyi)tifHi to my mother give ;
She was a charmer, and could almos't read
The thoughts of people : she told her, while she kept it,
I would make her amiable and subdue my father
Entirely to her love ; but if she lost it,
Or made a gift of it, mv father's eye
Should hold her loathed, and his spirits should hunt
After new fancies. She, dying, gave it me ;
And bid me, when my fate would have me wived
To give It her. I did so : and take heed on 't • '
Make it a darling like your precious eye ; '
To lose 't or give 't away were such perdition
As nothing else could match.
9"- ,^ . Is 't possible ?
A •. •, xJ '^^''"e : there 's magic in the web of it
A sibyl that had numbered in the world
The sun to course two hundred compasses.
In her prophetic fury sewed the work ;
The worms were hallowed that did breed the silk
And It was dyed in mummv which the skilful '
Conserved of maidens' hearts.
/?,?■ ,r X . Indeed! is 't true ?
Olli. Most veritable ; therefore look to 't well
Des. Then would to Heaven that I had never seen 't
Ha I wherefore ?
Why do you speak so startlingly and rash •>
Is t lost ? is 't gone ? speak, is it out o' the wa'
Heaven bless us 1
Say you ?
It is not lost ; but what an if it were ?
How ?
I say, it is not lost.
Fetch 't ; let me see 't.
HM • • V-'^' ^^ ^ ^^"' ^'^ ' ^"t I ^^"i" not now.
1 nis is a trick, to put me from my suit :
I pray, let Cassio be received again
0th. Fetch me that handkerchief : my mind missives.
DCS. Come, come ; "^
You '11 never meet a more sufTicient man.
0th. The linndkcrchicf I
0<": The handkcrchiet I ' "''"''• *"'" "^ "' '"''''''■
^^'^- A man that, all his time,
61 fi
0th.
Des.
0th.
Des.
0th.
Des.
0th.
Des.
0th.
Des.
Act III Sc iv
OTHELLO
4 -J
Hath founded his eood fortunes on vour love •
Shared dangers with vou ; — " '
0th. The handkerchief I
^^*- In sooth, you are to blame.
{Exil
I
0th. Away !
Emil. Is not this man jealous ?
Des. I ne'er saw this before.
Sure, there 's some wonder in this handkerchief •
I am most unhappy in the loss of it.
/Tm//. 'T is not a year or two shows us a man •
■ They are all but stomachs, and we all but food •
They eat us hungerly, and when they are full '
I hey belch us.— Look you 1 Cassio and my husband.
Enter Iago and Cassio
Iago. There is no other wny ; 't is she must do 't :
And, io, the happiness 1 go and importune her
Des. How now, good Cassio ? what 's the news with vou •>
TuJl ^^ladam, my former suit. I do beseech you. '
1 hat by your virtuous means I may again
Kxist, and be a member of his love
Whom I, with all the ollice of my heart.
Entirely honour : I would not be delayed.
If my offence be of such mortal kind
That nor my service past, nor present sorrows,
>or purposed merit in futuritv.
Can ransom me into his love again,
But to know so must be my benefit ;
So shall I clothe me in a forced content,
And shut myself up in some other course.
To fortune's alms.
m"^''^' .. Alas I thrice-gentle Cassio,
y.y advocation is not now in tunc :
My lord is not my lord ; nor should I know him,
Acre he m favour as in humour altered.
>o help me every spirit sanctified,
As I have spoken for you all mv best.
And stood within the blank of his displeasure
Ivl ^^T "■*^® speech. You must awhile be patient :
\\nat I can do, I will ; and more I will
ihan for myself I dare : let that sulTice you.
^".70. Is my lorn angry ?
Anfi""'' * . , . ^^ ^'^"t hence but nov/,
And, certamly, in strange unquietness.
. /fl.70. Can he be anerv ? I have seen the cpnnnn
■» lien it hath blown his ranks into the air.
And, like the devil, from his very arm
f uiTcd his own brother ;— and can he be angrv '>
.^omethmg of moment, then : I will go meet liim.
i'lere s matter in 't indeed, if he be angry.
38— X* 617
'M^
OTHELLO
Des.
Act III Sc
11
I pr'ythee, do so. [Exit /agrol— Something, su
of state- -
Either from Venice, or some unhatchcd practice.
Made demonstrable here in Cyprus to liim —
Hath puddled his clear spirit ; and, in such cases,
Men's natures wrangle with inferior things.
Though great ones are their object. 'T is even so ;
For let our fmger ache, and it indues
Our other healthful member- ev'n to that sense
Of pain. Nay, we must think men are not gods ;
Nor of them look for such observancy
As fits the bridal. — Beshrew me much, Emilia,
I was — unhandsome warrior as I am —
Arraigning his unkindness with rn v soul :
But now, I find, I had suborned the witness,
And he 's indicted falsely.
Emil. Pray Heaven it be state-matters, as you think
And no conception nor no jealous toy
Concerning you.
Des. Alas the day, I never gave him cause.
Emil. But jealous souls will not be answered so ;
They are not ever jeaious for the cause.
But jealous for they are jealous : 't is a monster
Begot upon itself, born on itself.
Des. Heaven keep that monster from Othello's mind '
Emil. Lady, Amen.
Des. I will go seek him.— Cassio, walk hereabout :
If I do find him fit, I '11 move your suit.
And seek to effect it to my uttermost.
Cas. I humbly thank your ladyship.
[Exeunt Desdemona and Emih
Enter Bianca
Bian. Save you, friend Cassio !
^(^S; . What make you from home
How IS it with you, my most fair Bianca ?
r faith, sweet love, I was coming to vour house.
Tif?'^"" , ^^^ ^ ^^^ ^°*"^ ^° y^"'' lodging, Cassio.
What I keep a week away ? seven days and nights ?
Eight score eight hours ? and lovers' absent hours.
More tedious than tlie dial eight score times ?
weary reckoning !
G^*- Pardon me, Bianca ;
1 have this while with leaden thoughts been pressed ;
But I shall, in a more cont innate time.
Strike off this score of absence. Sweet Bianca,
^ , [Giving her Desdemona s handkerchie
Take me this work out.
^^^^.^- O Cassio, whence came this ?
This IS some token from a newer friend.
618
Ill Sciv
ling, sure,
Actrv Sci
OTHELLO
I
I
f s
r M
11
ii
To the felt nbscncc now I feel a cause.
Is it conic to this ? Well, well.
^"^' Go to, woman I
Throw your vile guesses in the devil's teeth.
From whence you have them. You are jealous now
That this is from some mistress, some remembrance •
No, in good troth, Bianca.
Bian. Why, whose is it ?
Cas. I know not neither : I found it in my chamber.
I like the work well : ere it be demanded
(As like enough it will), I 'd have it copied :
Take it, and do 't ; and leave n.c for this time.
Bian. Leave you 1 wherefore ?
Cas. I do attend here on the general,
And think it no addition, nor my wish,
To have him see me womaned,
Biari. Why, I pray you ?
Cas. Not that I love you not.
T Bian. But that you do not love me.
1 pray you, bring me on the way a little ;
And say, if I shall see you soon at night.
Cas. 'T is but a little way, that I can bring vou.
For I attend here ; but I '11 see you soon.
Bian. 'T is very good : I must be circumstanced.
[Exeunt
ACT FOUR
Scene I.— Before the Castle
Enter Othello and Iago
lago. Will you think so ?
9'^- Think so, Iago ?
^ogo. Whit
To kiss in private ? '
^^^- An unauthorised kiss.
Iago. Or to be naked with her friend a-bed.
An hour or more, not meaning any harm ?
0th. Naked a-bed, Iago, and not mean harm ?
It IS hypocrisy against the devil :
They that mean virtuously and yet do so.
The ^ il their virtue tempts, and they tempt Heaven.
Iago. If they do nothing, 't is a venial slip ;
cut If I give my wife a handkerchief,—
0th. What then ?
Iago. Why, then 't is hers, my lord ; and, being hers,
She may, I think, bestow 't on any man. 8 cis,
^Oth. She is protectress of her honour too •
May she give that ?
Iago. Her honour is an essence that 's not seen ;
619
OTHELLO
'f
Act IV Sc
Olh.
lago.
0th.
logo.
0th.
They have it very oft that have it not :
but, for the handkerchief,—
Thou saids^t " o7 it' 17°"'^"^°'* ^'"^">' ^'-^^'^ fo^eot 't.
inou saidst,— O I it comes o'er my memory.
As doth the raven o'er the infected house,
Uodmg to all,— he had my handkerchief.
lago. Ay, what of that ?
Vfll'n Whnf •# 1 u . T'^^^ '^ "'^^ s" eood, now.
wT^g? ' '''''^' ^ ^^^ '^^" '"'» ^" y^^
Or heard him say,— as knaves be such abroad,
NVho, haymg, by their own importunate suit.
Or voluntary dotage of some mistress.
Convinced or supplied them, cannot chose
But they must blab —
^JnL V u ^^ , ^^^^ ^^ said anything ?
Nn Z;. /J^ t*^^,"'y ^"^"^ ' ^"^' ^« yo" ^^e" assured.
No more than he '11 unswear.
?in; '17 •♦!, *u * . ^^'^^t ^ath he said ?
What ?' what ?^ ^'^~^ ''""'^ """^ ""^^^ ^^ *^'^-
Lie —
With her ?
T io «,;fi, ». . ^y^^^^ ^^^' °" ^''^ ♦ what vou will.
T, *,-^'® ,^'^^ ^^'' ' *^e on her I— We say. lie' on lirr
SanVercLf'"' ^^ • ^^^ ^"^^'^ ^^ ' that^'s fulson. -'
Handkerchief,— confessions,— handkerchief.— To couA -s
and be hanged for his labour ;-first, to be handed 5
ves? her^.T/-'' '~i ''."'"^^^ ^^ "' ^"''''^t"^^ wouM not '
?eSfr6 rnJl^^-^^'^ possible. Co/fess^^'-,.
lago. Work on [F«//s m a ^ran..
My medicine, work I Thus credulous fools are cauoht •
And many worthy and chaste dames even thus. " '
My K'?:ay I'^JK?--'"''-^^' ^^ ' -^- ^-^ '
£'n/er Cassio
r„^ xnTu * . ^^ ^^ow now, Cassio ?
Cos. What 's the matter ?
rr.J"^P-.^^y 'ord is fall'n into an epilepw :
This IS his second fit ; he had one vcsterday.
Cos. Rub him about the temples
lago. V f 1
The lethargy must have his quiet course"^' "'*
if not, he foams at mouth ; and by-and-bv
Breaks out to savage madness. Look, he stirs :
Do you withdraw yourself a little while,
620
Sc i
Act IV Sc i
OTHELLO
He will recover straight : wlien he is gone,
I would on great occasion speak with you.— \Exit Cassio
How IS i^ general ? have you hurt your head ? "''
0th. Dost thou mock me ?
^TT •?^" I mock you I no. bv H«>avpn
Would you would bear your fortune like a m a n •
V '\,i!°''"^^ "^'^" 's « monster, and u beast
layo. There s many a beast then in a populous city
And many a civil monster. ^
0th. Did he confess it ?
TM^r* u , . , ^°°^ sir, be a man ;
Thmk, every bearded fellow that 's but yoked
Tho^/'«'i!.r''^^ ^*''i^ ^^'^^^ '^ ™""ons now alive.
wu "'^^*^^y ^'^ ^" t^ose unproper beds
Which they dare swear peculiar : your case is better.
O, t IS the spite of hell, the fiend's arch-mock,
1 lip a wanton in a secure couch.
And to suppose her chaste. No, let me know :
nln n^^'^J'^^K^ ^J"' ^ ''"^^ ^^'^«t she shall be.
0th. OI thou art wise; 't is certain.
logo. Stand you awhile apart ;
Contine yourself but in a patient list.
\Vhilst you were here, o'erwhelm^d with your grief—
A passion most unsuiting such a man—
Cassio came hither : I shifted him away.
And laid good 'scuse upon your ecstacy ;
Bade him ano,j return, and here speak with me •
1 he which he promised. Do but encave youself.
And mark the fleers, the gibes, and notable scorns
1 hat dwell in every region of his face :
lor I will make him tell the tale anew,
HP h'nVi,^"'''', ""*''■ *'-^' ^'*''^ ^''"S ago, and when
tie hath, and is again to cope your wife •
Or7:>!!.n^ ""^""^ ^"^ gcsture.-Many, patience ;
Or I shall say, you are all in all in spleen.
And nothing of a man.
T ,^n"K * . ^^^^ thou hear, lago ?
1 vill be found most cunning in my patience ;
But— dost thou hear ?— most bloody.
Jogo. • Ti f »
But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw T '""''' '
Now will I question C.ssio of Bianca, ^''"''"'' '''"''''''"
A housewife, that by selling her desires
Huys herself bread and clothos : it is a rreoturc
laat dotes on Cassio, as 't is the strumpet's plarue
To beguile many and be beguiled by one
rte, when he hears of her, cannot refridn'
\IT ^^,^^?^<^'^?,s of laughter.— Here he comes.—
As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad ;
G21
OTHELLO
Act IV S
Cns.
0th.
And his unbookish jealousy must construe
Poor Cassio's smiles, gestures, and light behaviour
Quite in the wrong.
Re-enter Cassio
How do you now, lieutenant ?
Las. The worscr, that you give me the addition. Who
want even kills nie.
lago. Ply Desckmona well, and you are sure on 't.
[Speaking lower] Now, if this suit lay in Bianca's dower.
How quickly should you speed I
nn^' r 4 • , , T , , ^^^^' P^or caitiff 1
Ut/i. [Aside] Look, how he laughs already !
lago. I never knew a woman love man so.
Alas, poor rogue I I think, i' faith, she loves me
[Aside] Now he denies it faintly, and lauchs
out. °
lago. Do you hear, Cassio ?
„ ^/^V, . j^*'^*^] Now he importunes him
To tell It o er. Go to ; well said, well said.
lago. She gives it out, that you shall marry her :
Do you intend it ?
Cas. Ha, ha, ha I
Oth. [Aside] Do you tilumph, Roman I do voi
trmmph ? ^
Cas. I marry her 1— what, a customer? I pr'vtluc
bear some charity to my wit ; do not think it so unwhole
some :— ha, ha, ha I
Oth. [Aside] So, so, so, so. They laugh that win.
lago. Faith, the cry goes, that you shall marry her.—
Pr'ythec, say true.
I am a very villain else.
[Aside] Have you scored me ? Well.
This is the monkey's own giving out : she i'
persuaded I will marry her, out of her own love and flattery
not out of my p-omise.
Oth. [Aside] lago beckons me, now he begins the story.
Cas. She nas here even now ; she haunts me in evcrv
place. I was, the other day, talking on the sea-bank will)
certain Venetians, and thither comes the bauble ; and, bv
this hand, she falls me thus about my neck ;
Oth. [Aside] Crying, O dear Cassio I as it were : his
gesture imports it.
Cas. So hangs, and lolls, and weeps upon me : so haks
and pulls me : ha, ha, ha 1—
Oth [Aside] Now he tells, how she plucked him to my
chamber. 1 I see that nose of yours, but not that dog
I shall throw it to.
Cas. Well, I must leave her company.
lago. Before me 1 look, where she comes.
622
Cas.
lago.
Oth.
Cas.
mAiMMmm^-m^
Sci
Act IV Sc i
OTHELLO
Whose
I ago.
Cas.
lago.
Cas.
lago.
Cas. 'T is such another fitchew I marry, a perfumed cue.
Enter Bianca
What do you mean by this haunting of me ?
Bian. Let the devil and his dam haunt you I What
did you mean by that same handkerchiif, you gave me
even now ? I was a line fool to take it. I must take out
the work I— A likely piece of work, that you should find
It in your chamber, and not know who left it there ! This
is some minx's token, and I must take out the work I
There, give it your hobby-horse : wheresoever you had it,
I '11 take out no work on 't.
Cas. How now, my sweet Bianca ! how now, how now I
0th. [Aside] By Heaven, that should be my hand-
kerchief 1
Bian. An you '11 come to supper to-night, you may ;
an you will not, come when you are next prepared for.
[Exit
After her, after her.
'Faith, I must ; she '11 rail in the street else.
Will you sup there ?
'Faith, I intend so.
Well, I may chance to see you, for I would very
fain speak with you.
Cas. Pr'ythee, come ; will you ?
lago. Go to ; say no more. [Exit Cassio
0th. [Advancing] How shall I murder him, lago ?
lago. Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice ?
O, lago !
And did you see the handkerchief ?
Was that mine ?
Yours, by this hand : and to see how he prizes
the foolish woman, your wife ! she gave it him, and he hath
given It his whore.
0th. I would have him nine years a-kllling.— A fine
woman I a fair woman 1 a sweet woman 1
lago. Nay, you must forget that.
0th. Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned to-
night ; for she shall not live. No, my heart is turned to
stone ; I strike it, and it hurts my hand. O, the world
hath not a sweeter creature : she might lie by an emperor's
side, and command him tasks.
lago. Nay, that 's not your way.
0th. Hang her 1 I do but say what she is.— So delicate
\uth her needle I — An admirable musician 1 O, she will
■^ing the savagencss out of a beur.~Of so high and plenteous
wit and invention I
lago. She 's the worse for all this.
0th. Ola thousand, a thousand times. And then, of
so gentle a condition 1
0th.
lago.
0th.
lago.
623
OTHELLO
Act IV S
Jago. Ay, too Rentlc.
n ^ «^''?i' ^^''■} '*' ^';'"^''''" •— ^"t yet the pity of it, lat
— O, lago. the pity of it, i;,fio ! i j t, lu^
{"■''^\ If you are so fond over her iniquitv dve 1
Eoiody'" ""'"*" ^ '""■' " ^' '""^'^ ""^ you?it^onres nl
i't. 'o""!ttTouiTn tV^. """* ^-^"•^^"^'^ '- »
O//?. With mine oflicer !
lutfu. That 's fouler.
0th. Get nie some poison, lago ; this night :— I 'II r
expostulate vitl, her, lost her body and beauty unprovi
iny mmd again.— This night. lago: ^ unproM
lago Do it not with poison, strangle her in her be
even the bed she hath contaminated
0th. Good, good : the justice of it pleases ; very goo(
,h.i?h- '^"^ * k' ^^'"^°' '^^ °^« b« his undertakeV : v
shall hear more by midnight. '
pet''fs\hil'same1 '°''-^^ ^""'^^^ u^//A^n]-What tru,
/a/70 Something from Venice, sure. 'T is Lodovico
Come from the duke ; and, see. your wife is with him
Enter Lodovico, Desdemoxa, and Attendants
Lod.
0th.
Lod.
0th.
Des.
lago.
How does Lieutenant Cassio ?
God save the worthy general I
T,. , , ^ ^^'ith all my heart, si
1 lie duke and senators of Venice greet you.
T , • ,, . , [Giving him a pack
I kiss the mstrument of their pleasures.
. , , ^ , ^, [Opens the packet, and rc^'u
And what s the ncAvs, good cousin Lodovico "
I am very glad to see you, signior :
Uelcume to Cyprus.
Lod. I thank you.
lago. Lives, sir.
Des Cousin, there 's fall'n between him and niv lorJ
An unkmd breach, but you shall make all well.
Oth. Are you sure of tiiat ?
Des. My lord ?
Olh [Reading] " This fail you not to do, as you will "-
Lod. He did not call ; be 's busy in the paper.
Is there division 'twixt my lord and Cassio ?
Des. A most unhappy one : I would do much
To atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio.
Oth. Fire and brimstone f
Des. Rly lord !
Oth. Arc you wise ?
What I is he angry ?
May be, the letter moved him :
fl24
Des.
Lod.
LIV Scl
r It, lago :
Rive Ikt
lines Hear
-I '11 not
mprovidc
her bed,
ry good.
,cr : you
at trum-
lovico,
im.
eart, sir.
a pack.t
nd rci'di
ico '?
io ?
i lord
wUl "-
'd him :
Act IV Sc i
I-or, as I think, they do command him home.
DipuliuH (.assio in his government.
Dcs. Trust me I am glad on 't.
OTHELLO
Olh.
Des.
0th.
Des.
0th.
Des.
Lod.
Indeed
I am glad to see you mad.
My lord
VVhy, sweet Othello ?
[Striking her
Devil f
I h;ive not deserved this.
'r. . ?'y *°r^' '^"^ ^^''"'^ not be believed in Venice
Though I should swear I saw it. 'T is very much^ '
Make her amends, she weeps. ^ "
7f?l\ .u . O devil, devil!
If that the earth could teem with woman's tears,
hach drop she falls would prove a crocodile—
Out of my sight.
?Z' rr , ' ^i""' "ot stay to oflend you. [Goina
Lod. Truly, an obedient ladv.— l^oing
I do beseech your lordship, calfher back.
Otn. Mistress I
^^«- My lord I
Lod. W-ho. I, my lord ? ^^^^ '"''^'^ ^^^ ^'^^ ^''^ '^'^
0th Ay ; you did wish, that I would make her turn •
Sn- she can turn and turn and yet go on "
And turn again ; and she can weep, sir, weep
And she 's obedient, as you say, obedieAt,-^'
\ery obedient.— Proceed you in your tears —
Loncermng this. sir,-0 well-paintcd passion I-
,>^'n commanded home.-Get you away ;
InV-'iln i i'0",'^""{^-Sir. I obey the mandate.
And A 111 return to Venice.— Hence 1 avaunt !—
Cassio shall have n^y place. And.-sir, to':r!'hf' ^''"'"'^
I do entreat that we may sup togelhor ' ° '
\ou are welcome, sir, to Cyprus.-Goats and mon^ceys !
r.if^v ■ ■'' n^'' h^^"". "^^^^^ ^^"""^ ^^Jiom our full senate ^^"^ ''
Call all-m-all suflicient ? Is this the nature
\\ iioin passion could not shake ? whose solid virtue
1 he shot ut accident, nor dart of chance,
Lould neither graze, nor pierce ?
/n^^" A^^ K5 •* M ^ . i^e is much changed.
laoo hI '. ?h?/l '''•'" • T^' ^"^ ""^ ^'S^t of braiir.>
What he ?^'H. h if '' : ^ !"'y "°^ ^'•"^^^^ ^"V censure,
i would to Heaven, he were I
Tnnn T? •♦u *i. . VkTiat, Strike his wife '*
T),l/ ; F""'^^' ^^'•'^ ^^s "ot so well i yet would 1 knew
That stroke would prove the worst. ^^
625
^)
OTHELLO
Act IV Sc
f'd. Is it his use ?
Or did tilt' letters voric upon liis blood,
And iiow-cn ate tills fauit '?
lu<j(j. Alas, alas 1
It is not honi'sty in me to "^poaii
What I have seen atul linown. You shall oi)scrve him,
And his own courses will denote him so
That I may save my speech. Do but go after,
And marlc how he continues.
Lud. I am sorry that I am deceived in him. [Exeu
Scene II. — A Room in the Castle
Enter Othkllo and Emilia
0th. You have seen nothing then ?
EniH. Nor <ver heard ; nor ever did suspect.
0th. Yes, you have seen Cassio and she together.
Emit. lUit then I saw no liarm ; and then I heard
Each syllable that l)rcath made up between them.
0th. What, did they never whisper ?
Emil. Never, my lor
0th. Nor send you out o' the way ?
Ernil. Never.
0th. To fetch her fan, her gloves, her mask, nor nothing
Emil. Never, my lord.
0th. That 's strange.
JEinj/7. I durst, my lord, to wager she is honest.
Lay down my soul at stake : if you think other,
r^emove your thought ; it doth abuse your bosom.
If any wretch have put this in your head
Let Heaven requite it with the serpent's curse 1
For, if she be not honest, chaste, and true.
There 's no man happy ; the purest of their wives
Is foul as slander.
0th. Bid her come hither : — go. —
[Exit Emil
She says enough ;— yet she 's a simple bawd
That cannot say as much. This is a subtle whore,
A closet-lock-and-key of villainous secrets :
And yet she '11 kneel, and [ray ; I 've seen her do 't.
Re-enter Emilia, with Desdemona
Des. My lord, what is your will ?
Olh. Pray, chuck, come hithc
Des. What is your pleasure ?
0th. Let me sec your eves :
Look in my face.
Des. What horrible fancy 's this ?
0th. [To Emilia] Some of your function, mistress;
Leave procreants alone and shut the door ;
't^^^t
■•■T. -a .f •
IV Scii
e?
him,
[Hxeunl
cr.
card
my lord,
nothing?
t Emilia
'9
't.
le hither.
■ f'Ycs :
rcss ;
1
s
I
Act IV Sc il
OTHELLO
OouRh or cry hem if anybody come :
Your mystery, your mystery ;— n:iy. despatch.
IFxit Kmilia
DCS. I j)on my knees, ^vhat doth your speech import ?
I understand a fury in your \vords,
But not t!ic words.
Vlh. \Vliy, what art tliou ?
Dls. Your wife, u\y h>r(l ; your true and loyal wife.
0th. Come, swear it, daum thyself ;
I.est, being lilic one of heaven, the devils thems.'lves
Should fear to seize thee : therefore Le doublc-danined,—
Swear thou art hunest.
■Dt's- Heaven doth truly know it.
Olh. Heaven truly knows, that lliou art false as hell.
Des. To whom, my lord V with whom? how am I false ?
0th. Ah, Desdenion I — away, away, away I
Dcs. Alas, the heavy day I~\Vhv do you weep ?
Am I the motive of these tears, my lord ?
If, haply, you my fiither do susjiect
An insliunienl of this your c:.llinf» back,
Lay not your blame on me ; if you have lost him,
Why. I have lost him too.
<^'/'- Had it pleased Heaven
To try me with aHliction ; had they rained
All kinds of sores, and shames, on my bare head ;
Sloeped me in poverty to the very lips ;
r.ivcn to captivity me and my utmost hopes ;
I should have found in some place of my soul
A drop of patience : but, alas, to make me
The fixed figure for the time of scorn
To point his slow and movhig finger at, —
Yet could I bear that too ; well, very well :
I'ut there, where I have garnered up my heart,
^^ here either I must live or bear no life,
Tiic fountain from the which mv current runs
Or else dries up ; to be discarded thence.
Or keep it as a cistern for foul tor.ds
To knot and gender in I— turn thy complexion there,
1 utience, thou young and rose-lipped chcrubin ;
Ay, there, look grim as hell I
Des. I hope, my noble lord esteems me honest.
•vi ' P' '^y ' ^^^ summer flies arc in the shambles,
1 hat quicken even w ith blowing. O thou weed,
\N'lio art so lovely fair, and smell'st so sweet.
That the sense aches at thee,— 'would thou hadst ne'er
been born ?
Des. Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed ?
0th. Was tills fair paper, this most goodly b(;.jk,
•lade to write " whore " upon ? What committed ?
Committed t— O thou public commoner !
C27
OTHELLO
Act IV S
'tl|fl
Des.
0th.
Des.
OLh.
I should make very for^oo of my cheeks,
That would to cinders burn up modesty,
Did I but speak thy deeds.— What committed '>
Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks ;
The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets.
Is hushed within the hollow mine of earth
And will not hear it. What committed ? '
Impudent strumpet 1
£"• . , By Heaven, you do me wrong.
Olh. Are not you a strumpet ?
If "P^^' .... NO' as I am a Christi:
If to preserve this vessel for my lord.
From any other foul unlawful touch,
Be not to he a strumpet, I am none.
0th. What, not a whore ?
, ,. ... „ No, as I shall be saved.
Is 't possible ?
O, Heaven forgive us 1
I took you for that cunning whore o7\\°ke '^^*^^ ^^^" '
That married with Othello.— You, mistress '
That have the office opposite to Saint Peter.
And keep the gate of hell I
Re-enter Emilia
«T , , You, you, ay, you :
We hr.ve done our course ; there 's money for your pains
I pray you, turn the key, and keep our counsel f/ '
Emil. Alas, what does this gentleman conceive ?— ' '
How do you madam ? how do you, my good lady ?
Des. 'Faith, half asleep.
Ax-fu"^ niadam, what 's the matter with my lord
With who ? "^
Why, with my lord, madam.
Who is thy lord ?
T . ^^c that is yours, sweet lady.
I have none : do not talk to me, Emilia •
1 cannot weep ; nor answer have I none
But what should go by water. Pr'ythcc, to-night
Lay on my bed my wedding sheets,— remember :—
And call thy husband hither.
^""'- Here 's a change, indeed !
H,^fi" "^Vk "'*'''. Ls^'«"ld be used so. very meet. ^^'"'
HoNv have I been behaved, that he mi^hl slick
llie small st opinion on my least misuse ?
lie-enter Emilia with Iago
lago. W'hat is your pleasure, madam ? How is 't with
DCS. I cannot tell. Those that do teach young babes
C23
Emil.
Des.
Emil.
Des.
Emil.
Des.
IV Scii
Act IV Sc ii
OTHELLO
ong.
Christian.
ived.
then ;
ir pains.
[Lnt
; 7
tiy lorti ?
'. lady.
(Iced !
i 't with
[ babes
Do it with gentle means and easy tasks •
He might have chid nic so ; for, in good "faith.
I am a child to chiding. '
Fmli Aloe T What's the matter, lady?
bmil. Alas, lago, my lord hath so bewhored her
Thrown such despite and heavy terms upon her,
As true hearts cannot bear. h • "t-i,
Des. Am I that name, iago ?
nF^ ' c, 1- L What name, fair ladv ?
Des Such as she says my lord did say I was ^
Enul. He called her whore : a begga? in ^lis drink
Could not have laid such terms upon his calla
Iago. Why did he so?
fnn'n ^^^ ""l^ ^"'''^ ', ' ^"^ ^''^''' ^ ^m noue such.
S' ?? "°t ^'^^p, do not weep. Alas the day
'mti- Hath she forsook so many noble matches
rZ ^''^^n''/"'! '^''' ^°""try, and her friends?
ro be called whore ? would it not make one weep ?
Des. It is my wretched fortune. ^
How^^omes this trick upon him ? ^""^''^ ^'"^ ^'' '* '
Des. XT T T
^Bn^il. I Will be hanged, i. some^'ieVS^ll" ,'„"' " """'•
Some busy and insinuating rogue vmain.
Some cogging cozening slave, to get some office
/«.o" pirn ^ '^'^ ''^'''^'' ' I » ^« hanged else.
Iago. Fie, there is no such man : it is impossible
Des If any such there be. Heaven pardon him 1
Wlfv^shouM hf;nnr''°'!,^''"o ^"^ »^^" g"-'" hiTbonos I
^(p^^^ {-;;?-- i^X^^hirss^
The Moor's abused by some most villainous knave
Heaven rhif""l*^"^^^' ^'^"^^ scurvyTellow :-'
\nH n.\ "' ^^*^ ^"/^^ companions thoudst unfold
And put m every honest hand a whip '
10 lash the rascals naked through tlfe world
f-A^en from the east to the westi
Fmi'i n r.« .^ . Speak within door.
Th^ nrn?/ ^ "P*"". ^^'"^ ' ^omc sucli sq.nre he Was
Inlln nHn ^'T '"^ ^'^^^ '^''""•V side withoul.
Ami niad(> you to suspect me with the Moor
(";7o. You are a fool ; go to.
;^;!^a. shall I do to win my lord aga?nT'' ''^^'
■nod friend, go to him ; for, by this li-ht of henvrn
know not how I !o..t him. Here 11 ud r.*"'^''"'
Either ?n^,'''" '^'^ ''''^''''' 'S'-'i^'t his love.'
Uther ,n discourse of thought, or actual deed ;
I elo^h^t J\"h^ *y^'' ™'"^ *^-'"' ""^ «ny sense.
^^iighted them in any other form ;
629
MKT
OTHELLO
Act IV S
I
Or that I do not yet, and ever did.
And ever will — though he do shake me off
To beggarly divorcement — love hini dearly.
Comfort forswear me I Unklndness may do much ;
And his unkindness may defeat my life.
But never taint my love. I cannot say " whore : "
It does abhor me, now I speak the word ;
To do the act that might the addition earn,
Not the world's mass of vanity could make me.
lago. I pray you. be content ; 't is but his humour
The business of the state does him olTence,
And he does chide with you.
Des. If 't were no other, —
lago. 'T is but so, I warrant.
[ Tram}
Hark, how these instruments summon to supper I
The messengers of Venice stay the meat.
Go in, and weep not ; all things shall be well.
[Exeunt Desdemona and Em
Enter Roderigo
How now, Roderigo ?
Rod. I do not And that thou deal'st justly with me
lago. What in the contrary I
Rod. Every day thou dalf'st me with some devi
lago ; and rather, as it seems to me now, keep'st fr
me all conveniency, than suppliest me with the le
advantage of hope. I will, indeed, no longer endure
nor am I yet persuaded to put up in peace what alrea
I have foolishly suffered.
lago. Will you hear me, Roderigo ?
Rod. 'Faith, I have heard too much ; for yovir wo]
and performances are no kin together.
logo. You charge me most unjustly.
Rod. With nought but truth. I have wasted mys
out of my means. The jewels you have had from me,
deliver to Desdemona, would half have corrupted a votari
you have told mc she hath received them, and returr
me expectations and comforts of sudden respect a
acquaintance ; but I find none
Jago. Well ; go to ; very well.
Rod. Very well I go to I I cannot go to, man : r
't is not very well : by this hand, I say it is very scurv
and begin to find myself foppcd in it.
lago. Very well.
Rod. I tell you, 'tis not ve^y well. T win make mys
known to Desdemona : if she will return me my jewt
I will give over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitatio
if not, assure yourself I will seek satisfaction of you.
lago. You have said now.
A30
^M^i
M'.i^.
;• ■^* •
^SL^i^-^imm^^^j^EmM^mi^Esmm^mm^mM^'
IV Scii
. »»
umour :
arrant.
[ Trumpeh
I
id Emilia
ith me.
le device,
;p'st from
the least
mdure it;
it alreadv
Dur words
ed myself
)m me, to
I votarist :
I returned
ipect and
nan : no:
y scurv}' ;
ke myseH
ly jewels,
licitation:
ou.
Act IV Sc ill
OTHELLO
intendment ordoin,"'"' '"' "^'"'"^ ^"* ^^"^^^ ' P-^^^t
lago Why, now I see there 's mettle in thee • and
even, from th s instant, do build on thee a better opinion
hf.f\T' ^'^°-'\ ^^^^ "'^ ^hy ^^^'^d' Roderigot^thoS
hast taken agamst me a most just exception ; but vet
I protest I have dealt most directly in thy affair. ^ '
iioa. It hath not appeared.
logo. I grant, indeed, it hath not appeared, and vour
suspicion IS not without wit and judgment!^ But RodeJiZ
If thou hast that within thee indeed, which I have Se;
reason to believe now than ever,-I mean, purpose, cSe
and valour,-this night show it : if thoi the n^xt n ght
following enioyest not Desdemona, take me from this
''%nH^''x^ reachery, and devise engines for my liS^. '"
fnnn ^^ell, wh.it IS ,t ? is it Within reason and compass ?
v/r.T** i' ^^^^^ ^^ especial commission mie from
Venice, to depute Cassio in Othello's place.
retu?n'agSn'tf Venice. "'"' ''^" ^^'^"^ ^"^ ^^^^--^
wi/h Mm ?h^? • 'r\^ ^f*"' '"*** Mauritania, and takes away
hll. K *^® ^^'^ Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered
here by some accident ; wherein none can be so deter-
minate as the removing of Cassio.
Rod. Kow do you mean, removing him ?
Why, by making him uncapable of Othello's
knocking out his brains.
And that you would have me do ?
Ay: if you dare do yourself a profit, and a
I eo to Hm'"^h r"'^^^ ^'}^^ ^ harlotry, and thither will
J go to h m : he knows not yet of his honourable fortune
t" ?Sl ou ' ^f'"" ^'l ^T^ thence-which I wi5l fashion
to fall out between twelve and one— you may take him
TJT ^I'TI'.: J ^^"' ^^ "«^^ to second your attempt
siti in V? H ^".K^o '\^ ""^ ' ' ''■'" '^«^^ yo^ s"ch a neees-
mt 5 nn l-'^'^'''^^."'''^ y°" '''^" ^^•"'^ yo""<^'f t,ound to
^ioVs t'o^w^te : lnbou"tT. '*'' ^"PP^^''-' -^ ^he night
Rod. I will hear further reason for this.
lago. And you shall be satisfied. [Exeunt
lago.
place ;
Rod.
lago.
right.
Enter
Lod.
0th.
Lod.
Des.
Scene IIL— Another Room in the Castle
Othello, Lodgvico, Desdemona, Emilia, and
Attendants
I do beseech you, sir, trouble vourself no further
O, pardon me ; 't will do me good to walk
Madam, good night; I humbly Ihank your ladyshio
X our honour is most welcome. '
631
%nBRB^'»rf^iar
OTHELLO
Act IV Sc i
Will you walk, sir ?-
iSc
cs.
Emil.
Des.
0th.
O, — Desdemona, — ■
Des. My lord ?
0th. Get you to bed on the instant ; I will be returno
forthwith : dismiss your attendant there : look it b
doni',
I will, my lord.
[Exeunt Othello, Lodovico, and Attendant
How goes it now ? he looks gentler than he did
He says, he will return incontinent ;
He hath commanded me to go to bed,
And bade me to dismiss you.
Emil ' Dismiss me 1
Des. It was his bidding ; therefore, good Emilia.
Give me my nightly wearing, and adieu :
We must not now displease him.
Emil. 1 would you had never seen him.
Des. So would not I : my love doth so approve him,
That even his stubbornness, his checks, and frowns, —
Pr'ythce, unpin me,— have grace and favour in them.
Emil. I have laid those sheets you bade mo on the bed
Des. All 's one. — Good faith, how foolish are oui
minds 1 —
If I do die before thee, pr'ythee shroud me
In one of those same sheets.
Emil. Come, come, vou talk.
Des. My mother had a maid called Barbara :
She was in love ; and he she loved proved mad.
And did forsake her : she had a song of " willow " :
An old thing 't was, but it expressed her fortune.
And she died singing it : that song, to-night,
Will not go from my mind ; I have much to do,
But to go hang my head all at one side.
And sing it like poor Barbara. Pr'ythee, despatch.
Emil. Shall I go fetch your night-gown ?
—J?^^' ^°' unpin me here.—
This Lodovico is a proper man.
Emil. A very handsome man.
Des. He speaks well.
Emil. I know a lady in Venice would have walkfd
barefoot to Palestine for a touch of his nether lip.
Des. [Singing.]
The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree ;
Sing all a green irilloiu ;
Her f nd on her bosom, her head on her knee ;
Sing willow, willow, willow :
The fresh streams ran by her, and murmured her moans ;
Sing wil'iiu), willow, willow :
Her s'llt i^jrs jell from her, and softened the stones ;
632
OTHELLO
Act IV Sc Hi
Lay by these.—-
Sing willow, willow, willow.
Pr'ythoc, hie thee : he 'II come anon.-
Sing all a green willow must be my qarland
Let nobody blame him, his scorn Vap prove ^
^'f^n^t'^l ^l^^::^^^^^ -^<> - it tha;k„ocks 7
// / court moe women, you 'II couch with moe men
^S;'' I have heard it ITid sf ^o ^7' "^^ ^'^"^•
men!— so.— O, these men, these
For a small vice. ^"me . i is a great price
hafSo'ne. '"saTi^; / ™Td' „'„,»h»',,d L"d ^„<,„ , when I
ring, nor for measures of la^,^ ,?J7" " "='"« '»'• " J°'nt-
nor caps, nor any petty exWbi3K "h^?"?' ' '""'^als-
world, „.|,y, who\,';,uld\ot ' L*,;r hn Lnnrt ""-■ *.''"'^'
jo^niakc him a monarch 7 t ^tJiYJ SulJe "pu^^atl?;
F»?the ^^tZZ- " ' "°"" ■"' -=" " -»"«
-n^-'l'.^^vin^rt'i.e'J^rrf-o? 'y„;;r"',ahor^t''is''a"'"= ^^^ '
^ir^ajh^^xstiis^-i'"
A^Sd sto^-tit ,;SridTh1.;Vi^?.S L"r"'^ ^-''-^^
;;}^i, 1 do think it is their husbands' faults
;p.r^oflrea-Ss'lr?^-',S-^
Or else break out in peevish jealousies. '
633
OTHELLO
ActV Sc
Throwing restraint upon us ; or, say, they strike us,
Or scant our former having in despite :
Why, we have galls ; and, though we have some grace.
Yet have we some revenge. Let husbands know.
Their wives have sense like them : they see and smell
And have their palates both for sweet and sour.
As husbands have. What is it that they do
When they change us for others ? Is it sport ?
I think it is. And doth affection breed it ?
I think it doth. Is 't frailty that thus errs ?
It is so too. And have not we affections.
Desires for sport, and frailty, as men have ?
Then, let them use us well ; else let them know.
The ills we do, their ills instruct us so.
Des. Good night, good night: Heaven me such uses send,
Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend 1 [Exeiim
ACT FIVE
Scene I.— Cyprus. A Street
Enter Iago and Rodeuigo
logo. Here, stand behind this bulk ; straight will he
come :
Wear thy good rapier bare, and put it home.
Quick, quick ; fear nothing ; I '11 be at thy elbow.
It makes us, or it mars us ; think on that,
And fix most firm thy resolution.
Rod. Be near at hand ; I may miscarry in 't.
Iago. Here, at thy hand : be bold, and take thy stand.
T» J X , [Retires
Rod. I have no great devotion to the deed ;
And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons. —
'T is but a man gone :-^rth, my sw-ord : he dies.
I have rubbedWis young quat almost to the sense,
Iago.
And he grows angry. Now,' whether he kill Gassio,
Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other.
Every way makes my gain : live Roderigo,
He calls me to a restitution large
Of gold and jewels that I bobbed from him
As gifts to Desdemona ;
It must not be : if Cassio do remain,
He hath a daily beauty in his life
That makes me ugly ; and, besides, the Moor
May unfold me to him : there stand I in much peril.
No, he must die :— be 't so ; I hear him coming.
Enter Cassio
Rod. 1 know his gait ; 't is he.— Villain, thou dicst.
[Rushing out, and making a pass at Cassio
634
ActV Sci
OTHELLO
i
Cas. That thrust had been mine enemy indeed.
But that my coat is better than thou know'st •
I will make proof of thine. [Draws, and wounds Roderiao
„^<"^- ^ , 0,1 am slain I ^
[lago rushes from his post, cuts Cassio behind in the leg,
Cas. I am maimed for ever.— Help, ho I murder,
murder I ^^^^^^
0th.
Rod.
0th.
Cas.
0th.
Enter Othello, at a distance
The voice of Cassio :— Lago keeps his word.
O, villain that I am I
_,,,,, It is even so.
O, help, ho I light I a surgeon I
T>,of K 7 '^ l!^*~:? '^^'^^'^ '-''SO, honest, and just.
That hast such noble sense of thy friend's wron^ 1
Thou teachest me :— IMinion, your dear lies dead.
And your unblest fate hies :— strumpet, I come f
Forth of my heart those charms, thine eyes, are blotted •
Thy bed, lust-stained, shall with lust's blood be spotted!
[Exit
Enter Lodovico and GnATiANO, at a distance
Cas. What, ho 1 no watch ? no passage ? murder !
Gra.
Cas.
Lad.
Rod.
Lad.
murder I
'T is some mischance ; the cry is very uireful.
u, help 1
Harkl
O wretched villain I
Thnc ^^^'u °^ ^^^^^ groans.— It is a heavy night I
These may be counterfeits ; let 's think 't unsafe
10 come in to the cry without more help.
Lad. Hark f ^ ^"""^ ^ ^^^"^ ^^^ ^ ^^^^^ *^ ^^'''*'^-
Re-enter Iago, with a light
^'°* weapons' °"^ '"''"'"' *" ^*' '^'^*' ""'^^ "Sht and
'°''onmu?dL ?''''' ^ ''''''' ""'''' '' *^'^ ^^'-^t <="««»
Lod. We do not know.
Did not you hear a cry ?
Here, here I for Heaven's sake, help me I
Th.-e i /^*u 1, . . What's the matter?
This is Othello's ancient, as I take it.
The same, indeed ; a very valiant fellow.
T \ o ^^. ^T^" ^*^''®' ^^^^ ^^y so grievously ?
I Give me s^hdp. ^"^ 'P''"'^' ""^°"" ^^ ^"'^"'^ ''
iago. O me, lieutenant ! what villains have done this ?
635
Iago.
Cas.
Iago.
Gra.
Lod.
Iago.
Cas.
OTHELLO
Act V
I
lilii^
lago.
Lod.
lago.
(ira.
lago.
Cms.
lago.
Cas. I think that one of them Is hereabout.
And cannot make a^vay.
t-ri"^?'^ ■ ^ ^ .. O treacherous villains f—
[To Lodovico and Gratlano] \Vhat arc you there?
in, and give some help.
Hod. O, help me here !
Cas. That 's one of them.
^°3°' O murderous slave ! O vil
n«j rk > . T . [Stabs Rodi
nod. O damned lago I O inhuman dog I
lago. Km men 1' the dark !— Where be these bl(
thieves ? —
How silent is this town !— IIo I murder I murder I
What may you be ? are you of f,'ood, or evil ?
Lod. As you shall prove us, praise us.
Slgnior Lodovico ?
He, sir.
I cry you mercy. Here 's Cassio hurt by vill
Cnssio ? •'
How is 't, brother ?
My leg is cut in two.
T 5«. f „ », , ... Marry, Heaven forbid !
Light, gentlemen ; I '11 bind it with my shirt.
Enter Bianca
Bian. What is the matter, ho ? who is 't that cried
lago. W ho is 't that cried ?
Jiian. O my dear Cassio I my sweet Cassio I
O Cassio, Cassio, Cassio I
wiJT; ^J'^^^Pl^ strumpet !— Cassio, may you suspei
Who they should be, that have thus mangled you ?
Cas. No.
Gra. I am sorry to find you thus : I have been to «
you. '
rngo. Lend mc a garter :— so.— O, for a chair,
To hear him easily hence I
Bian. Alns ! he faints.— O Cassio, Cnssio, Cassio !
Jago. Gentlemen all, I do suspect this trash
To be a party in this injurv. —
Patience awliile, Rood ChssIo — Come, come.
Lend me a light.— Know we this face, or no ?
Alas I my friend, and my dear countryman.
Roderigo ? no :— yes, sure. O Heaven ! Roderigo.
frra. WTiat, of Venice ?
lann Even he, sir ; did you know him ?
, • ^. . Know him *> nv
TV, ^^"k, ^i^"""^ Gratiano ? I cry you gentle pardon":
These bloody accidents must excuse my manners.
That so neglected you.
^^°' I am glad to see you.
636
\ct V Sc i
ns I —
icre ? come
O vilhiin
')S Rodenijo
lesc bloo(j>
Icrl
by villainy
orbld !-
It cried ?
I suspect
u?
!en to seek
I
ActV
hujo.
Soli
OTHELLO
ssio
mistress, "'^t-on. [io fi/cmcaj For you,
to. ^ None ii he wor d n, 7 'I? '""*<^'^» >"" '
' out o' the n?r- ^^''".'^'""^ >»", Pale ?-0, bear him
Slay you, good teni^men '^.'""V "'"' ""'''"y" "''■ ''"me of,
ao>;{^e"S^-r;^r^<;;n,r:i^™;::r
'^"'<'/' Emilia
li^al'd ?■'■'" ' ""'" '^ "■' "'^"" ' Wat -s the matter,
fv'nf •, ?''^'''' '"•"' ""f ''e™ set on In the dark
•y Rodcngo, and fellows that are •scancd
/i/V n T ' ^ ^" ^^''^'' Strumpet I
4|-that\T,u"°al'rr. ^ ""' "' "" - ''°""'
. %o.' Kind Gentlpni,.n i^l^'^ ! " ^"'^ ' ^"'' "1^°" <^''«-'e f
■ni I a run you to the citadol,
?o.
(Ion
-^Tl [ZT '°'*V'"^ lady uh;,t hath happed -
[Exeunt
I Scene II.— a Bedchamber
^ DEKnHMONA //. bed asleep. A lujki burning.
„ E'^tcr Othello
i( t .MO nl^t *^ ^^^ ^''"''^' ** *^ th*^ cause, my soul —
P i-ne cause.— \et I '11 not shed her blood ;
637
OTHELLO
ActV
Nor scar that whiter sk.a of hen than snow,
And smooth as monumental alabaster.
Yet she must die, else she '11 betray more men.
Put out the light, and then,— put out the light :
If I quench thee, thou (laming minister,
I can again thy former light restore
Should I repent me ; but once put out thy light,
Thou cunnlng'st pattern of excelling nature,
I know not where is that Promethean heat
That can thy light relume. When I have plucked thj
I cannot give it vital growth again.
It needs must wither :— I '11 smell it on tlie tree —
_ . , . [hissif
balmy breath, that dost almost persuade
Justice to break her sword I — One more, one more. —
Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee.
And love thee after.— One more, and this the last :
So sweet was ne'er so fatal. I must weep.
But they are cruel tears : this sorrow's heavenly ;
It strikes where it doth love.— Slie wakes.
Des. Who's there ? Othello ?
Ay, Desdemona.
Will you come to bed, my lord ?
Have you prayed to-night, Desdemon ?
Ay, my lo
If you bethink yourself of any crime,
Unreconciled as yet to Heaven and grace.
Solicit for it straiglit.
Des. Alas, my lord, what may you mean by that '
0th. Well, do it, and he brief ; I will walk by :
1 would not kill thy unpreparc^d spirit ;
No,— Heaven forfend I — I would not kill thy soul.
Des. Talk you of killing ?
0th Ay, I do.
Des.
Have mercy on me !
0th. Amen, with all mv heart !
Des. If you say so, I hope vou will no't kill me.
0th. Hum !
Des. And yet I fear you ; for you are fatal then.
When your eyes roll so. Why I should fear I know rn
Since guiltiness I know not ; but yet, I feel I fear.
0th. Think on thy sins.
■Des. They are loves I bear to \
0th. Ay, and for that thou diest.
Des. That death 's unnatural that kills for loving.-
Alas, why gnaw you so your nether lip ?
Some bloody passion shakes your very frame :
These are portents ; but yet I hope, I hope,
Tliey do not point on me.
633
0th.
Des.
0th.
Des.
0th.
Then, Hca^
ActV ScliO ActV Scii
OTHELLO
It.
ked thy ros*
:e —
[hissing be
lore. —
A
last :
iiy ;
nona.
«>
my lord.
Y that ?
by:
lUl.
n, Heaven
tl
le.
hen,
now not,
ar.
ear to youj
oving.—
0th. „
thU."' ^^"^•^^^•'^^'l'^'. Which I so loved and
Thou gav'st to Cassio.
Dcs. XT .
Sencl^for the man. and ask him'' ""' "' *"" •""' '
Take heed ot perjury ■ tho„ .,r?™'i'°!!'' '"''« •>«''.
g«- Ay, b";.. 'not'^yet 1„"dle.' °" """"•""• b'"-
^«. Then Lord have mercy on me I
^ Des. And have vou merrv tnn » . ^ ^^.^^ ^"'^f^
pe?jure^d\"omrr h'^ S'SoII'^^'^h^^ '" '^ »'""^-
And mak'st me call ^vhat I ntend to d7 '''^'
fr^'i^X;^-;--^---'
2^^" ^Vhat,mylord?"'^'''^'°'^'"=^^•^■
0th. That he hath used thee.
Ay. How? unlawfully?
He will not s:t so.
Honest lago hath t en order^for' 't^'' '"''"*'' '' '^^^'^'^^ ''
Olh. H'.n/ht'/"^''^'''^^'r^^''^^t' is he dead ->
Had stomach 'for'^hem'all'^^" "''^^' ^"^ ^-* ^--""e
O/ft" n/.f ' }'^ '^ i^etrayed, and I undone
?ace /^'"'"P'^^ ' Wecp'st thou ?or
Down?itXcT;^"'^
Na'y.TfVo^uTH^;::^'^^-"-'-^^^^^^
But half an hour I
But while I say one^'pra^er'"'' '^"'^ *^ "° P^"'^"
639
gave
0th.
Des.
Olh.
Des.
Olh.
Des.
Olh.
Des.
0th.
Des.
him to my
v-«y-:- *.♦
OTHELLO
Act V S<
[lie smothers I
what, ho ! mv loi
not yet qui
0th. It Is too Inte.
iunil. I U'/7/MnJ My lord, my lord I
my lord I
0th. What noise is this ?— Not dead
dead ?
I, that am cruel, am yet merciful ;
I wouhi not have thco linger in thy pain. —
So, so.
Ami/. [Within] What, ho I my lord, my lord I
0th. Who's then
Emil. [Within] O, good my lord I I would speak a wo
with you.
0th. Yes : 't is Kmiiia :— by-and-by.— She 's dead.
'T is like she conies to speak of Cassio's deatli ;
The noise was high. — Ha 1 no more moving ?
Still as the grave.— Shall she come in ? Were 't good ?—
I think she stirs again :— no.— What 's best to do ?
If she come in, slie '11 sure speak to my wife :
My wife I my wife I what wife '/—I Imve no wife :
O, insupportable 1 O heavy hour !
Metliinks it should be now a huge eclipse
Of sun and moon, and that the aHrighted globe
Should yawn at alteration.
i:mil. [Within] I do beseech you
That I may speak with you, O, good my lord I
0th. I had forgot thee. O, come in, Emilia. —
Soft,— by-and-by :— let me the curtains draw. —
Where art thou ? What 's tlie matter with thee now ?
( Unlocks the doi
Enter Emilia
Emil. O, my good lord 1 yonder 's foul murder done.
0th. What 1 now ?
Emil. But now, my lord.
0th. It is the very error of the moon ;
She comes more nearer earth than she was wont,
And makes men mad.
Emil. Cassio, my lord, has killed a young Venetian
Called Roderigo.
Olh. Roderigo killed 1
And Cassio killed !
Emil. No ; Cassio is not killed.
Oih. Not Cassio killed I Then murder 's out of tune.
And sweet revenge grows harsh.
Des. O, falsely, falsely murdered I
Alas ! what cry is tl
Emil.
Oih. Thatl what?
Emil. Out, and alas I that was my lady's voice
Help ! help, ho 1 help 1—0 ladv, speak again I
Sweet Desdemoua 1 O, sweet mistress, speak I
t V Sc il
others Ju-r
my lord,
fet quite
ActV ScU
OTHI'LLO
's there .'
ik a wor !
dead. —
ood ?-
?
low ?
the door
done.
tian
tune,
[Dies
Def A guiltless death I die.
n".l v?K^**° ^'''}^ *^'""' this deed 7
I>M. Nobody ; l myself. Furewell •
Emit ^' ^°'' •*'°"'^ ""^^ *»* murder 'dv
oS Si?e *.^i^ n I ' '""'' "^^'^'^ '•«Port the truth.
And'you the blacker deviu' "'" ™"'' ^"^''' ''"'•
^m// ^Thn^T"^*'? (?"y' «"d 'he was a wh..,v
^ oS." siye'°;;.tL':;i^.:':^er^"^ "'^" ^^^ ^ ^^^"-
but that I did procc,..! upon just gr,>u„ U *
'"AS'^ifrhurian?/ "-"-"'- U aii.
0//I. Thy husband.
Emil. That she was false to wedlock ?
O//,. Ay. with Cassio. Nay. had "he Len tr.,«
If Heaven would make me such another wo7ld'
Of one entire and perfect chrysulile/ ^
I d not have sold her for it.
hmil. My husband ?
An honest man he is, and hJle t;?^hne'"' '"''' ""' ""' •*
^hat^sticks on flitliy deeds.
0//I Who* • ... ^^y husband?
husbanT'^^'^^^^"--'---"^
Lmil. J O^rmstress I villainy hath made
^^y h"shand say that she was false I
,Vv*-r;-*hy husband : dost understanl ule^'CdV
VrnT^lt '"'^'"'' ^°"««^' honest laso '
Hot half n HP • '^ ■^''' ."'^y his pernirioiis ."oul
"01 naif a gram a day I he lies to the hp iri •
ir H°a° 1'°"" "' "" """' "lliiy l^a?|aiu;
„/:m(/. Do thy worst:
^■"•■.7. Thou hast not h.„ .i:!:?-^^;™ J- I'-t.n,
I say, thy
mocks with
38-
641
OTHELLO
ActV S
^ 'iil
As I have Ir bo hurt. O gull I O dolt I
As ignorant as dirt I thou hast done a deed —
I care not for thy sword ; I 'II make thee known.
Though I lost twenty lives.— Help 1 help, ho I help f
The Moor has killed my mistress I Murder I murder!
Enter Montano, Gratiano, and Iago
Mon. What is the matter ?— How now, general ?
Kmil. O, are you come, Iago ? you have done well.
That men must lay their murders on your neck.
(ira. What is the matter ?
Emit. Disprove this villain, if thou be'st a man :
He says, thou told'st him that his wife was false.
I know thou didst not, thou 'rt not such a villain.
Spenk, for my heart is full.
Iago. I told him what I thought ; and told no more
Than what he found himself was apt and true.
JJmil. But did you ever tell him she was false ?
Iago. I did.
Emil. You told a lie ; an odious, damned lie ;
Upon my soul, a lie ; a wicked lie. —
She false with Cassio !— Did you say with Cassio ?
Iago. With Cassio, mistress. Go to, charm your tongi
Emit. I will not charm my tongue ; I am bound
speak.
My mistress here lies murdered in her bed.
All. O heavens forfend I
Emit. And your reports have set the murder on.
Nay, stare not, ni;.stcrs : it is true, indeed.
'T is a strange truth.
O monstrous act I
, ., . , ., , Villainy ! villainy I vUIainy
I think upon 't,— I think,— I smell 't :— O villainy 1
I thought so then :— I '11 kill myself lor grief.
(") villainy, villainy I
Iago. What I arc you mad ? I charge you, got yo
home.
Emil. Good gentlemen, let me have leave to speak :
T is proper 1 obey him, but not now —
rereliance, Iago, J will ne'er go home.
Olh. O I O I O I [Falling on the U
I-inil. Nay, lav thee <lown, and roar;
J'or thou hast killed the sweetest innocent
IIkU e'er did lift up eye.
0//I. l//;.sjnf/J O. she was f<nil.—
I scarce did know you, uncle. There lies your niece.
Whose brealli. indeed, these hands have newlv stopped.
I know this act shows horri!»ic and j-rim.
(ira. Poor Dosdemon I 1 am glad thy father 's de.id.
1 by match was mortal to him, and pure grief
642
Oth.
Gra.
Mon.
Emit.
W ^(^^
ctV ScU 1 ActV ScU
OTHELLO
? Shore his old thread In twain • hm i,- u
This sight would make h7m 3o a d'e st ^Te tZ'
AnJ f' nT ^'' ^""^'" ^"8el from his sTde *
And fall to reprobance '
Thaf ihe l/t7ril"- ' u^^^l ^'^ ^^«° '^"o^^.
inai sne with Cassio hath the act of shami.
My father gave my mother.
EmiL O Heaven I O heavenly powers I
Emii. 'T will out, 't will out • r lllIT' ''"'"^ ^°"'' P'^"^^-
No 1 will speak as liber:/" st.eToVt'' '"^' '''"''' ''' ' -' '
AM "faven. and men, and devils"lJt h,^ .,i|
Ail all. cry shame against me, yet I '11 soe^
iZi ^ """'' '^"^ ^'^ you home ^ ^^-
I will not.
Cra. ''"SO oilers to stab his wijt
Yoi.r sword upon a woman ? ''''' •
Inrjo. • ,, .
f'm// Ch- ^s. •. ^ ^"lamous whore »
An;{Tiia',';t/r„;^!;Sn'r''''-'''"-i'^
IJo with so good a w ri f '''7''^ ^"'f' » fool
But what serve for the thumlr "'"^r" "'""' ''^ ''^^'^'«»>'
^'ra. The won.in f lu '^ — l'r«c.„„is villain !
^V-7. Ay. ay"'"a' ^- J'[;; ;.^.'^^'^'' "^il'-i Lis wife.
Whirh I Hi,.i^:'.:!l"i••'•'""^ ^'"^'i" Take you this weapon.
tilou
<^onie.
Ruard the fit
from the M
f^ut kill him ratht
r witiiuut : let },
^■or 't is a damnt'd si
r I li a}t»r that
0\h
'Ut f
»ve.
Vf
!
ry puny whi|.;,t(r rcl
;!m n:
'<ut why should hoi
let jt go all
s my sword
nor.
ifn not i)r>ss,
same villain,
vaH;;nt ntitha
{Exit
lour ouLlui' honesty ?
643
OTHELLO
ActV Sc
urn
[Dii
Emil. What did thy song bode, lady ?
Hark, canst thou hear me ? I will play the swan,
And die in \n\mc.~[Sin(jing\ Willow, willow, willoiD. —
Moor, she was chaste ; she loved thee, cruel Moor,
So come my soul to bliss, as I speak true ;
So speaking as, I think, I die,— I die.
0th. I have another weapon in this chamber ;
It is a sword of Spain, the ice-brook's temper.
O, here it is. — Uncle, I must come forth.
Gra. If thou attempt it, it will cost thee dear :
Thou hast no weapon, and perforce must sufTer.
Oih. Look in upon me, then, and speak with me.
Or, naked as I am, I will assault thee.
Gra. What is the matter ?
^^^- Behold, I have a weapon
A better never did itself sustain
Upon a soldier's thigh : I've seen the day.
That with this little i rm, and this good sword,
I 've made my way through more impedimrnts
Than twenty times your stop. — But, O vain boast I
Who can control his fate ? 't is not so now. —
Be not afraid, though you do see me weaponed :
Here is my journey's end, here is my butt,
And very sea-mark of my utmost sail.
Do you go back dismayed ? 't is a lost fear:
Man but a rush against Othello's breast.
And he retires. — Where should Othello go ? —
Now, how dost thou look now ? O ill-starred wench I
Pale as thy smock I when we shall meet at compt.
This look of thine will hurl my soul from heaven.
And fiends will snatch at it. Cold, cold, my girl I
Kven like thy chastity.
O, cursed, cursed slave f — Whip me, ye devils,
From the possession of this heavenly sight I
Blow me about in winds I roast me in sulphur I
Wash me in steep-down gulfs of liquid lire I
O Desdcmona I Desdemona I dead I
Enter I
Lod.
0th.
Lod.
Oih.
If that
Lod.
logo.
(Kh,
For, in
Lod.
.ODovico, MoNTANO, Cassio Carried in a chair, and
officers, with I ago prisoner
Where is this rash and most unfortunate man ?
That 's he that was Othello ;— here I am.
Where is that viper ? bring the villain forth.
I look down towurdi his feet, —but th.at 's a fahlp :
thou be'st a devil. I cannot kill thee. [Wounds lago
Wrench his sword from him.
I bleed, sir ; but not killed.
I am not sorry neither : I 'd have thee live ,
my sense, 't is happiness to die.
O thou Othello, that wert once so good,
644
ActV Scil
OTHELLO
Olh. .
An honotTab)e murderer, if vou «lli™'"""S ••
mx Well, timu dost host '^"''"^*'"^'' ^"l ope your lips.
0//J. O villain f
< ;mie in and satisfied him.
" * ■■■'■-■ n\ ivvprus. i
If U:
1 nat can torment h
I re be any cunning crnoltv
or this slave.
'f IMS. 10.. sh.-ill dose prisoner rest
645
^
*<V/
OTHELLO
ActV S<
TiU that the nature of your fault be known
To the Venetian state.— Come, bring him away.
0th. Soft you ; a word or two, before you go.
I have done the state some service, and they know it 2
No more of that.— I pray you, in your letters.
When you shall these unlucky deeds relate.
Speak of me as I am ; nothing extenuate.
Nor set down aught in malice : then must you speak
Of one that loved not wisely, but too well ;
Of one not easily jealous, but, being wrought.
Perplexed in the extreme ; of one, whose hand.
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away.
Richer than all his tribe ; of one, whose subdued eyes.
Albeit unus6d to the melting mood,
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their medicinal gum. Set you down this :
And say, besides, that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk
Beat a Venetian, and traduced the state,
I took by the throat the circumcis«^d dog,
Loa. O bloody period t
r/ih' T 1,. ^ »u , A" ^^^^ '^ ^^^^^ is marred.
Oth. I kissed thee, ere I killed thee :— no way but thi
K-nHr,« r^,„ i# ♦ J. . . [i'^fillirig upon Desdenwn
Killing myself, to die upon a kiss. i/j^^
Cas. This did I fear, but thought he had no weapon :
For he was great of heart. "ca^^uu ,
», ^°''; „ ' r° ^"-^"^ O Spartan dog 1
More fell than anguish, hunger or the sea I
Look on the tragic loading of this bed ;
This is thy work : the object poisons sight ;
Let It be hid.— Graliano, keep the house.
And seize upon the fortunes of the Moor
For they succeed on you.— To you, lord 'governor.
Kemams tlie censure of this hellish villain •
The tinie, llie place, the torture :— O, enforce it I
Myself will straigJit aboard, and to the state
This heavy act with heavy heart relate. [Ejceum
Mfl
tV Sett
it J
eak
eyes.
t htmsell
rred.
JUt this,
sdemonu
[Dits
ipon;
PERICLES
[Ejceunt
DRAMATIS PERS0N2B
AunocHua, king of Antioch
Pebicles, prince of Tyre
HeLICANUS \, I J ^t rr
E8CANE8 ]i^ lord* of T,r.
SlMONiDES, king of PentnpoLa
Cleon, governor of Tarau.^
Lysimachub. governor of Mitylcne
Cerimon, a lord of Epheaua
Thaliaud, a lord of Antiurh
PHiLEMoy, errvnnt to Cerinu>n
Lkonink, »erva7U to Dionyza
Marahal
A Pander. Bouli, hit aervarU
The davr/htcr of Antiochut
Dionyza, ut/e to Ckon
Thaisa, daughter to H hnonidea
Marina, daughter to Prriclen and Thaiea
Lvi'HcuiiDA, nurse to Munna
A Baud
Diana
GowEB, as Chcnis
Lorcia, LacUtJS, Knij;lit3, Gontloraon, Sailora,
Pirated, Fisherineu, and MeBHoagtitt
SCENE. — Dispersedly in various Countries
648
PERICLES
ACT ONE
Enter Cower
Before the Palace of Antloch
To sing a song that old was sung,
From ashes ancient Gower is come,
Assuming man's infirmities,
To glad your ear and please your eyes.
It hath been sung at festivals,
On ember-eves, and holy-aies ;
And lords and ladies in their lives
Have read it for restoratives :
The purchase is to make men glorious j
ht bonum quo antiquius, eo melius.
If you, born in these latter times.
When wit 's more ripe, accept my rhymes.
And that to hear an old man sing
May to your wishes pleasure bring,
I life would wish, and that I might
Waste it for you, like taper-light. —
Tliis Antioch, then, Antiochus the Great
limit up, this city, for his chiefest seat ;
I lie fairest in all Syria, —
I tell you what my authors say :
This king unto him took a fere,
Who died and left a female heir,
So buxom, blithe, and full of face.
As heaven had lent her all his grace •
With whom the father liking took, '
And her to incest did provoke :—
Bad child, worse father I to entice his own
10 evil should be done by none
Hy custom what they did begin
_J)as, with long use, account no sin.
I he beauty of this sinful dame
Vade many princes thither frame,
lo seek her as a bed-fellow,
ni marriage-pleasures playfellow :
« hich to prevent he made a law.—
To keep her still, and men in awe,—
Hint whoso nM<cd her for his wife,
His riddle told not, lost his life :
So for her many a wight did die.
As yon grim looks do testify.
649
w
If
HPf:
mmk
PERICLES
What now ensues, to the Judgment of your eye
I give, my cause who best can justify.
Act I S
IE
Scene I. — Antioch. A Room in the Palace
Enler Antiochus, PEnicLES, and Attendants
Ant. Young Prince of Tyre, you have at large receivt
The danger of the tjisk you undertalcc.
Per. 1 have, Antioclius, and, with a soul
Emboldened with the glory of her praise.
Think death no hazard in this enterprise.
Ant. Bring in our daughter, clothed like a bride.
For the embraccments even of Jove himself ;
At whose conception, till Lucina reigned,
Nature this dowry gave, to glad her presence.
The senate-house of planets all did sit
To knit in her their best perfections.
Music. Enter the Daughter of Antiochus
Per. See where she comes, apparelled like the sprin'^.
Graces her subjects, and her thoughts the ring
Of every virtue gives renown to men I
Her face the book of praises, where is read
Nothing but curious pleasures, as from thence
Sorrow were ever razed, and testy wrath
Could never be her mild companion.
\ou gods, that made me man, and sway in love
That have inllajned desire In my breast *
To taste the fruit of yon celestial tree
Or die in the adventure, be my helps.
As I am son and servant to your will,
To compass such a boundless happiness I
Ant. Prince Pericles, —
Per. That would be son to great Antiochus.
Ant. Before thee stands this fair Hesperides,
With golden fruit, but dangerous to be touched •
For deatn-like dragons here alfright thee hard : '
Her face, like heaven, enticeth thee to view
Her countless glory, which desert must gain ;
And which, without desert, because thine •ye
Presumes to reach, all thy whole heap iiiubL die.
\on sometune famous princes, like thyself.
Drawn by report, adventurous by desire,
Tell thee with speeclikss tongues and semblance pjdo
1 hat without covering save yon field of stars.
They here stand martyrs, slain in Cupid's wars ;
And with dead cheeks advise thee to desist.
tor going on death s net, whom none resist.
Ptr. Antiochus. 1 thank thee, who hath taucht
My frail morlalily to know itself,
650
Let I Set
lExit
nls
received
Act I Sc 1
PERICLES
le.
spriaj
i
i
1
1 1
da
And by those tearful objects to prepare
This body, like to them, to what I must :
lor death remembered should be like a mirror
Who te Is us life 's but breatlj, to trust it, error.
1 II make my will then ; and, as sick men do.
\\Tio know tlie world, see heaven, but, feeling woe.
Gripe not at earthly joys as erst they did :
bo, I bequeath a happy peace to you
And all good men, as every prince should do :
My riches to the earth from whence they came
[To Uit Daughter of Anliochus] But my unspotted fire of
love to you, •"v wi
Thus, ready for the way of life or death.
I wait the sharpest blow.
xxjt^i' S^o''"*"^ advice,— read the conclusion then :
Which read and not expounded, 't Is decreed
As these before thee, thou thyself shalt bleed!
nf .."? 9' ^" '^^y^"^ yet. may'st thou prove prosperous I
Of all -sayed yet, I wish thee happiness. ^pcrous i
I er. Like a bold champion, I assume the lists.
Nor ask advice of any other thought
But faithfulness, and courage. [Reads the riddle
I am no viper, yet I feed
On mother's pcsh which did me breed;
I sought a husband, in which labour
I found that kindness in a father.
He's father, son, and husband mild;
I mother, wife, and yet his child.
How they may be, and yet in two.
As you will live, resolve it you.
Sharp physic is the last : but, O you powers
That give heaven countless eyes to view men's acts,
»;%*^'u"^ ^^®y "'^^ ''^«''" sigbls perpetually,
If this be true, which makes me pale to read if ?
lair glass of light, I loved you, and could still,
\Nere not this glorious casket stored with ill
iJut I must tell you,— now, my thoughts revolt ;
ror lie s no man on whom perfections wait,
Tliat, knowing sin within, will touch the gate.
x\rl" ""^ ^ '^''" '^'^"'' ""^ yo"r sense the strin^^s,
Who fingered to make man his lawful music,
vvouid draw heaven down and all the gods to hearken i
liul being played upon before vour time,
ilell only danceth at so harsh a chime.
Ciood sooth, I care not for you.
Ant. Prince Pericles. t<>uf!! ?)ot ''-on tli"" '•*"=•
I'or that 's an article williin our law ' "' ' '"' "*^'
As dangerous as the rest. Your time 's expired :
UlhtT expound now, or receive your sentence.
cr.i
PERICLES
Act I S<
S*r;
Per. Great klnff,
Few love to hoar the sins they love to act ;
T would braid yourself too near for me to tell It.
\Vho has a Look of nil that monarchs do,
He s more secure to keep It shut, than shown :
lor VK e repeated 's like the wanderin« wind,
1.1UWS dust in other's eyes to spread itself :
And yet tiie end of all is bought thus dear,
Uic breath is fione, and the sore eyes see clear—
fv.'i"V Km 'I''" '''°1''' '''-'''' *''^''"- The blind mole casts
TivPf,.. ' tc.wards hcavrn. to tell the earth is thronu^eO
IJ> man s oppression ; and the poor ^vorm doth die for i
Kings are earth s gods ; in vice tin ir law 's their wiU :
And If Jove stray, who dares say Jove doth ill ?
It is enough you know ; and it is fit,
V^ Kit being more known grows worsL', to smother it.
All love the womb that their first being bnd
Then give my tongue like leave to love my head
Ant [Aside] Heaven, that I had tliy head I he hai
found the meaning ;
Rut I will gloze with lum.— Young Trincc of Tyre.
Though by the tenor of our strict edict,
I our exposition mislnterpretiag.
We might proceed to cancel of vour days •
\et hope, succeeding from so fa'ir a tree '
As your fair self, doth tune us otiicrwisc.
Torty days longer we do respite you ;
If by which time our secret be undone,
I his mercy shows we 'il joy in such a sun :
And until then your entertahi shall be
As doth belit our honour, and your worth.
n TT [Exeunt all but Periclei
Per. How courtesy would seem to cover sin,
^^ hen what is done is like an hypocrite,
1 he which is good in nothing but in sight 1
If It be true that I interpret false,
Then were it certain you were not so bad
As with foul Incest to abuse vour sou! ;
^^hel•e now you 're both a father and a son,
l.y your untimely cl.nspings with your cliild
( Which pleasure lits a husband, not a father).
And she an eater of her mother's flesh
By the defiling of her parent's bed ;
And both like seri)enls are, who tlimigh they feed
On sweetest llowers, ycl they poison breed.
Anl.och, fiu-ewell I for wisdom sees, where men
I -lush not in actions blacker than the night
i hey il stiuu no course to keep them from the 11 -'it :
Uiiu iui. I know, another doth nrovoke ; "
Murdv.- s :!s ne-r to lusL as llaiue to smoke ;
652
:tl Sci
casts
ironiZjcJ
; for i.
ill;
t.
he has
PtriL-lcs
Ad ScU PERICLI-S
Poison and treason are the hnnds of sin.
Ay, and the tar^-ts, to put oil the slmnie :
Then, lest my life be cro|)ped to keep you clear,
By flight I 'U sliun tlie danger which I fear. [Frit
Ite-enler Antiocuus
Ant. He hath found the meaning ; for the which we mean
To have his head.
He must not live to trumpet forlh my infamy.
Nor tell tlie worlil, Auiiochus duth sin
In sucIj a loalhc^d manner :
And tlitrefore inslanlly this prince must die ;
lor by his fali my hoi mr must kte]) liitU.
>Vho attends us tliere V
J£ntcr TrrAMAHD
^''"'- DoUi your iiif'hness call ?
A III. Tlinliardl
You 're of our cliamher, and our mind partalccs
Her private actions to your secrecy ;
And for your faitlifulness we will advanre you.
Thaiiard, belu>!d, here 's poison, and iiere 's j^old •
We hate tlic Prince of Tyre, and thou must IvUl bim i
It fits thee not to aslc the reason w!iy,
Because we bid it. Sav. is it done ?
Thai. My lord, 't i.s'done.
Anl. Enough. —
Enter a Messenger
Let your breath cool yourseif, telliuR vour haste.
Mess. Aly lord, i'rince Pericles is" lied. [Cxit
* As thou
Wilt live, fly after : and, as an arrow, shot
From a well-experienced archer, hits the mark
His eye doth level at, so ne'er return
Lnless thou say, " Prince Pericles is dead."
Thai. My lord.
If I get hhn within my pistol's length,
I '11 make him sure enough : farewell to your hi"hness
Ant. Thahurii, adieu. [Exit Tlialiurd\~Tiii Pericles
be dead,
iMy heart can lend no succour to my head. [Exit
SciiNE II.
-Tyre. A Room in
Enter Perici.ks
Per. [To those mHlhout] Let none
should this char,-e of thoughts,
Ihe sad companion, dull-eyed melancholv,
t^e my so used a Ruest, as not an hour *
i« ihe day's cloriuui walk or peaceful niglit
the Palace
disturb us.— Whv
iioj
MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART
(ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2)
1.0
I.I
2.8
2.5
2.2
[1 2.0
1.8
1.6
^ APPLIED IIVMGE Inc
^^ 1653 East Matr, Street
S^S "Rochester. Ne« Yo'k 14609 USA
'-SS (716) 482 - 0300 - Phone
^= (716) 288 - 5989 - Fax
PERICLES
Act I Sc
The tomb where grief should sleep-can breed nu .uiet '>
Here pleasures court mine eyes, and mine eyes shunTht;
And danger which I feared 's at Antioch,
mose aim seems far too short to hit me here ;
Yet neither pleasure's art can joy my spirits
Nor yet the other's distance comfort mi '
itor.! *^ lu"? •o^''*' passions of the mind,
Mot f^ ^*^'^'^^'^st conception by mis-dread.
Have after-nourishment and life by care •
And what was first but fear what might be done.
Grows elder now and cares it be not done.
And so with me :— the great Antiochus—
Gainst whom I am too little to contend
fvT*^? '.^ ^"^ ^^''^' *^^" "^^^"^ his will his act—
Knr ho^f l"^ speaking, though I swear to silence:
Nor boots It me to say, I honour him,
Ji he suspect I may dishonour him :
And what may make him blush in being known,
with hn^P-i / ''°"''!^ ^/ '^^'''^ '^ "^ifiJit be known.
\Vith hostile forces he '11 o'erspread the land,
And with the ostent of war will look so huge
Amazement shall drive courage from the state.
Our men be vanquished ere they do resist.
And subjects punished that ne'er thought ofTcnce •
Which care of them, not pity of myself,- '
Who am no more but as the tops of trees
MnUp?h^?r^^V°?^' ^^^y Srow by and defend them.-
Makes both my body pine and soul to languish
And punish that before, that he would punish.'
Enter Helicanus and other Lords
sic'^AZ^' A*!?? ^"'* ^" ^'''"'°''* ^" y^"'^ "c'-ed breast I
iicc Lord. And keep your mind, tiU you return to ns
Peaceful and comfortable I ^ return lo us,
Ti/^^'U Pea<^«' peace, and give experience a tongue.
They do abuse the king that flatter him, ^
For flattery is the bellows blows up sin ;
JJlfhill^i^®*^?^*'*^ ^? ^•attered, but a spark.
To which that blast gives heat and stronger gIowin<» •
\STicreas reproof, obedient and in order, ^'°^*"« '
I-its kings, as they are men, for they may err.
T^Tff'^''^^'' Sooth here does proclaim a peace.
He flatters you, makes war upon your life
Prince, pardon me, or strik*^ me, if you please :
I cannot be much lower than my knees
WW c> .^".^^^^« "s eJse ; but let your cares o'erlook
\\ hat shipping and what lading 's in our haven;
And then return to us. [Exeunt Lords]— Helicanus th^n
Hast moved us : what seest thou in oulr looks ?' ^^'"^
//«. An angry brow, dread lord.
654
Act I Sc U
PKRICLES
from
I 've power
Per. If there be such a dart in princes' frowns,
How durst thy tongue move anger to our face ?
Hel. How dare the plants look up to heaven,
whence
They have their nourishment ?
Per. Thou know'st
To take thy life from thee.
Hel. [Kneeling] I 've ground the axe ;
Do you but strike the blow.
P^r. Rise, prithee, risr :
Sit down ; I thank thee for 't, thou art no flatterer.
And Heaven forbid but kings should let their cvss
Hear their faults chid I
Fit counsellor, and servant for a prince,
Who by thy wisdom makst a prince thy servant.
What wouldst thou have me do ?
„ ^^^^' To bear with patience
Such griefs as you do lay upon yourself.
Per. Thou speak'st like a physician, Helicanus,
That minister'st a potion unto me
That thou wouldst tremble to receive thyself.
Attend me then : I went to Antioch,
Where, as thou know'st, against the face of death
I sought the purchase of a glorious beautv
From whence an issue I might propagate '
As arms to princes that bring joys to subjects.
Her face was to mine eye beyond all wonder ;
The rest— hark in thine ear— as black as imrst :
Which by my knowledge found, the sinful faUier
Seemed not to strike, but smooth ; but thou know'st this,
T is time to fear when tyrants seem to kiss ;
Which fear so grew in me, I hither fled.
Under the covering of a careful night
Who seemed my good protector : and, being here.
Bethought me what was past, what might succeed.
I knew him tyrannous ; and tyi ants' fears
Decrease not, but grow faster than their venrs.
And should he doubt it— as no doubt he doth—
That I should open to the listening air
How many worthy princes' bloods were sl:ed
To keep his bed of blackness unlaid ope. -
To lop that doubt he '11 fill this land with rirnis.
And make pretence of wrong that I have done liim ;
When all for mine, if I may call 't, offence,
Must feel war's blow who spares not innocence :
Which love to all,— of which thyself art one,
Who now reprov'dst me for it, —
Hel. Alas, sir 1
Per. Drew sleep out of mine eyes, blood from my cheeks.
Musings into my mind, a thousand doubts
6Q5
PERICLES
Jj
'*li
Act I Sc
l^°7« ?.ig'»t stop this tempest ere it camP •
And finding little comfort to relieve then? '
rn;^^ r» ^^;SiS?^?r - '-ve to spea
Wh'i^'-fJy ^^°' ^ ^^""k. you fear the tyrant
IJIf^jT,'."''' ''"•''• 8» "••wcl tor a while
vJ,l ^ i?'*' '■'' "="• 1"^ "'read ^f life
Your rule direct to aiiv ; if to rae
Dny sen,-es not llglit more faiihtui than [ 'H be
w/^SertL'Lrv'Et:''/'^"'-^ ■"" »■"••"■<"- wron
.nten^ 4 ISf r'^h'e°r°eV!S',";eSr;;f ?her '» ^-'■'
ScEXE riI.-Tyre. An Ante-chamber in the Palace
l^nter Thauard
I »<?" King'perli?e^''in"'i^I'dit;^ l"" '"''''- ^^-« -"^^
at home : 't is dangerous -W^irr' ^ ^"','"'"" ^'^ ^« Ranged
fellow and had goocf dTc .elTon thnt*^^'''^''t^^^ '^'"^^ « ^^^^«
he would of thf kinrdesired 'he mWh/"J ^'^ *° "^^ ^'^^^
secrets : now do I s 'e he had iLl ^ ^""T^ "°"^ ^^ ^^^
king bid a man be a viUain h.Th '^•''',"2 '°'' '^ ' ^^"^ " ^
of his oath to be onc^^-Hush hi. ^^^^^^i^y the indenture
"^onc. i-iushi here come the lords of Tvre
Ilrl t' '':'^-^^'' ^-'^-NEs. anrf other Lord "^
IM. \ ou shall not need, my fellow neer. nf t,
Inirthcr to question me of xout Vh\a>7 ? , ^^^^»
His sealed c^ommission^^fVirt^ruritX'"'"''^
J, tH*'^'^^ ^«w I the king gone '>
wS^^sirre^-resriS-''
BcinnlVS'-i'" «'« -»eWhru«t„ you.
656
-;?• ■^'r«?f^, '■'W^'fA'^'i'^' f^' ^j^i^m- jt-^:k.
tl Sciil
to speak,
Act I Sciv
PERICLES
5 wrong
irth
arsus
[Exeunt
alace
'e must
flanged
a wise
k what
of his
or if a
enture
: Tyre.
- L? J^^'^'el Wliat from Antioch ?
Hel. Royal Antiochus-on what cause I know not—
Took some displeasure at him : at least, he judged so •
And doui)tmg lest that he had erred or sinned, '
T show his sorrow he 'd correct himself •
J,^.P"t^'"'nself unto the shipman's toil, '
^^'"' whom each minute threatens life or death.
Thai. [Aside] Well, I perceive
I shall not be hanged now, although I would ;
H^ /.'."nl fV' P"f ' y'"" '''"" '^ «' ^« "^"st please.
He scaped the land, to perish on the seas.—
TyreT'""^ myself. -[To them] Peace to the lords ol
Thnt ^u^^ Thaliard from Antlochus is welcome.
/hal. hrom him I come,
^ith message unto princely Pericles •
But since my landing I have understood
\our lord s betook himself to unknown travels.
My message must return from whence it came.
net. We have no reason to desire it,
U)mmended to our master, not to us •
Yet, ere you fhall depart, this we desire,—
As friends to Antioch, we may feast in Tyre. [Exeunt
Scene IV.-Tarsus. A Room in the Governor's . House
Enter Cleon, Dionyza, and Attendants
Cle. My Dionyza, shall we rest us here.
And by relating tales of others' griefs,
bee if 't will teach us to forget our own ?
Dio. That were to blow at fire in hone to traench it ^
For who digs hills because they do aspire ^ '
Throws down one mountain to cast up a higher.
my distrcss.5d lord, even such our griefs are ;
nTm J '^ ^"^ ^"i^ ""^ ^^^'^ ^^-ith mischief's eves.
C/i! 0°Dfon''^za ^""PP^^^ ^^'ey higlier rise.
Who wanteth food and will not say he wants it.
Or can conceal his hunger till he famish ?
ntn ?r^"^-^ ^""^ sorrows do sound deep our woes
Into the air ; our eyes do weep till lungs
f'S ""^^^ "k^^ '"^y proclaim them louder ; that
If heaven slumber while their creatures want.
Ihey may awake their helps to comfort them.
1 11 then discourse our woes, felt several years.
n/Z'^/'n!.'''''^^'!*^ 'P'^^^' ^^JP »ne with teara.
jJio. I 11 do my best, sir.
Cle. This Tarsus, o'er which I 've the covernmeniL
A city, on whom plenty held full hand. So^ernmeIll,
657
i'
• I
PERICLES
Act I Sc
For Riches strewed herself even In the street ;
Whose towers bore licads so high, they kissed the clouds.
And strangers ne'er beheld, but wondered at ;
Whose men and dames so jetted and adorned,
Liite one another's glass to trim them by :
Their tables were stored full to glad the sight.
And not so much to feed on as delight ;
All poverty was scorned, and pride so great.
The name of help grew odious to repeat.
Dio. O, 't is too true.
Cle. But see what heaven can do ! By this our chan^i
These mouths whom but of late, earth, sea, and air, °
Were all too little to content and please.
Although they gave their creatures in abundance.
As houses are defiled for want of use,
They are now starved for want of exercise :
Those palates, who, not yet two summers youngr-r.
Must have inventions to delight the taste.
Would now be glad of bread, and beg for it :
Those mothers, who, to nousle up their babes.
Thought nought too curious, are ready now
To eat those little darlings whom they loved.
So sharp are hunger's teeth, that man and wife
Draw lots, who lirst shall die to lengthen life.
Here stands a lord, and there a lady weeping ;
Here many sink, yet those which see them fall.
Have scarce strength left to give them burial.
Is not this true ?
Dio. Our cheeks and hollow eyes do witness it.
Cle. O, let those cities that of plenty's cup
And her prosperities so largely taste
With their superfluous riots, hear these tears :
The misery of Tarsus may be theirs.
Enter a Lord
Lord. Wliere 's the lord governor ?
Cle. Here.
Speak out thy sorrows which thou bring'st, in hasLe,
I'or comfort is too far for us to expect.
Lord. We have descried, upon our neighbouring bhore,
A portly saU of ships make hitherward.
Cle. I thought as much.
One sorrow never comes but brings an heir
That may succeed as his inheritor ;
And so in ours. Some neighbouring nation.
Taking advantage of our misery.
Hath stuffed these hollow vessels with their power,
To beat us down, the which are down alre.idy ;
And make a conquest of unhappy me,
Whereas no glory 's got to overcome.
653
> I
Act II
PERICLES
[Exit
now; J^l'^n ^^'^J^^st ^<^-'»'" ; ^or, by the semblance
OI Ihriir white nags displayed, they bring us peace.
And come to us as favourers, not as foes
Cle. Thou spcak'st like him 's untutored to repeat :
\V ho makes the fainst show means most deceit
IJut bring they what they will, and what they can,
^^hat need we fear ? *
The ground 's the lowest, and we 're half way there
Co, tell their (general v.-e attend him here
To know for what he comes, and whence he comes
And what he craves.
Lord. I go, my lord.
Cle. Welcome is peace, if he on peace consist ;
II wars, we arc unable to resist.
Enter Pericles, with Attendants
Per. Lord governor, for so we hear you are,
Let not our ships and number of our men
Be, hke a beacon fired, to amaze your eyes.
>Ve have heard your miseries as far as Tyre,
And seen the desolation of your streets ;
Nor come we to add sorrow to your tears'
But to relieve them of their heavy load •'
And these our ships you happily may think
Are like the Trojan horse was stuffed within
With bloody veins, expecting overthrow.
Are stored with corn to make your needy bread
f iP^tu^^*" 1'^® ^^'^^"^ hunger starved half dead.
All. 1 he gods of Greece protect you I
And we will pray for you.
Air^^T* . , , . RJse, pray you rise :
VVe do not look for reverence, but for love
And harbourage for ourself, our ships, and men.
He. The which when any shall not gratify.
Or pay you with unthankfulness in thought -•
Be It our wives, our children, or ourselves,—
he curse of heaven and men succeed their evils!
Yn Ir^'S'"'""!^^^ T*"**^^' ^ ^°P^' '^^^l "«'«'• be seen.-
iour grace is welcome to our town and us.
vL»' ^''^}''^ welcome we '11 accept ; feast here awhOe
tntil our stars that frown lend us a smile. [E^'unt
ACT TWO
Enter Gower
po^tr. Here have you seen a mighty king
His child, iwis, to incest bring ; ^ -^ "»
A better prince and benign lo>d
That will prove awful both in deed and word •
oe quiet, then, as men should be,
659
f'
\' • ,
.( !
*■- •- ♦.
■>
^'
.*^.» '
>^>'-±:-i
'^'
PERICLES Act II Sc
Till he has passed Necessity:
I 'II show you, those in trouble's rcIgn
LosiiiR a mite a mountain gain.
The f?ood in conversation—
To whom I give my benison—
Is still at Tarsus, where each man
Thinlis all is writ he spoken can ;
And, to remember what he does.
Build his statue to make him glorious :
But tidinRs to the contrary
Are brought your eyes ; what need spealc I ?
DUMH-SIIOW
Enter at one door, Peiiicles, talking with Cleon ; thel
with a letter to Pericles ; who shows the letter to Cleon
then gives the Messenger a reward, and knights him
hxeunt Peiucles and Cleon, with tlieir Truius.
Gow. Good Helicane, that stayed at home
Not to eat honey like a drone
From others' labours ; though he strive
To killen bad, keep good alive ;
\nd, to fuUil his prince' desire.
Sends word of all that haps in Tvre t
How Thaliard came full bent with sin
And hid intent to murder him ;
And that in Tarsus was not best
Longer for him to m:tke his rest.
He, d(n:ig so, put forth to seas.
Where w hen men ben there 's seldom case :
I'or now the wind begins to blow ;
Thunder above, and deeps below.
Make such unquiet, tliat the ship
Should house him safe is wracked and split •
And he, good prince, all having lost.
By waves from coast to coast is tost.
All perishen, of man, of pelf,
Ne aught escapen but hii.iself ;
Till Fortune, tired with doing bad,
Threw him ashore, to give him glad :
And here he ton]es. What shall be next.
Pardon old Gower ;— this longs the text. [Exit
Scene I.— Pcutapolis. An Open Place by the Sea-side
Enter Pericles, wet
rxr^^^' y^^ ^^^^ >""^ "■^' y^^ a»gry stars of heaven 1
Wind, ram, and thunder, remember, earthly man
U Ji-dt a substance that must yield to vou ;
$9%
Act U Sc 1
PKRICLES
And I, as fits my nature, do ob^v you
Alas, the sea hath cast me on the rocks.
Uashed me from shore to sliorc, and loll me breath
Nothmg to Ihhik on but ensuing death :
Let It sunice the greatness of vour powers
To have bereft a prince of all his fortunes •
And having thrown him from your waterv «ravc
Here to have death in peace is all he '11 crave
Enlcr three Fishermen
First Fish. What, ho, Pilch I
r5' n^f*'. ^^°' '^"'"^' »"'' luring awav the nets
li^rstF.sh \Vhat. Patch-breech, I s.y
Third Fish. What say you, master ?
rni;fci'^';ei^ira':rr^'^^^ ^^"^^' -me away, or
n.^«e Ir^^^S. ^^^^ - -^ ^-^
'''i!;^-^,^y'. Y^« •Ipwl*! scarce help ourselves ^ ' "'
Ihird I'lsh. Nay, master, said not I as much whf.n 7
saw the porpus, how he bounced and tun'biJi ? th^v sav
ul. Such whales have I heard on o' the linH tt '"°"^^-
if' , 14*''^'J A Pfe"y moral.
cast bells, steeple, church, and parish ud a<tnin ' pVh r
the good King Slmonides ^vere o\ my ininS-l^""^' ''''' ''
^cr. [Aside] Sunonides ?
Ami .rom their wi-.tery empire recollect
ytcif.f'Jt^ men approve or men delrct r-
^eace be at your labour, honest tislicrmcix.
661
PERICLES
Act II
• • I
1^
! 1
Ho''^'"?;, ^'*''- ^ ^""'^^^ ' 8°**'' '«"o^' what '8 that ? if It h
after it* ^'°"' ''*''"''''' °"^ "' '^"^ calendar, and nobody 1,
/'cr. Y' mny sec. the sea hath cast upon your coast—
.Sec. I'lsh. \\liat a drunken knave was the sea, to c
thee in our way I — '
In^ffnt v^c?"?" '^/'°"' ^°^t '^® "^^^'^ «"^ the wind.
In that vast tennis-court, hath made the ball
1 or them to play upon, entreats you pity him :
tie asks of you, that never used to beg.
First Fish. No, friend, cannot you beg ? Here 's th(
Sec. Fish. Canst thou catch any nshes then ?
J'er. I never practised it.
nn'n ^" fi'^ ^''7' "'*'" t^°" ^"t ^t^rve, sure ; for here
not ung to be got now-a-days, unless thou canst fish for
P„t ^'i,o* T^""^ ' have been, I have forgot to know ;
JJut what I am, want teaches me to think on •
A man thronged up with cold ; my veins are chiU.
And have no more of life than may suffice
To give my tongue that heat to ask your help ;
mich if you shall refuse, when I am dead,
l^or that I am a man, pray see me buried.
/irst Fish. Die, quoth-a ? Now, gods forbid it I
have a gown here ; come, put it on ; keep thee warn
Now, afore me, a handsome fellow I Come, thou shalt t
home, and we'll have flesh for holidays, fish for fa i
be wefcomT'*^^° '' ^"^"^^"85 and flapjacks ; and thou sha
Per. I thank you, sir.
^^Sec. Fish. Hark you, my friend.-you said you could no
Per. I did but crave.
sn 'V'^^fu'^' ^"Vf ^>'^ • "^^^^ ' '" t"^" "aver too, am
so I shall scape whipping.
?''• r^^X^^'^^® ^" y^""^ beggars whipped then ?
K^^^*"* • ^i,"°t ^^' "^y '"end, not all : for if all voir
beggars were whipped, I would wish no better oflice thai
to be a beadle. But, master, I '11 go draw up the net.
Ppp r 4 c-^ 1 TT „ [^xeunt two of the Fishermrr
J:l\i ^^r ''''^" ^^'^ ^""^'^t »"irth become;
Ineir labour I
piT ^ot wd^^ ^ °"' '''"'~'^'* ^'°" ^"'^'^ ^'^^^^ ^'"^^ ^" "^
First Fish. Why, I 'II tell you : this is called PentaDoIis
and our king, the good Simonides. ^eniapoiii,
^^, 7^^u ^'^i"^ ^^*"8 Simonides, do you call him ?
first I'lsh Ay, sir ; and he deserves to be so called for
bis peaceable reign and good government.
662
Act II Sc!
PERICLES
J^
»hf n'^n^ilV^ * 'i'lP''?.^'"^' '^"^* ^'^ S'^^"' 'fO"" hii subjects
the name of good by his government. How far is his court
distant from this shore ?
First Fish Marry, sir, half a day's Journey : and I 'II
tell you. he hath a fair daughter, and to-morrow is her
ni.il n7*i "" V'.T .^""^ P'"^"''" ""'^ '^"'fihts come from aU
parts of the world to joust and tourney for her love
Per. Were my fortunes equal to my desires.* I could
vish to make one there. j ^^, i coum
First Fish. O, sir, things must be as Ihev may ; and what
a man cannot get, he may lawfully deal for his wife's soul.
lic-entcr the two Fishermen, drawing up a net
tJ'Lf^ul'' "^'P* "''*'.^'''"' ^'^^P ' h"« '« a flsh hangs in
the net, ike a poor man's right in the law ; 't wUl hard v
come out. Ha 1 hots on 't ; 't is come at last, and 'U
turned to a rusty armour.
Per. An armour, friends ! I pray you. let me scu 't.
Thanks Fortune, yet, that after'aJl thy croies
Thou giv st me somewhat to repair mvself.
And though it was mine own ; part of mine horitnge
Which my dead father did bequeath to me
With this strict charge, even as he left his life.
Keep it, my Pericles, it hath been a shield
•^Fnft w ^^^ "^^^'^ "T^"'^ P°'"^'''^ to this brace ;-
For that it saved me. keep it ; in like need-
From which the gods protect thee !-it may defend tlice "
i ,H?' ^here I kept, I so dearly loved it.
rui the rough seas that spare not any man
liu *i !u '^P' f^°"Sh calmed have given 't a.'ain
I thank thee for 't : my shipwreck now 's no U L
Since I have here my father's gift in 's wiU,
First Fish. What mean you, sir ?
V..Z' '^^ ^*^ ?^ y°"' ^^^^ friends, this coat of worth
For it was sometime target to a king • '
A aV 'u .^y ^}'^^ '^^^^' "e Joved me dearly.
And for his sake I wish the having of it :
Where wit^h"t'\?;;i''' """ *° ^^^^ sovereigns court,
An!f ^f t^ » * ^ ""^y appear a gentleman :
And if that ever my low fortunes better
fIsIIT ^Wh"""^J"l^^«»' '•"t your debtor.
p/r 1'u\^.^^Yl ^»^t thou tourney for the lady ?
pYr'st Fill Whl^H^'^"^"*" .^ ¥^« ^'^'•"^ »n «rms^
go^d on^"''- ^^^' ^** y* '^« " ' ^"^ the gods give thee
ira^d? ifn^thf^^J' *""' ♦^f!' y°"' "^y '"'^"d ; 't was we that
made up this garment through the rou^h senm^ of ih^
waters: there are certain condolements" certalTlanl r
Z%7' " ^^'^ '^^^'^' y°" '" remembrr'frlSTh«;:ctyou
663
I J*;
iWli
Pr:nicLEs
Act II 1
Per. Mclicve 't, I win.
Uy your furtherance I nm clothed In steel •
And spite of nil the rapture of the s?a *
Th 5 jewel holds his i>ildi„;? on my arm' •
Unto thy value will I „,ount my^seJf '
Lpon a courser, whose delifthtful stcns
Shall make the gazer joy to see him tu-ad -
sra%s?rh"at'^^^-'"""p-^^^«^^^
niysclJ. '^ ' "" ' " """g "lee to the Co
nils day 1 II rise, or else add III to Ul. (£„,
the K',.4':v.„,.''c.'srSe"rroi'cis;";i^ "«""»"
v™*"'!' *"'™,""^=' ■•■"*■". i»ri., and Atlmdanls
^ 5:s i^;s.'^\^;^«r.'.^;'fie'^e^''«'" '"» "-"•"■ »
For S,?,:',"'"' '"^^"'"/•'' '=Md "!ii'^",X /"•
1 IS now your honour, daughter to exni .'in
rA«?° Vh?S^'? '"'^^^ in hh'devfcT'-^'"
i^n/er a Knight: he passes over the ^taae nnH hu o ■
presents his shieia touiJZ'ncTss '" ^^"'"'
tZ. a' knUt Vf "sUl^f ' ^°*^ ^''''' himself ?
i^im. He loves you well that holds his life of you
""""Mai '"r^^^"'^ *^^^ P-sinu'hSf ^''"'''^ ^^^' ''''
AnH f ^ ,^ ?''"i.'^^ '^^ Macedon, my royal father .
And the device he bears upon his shield '
SM
1,
ct II Sc 11
e my best
the court
[Exeunt
m leading
cptlon of
ints
iph?
JUghter,
it a Lord
form.
' Squire
tes over
Act II Sc 111
Pl^HIGLl'S
I» an armed knight, that 't conquered hy a ladv •
The motto thus, in Spanish. Piu'por dulzirl l,a7por fuerza
5 m,. -And what 's the thlri^?'" ^''"^ ^'"'"'^ """" '''"'
And'w. device, a wreath of chlvajy ; "''' °' ^"^^''^'^ '
The word, Me pompx provejil apex.
Sim. What Is the fot.rth ?^ "' ^'"''^ ^'"'^"' ^°'"'' ''''
Thr;td.Vor,r^«/r;^^.r,:'. ^-"^^ "^^'^^^ ^o- ^
Thai Thi» fifth o J, i ' '''* ^^''' f< night passes over
iiai. ine nrth. a hand env ronod with clouds
TlH n?5r' .^"'^ ^""' '^ by l'«« touchstone cd '
Tiie motto thus, iic spectanda fides '
Sim. And what 'i '"' ""'' ^'"'^"^ <^^^^'^"'^> '^"*«- ''^"'^
Tlie sixth and last, the which the knicht himself
With such a graceful courtesy delivered ?
Sim. A pretty moral :
From the dejected state wherein he Is,
show '"""^ "''^ "'*-'^" b*''^^'^^ ^1^"" Ws outward
I?,!- hv^hr^'^ T"^^^ ^" "^'^ ^"^t commend ;
1 01 by his rusty outside he appears
5 rZo?^' h''^ "ir' "*f ^''"P'^to^k than the Innre.
T« I • "*^ ^'^'' "^''y J^e a stranger. f'>r he com 1
u|T;!i^^. t^^rin:.?K;;jrt'^^ '^^^ -"^-'--^
Into Uai'galty"'''' ''' ^°'""^^ ' ^^*^ '" ^-^l^<J'-aw
I(;rea^ ./loufc a;i/;,/„, all crying, " Tlic mean Kil.g^iu"'
ScKXE Ill.-Pentapolis. A Hall of State.-A Banquet
prepared ^
'S'/m. Knights,
To say you 're welcome were supernuous
1o place upon the volume of yoi^r deeds,
6G5
PERICLES
Act II S<
As In a title-page, your worth in arms,
Were more tlian you expect, or more than *s fit.
Since every worth in show commends itself.
Prepare for mirth, for mirth becomes a feast :
You are princes, and my guests.
„ ^''O'- But you, my knight and guci
To whom this wreath of victory I give
And crown you king of this day's happiness.
Per. 'T is more by fortune, lady, than by merit.
Sim. Call it by what you will, the day 's yours ;
And here, I hope, is none that envies it.
In framing an arcist art hath thus decreed.
To make some good but others to exceed ;
And you're her laboured scholar.— Come, queen o' t
feast, —
For, daughter, so you are,— here take yor-- place :
Marshal the rest as they deserve their grace.
Knights. We are honoured much by good Slmonidcs
Sim. Your presence glads our days : honour we lov
For who hates honour hates the gods above.
Marshal. Sir, yonder is your place.
^^f- ^ . Some other is more i
First Knight. Contend not, sir ; for we are gentlemer
Tliat neither in our hearts nor outward eyes
En\'y the great, nor do the low despise.
Per. You are right courteous knights.
Sim. Sjt^ glf . gj{
Per. [Aside] By Jove, I wonder, that is king of though
These cates resist me, she buL thought upon-
Thai. [Aside] By Juno, that is queen
Of marriage, all viands that I eat
]^o seem unsavoury, wishing him my meat.
Sure, he 's a gallant gentleman.
Sim. [Aside] He 's but a country gentleman :
Has done no more than other kniglits have done,
H;!S broken a staff, or so ; so let it pass.
Thai. [Aside] To me he seems like diamond to glasf
Per. [Aside] Yon king's to me like to my fath.i
picture,
Which tells me in that glory once he was.
Had princes sit, like stars, about his throne.
And he the sun for them to reverence ;
None that beheld him but like lesser ights
Did vail their crowns to his supremacy ;
Where now his son 's a glow-worm in the night.
The which hath fire in darkness, none in light :
Whereby I see that Time 's the king of men ;
He 's both their parenc, and he is tJieir grave.
And gives them what he will, not what they crave.
•Sim. What, are you merry, knights ?
C66
an-
HI SciU
Act II SciU
PERICLES
nd guest ;
It.
;n o' the
lonldes.
we love,
more fit.
itlemen
r; sit.
thoughts,
glas^f.
falhir's
First Knight. Who can be other in this royal presence ?
Sim. Here, with a cup that 's stored unto the brim —
As you do love, fill to your mistress' lips,— '
We drink this health to you.
Knights. We thank your grace.
Sim. Yet pause awhile ; j b '^»
Yon knight doth sit with us too melancholy.
As If the entertainment in our court
Had not a show might countervail his worth.
Note it not you, Thaisa ?
Thai. What is it
To me, my father ?
Sim. O, attend, my daughter :
rrinces, in this, should live like gods above.
Who freely give to every one that comes
To honour them ;
And princes, not doing so, are like to gnats
Which make a sound, but killed are wondered at.
Therefore, to make his entrance more sweet
Here say, we drink this standing-bowl to him.
Thai. Alas, my father, it bel.ts not mo
Unto a stranger knight to be so bold :
Ho may my proffer take for an otTence,
Since men take women's gifts for impudence.
Sim. How I
Do as I bid you, or you '11 move me else.
^''^ better''*' ^^^' ^^ ^^^ ^°'^^' ^^ "^""'"^ "^*^ ^^''^^'^ ^®
Sim. Furthermore tell him, we desire to know
01 whence he is, his name, and parentage.
Thai. The king my father, sir, has drunk to you.
Per. I thank him.
Thai. Wishing it so much blood unto your 'ife
Thni l^V"^ \l^^ k'"!,''"'* >''"' ^"^ P'^^'Se Iiim freely.
Thai. And further he desires to know of vou.
Uf wiience you are, your name, and parentage,
ir. ^^; ^, e^^t^eman of Tyre,-my name, Pcri.lcs»
»iy education been m arts and arms,—
Who, looking for adventures in the world,
NVas by the rough seas reft of ships and men.
And after shipwreck driven upon this shore.
A ge'ntieman ifl^^e,'""' '"'^^ ' """^^ ^""^^^" ^-^^^'•^>
JSho only by misfortune of the seas
bereft of ships and men, cast on this shore
Ami'^ni ^"^^ ^l^^^s ^"'^'' ' P'^y ^^^ niislortune.
And will awake him from his nichwichoiy
^ome, gentlemen, we sit too long on trifles
And waste the time which looks for other r'evels,
Lven m your armours, as you are ad'Jressed,
6G7
PERICLES
Act II J
JV 111 very well become a soldier's dance.
1 will not have excuse, with saving this
w« t"^""? '' ^°° ^''''"'' ^o'' ^a^lies' heads,
Since they love men in arms as well as bods.
Cornell?? "^" "'^^'' '' ^'^ '^ -» Pefroifd/^''* ^'
Here is a lady that wants breathing too •
And I have often heard, you knights of Tyre
Are excellent in making ladies trip, ^
And that their measures are as excellent
sfm S 'tZ''\^'^} P''^'''^' ">'"^' ^f^^y "^' ^y lord.
Of vnnr f-.'i. V^ '""'='' ""^ ^^^ ^«"'d be denied
Of >our fair courtesy. [The Knights and Ladlel dor
Thanks, gentlemen, to all^^atSaVrdt^^ -.^11
^ c''oSct''"' ^°" '"^ best-Pages and lights,
Those knights unto their several lodgings f— Yours sir
W e^have given order to be next our own ' '
ler. I ani at your grace's pleasure.
A /T»: ♦^"Ju''^'' '^ '' ^«o ^«te to talk of love.
And that's the mark I know you level at
Tlierefore, each one betake him to his rest •
1 o-morrow all for speeding do their best. ' [Exev
Scene IV.-Tyre. A Room in the Governor's House
Enler Helicanus and Escanes
Hel No, Escanes, know this of me.
Antiochus from incest lived not free •
?n 'Jf^h^nin n '"'''^ ^'^^ ^°^« "°t minding lonf/er
To withhold the vengeance that they had in store
Due to his hdnous capital off-nce *
Even in the height and pride of all his gloria
men he was seated in a chariot
Oi priceless value, and his daughter with him.
A nre from heaven came, and shrivelled up ^
Thnl'n,^ ''',^'''" ^"^ '"• *'""§ ' ^hey so stunk,
1 liat those whose eyes adored them ore their fall
^Tiir'"4^''' ^'^"d should give them burial '
i:.sca. T was very strange.
T',:/i'- ^ •'^"d vet but jnst : for thnn 'h
1 nis kmg were great. Ins greatness 'was no guard ^
fZ ''Ti" ' '''"Z^' '^"^ "" ^«d his reward,
/iica. 1 is very true.
Elder two or three Lords
first Lord. See, not a man in private conference
Or council has respect with him but he. "'"'=^«'°<^e
6G8
> '. ■,^<r^
ct II Sc Iv
ighta danet
y lord.
ied
lies dance.
lights, to
■8. sir.
[Exevnt
House
though
Mi
'mm^
Act II Sc V
PERICLES
Sec. Lord.
Third Lord.
First Lord.
It slinll no lonf:pr (rrlcxe without reproof
And cursed be he that will not second it.
nri Witi i °'^' !r^ then.— Lord Helicane, a v.ord.
Hel. With me ? and wcIcomc.—Happv day mv h.r.U
First Lord Know, that our griefs are r^son^oThe top
And now at lcn«th they overflow tlu-ir banlis. ^'
First Lord Wrong not yourself then, noble Helicane •
But if the prmce do live, let us snlule him. "^"''''"« '
Or know what ground 's made hnppv by his breath
m the world he live, we '11 seek him out •
If in his grave he rest, we '11 find him there':
And be resolved, he lives to govern us.
Or dead, gives cause to mourn his funeral
And leaves us to our free election
^"' c^n'ste^'^'''" "^'"^^ ''' ''''^'''^' ^^' '^'^""^''^ ^ ^^
And knowing this kingdom is without a head.—
As goodly buildings left without a roof
Soon fall to ruin,— your most noble self,
That best know how to rule, tnd how to reign.
We thus submit unto, our sovereign.
All. Live, noble Helicane I
T* fif '; ^'^'', honour's cause forbear your suflrages •
If that you love Prince Peric'es, forbear, '""'^^es .
Take I your wish, I leap into the seas,
AS here s houily trouble for a minute's o?se
A twelvemonth longer, let me still entreat *
^ou to forbear the absence of your king •
If in which time expired he not return, '
I, . •* T^'**'^ »g^'d patience bear your yoke
liut If I cannot win you to this love,
(.0 search like nobles, like his noble subjects
And in your search spend your adventurous 'worth •
A\hom If you find and win unto return * '
Uu shall like diamonds sit about his crown
J'jrst Lord. To wisdom he 's a fool that will not viVld •
And since Lord Helicane enjoineth us, ^ ^ *
We with our travels will endeavour it.
IJel. Then you love us, we vou, and we '11 clasn hanrl, •
AMien peers thus knit, a kingdom 'ever stands ^[lleu^
Scene v.— Pentnpolis. A Room in the Palace
Enter SiMOKinEs, readlnj a letter : the Knights meet him
Sim KntL. ^5?°"* '"''"r^ 1° ^^^ 8°«d Simonides.
Th \ *' f>'^'^"ts, from my daughter this I let vou know
That for tins twelvemonth she 'II not undertake *
6G9
1 ii
PERICLES
Act II S
t' !
A married life.
Her reason to herself Is only k own,
Which yet from her by no raea is can I get.
Sec. Knight May we not get access to her, my lord 1
Sim. Faith, by no means ; she hath so strictly tied 1
To her chamber, that it is impossi. le.
One twelve moons more she '11 wea»- Diana's liverv •
Tins by the eye of Cynthia hatii she vowed, '
And on her virgin honour will not break it.
Third Knight. Loth to bid fareweU, we take our leave
Sin7. So, [^'xeunt Knif,.
They 're well dispatched ; now to my daughter's letter.
She tells me here, she '11 wed the stranger knight
Or never more to view nor day nor light. '
'T is well, mistress ; your choice agrees with mine *
1 like that well :— how absolute she 's in 't. '
Not minding whether 1 dislike or no 1
Well, I commend her choice,
And will no longer have it be delayed.
Soft, here he comes : I must dissemble IL
Enter Pi:hicles
Per. All fortune to the good Simonides 1
Sim. To you as much, sir I I 'm beholding to you
For your sweet music this lust night : I do
F'rotest, my ears were never better fed
With such delightful ple.^sing harmony.
Per. It is your grace's pleasure to commend.
Not my desert.
'^""- Sir, you are music's master.
Per. The worst of all her scholars, my good lord.
Sim. Let me ask one thing.
What do you think of my daughter, sir ?
Per. A most virtuous princess.
Sim. And she is fair too, is she not ?
Per. As a fair day in summer ; wondrous fair
Sim. My daughter, sir, thinks very well of you *
Ay, so well, sir, that you must be her master, '
And she will be your scholar : therefore, look to it
Per. I am unworthy for her schoolmaster.
Sim. She thinks not so ; peruse this writing else
Per. [Aside] \\hix\ 's here'} ^
A letter, that she loves the knight of Tyre ?
'T is the king's subtilty, to have my life.—
O. seek not to entrap me, gr.tcious lord,
A stranger and distressed gentleman.
That never aimed so high to love your daughter
But bent all offices to honour her.
670
it II Scy
y lord ?
f tied her
r leaves.
f Kni(/l>ts
letter.
Act II Scv
PERICLES
ou
! A vmiin.^**°° **^'* bewitched my daughter, and thou art
XT '''"■• ... ^y ^^^ S°^s, I have not :
Never did thought of mine levy offence •
Nor never act of mne d:d yet commence
A deed might gain her love, or your displeasure.
Sim. Traitor, thou liest. •'*'«=•
Sim Traitor I
Pe7: Even In his throat, unless it be the king,*""*
That calls me traitor, I return the lie
p1?' W*'''''L^°'^' ^y ^^"^ ««^s, I do applaud his couraKe
Per. My actions are as noble as my thoughts
fhat never relished of a baea descent.
I came unto your court for honour's cause.
And not to be a rebel to her state ;
And he that otherwise accounts of' me
This sword shall prove, he 's honour s 'enemy
Sim. No ? "^
Here comes my daughter, she can witness it
Enter Thaisa
Per. Then, as you are as virtuous as fair.
Resolve your angry father, if my tongue
Dm e er solicit, or my hnnd subscribe
To any syllable that made love to you ?
«rJ^"'\ ^^y* "'■' ^^y if yo" had,
W^o takes offence at that would make me glad ?
f A -T'^ , ^^' ""Stress, are you so peremptory ?—
[Aside] I am glad on 't with all my heart —
I 1 tame you ; I '11 bring you in subjection.
Will you, idtiioug 1 not having my consent.
Bestow your love and vur affections
J Ton a stranger ? [aside] who, for aught I know.
May be -nor can I think the contrary- '
As great in ru\ al blood as I nivself — -
Therefore, hear you, mx mistress ; either frame
\our will to mine ; and you, sir. hear you.
Kither be ruled by me, or I will make you—
iMan and wife.
Nay, come, your hands and lips must seal it too •
And being joined, I 'U thus your hopes destroy ';
And for a further grief,-God give you joy I-
What, are you both pleased ?
n ' T- Yes, if you love me sir
?^' wk".? '"y "^'' °^ ^^^^^ that fosters it '
» ?..■ Vr^^^ ^ **'"*^ >"" ^oth agreed ?
Jioth. Yes. if 't please your majesty,
n.n "*• .*u P!*^3seth me so well. 1 '11 see you wed •
Then, with what haste you can. get you to bed. ' [ExeurU
671
pJ^dT"^-'.^' ■
ill
- it
«!!
■i
PERICLES
Act
i»»
ACT THREE
Enter Gower
Gow. Now sleep-yslak6d hath the rout a
Wo din but snores the house about.
Made louder by the o'er-fed breast
Of this most pompous marriage-feast.
The cat, with eyne of burning coal.
Now couches fore the mouse's hole •
And crickets sing at the oven's mouth.
All the blither for their drouth.
Hymen hath brought the bride to bed.
\Vlure, by the loss of maidenhead,
A babe is moulded.— Be attent,
And time that is so briefly spent
>J ith your hne fancies quaintly eche :
What s dumb in show, I 'U plain with speech.
Dumb-show
Enter from one side, Pekicles anrfSmoNiDEs. with Attendant'
a Messenger meets them, kneels, and gives Ancles
Gow By many a dern and painful perch
Of Pericles the careful search
By the four opposing coigns
Which the world together joins.
Is made, with all due diligence
rhat horse, and sail, and high expense.
Can stead the quest. At last from Tyre—
Fame answering the most strange inquire^
1 o the court of Kmg Simonides
Are letters brought, the tenor these :—
Antiochus and his daughter dead •
The men of Tyrus on the head *
Of Holicanus would set on
The crown of Tyre, but he will none :
The mutiny there he hastes f oppress •
bays to em, if King Pericles
Come not home in twice six moons,
He, obedient to their dooms.
Will take the crown. The sum of this.
B. ought hither to Pentapolis,
Yravish(:Hl the regions round.
And every one with claps gan sound,
072
r.'a±2a^'
Act III
Act III Set
I
I " Our heir-apparent Is a king !
Who dreamod, who thought of such a thing ?
liner, ne must hence depart to Tyre •
His queen, with child, makes her desire
(Which who shall cross ?) along to go •
Omit we all their dole and woe : '
Lychorida, her nurse, she takes.
And so to sea. Their vessel shakes
On Neptune's billow ; half the flood
Hath their keel cut : but fortune's mood
Vanes agam ; the grizzly north
Disgorges such a tempest forth.
That, as a duck for life that dives,
So up and down the poor ship drives
Tlie lady shrieks, and well-a-near
Does fall in travail with her fear •
And what ensues in this fell storm
Shall for itself itself perforin.
I nill relate, for action may
Conveniently the rest convey
Which might not what by me is told
In your imagination hold
This stage the ship, upon whose deck
Ihe sea-tost Pericles appears to speak.
PERICLES
f>
[Exit
Scene I
Enter PEnicLES, on shipboard
Whfr^ J^ul^?^^^ ""^ S''^^* v«st, rebuke these surges
\\hich wash both heaven and hell; and thou that K
Havfnl^' '''u^'. command, bind them in brass,' ' *'"''
HaMng recalled them from the deep. O, still
Thy dea enmg, dreadful thunders ; gently quench
Thy mmble, sulphurous flashes I-O, howf Lychoridi
How does my queen ?-Thou stormest venoSo Sv '
Wilt thou spit all thyself ?-The seaman's wliistle '
Is as a whisper in the ears of death,
t nheard. Lychorida 1— Lucina, O t
T^\T^^ patroness, and midwife gentle
To those that cry by night, convey thy deitv
Aboard our dancing boat ; make swift the^anrs
Of my queen's travails I— Now. Lychorida 1
Enter Lychorida, with an Infant
Who^f ntlV^ ^ ^^-P^ too young for such a place,
wno If It had conceit, would die, as I
Of"'vonr JLh"- '^^^^ ^" y°"^ ^"""^s this piece
^i >our dead queen.
iZ' r»ot- J^*^^' ^°^^' Lychorida I
^yc. Patience, good sir ; do not assist the storm.
38— V- (,-3
y-rnvt^i
KiWSi
PERICLES
Act III
Here 's all that !s loft living of your queen.
A little daughter : for the sake of it.
lie manly, and take comfort.
Per, /\
Why do you make us love your fio^odly^Bifts'
And snatch them strnight away vZ here below
Recall not what we give, and therein may
Vic honour with you. ^
ir,,'r x^. Patience, good sir.
Even for this charge. '
v^^T^ u, X ^°^» »"JId may be thy life !
For a more blusterous birth had never babe "
Quiet and gentle thy conditions 1 '
For thou rt the ruddiest welcome to this world
vvTJ° n It ""^^^ ^^^"^ can thy portage qu t '
Enter two Sailors
P'f"Sall. What courage, sir 7 God save you I
I. uZ- . Courage enough. I do not fear the flaw •
It has done to me the worst. Yet tor the ovc '
Wss"he^m'oon^"ea?e"Sr' "" "" """' '"^ <^'°«<'y "«>»
^S£££"«"»nr£»^ot?^s^
^^f-, That's your superstition,
stin "olfr" ed, "Ind °r Ivf sir^^i"^ ^* f^ " ^^^h bee
bn^ny yield her, forThe'JSuft'^oviioa S' ?r"ighr"'''^
Sc. ^^c^e^llet sr ^-^^-^ -t^chlTu'e^n ,
No^l7^t'^n''S^*%'J"'^^^^ '^'''^t thou had, my dear •
Foriof th.. n^r \ ^^^ ""f'-^^ndly elements ^ *
1 orgot thee utterly ; nor have I time
To Rive thee hallowed to thy grave, but straiahf
Must cast thee, scarcely coffined, In'the ooze ^
Where, for a monument upon thy bones ''
And aye remaining lamps, the belching whale
t^ia'^'^iT-^ ''T^'' "-^"^t '>*<^^helm tS? corse
Lymg with simple shells.-O Lychorida I
G74
v.;^^3eK^v^ffl»:^;^K: '.-.t'^m
. ,r'^».
Scl I' Act III Scli
PERICLES
Bid Nestor brinff me s'^I'-^s inL- n^A ^
My casket and myjewe • 'and hM iSf^''''^
Bring me the satlVcoffer .' lay tl4^^abe"^^'
A priestly farewell to her : suddenly, woman
ca5£d^(i l^S^ ^ ^^^-t benea/lf^iie^K^^i;^
Au^l'';*. T^'^her, gentle mariner,
Alter thy course from Tvre Wh#.n no«cf 4u
l:^ ^o! ma^/e ^B?I^^^^^^^^^'^ " '
SnTott^li oLI^o^'Trrus'^^^e^n ,ea .
At careful nursing._So thv wavs JonS^"^' '*
I -II bring the body presenUy^ ^'' ^°°^ "^'"""^^ • j^^^^^^
SCEXE II.-Ephcsus. A Room in Cehimon's House
Enter Cerimon a Seroanl, and some Persons who have
been shipwrecked
Cer. Pliilemon, ho I
Enter Philemon
Phil. Doth my lord call ?
Tin nSw /„X%'"„=^'" "r""^ = ■"•' -* '^ "'^M - this.
There', y^.w ""'s''^'- «■«" be dead Me vou relurn •
Th^I „ ""'hing can be ministered to nature '
^' Totuicf:;;: '""'-'^<' ^"'""W^c^'v; .ws t„ t,.
And tell me haw it works. [£„„„, „„ j„, cenmo,,
^. , -E^'er /u;o Gentlemen
First Gent. r^^A
Sec Cpni n^^ J uood morrow,
^jc. Gent. Good morrow to your lordship.
^Vhy do you stir so early ? ^•^""^^"^^".
First Gent. Sir,
sforaf?&et"h''il"ir,Se"'>''— -.
, pll»%rre1f,?prr,-,.„
•Made me to quit the house.
•tI' no?l husbL^dry'." '""" '^'^ '™"''"' i"" ^» -^.y :
675
PERICLES
Act III J
O, you say well.
But I much marvel that your lords
Cer.
First Cent.
having
Rich tiro about you, should at those early hours
Jihake off the golden slumber of repose.
'T IS most strange.
Nature should bo so conversant with pain.
Being thereto not compelled.
v^»^''- , , I held it ever.
Virtue and cunning were endowments greater
J ban nobleness and riclics : careless heirs
May the two latter darken and expend :
But immortality attends the former
Making a man a god. 'T is known, I ever
Have studied physic, through which secret art
By turning o'er authorities, I have-
Together with my practice— made familiar
1 o me and to my aid the blest infusions
That dwell in vcgetives, in metals, stones :
And I can speak of the disturbanceo
That nature works, and of her cures ; which give me
A more content in course of true delight
Tliar; to be thirsty after tottering honour.
Or lie my treasure up in silken bags
To please the fool and death.
^'"'' forth ^°"'' '"^"°"'" ^^* ^^^^o"gh Ephesus pour
Your charity, and hundreds call themselves
Your creatures, who by you have been restored •
And not your knowledge, personal pain, but even
Your purse, still open, hath built Lord Cerimon
bucn strong renown as never shall decay.
Enter two or three Servants with a chest
Serv. So ; lift there.
^^''- What is that ?
Did the sea toss upon cur shore this chest : ' ''''^" "°''
1 is of some wreck.
S!!' r , .T. . ,., ^^^ ^* ^°^^" ' 'et 's look upon 't.
Sec. Gent. "T is like a coffin, sir. ^
"rSf: A r. Whate'er it be.
r IS ^^ ondrous heavy. Wrench it open straight :
IT the sea s stomach be o'erchargcd with gold,
1 is a good strain of fortune belched upon us
Sec. Gent. "T is so, my lord.
Cer. How close 't is caulked and bitumed I
Did the sea cast it up ?
Serv. I never saw so huge a billow, sir.
As tosseu It upon shore.
676
tin Sen
lordship
Act III ScU
PERICLES
me
poured
in now
pon 't.
be.
c ««T" !♦ . 11 » Come, wrench It open.
Soft !— It smells most sweetly In my sense.
See. Gent. A delicate odour.
Ccr. As ever hit my nostril. So, up with II.
O you most potent gods I what 's here ? a corse I
First Gent. Most strange I
x^r^u' ,^h'"°"^'ed In cloth of state ; balmed and entreasured
With spices and full baRs 1 A passport too : ^"''^*'*'"'^^**
Apollo, , erf ect me i' the characters I ( Heads from a scroll
Here I give to understand,
(If e'er this coffin drive a-land),
/, King Pericles, have lost
?.?,'* fy^^^' "^°''^^ °^' °"^ mundane cost.
v\ no finds her, give her bunjing ;
She was the daughter of a king .-
Besides this treasure for a fee,
The gods requite his charily !
If thou liv'st, Pericles, thou hast a heart
Tliat even cracks for woe I— This chanced to-nir'ih
Sec. Gent. Most likely, sir. t nif r.
Ccr VT
For look, how fresh she looks. ThTy we're'SVouJli^^' '
?^"\ *^';7 her in the sea. Make ll7e wiWnT ""^'''
letch hither all the boxes in my closet. [Exit a Servant
Death may usurp on nature many hours i>ervant
And yet the fire of life kindle again
The o'erpressed spirits. I heard of an Egyptian,
That had nmc hours lien dead,
Who was by good appliances recovered.
Re-enter Servant, with boxes, napkins, and fire
Well said well said ; the fire and the cloths.—
The rough and woful music that we have
(>ausc It to sound, beseech you. '
The vial once more ;— how thou stirr'st, thou block I—
GontiemeS,''''' ' ' ^^'^ ^°"' ^'^^ ^^ '^'^•
This queen will live: nature awakes ; a warmth
Breathes out of her : she hath not been entranced
h o'Hfo':?°"''- ^''\ ^"^" ^^^ 8'"^ t° blow "^
into life s flower agam I
First Gent. The heavens,
1 lirougli you, mcrease our wonder, and set un
1 our fame for ever. ^
iJ:'"''- ,. , She is alive ! behold,
Hor eyelKis, cases to those heavenly jewels
^\h.ch Pericles hath lost, begin to part
1 hen- frmges of bright gold : the diamonds
ui a most praisdd water do appear
677
PEiUCLhS
Act HI !
To make the world twice rich. O live, and imko
J's weep to hear your fule, fair creature
[She n:
Diana !
Wlmt world is th
H, -_ .„„. ^„M. .utC
.'ire as you seem to be I
,,.,^'''"' , „ O dear
>N liere nm I ? Where '» my lord ?
Are. Cent. Is not tills strange ?
First Gent. Most rare.
Ccr. Hush, gentle neighbours I
Lend me your hands ; to the next chamber bear her
Tor her re apse is mortal. Come, come, come •
And .iisculapius guide us I '
[Exeunt, carrying Tliaisa ai
^CENL III.— Tarsus. A Hoom in Cleon's House
Enter Peiucles, Cleon. Dionyza. LYcnoninx. with
Maiuna in her arrns
Per. Most honoured Cleon, I must needs be cone •
My tjye ve months are expired, and Tyrus stands
In a litigious peace. You and vour Jadv
rake, from my heart, all thankfulness ; 'the nods
Make up the rest upon vou I ^
^^'''' mortally ''^"' "^ ^*'''""'' ^''°"^'' ^''"^ •'"'' >
Yet slance full wanderingly on us
Dion. ' rt ,
To have blessed mine eyes with her I
As do h the sea she lies in, yet the end
Must be as 't is. My gentle babe Marina-whom.
For she was born at sea, I have named so-here
I charge your charity withal, and leave her
I lie infant of your care, beseeching vou
To give her princely training, that she may
Be mannered as she is be n. ^
■v'^' ^' ., Fear not, inv lord hut tiiic
Your grace, that fed my country with yoJr corn-
For which the people's prayers still fall upon vou-
Must m your child be thought on. If neglt.( tion
Should therein make me vile, the common o"
S.^t^? ti!'?"^' ''■''"'^' ^^^^^ "^« to mv duty ; " '
«ut If to that my nature need a spur. "
i lie gods revenge it upon me and mine,
1 o tiic end of generation I
^'^''^ I believe you ;
678
mtssas:::mmy.
i.,i,ti*»' I
^iis^M;ji:^.
i lU Sclil
kc
{She moi'is
d is this ?
r hor.
aisa away
louse
\, with
Ejone:
hurt vou
t qucori I
ught hiT
but obey
ut think
M
Act IV
PERICLES
Your honour and your Roodnoss teach me to 't
S Sht'^Dl'an'n'vv'i./'"' "if ""' '"orrted. .nad'am.
ny urigni uiann, wlioni we honour, all
I nsclssarc. shall this Iialr of mine Remain
Though I show 111 In 't. So I take my leave
•ood madam, make me blcsst^d In your caJe
in bringing up my cliild.
NVpill not bo more dear lo my^respe'cr'''
Than yours, my lord. J' '^"pcci,
Cle' WV -11 hrin« ^''"^«"i. my thanks and prayers
shore. ^ ^'°"'" «'■"'" ^^'^'^ ^° '»«« edge o- the
Then f^ivc you up to the masked Neptune, and
The gentlest winds of lieaTen.
Your nfToF r^r« i . . ' ^'''' embrace
I ychorurJ: nf ";; '"" ^' "'«dam.~0. no tears.
Look to your li ,ie mistress, on whose grace
^ ou mav depend boreal 'cr.-Come. mf ford. lExeunt
Scene IV. Ephesus. A Room In Cerimon's House
I^nlcr CEniMON and Thais a
1 '!i'[lHu\^^^'?' "'•' '*'*^^''' ""^ some certain jewels
Lay with you in your colTer : which are now '
tZY '?tT ''"'^•i ^^r^ y°" the characTer ?
y/jo/. It IS my lord s.
That I was shipped at sea, I well remember
Even on my eanlng time ; but whether tl.cTe
Delivered, by the holy gods.
I cannot riglitly say. But since King Pericirs
My wedded lord, I ne'er shall see again. '
A vestal livery I will take me to.
And never more have joy.
Ccr ^Madam. if tliis vou purpose as ve ^nrov
Diona's temple is not distant far ^ ^''^^•
Uliere you may dwell until your date cxnire
s v!".!?;"'' '^ ^^" ^^'^''' « "i^ce of mine ^
bhall there attend you.
Thai. IMy recompense is thanks thnf 'q on •
^ct ,„y good wil, i» srcat, .ho„g„"hfg?,'t :,nJ'l. lEs.un,
Cow,
ACT FOUR
Enlcr GowER
Imagine Pericles arrived at Tvre
ft and ^•r.tn^.i ♦„ 1.-- - , . '"*'»
N\tIcomcd and scUled to his own desire
679
^^i^r:
Hi
PERICLES
His woful queen we leave at Ephcsus.
Unto Diana there a votaress.
Now to Marina bend your mind,
U horn our fast-growing scene must find
At Tarsus, and by Gleon trained
In music, letters ; who hath gained
Of education all the grace
\V^hich makes her both the heart and place
Of general wonder. But, alack I ^
1 hat monster envy, oft the wrack
Of earndd praise, Marina's life
Seeks to take off by treason's knife.
And m this kind hath our Cleon
On" daughter, and a wench full grown
HT.^ht'!F,*'-/°.' '"^"•'''ge-i-ite : this maid
Hii,'ht Philoten ; and it is said
For certain in our story, she
Would ever with Marina be :
g?. 'i ^y'^cn slie weaved the sleided silk
With hngers long, small, white as milk •
Or when she would with sharp nceld wound
The cambric, which she made more sound
By hurling It ; or when to the lute
Thnt'l'rf; '''"'' T"^"". "'•^ night-bird mute.
That still records witu moan ; or when
She would with rich and constant pen
Vail to her mistress Dian ; still
This Philoten contends in skill
With absolute Mnrina : so
\S^f.nn '^'"'^^f ^'"'P^^' ""'ght the crow
Vie featlicrs white. IMarina gets
All praises, which are paid as debts
^"^ "ot as given. This so darks '
In Philoten all graceful marks.
That Clcon's wile, witli onvv rire
A present murderer does prepare '
For good Marina, that her daughter
Might stand peerless by this slauglitor.
The sooner her vile thoughts to stead,
Lychonda, our nurse, is dead •
And cursed Dionvza hath
The pregnant instrument of wrath
Prest for this blow. The unborn event
I do commend to your content :
Only I carry wingCd lime
Post on the lame feet of my rhvme •
Which never could I so co?" •' '
Unless your thouglits went'oiViny way ^
Dionyza doth appear, >>^''i-
With Leonine, a murderer.
680
Act
Exit
Act IV
Actnr Sci
Exit
PERICLES
Scene I.-Tarsus. An Open Place near the Seashore
Enter Dionyza and Leonine
'T?s b^'ut a^tforlvMT'™^'"' '• ^^°" h^^t sworn to do 't •
^S!^s^^ cL-Tn^na^-- .ov^Vt^nV^S"- "-
A soldier to thy purpose. ' ^ *'''
'-S art res" veSr^^ "" ■"<' »"'-'' "-t"-
'^^''^*' I am resolved.
£'n/er Marina, with a basket of flowers
rJ^i?'"' ^^' ^ ^^''" ^°^ ^air Tellus of her weed
p&S?yr<f„",S.T "kV^poo. „,aM ,
Born m a tempest when my mother died '
With tSirXfif;re\t^/^c^o^,^r':o";n'e^ ^^^"^^
VaH-Titrr "«^^-\"« the se^hLinna; it.
uaik with Leonine ; there the air is auick
It pierces, and makes sharp the stonirh V.
Leonine, take her by the a?mwafk with her'""''
r -n . ^""^ ^ P'-'^y >■"" '■
Dion ''''^'*' ^""^ ""^ ^''"' servant.
\v iL- , ^ ^^"^ courses. Go, I nrav vnn •
681
!:ed
X^"
111 -it.
i'iii {
PERICLES
Act IV !
T. V""": T , "^^ "' I will go ;
But yet I 've no desire to it.
I £ow 't is good for you _ ^°"''' '°'"^'
R^me^r^^Jhari^^^^^^^^^^^^ '''' ^-^^-
pTon. 1 '11 leave you. my swe'eST^vhiL'''"^*
wK^^lSi';? ?r^"^' ^** "°^ ^'^^ y«>"^ blood :
>> iiat I 1 must have care of you.
^^^^''' My thanks, sweet madam.
Is the wind westerly that blows *> ^^"^'^ "^'^^^
/iT«r \xri,„^ T ,- South-west.
Leon. '''""^ "' "'^ '''^"'^ ''"^s no^th.
P.f/"'"' ,^.1^^^''*^''' ^^ """e said, did never fea^""" '^ ''
But cried "Good seamen 1 " to the sailors, galUng
His kingly hands with haling of the ropes ^
And c asping to the mast, endured a sea
1 hat almost burst the deck.
J.eon. When was this ?
Mar. When I was born :
Never were waves nor wind more violent •
And from the ladder-tackle washes off
A canyns dlnibcr. " Ha I " savs one, " wilt out '> "
And With a dropping industry they skin '
From stem to stern : the boatswain whistles and
The master calls, and trebles their confusion
i^eon. Come ; say your prayers.
Mar. \Vhat mean you ?
igrantit. Pray; but be not tedious. *
For the gods are quick of ear, and I am sworn
To do my work with haste.
Mar. Why will you kill me ?
J.eon. To satisfv my lady
Mar. Why ^YouId she have me killed ?
rsow, as I can remember, by mv troth
I never did her luirt in all my life
I never spake bad word, nor did ill turn
To any hymg creature : believe me, la.
1 never killed a mouse, nor hurt a fl v
1 trod upon a worm against mv wili;
But I wept for it. How have^I offended,
Wiierem my death might yield her any pi'ofit,
Ur life imply hrr danger ?
Leon. I\ly commis'sion
Is not to reason of the deed, but do 't.
Mar. \uu will not do 'L for all the world, I hope.
882
Scl
Act IV Sciii
PERICLES
You arc well-favoured, and your looks foreshow
You have a gentle heart. I saw you lately
When you caught hurt in parting two that fought :
Good sooth. It showed well in you : do so now.
Your lady seeks my life ; come you between.
And save poor me, the weaker.
.J^r^'u 1 . ^ ^ 3"! sworn,
And wUl despatch. ^Seizes he,
Enter Pirates
[Leonine runs away
First Pir. Hold, villain I
Sec. Pir. A prize 1 a prize .
Third Pir. Half-part, mates, half-part. Come, let's
have her aboard suddenly. [Exeuhl Pirates with Marina
Scene II.— Near the Same
Enter Lecxine
''''^^"valdl-'^^-*^ rogiiing thieves serve the great pirate
And they have seized Marina. Let her Po •
There 's no hope she '11 return. I '11 swear' she 's
And thrown mto the sea.— But I '11 see further •
Perhaps they will but please themselves upon her
Not carry her aboard. If she remain,
Whom they have ravished must by me be slain.
dead.
Pond.
Boult.
Pand.
[Exit
Scene III.— Mitylene. A Room in a Brothel
Enter Pander, Bawd, and Boult
Boult I
Sir?
Search the market narrowly ; Mitvlene is full
^.f,"?''' ..'"""''il'' '"'''» '■avc [rcsh ones, whatc'cr we
IL^V \^"]'- " "'"' '" "»' " conscic,™ to be used
in every trade, we sliall never prosper.
„„ f'. ''?'"' ^"y'^t "■"' ■ '' 's not the brineinir un of
BuZn I'SaJ^hlfrmLSV'™""" "'"" ''""» ^«'""-
Bawd. What else, man ? The stuff we have a strong
Pand'' ThoV' ''H'T' '""'l'"' '' Pitifufl/so'dd x'"^
Pand. Thou say'st true ; they 're too unwholesome,
CM
« \>.
^*»' ...
I
■;! i
PERICLES
Act IV S
?aV^>^h^r littTe'lag^g^^^^^^ Transylvanlan is dead, t
roa^r^eat^ Z^'^^^St ^4 tt ^4'
sore terms we stand upSn vvith the cSds \vfn 'h'"^''/ ^
with us lor giving over ^ ' " ^*^ ^^ro
^a«--c/. Come, other 'sorts offend as well as wp
Pand As well as we ? ay, and b'tw , ' ^„
worse. Neither is our profession any tr^'e it ^f'
cailmg. But here comes Boult. ' * '
/?e-e/i/cr Boult, wilh the Pirates and AUrina
\f.f^n^''f f^"* ^'*^«^'>'al Come your ways.-
My masters, you say she 's a virgin •>
S'"/. P/> O, sir, wc doubt it not."
Bawd. What 's her price, Boult •>
yoS^r^ntne'y'^ese"^;? ""w«rtrt?'. >-™. ^'-' "-
t^eJj^i - -r - -• ~ ^^^^^^^^ »
^-Bau,rf. Boult, take you tl, marks ot'tr T,? ''"■'"'
havn her lirsf '• Wh ^' • , *^ ^^^^ ^^''^ 8^^'^ most, shal
Boult. Performance shall follow. rp,,.
M. f • 1 A^^'"^' ^^"t Leonine was so slrck so slow J ^
iZ"^' Th?t^^^"''"t you. pretty one ?
Mar. That I am pretty.
Bawd. Come, the gods have done their part in you.
684
trv sciu
Act IV SciU
PERICLES
ead, that
made him
narket.
[Exit
as pretty
• a shame
nmodity ;
therefore,
y estate,
sides, the
be stron>»
ve offend
it 's iia
UNA
icce, you
irnest.
has ex-
ssity of
pieces,
ill have
'uct her
her en-
Piratcs
s ccljur
warrant
>t, shall
3 thing,
mmand
[Exit
r\
rates -
ne
ou.
Mar. I accuse them not.
Bawd. You are light into my hands, where you are
like to live.
Mar. The more my fault
To scape his hands where I was like to die.
Bawd. Ay, and you shall live in pleasure.
Mar. No.
Bawd. Yes indeed, shall you, and taste gentlemen of
all fashions. You shall fare well : you shall have the
difference of ail complexions. ^Vhat, do yuu stop your
ears ?
Are yon a woman ?
"What would you have me be, an I be not a
Mar.
Bawd.
woman ?
Mar.
Bawd.
An honest woman, or not a woman.
Marry, whip thee, gosling : I think I shall have
something to do with you. Come, you're a young foolish
sapling, and must be bowed as I would have you.
Mar. The gods defend me 1
Bawd. If it please the gods to defend you by men, then
men must comfort you, men must feed you, men must stir
you up. — Boult 's returned.
Re-enter Boult
Now, sir, hast thou cried her through the market ?
Boult. I have cried her almost to the number of her
hairs : I have drawn her picture with my voice.
Bawd. And, I pr'ythee, tell me, how dost thou find the
inclination of the people, especially of the younger sort ?
Boult. Faith, they listened to me, as they would have
hearkened to their father's testament. There was a
Spaniard's mouth so watered, that he went to bed to her
very description.
Bawd. We shall have him here to-morrow with his best
rut! on.
Boult. To-night, to-night. But, mistress, do you know
the French knight that cowers i' the hams ?
Bawd. Who ? Monsieur Veroles ?
Boult. Ay : he offered to cut a caper at the proclama-
tion ; but he made a groan at it, and swore he would see
her to-morrow.
Bawd. W^cll, well ; as for him, he brought his disease
hither : here he does but repair it. I know, he will conic
in our shadow, to scatter his crowns in uie sun.
Boult. Well, if we had of every nation a traveller, wc
should lodge them with this sign.
^ Bawd. [To Marina] Pray you, come hither awhile.
You have fortunes coming upon you. Mark me : you
must seem to do that fearfully, which you commit willingly ;
to despise profit, where you have most gain. To v.xcp that
6«5
i 1 >
PERICLES
Act IV S
thaVnHv'hJlf*'' "''''" P''y ^" y«"^ lovers : seldom
merest ^ '^°" ^ ^""'^ "P^"^°"' «"^ '^^^ opinio
i^*^^/* I understand you not.
trefs"?/"! Zf\: '°"?*^ ^''' ''^"'1 ^0"^e do not. But n
tress. If I have bargained for tiie joint,— '
i^nJ:^^:^^Z:^,,-orne, young one, I II
awake the h^f/T^ T"' ""Stress, thunder shall not ■
TTntS" T J-n"^ ^^.''ot. knives sharp, or waters deen
nfino ^-H^'" ""y "^^^S'" ^'"ot will keep. 'P'
Diana, aid my purpose 1
Prfv vou w^S^^ ^^''^ '':\*'» ^° ^^-ith Diana ?
"ay you, will you go with us? ik-^.
Scene IV.-Tarsus. A Room in Cleon's House
Enler Cleon and Dionyza
DilT '"''°" "''''''■ ^^"'"^ upon
You 'U "turn a child again ' """^
Much less m blood than virtue, yet a princess
f fS n.f"^ ' "«"= "°™ »' 'h^ earth™
m^'hL'„^\rst^°Sclto°o:"""» '--"'-
BVcS^-'t'.X"''f4°t''th'a?// "A^" " "'■""■"»
When nolle Peri'clIthalil'^'andts'iSudl^'
686
tlV Sciv
;Idom, but
opinion a
or home :
le present
nust ; for
way to go
But, niis-
ne, I like
iged yet.
: report
^ custom.
i a good
hou liast
1 not so
auty stir
•night.
lep,
[Exeunt
use
B?
ActrV ScIv
PERICLES
Dion. That she is dead. Nurses are not the fates,
To foster it, nor ever to preserve.
She died at night ; I '11 say so. Who can cross it ?
Unless you play the pious innocent,
And, for an honest attribute, cry out,
" She died by foul play."
Cle. O, go to. Well, well.
Of all the faults beneath the heavens, the gods
Do like this worst.
Dian. Be one of those that think
Tiic petty wrens of Tarsus will fly hence
And open this to Pericles. I do shame
To think of what a noble strain you are.
And of how coward a spirit.
Cle. To such proceeding
Who ever but his approbation added
Though not his prime consent, he did not flow
From honourable sources.
Dion. Be it so, then ;
Yet none does know, but you, how she came dead.
Nor none can know, Leonine being gone.
She did distain my child, and stood between
Her and her fortunes : none would look on her,
But cast their gazes on Marina's face ;
WWlst ours was blurted at, and held a malkin
Not worth the time of day. It pierced me through ;
And though you call my course unnatural.
You not your child well loving, yet I find.
It greets me as an enterprise of kindness,
Performed to your sole daughter.
Cle. Heavens forgive it I
Dion. And as for Pericles,
What should he say ? We wept after her hearse.
And yet we mourn for her : her monument
Is almost finished, and her epitaphs
In glittering golden characters express
A general praise to her, and care iu us
At whose expense "t is done.
Cle. Thou 'rt like the harpy,
Which, to betray, dost, with thine angel's f^.^e,
Seize with thine eap'e's talons.
Dion. You are like one that superstitiously
Doth swear to the gods that winter kills the flies ;
But yet, I know, you '11 do as I advise. [Excunl
Enter Gower, before the monument of Marina at Tarsi:<s
Cow. Thus time we waste, and longest leagues n:;;l:c
short ;
Sail seas in cockles, have a wish but for 't;
Making — to take thus your imagination —
637
w.
c
^'
iS,_,W»-'*J
m^^
t-
- -■
. *•' »* '
i-At
M' r"
f^
b-
V-A
'•/- ,
if\
-V-I,-
•;:■-;.•■.
■ ■-Hu
.-»^;
i:
PERICLES
Act IV Sc
From bourn to bourn, region to region.
tiy you being pardoned, we commit no crime
To use one language in each several clime
M here our scenes seem to live. I do beseech yon
To learn of me, who stand 1' the gaps to teach you.
The sta^'es of our story.— Pericles '
Is now again thwarting the wavward seas.
Attended on by many a lord and knight,
To see his daughter, all his life's delight.
Uld I'.scanes, whom Helicanus late
Advanced in time to great and high estate.
Ai^^ \'^ govern. Bear you it in mind,
Od Helicanus goes along behind.
rhilt^!!!!\^ 'i'''' """* bounteous winds have brought
This king to Tarsus-think his pilot thought.
T« f 't . I!- ^^*^^'''\R« shall your thoughts grow on-
1 o fetch his daughter home, who first is gone
Like motes and shadows sec them move awhUe :
^ our cars unto your eyes I 'II reconcile.
DuAiB-SHOW
Enter from one side Peiucles, with his Train: from th
other Cleon and Dionyza. Cleon shows Pericles h
omft of Marina ; whereat Pericles makTlamenta
iion, puts on sackcloth, and in a mighty passion dVparts
Then exeunt Cleon and Dionyza:. ^
Th^^K* ^^<^' ^°w belief may suffer by foul show 1
•This borrowed passion stands f-ir true old woe :
And Pericles, in sorrow all devoured,
T nnlt'^r ' '•'"^ through, and biggest tears o'er-showered.
Leaves larsus, and again embarks. Reswears
.Never to wash his face, nor cut his hairs :
^.e puts on sackcloth, and to sea. He bears
n tempest, wliich his mortal vessel tears
And yet he rides it out. Now please you wit
The epitaph is for Marina writ
By wicked Dionyza.
[Reads the inscription on Marina's monument
The fairest, swcefst, and best, lies here,
n/io withered in tier spring of year •
She was of Ti,rus the king's daughter.
Oil whom foul death hath made this slaughter.
^{cirinawas she called ; and at her birth,
Thetis being proud, swallowed some part o' the earth :
llath Ihctis birth-child on the heavens bestowed •
\\hcrefore she docs (and swears she 'II never stinh
Make raging battery upon shores of flint.
688
Sciv
Act IV Scvl
PERICLES
No visor docs become black villainy
So well ns soft and tender natttry.
Let Pericles believe his daughter' "s dead.
And bear his courses to be ordered
By Lady Fortune ; while our scene must play
His daughter's woe and heavy well-a-day
In her unholy service. Patience then,
And think you now are all in Mitylen.
[Exit
Scene V.— Mitylene. A Street before the Brothel
Enter, from the brothel, two Gentlemen
First Gen. Did you ever hear the like ?
Sec. Gent. No, nor never shall do in such a place as this.
she bcmg once gone. '
First Gent. But to have divinity preached there I did
you ever dream of such a thing ?
houses. Shall 's go hear the vestals sing ?
I' irst Gent I '11 do anything now that is virtuous ; but I
am out of the road of rutting for ever. [Exeunt
Scene VL— The Same. A Room in the Brothel
Enter Pander, Bawd, and Boult
P(7nrf. Well, I had rather than twice the worth of her
she had ne er come here.
Bawd. Fie, fie upon her I she is able to freeze the god
I napus, and undo a whole generation : we must either set
her ravished, or be rid of her. When she should do for
clients her fitment, and do me the kindness of our pro-
itssion, she has me her quirks, her reasons, her master-
reasons, her prayers, her knees, that she would make a
puritan of the devil, if he shouH cheapen a kiss of her
i.'o«//. Faith, I must ravish her, or she '11 disfurnish us
D T^ cavaliers, and make all our swearers priests
l^and. Now, the pox upon her green-sickness for me I
^aiod. Faith, there 's no way to be rid on 't, but by the
luLd ^°'^' ^^^^ ^°"^^^ "''' -^^^^ Lysimachus, dis-
Boult We should have both lord and lown, if the
peevish baggage would but give way to customers.
Enter Lysimachus
How now 1 How a dozen of virginities ?
Now, the gods to-bless your honour !
I am glad to see your honour in good health.
You may so ; 't is the better for you that your
689
Ltjs.
Bawd.
Boult.
Lys.
PERICLES
Act IV S
V. :
.•^•' .^
1
III
i i
1
i ■
. 1 ' i
i;
r 1
resorters stand upon sound legs. How now, wholcsr
Iniquity ! have you that a man may deal withal, and c
the surgeon ?
Bawd. We have here one, sir, if she would— but tl
never came her like in Mityleiie.
Lys. If she 'd do the deed of darkness, thou woul
«ay.
Bawd.
enough.
Lys.
Doult.
Your honour knows what't is to say, a
Well ; call forth, call forth.
For flesh and blood, sir, white and red, you si
see 3 rose ; and she were a rose indeed, if she had "but—
Lys. vVhat, pr'ythee ?
Doult. O, sir I I can be modest.
Lys. That dignines the renown of a bawd, no less tl
It gives a good report to a number to be chaste.
Enter Maiuna
Bawd. Here comes that which grows to the stalk
never plucked yet, I can assure you.— Is she not a i
creature ? •
Lys. Faith, she would serve after a long voyage at s
Well, there 's for you : leave us.
Bawd. I beseech your honour, give me leave, a wo
and I '11 have done presently.
Lys. I beseech you, do.
Bawd [ To Marina] First, I would have you note, t
is an honourable man.
Mar. I do desire to find him so, that I may worth
note him.
Bawd. Next, he 's the governor of this country, anc
man whom I am bound to.
Mar. If he govern the country, you are bound to hi
indeed ; but how honourable he is in that, I know not.
Bawd. Pray you, without any more virginal fenciii
will you use him kindly ? He will line your apron wi
gold.
Mar. What he will do graciously, I will thankful
receive.
Lys. Have you done ?
Bawd. My lord, she 's not paced vet ; you must tal
some pains to work her to your manage. Come, we w
leave his honour and her together.
Lys. Go thy ways. [Exeunt Bawd, Pander, and Boi
—Now, pretty one. how long have you been at this trade
Mar. Wliat trade, sir ?
Lys. Why, I cannot name 't but I siiall olTend.
Mar. I cannot be offended with my trade. Please yo
to name it.
Lys. How long have you been of this profession ?
COO
t IV Sc \1 ff Act IV Sc vl
wholesome
, and (iffy
-but there
u would^t
say, will
, you sli.ill
Ibut—
• less th:.a
! stalk ;--
lot a fair
ige at sea.
, a word,
note, this
■ worthily
ry, and a
id to him
V not.
fcnoiji!;,
iron witti
tiankfuUv
lUst take
, we will
nd Boull
is trade '.'
ease you
n?
PERICLES
Were you a gamester
Mar. E cr since I can remember.
/.?/s. Did you go to it so young ?
at five, or at seven ?
Mar. Earlier too, sir. If now I be one.
a crSturT^of^^ale" ^°"'' ^''^ '^'''" ^" proclaims you to be
Mar. Do you know this house to be a place of such
resort, and will come into 't ? I hear sav. yJu are of
honourable parts, and are the governor of this place
who I am ? '' ^^^^ ^°"'" P""^'!'^* "^^^'^ J'""^^" "nto you
Mar. Who is my principal ?
I.jis. Why, your herb-woman ; she that sets seed and
roo s of sluune and iniquity. O, you have heard some-
Intifi of my power, and so stand aloof for more serious
N oomg. but I protest to thee, pretty one, my authority
shall not see thee, or else, look friendly upon thee Come
bnng me to some private place : come, come '
Mar. If you were born to honour, show it now :
If put upon you, make the judgment good
Ihat thought you worthy of it.
Mar """^ '* ^^^^ ' ^""^ '^ ^^** ?-Some more :-be sage.
That am a maid, though most ungentle fortune ^°^ "^*'
Hath placed me in this sty, where, since I came.
Diseases have been sold dearer than physic.—
O, that the gods
Would set me free from this unhallowed place,
S^y?.^ ^^.^y/^*^ '^''^"Se me to the meanest bird
That flies i' the purer aii' 1
tJ:!'^' ,^ . ,- ^^^^ "ot think
couldst '^°^*' ""* ""^'^ • "^''^'' dreamed tliou
Had I brought hither a corrupted mind.
Thy speech had altered it. Hold, here 's gold for thee •
Pers6ver in the clear way that thou goest, *
And the gods strengthen thee !
Jf:Tor „,e, be your though™!,!?"'' ■■"""« ^"^ '
That with no ill intent I came ; to me
The very doors and windows savour vilely
I-arewcli. Thou art a piece of virtue, and
1 doubt not but thy training hath been noble.
Hold, here 's more gold for thee.
A curse upon him, die he like a thief,
Ihat robs thee of thy goodness ! If thou dost
Hear more from me, it shall be for thy good.
Re-enter Boult
BouU. 1 beseech your honour, one piece for me.
691
ar;
... Ml
■■ ,; .Kir. 1
\% ■ !
^ -Hi
J
PERICLES
Act IV S
Lys. Avaunt, thou dnmn^d door-koppor !
Your house, but for this vir«ln that doth prop it.
Would si;ik, juid ovcrwhehu you. Away ! [l
Boult. I low 's this ? We must take another course v
you. If your peevish chastity, which is not worth a bn-
fast in tlie cluiipcst country under the cope, shall ui
a whole household, let me be gelded like a si)anlel. Cc
your ways.
Mar. Whither would you have me ?
Boull. I must have you' .aidenhoad taken off, or
common hangman shall t.x.cute it. Come your w
We '11 have no more gentlemen driven away. Come V(
"ways, I say. "^
Re-enter Daivd
Bawd. I low now I what 's the matter ?
lioiill. Worse and worse, mistress : she has here spol
holy words to the Lord Lvsimaclius.
lidwd. O, abominable I
Boull. She makes our profession as It were to sti
afore tlie face of the Rods.
Bawd. Marry, hanj,' her up for ever !
Boult. The nobleman would have dealt with her li
a nobleman, and she sent him away as cold as a snow-bai
saying his prayers, too.
Bawd lioult, take h..' : . y ; use i.cr at thy pleasiir
crack the glass of her virginity, and make the rest malleab
Boult. An if she were a thornier piece of ground th;
she is, she shall be nloughed.
Mar. Ilark, hark, you gods !
Bawd. She conjures : away with her ! Would she li:
never come within my doors I— Marry, hang you I— She
born to undo us.— Will you not go tiic wav of womankind
Marry, come up, my dish of chastity with rosemarv ai
bays
Boull.
Mar.
Boull.
Mar.
Boult.
Mar.
Boult.
[Ei
Come, mistress ; come vour way with me
\\ hither will thou have me ?
To take from you the jewel vou hold so dear.
Vv ylhce, tell me one thing first.
("ome now, your one thing.
What canst thou wish thine enemy to be *>
Why, I could wish him to be my master, or
rather, my mistress.
Mar Neither of these are so bad as thou art,
Smce they do better Ihee in their command
Thou hold'st a place, for which the pained'st fiend
Ui iicil wouia not in reputation change :
Thou art the damned door-keeper to every
Coyslril tliat comes inquiring for his Tib •
Unto the choleric fist of every rogue *
692
tlV Scvl li ActV
PERICLES
[Kxit
ourse with
h a break-
hall undo
t'l. Come
sff, or the
our way.
iome your
re spoken
to stink
I hor like
low-ball ;
pleasure :
iialleable.
und than
1 she liad
I— She 's
lankitid ?
iiarv and
nc.
Thy ear is liable ; thy food is such
As hath been bt:* hid on by infected lungs.
Houll. What would von have nic do? go to the ^ars,
would you V where a man may serve seven years for the
losb of a leg, and have not enough money in the end to buy
him a wooden one ?
Mar. Do anything but this thou doest. Empty
Old receptacles, or common sewers, of lilth ;
Serve by indenture to the common hangman :
Any of these ways arc yet better than this :
For what thou art, a baboon, cculd he si)eak.
Would own a name too dear. O that the gods
Would from this place safely deliver me :
Here, here is gold for thee.
If that thy master would gain gold by me,
Proclaim that I can sing, weave, sew, and dance,
With other virtues, which I 'il Iceep from boast :
And I will undertake ail these to teach.
I doubt not but this populous city will
Yield many scholars.
JiouU. But can you teach all this you speak of ?
Mar. Prove that I cannot, take me home again
And prostitute me to the basest groom
That doth frequent your house.
Boiilt. Well, I will see what I can do for thee ; if I can
place thee. I will.
.Mar. But ;uiiongst honest women.
Ihnill. I-aith, my acquaintance lies little amongst them.
But smce my master and mistress hath bought you, there 'a
no going but by their consent ; therefore, I will make
lliem acquainted with your purpose, and I doubt not
but I shall lind them tractable enough. Come ; I '11 do
for Ihce what I can : come your ways. [Ej;eunt
dear,
slcr, or
ACT FIVE
Enter Gower
Cow. Marina thus the brothel scapes, and chances
Into an honest house, our story says.
She sings like one innnorlal, and she dances
As goddess-like to her admired lays.
Deep clerks she dumbs ; and with her nceld composes
™, , — '"i > " S^"U, ui:-^, tjVi:ril.tl, VI bciiV,
lliat even her art sisters the natural roses ;
Her inkle, silk, fviu with the rubii d cherry :
That pupils lacks she none of noble race.
Who pour their bounty on her ; and her gain
693
PERICLES
ActV
m
- 1 i
She gives the cursed bawd. Here we her place.
And to licr father turn our thoughts again,
Where we left him, on the sea. We there him lost,
Whence, driven before the winds, he is arrived
Here where his daugliLer dwells : and on this coast
^ Suppose him anclxr.red now. The city strived
God Neptune's annual feast to keep : from whence
Lysimaehus our Tyrian ship espies.
His banners sable, trimmed with rich expense ;
And to him in his barge with fervour hies.
In your supposing once more put your sight ;
Of heavy Pericles think this the bark :
Wliere, what is done in action, more, if might.
Shall be discovered ; please you, sit and hark.
u
ScF.XE I.— On board Pericles' ship, off Mitylene
Pavihon on deck, with a curtain before it; Psmc
within it, reclining on a coucii. A barge lying bc^
the Tyrian vessel.
Enter two Sailors, one belonging to the Tyrian vessel
other to the barge ; to them Helicanus
Tyr. Sail. [To the Sailor of Mitylene] Where is L<
Helicane ? he can resolve you.
O, here he is. —
Sir, there 's a barge put off from Mitylene,
And in it is Lysimaehus, the governor.
Who craves to come aboard. What is your will *>
Hel. That he have his. Call up some gentlemen.
lyr. Sail. Ho, gentlemen I my lord calls.
Enter two or three Gentlemen
First Gent. Doth your lordship call ?
Hel. Gentlemen, there is some of worth would coi
aboard : I pray you greet them fairly.
[Gentlemen and Sailors descend, and go on board the bai
Enter, from thence, Lysimachus and Lords;
Gentlemen and the two Sailors
Tyr. Sail. Sir,
This is the man that can in ought you would
Resolve you.
Lys. Hail, reverend sir , ..e gods preserve you 1
net. And you, sir. to ou ive '"; age I am
And die as I would do. '
T, ^'""- ^ You Wish me well,
iieing on shore, honouring Neptune's triumphs.
Seeing this goodly vessel ride before us,
I made to it, to know of whence you are.
694
the Tyrii
ActV Sci
DSt,
1
>ast
J
tice
:. [Exit
yiene. A
Pekicles
ing beside
vessel, (he
e is Lord
?
len.
uld come
the barge
le Tyrian
il
ActV Scl PERICLES
Jlel. First, what is your place ?
Ins. I 'm governor of tliis place you lie before.
Ilel. Sir
Our vessel I., ci* Tvre, in it the king ;
A man, \.Jio for LI:!'-- three months" hath not spoken
To any me, nor taken sustenance,
But to . ro'ogue his ,-»rief.
I.ijs. Jpoa 'l^•hat ground is his distemperaturc ?
Ilel. 'T would be too tedious to repeat ;
But the main grief sprint^s from the loss
Of a beloved daughter and a wife.
Lijs. May we not see him ?
//(■/. You may ;
But bootless is your sight : he will not spe.ik
To any.
Li/s. Yet, let me obtain my wish.
Hcl. rk'hold him. [Pericles discovered] This was a
goodly person.
Till the disaster that, one mortal night,
Dro\ e him to this.
I-ns. Sir king, all hail ! the gods preserve vou 1
Hail, royal sir !
Ilel. It is in vain ; he will not speak to you !
First Lord. Sir, we have a maid in Mitylenc, I durit
wager,
'tVould win some words of him.
^■Jjs. 'T is well bethought.
She, qiirslionless, with her sweet harmony.
And o[her choice attractions, would allure,
And make a battery through his deafened parts.
Which now are midway stopped :
She is all happy as the fair'st of all,
And with her fellow-maids is now upon
The leafy shelter that abuts against
The islaikd"s side.
[ Whispers one of the attendant Lords. Exit Lord
//f/. Efi'cctless, sure ; yet nothing we '11 omit.
That bears recovery's name. But, since your kindness
We have stretched thus far, let us to this 'beseech vou,
That for our gold we may provision have.
Wherein we arc not destitute for want.
But weary for the staleness.
-^.'/■^- O, sir, a courtesy,
Which if we shofild deny, the most just gods
For every graff would send a caterpilhir.
And so inflict our pmvinrc — Yet once !nore
I.ct me entreat to know at large the cause
Of your king's sorrow.
^^(^^- Sit, sir, I win recount it to vou ; -
out see. I am nreveuted.
previ
695
PERICLES
ActV
.f
HI i
Ee-enter Lord, with Marina and a young Lady
^'•'/*- • O, here is
Tlie lady that I sent for.— Welcome, fair one I—
is t not a goodly presence ?
i',!f" CT, . , ^^^ 's ^ gallant lady.
Lijs. She s such a one. that were I well assured
She came of gentle kind, and noble stock,
I d wish no better choice, and think me rarely wed —
Fair one, all goodness that consists in bounty
t/7v!'''.\?'^" ^'''■''' ^'^"'^ '5 « l^i"8ly patient :
II that thy prosperous and artificial feat
Can draw him but to answer thee in aught.
1 hy sacred physic shall receive such pay
As thy desires can wish.
,,'^^^''- Sir, I will use
My utmost skill in his recovery.
Provided
That none but I and my companion maid
Be sullered to come near him.
. //f; Come, let us leave her
Mnl ^^"'^' '"'''^^ ^'' prosperous I-IMahina sings '
3larkcd he your music ? *
^^^''- c. , ^O' "or looked on us.
J-Us. See, she will speak to him.
Mar. Hail, sir I my lord, lend ear.
Per. Hum I ha I
Mar. I am a maid.
My lord, that ne'er before invited eyes
But halh been gazed on like a comet : she speaks,
^ly lord, that, may be, hath endured a grief
Might equal yours, if both were justly weighed
Though wayward fortune did malign my state
My derivation was from ancestors
Who stood equivalent with mighty kings •
But time hath rooted out my parentage '
And to the world and awkward casualties
Bound me in servitude.— [Aszrfe] I will desist ;
But there is something glows upon my cheek
And whispers in mine ear, " Go not till he speak."
Per. My fortunes— parentage— good parentage—
To equal mine I— was it not thus ? what say you ?
v;,, "''• , , ^'''^ ,"'y *'''''^' '^ >'«" ^^^ l^"o^v my parentage,
lou would not do me violence. H"'^"i.ubc,
Per. I do think so.-Pray you, turn your eyes upon me,
IVr f}^"" something that-What country-woman '?
licrc ul these shores ?
v ^^?''" ^^0, nor of any shores :
\et I was mortally brought forth, and am
-No other than I appear.
696
ActV Sci
PERICLES
Per. I am great with woe, and shall deliver weeping
My dearest wife was like this maid, and such a one
My daughter might have been : my queen's square brows •
Her stature to an inch ; as wand-like straight ;
As silver-voiced ; her eyes as jewel like,
And cased as richly ; in pace another Juno ;
Who starves the ears she feeds, and makes them hungrv
Tlie more she gives them speech.— Where do you live ?' '
Mar. Where I am but a stranger : from the deck
"iou may discern the place.
^y^- Where were you bred ?
And how achieved you these endowments, which
You make more rich to owe ?
Mar. If I should tell my history, it would seem
Like lies, disdained in the reporting.
„ f ^''- , Prithee, speak :
lalsencss cannot come from thee, for thou look'st
Modest as justice, and thou seem'st a palace
For tJie crowned truth to dwell in. I 'II believe thee
And make my senses credit thy relation *
To points that seem impossible ; for thou look'st
Like one I loved indeed. What were thy friends ?
Didst thou not say, when I did push thee back—
Which was when I perceived thee -that thou cam'st
rroin good desc^-nding ?
^^J'f- So indeed I did.
7Vr Report thy parentage. I think thou suidst
Tliou hadst been tossed from wrong to injurv
And that thou thought'st thy griefs might equal mine.
If iJolh were opened.
■^{("'' Some such thing
I said, and said no more but what my thoughts
Did warrant mc was likely.
,, f,T- Tell thv storv ;
If lliine considered prove the thousandth part
Of my endurance, thou art a man, and I
Have suffered like a girl : yet thou dost look
Uko Patience gazing on kings' graves and smilins
Lxtremity out of act. What were thy friends ?
How lost thou them ? Thy name, my most kind vir^^in '>
Hecount, I do beseech thee. Come, sit by me. °
Mar. My name is Marina.
. ^f- , O, I am mocked.
And thou by some incensed god sent hither
To make the world to laugh at me.
rJ!"''' , ,M Patience, good sir.
Or here 1 'II cease. '
t/'""-,-.., , ^^y' I '11 be patient.
1 .lou httle know'st how thou dost startle mc.
lo call thyself .Marina.
697
PERICLES
ActV
i I
m- ■
I'x-i I:
!|!|lil
Mar. The r c
^^ as given mc by one that had come power ;
My father, and a king.
^ ^Z''- ,. How I a king's daughter ?
And called Marina ?
'Y"''- You said you would believe me :
liiit, not to he a troubler of your peace,
1 will end here.
Per. But are you flesh and blood ?
Have you a working pulse ? and are no fairy ?-^
Motion I — Well ; speak on. Where were you born 7
ATid wherefore called Marina ?
„ '^^«^- Called Marina,
lor I was horn at sea.
{*^'"- At sea I what mother ?
Mar. My mother was the daughter of a king ;
Who died the minute I was born,
As my good nurse Lychorida hath oft
Delivered weeping.
, P^r- O 1 stop there a little.—
[Aside] This is the rarest dream that e'er dull sleep
Did mock sad fools withal ; this cannot be.
My daughter 's buried.— Well :— where were you bred ?
I II hear you more, to the bottom of your story,
And never interrupt you.
Mur. You scorn to believe me ; 't were best I did ev
o'er. ^
Per. I will believe you by the syllable
Of what you shall deliver. Yet, give me leave :—
How came you in these parts ? where were yoii bred ?
-.^•n^"^- , TI^^ ^*"»' "^y father, did in Tarsus leave me.
Till cruel C'con, with his wicked wife.
Did sock tc murder me : and having wooed
A villain to i.tLcmpt it, who having drawn to do 't,
A crew of pirates came and rescued me ;
Brought mc to Mitylene. But, good sir.
Whither will you have me ? Why do you ween ? 1
may be, *^
You think me an impostor : no, good faith ;
I am the daughter Lo King Pericles,
If good King Pericles be.
Per. Ho, HclJcanus 1
Ilel. Calls my lord ?
Per. Thou nh a grave and noble counsellor.
Most wise in general : tell me, if thou canst.
What this maid is, or what is like to be.
Til at thus hatli iruide me weep ?
,r^^^^: ^, . I know not; but
Here is the regent, sir, of Mitylene,
Speaks nobly of her.
698
ActV Sci
Lijs.
PERICLES
„ ' ^ ^ . Never she would tell
Her parentage ; being demanded that.
She Mould sit still and weep.
Per. O Helicanus I strike me, honoured sir ;
Give me a gash, put me to present pain ;
Lest this great sea of joys rushing upon mc.
erbear the shores of my mortality.
And drown me with their sweeti ^ss. O, come hither
Thou that bcgett'st him that did thee beget • *
Thou that wast born at sea, buried at Tarsus,
And found at sea again.— O Helicanus 1
??th" ""^ t^y knees, thank the holy gods as loud
As thunder threatens us : this is Marina.—
\\ hat was thy mother's name ? tell me but that
Tor truth can never be coafirmed enough.
Though doubts did ever sleep.
NVha?7s your title ? ""''''' '''' ' P^^»>''
^r.^Hr. * "T" Pericles of Tyre : but tell me now
M> drowned queen's name-as in the rest you said
Ihou hast been godlike perfect,-thou 'rt heirof kingdoms
And another life to Pericles thy father ^m^aoms,
\Iar. Is it no more to be your daughter, than
10 say, my mother's name was Thaisa '>
Thaisa was my mother, who did end
The mmute I began.
riff;. Now blessing on thee I rise; thou art my child
One me fresh garments I Mine own, Helicanus ;
She IS not dead at Tarsus, as she should have been. '
By savage Cleon : she shall tell thee all ;
\Mien thou shalt kneel, and justify in knowledge.
n^, ^^y ^'^^y prmcess.— Who is this ?
I el- Sir, 't is the governor of Mitylcne.
>.\ho. hearmg of your melancholy state,
Did come to see you.
p.^'^'"- I embrace yon. —
One me my robes : I am wild in my beholding
TonZ?^' ^^"' ""y..^''? ' ^"* hark I what music ?^
loll Helicanus, my Marina, tell him
^ or, point by point, for yet he seems to doubt,
liriZZTiV daughter.-But what music?
iiel. My lord, I hear none.
Per. None ?
The music of the spheres 1 List, my Marina.
Sr R '^ "*°^ ^"""^ \^ """" h"" ' gi^'c liim way.
^er. Karest sounds ! Do ye not hear ">
jys. My lord, I hear.
Tf J'' Most heavenly music
« nips me unto listening, and thick slumber
"■^""■^ upon mine eyes : let me rest.
[Music
Hangs
699
[Sleeps
PERICLES
ActV
[Disappci
lys. A pillow for his head.
So leairt-rnt!"'"vv^r '"^ ''«'"'''«« of Pericles is cl
If h u hn »"•— ^^^11. my companion-friends,
If Uus Ijut answer to my just belief,
I 11 well remember you. [Exeunt all but Per
Scene II.— The Same
Pericles on the deck asleep ; Diana appearing to him
a vision
Bia My temple stands in Ephesus : hie thee thithe
And do upon mine altar sacrifice.
There, when my maiden priests are met together.
Ikforc the people all, fa^i-ucr.
Reveal how thou at sea didst lose thy wife •
To mourn thy crosses, with thy daughter's call.
And give them repetition to the life
Perform my bidding, or thou liv'st in woe •
i Jo It, and happy, by my silver bow !
Awake, and tell thy dream.
Per Celestial Dian, goddess argentine.
I will obey thee 1— Helicpnus 1
Enter Lysimaciius, Helicanus, and Marina
Per. My purpose was for Tarsus, there to strike
The inhospitable Clcon ; but I am
Tor other service first : toward Ephesus
Turi our b own sails ; eftsoons I '11 toll thee why.^
Sha 1 we refresh us, sir, upon your shore. ^
And give you gold for such provision
As our intents will need ?
Lijs. Sir,
With all my heart ; and when you come ashore,
1 have another suit.
,,/'''^, , You shall prevail,
^^ere It to woo my daughter ; for it seems
\ ou have been noble towards her.
r>ij n ,, Sir, lend vour arm
Per. Come, my Marina. * \Excur\
Enter Cower, before the Temple of Diana at Ephesus
Gou-. Now our sands are almost run :
More a little, and then dumb.
This, my Inst boon, pray you give me,
hor such kindness must relieve me
That you aptly will suppose
What pageantry, what feats, what shows,
700
^ctV Scii
ES is closed
mt Pericles
to him in
I thither,
ActV Sciii
What minstrelsy, and pretty din.
The regent made in Mitylen,
To greet the Iving. So well he thrived.
That he is promised to be wived
To fair Marina ; but in no wise
Till he had done his sacrifice,
As Dian bade : whereto being bound,
The interim, pray you. all confouiid.
In feathered briefness sails arc iilled.
And wishes fall out as they 're willed.
At Ephcsus, the temple see,
Our king, and all his company.
That he can hither come so soon.
Is by your fancy's thankful doom.
PERICLES
[Exit
Hsappecrs
:na
CO
arm.
[Exeunt
phcsus
Scene III.— The Temple of Dianv at Ephcsus ; Thaxsa
standmg near the altar, as high priestess ; a number
of Virgms on each side; Cerimon and other In-
habitants of EphcGus attending
Enter Pericles, with his Train ; Lysimaciius,
Helicanus, Marina, and a Lady
Per. Hail, Dian I to perform thy just command.
I here confess myself the King of Tyre ;
Who, frighted from my country, did wed.
At Pcutapolis, the fair Thaisa.
At sea in childbed died she, but brought forth
A maid-child called Marina ; who, O goddess I
Wears yet thy silver livci ;. She at Tarsus
\\ as nursed with Cleon, whom at fourteen years
He sought to murder : but her better stars
Brought her to Mitylene ; against whose shore
Ridmg, her fortunes brought the maid aboard us.
Where, by her own most clear remembrance, she
Made known herself my daughter.
x. ^ ''^'* Voice and favour : —
loii are, you are— O royal Pericles I—
Per. What means the woman ? she dies
men !
Ccr. Noble sir.
If you have told Diana'^ altar true.
This is your wife.
C^'"- Reverend appearer, no :
1 threw her o'erboard with these very arms.
Ccr. Upon this coast, I wai-rant you.
n' T , "T is most certain.
Cer. Look to the lady.— O I she 's but o'erioyed.
tarly m blustering morn this lady was
701
[Faints
help, gentle-
ill
PERICLES
ActV J
f' !
?'
|i i
5i? *^\^ "* "'5'"*' ' recovered her, and placed her
Here in Diana's temple.
r!r* r * , .^ ^^^y we see the a 1
Ccr Great sir, they shall be brought j ou to my hoi
^cove'reJ/"''"' ^°"- '^'''' ' '^^^^^^ ^'^
P«'- O, let me look I
11^?}^^ "°"^ **' "^'"e, my sanctity
Will to my sense bend no licentious ear.
But curb It, spite of seeing. Like him you sneak
T^hnf Thot TK • ^^^ y^^^^^ ^' ^ead Thaisa I
AnXowne'd.' "^''^'^ '^"^ '' ^"^^^^^'^ ^^^^
■Per. Immortal Dian 1
whl^^^' .»,. X ^ow I know you belter.
When we with tears parted Pentapolis,
The king, my father, gave you such a ring.
Per TTiic tT^.v . [SIlOWS a r
kindness '"°'^' ^°" ^ods ! your pres.
Th^tl^.l^?^ miseries sports : you shall do well.
That on the touching of her lips I may
Melt, and no more be seen. O, come, be buried
A second time within these arms.
^^"''- My heart
Leaps to be gone into my mother's bosom.
T,^T L°«k, who kneels here. Flesh of l^yfltl/'Thars'
Thy burden at the sea, and called Marina, ^ ' ''
Por she was yielded there. '
wJ?'" Won ^ Blessed, and mine own I
^el. Hail, madam, and my queen I
1 icit behind an ancient substitute • ^
Can you remember what I called the man ?
I have named him oft.
V^r'' «tni r .y ^'^5 Helicanus then.
I'er. Still confirmation I
Embrace iiim, dear Thaisa ; this is he.
Hnw t^ -i?"^ ^° ^^"""^ ^°w yo" ^^ere found,
pLc- 7 .I'^^y preserved, and whom to thank.
Besides the gods, for this great miracle.
i/)r.'., Lord Cerimon, my lord ; this is the man
Through whom the gods have snown thci> po^^, thai
From first to last resolve you.
702
ctV Sclii
ActV ScUl
my house,
K
er.
iws a ring
r present
I,
Thaisa
. Thaisa ;
'ou not.
)m Tyre,
PERICLES
_.^''^- , , Reverend sir.
The gods can have no mortal ofTlcer
More like a god than you. Will you deliver
How this dead queen re-lives ?
T,^*'^', „ I will, my lord :
Rosecch you, first go with me to my house.
Where shall be shown you all was found with her •
How she came to be placed here in the temple • '
No needful thing omitted, '
r.rf^f'''^ ^"^^ ^^^^ ' '^'^'ss thee for thy vision : I
Will ofTcr night-oblations to thee. Thaisa,
This prince, the fair-hctrothcd of your daughter
Shall marry her at Pcntapolis. And now." '
This ornament,
Makes me look dismal, will I clip to form ;
And what this fourteen years no razor touched.
To grace thy marriage-day, I '11 beautify.
„ '^f'7; h^^^^ Ccrimon hath letters of good credit, sir,
-My father 's dead. *
Per. Heavens, make a star of him I Yet
queen,
Wo Ml celebrate their nuptials, and ourselves
NNill in that kingdom spend our following davs
Our son and daughter shall in Tyrus reign,
l.ord Ccrimon, we do our longing stay
To hear the rest untold.— Sir, lead 's the way.
there, my
[Exeunt
Enter GowER
Cow. In Antiochus and his daughter you have heard
Of monstrous lust the due and just reward :
^clcs, his queen, and daughter, seen,
In P
Although assailed with fortune lierce and keen
Virtue preserved from fell destruction's blast *
Led on by heaven and crowned with joy at last.
in Helicanus may you well descry
A figure of truth, of faith, of loyalty.
In reverend Ccrimon there well appears
The worth that learned charity aye weors
lor wicked Cleon and his wife, when fame
i,^;', spread their cursed deed, and honoured name
Of Pericles, to rage the city turn,
1 hat him and his they in his palace burn :
1 he gods for murder seemed so content
10 punish them,— although not done, but meant
so on your patience evermore attending,
I^ew joy wait on you ! Here our plav has endin"
[Exit
ir, that
703
«
-flli
#11
in I
til
Ui. .
il
l|; M
fiil' s
^
1
B M
II'
^BE M i*ra
■Km PI
ly
GLOSSARY
^
38-
,, I !
Hi,
i '
!
G L O S S A R Y
Abete; hUm*. subdue : excfiit.
Abbor: " it iloth mc, ■ ii ii «b)ior
TTM *0 liw.
Abide : iimlfr^fo.
Abjects: Uu: most servile of li<r
•■iilijocts.
Abode; IhitjIiij?; romuiiiinK.
Abcut: oiii.
Abridgement: a briif p. ifoiiiianco.
Abroach : on foot.
Absolute: iKjsitivp: d«fi,l,.l. (inn •
(aultlr-s peif.'ctly accomplislied'
Abstract: invcntorv.
Abuse; l"<looeive;ticlii8ioii;sUm(l<!i-.
Abuser: corrupter.
Aby n dear: i)iiy <l«arly for it
Accommodatioiu : luxmioM.
Accomplished: funiished.
Accompt: n-ekonluK.
Account: consider, 'picture' inuilj
bliMKly); aocountnil.
Acheron: cue of iho riv.rs of
llaili's.
Achieved: won.
Acknown: "I.c not -out.' prufoi
III know notliiiiK ol it.
Acquittance: uci'iit.
Act: afiion. workiuir.
Actseon: cuokoM. '
Adam : ,\<luin li.OI, the famous
outlaw and ar.-hcr wlioKf name IduI
'locoitip proverbial of yooU niurks-
iiiansliip. I
Adamant: lodesto >e.
Adder: oriKimilly nnd-lrr. \
Addiction: i icliuation. i
Addition: tiiie. '
Address :foprepare ; toniake roii(l\
to Hccoutre.
Adhere: necoi-d. ■
Admirable: womlerful. \
Admired : a.stonishi UK'.
Admittance: "ofi,'r.'at, --,"».i.ni!t,..i '
liiloliKh society: -of Vei.ili..ii_ " !
Advantage : opportuni'v.
Advantaging : increanintr.
Adversary: used liumoroiiNlv for
advociite.' a .iest at ('.,iu»' i
expense.
Advertise: proclan-i. stat'>. iiifn.-.n
•■^'•'•^^''ioemeui, : uunioiiMioua, sago \
Jdvice: consideration. j
Advised: premeditated : "well — " '
rnrnJ^l^"''*'''' ■" ^ ~" reflect; i
.r"r<'f'>|.wary, circnmspect.
Advisedly : deliberately. I
707
Aery: a brood of enijle neni' (ip«.
Affect : love, wor.sliip ; •• — 1 i,t; letter '
employ alliteration.
Affection: disposition; fccllnic, Ini-
iHiNe; pasHion ; desire.
ARecta : airectlona ; tendcncirs.
Affeered : U88c.«<.sed (a liKal term).
Amned : bound, under any oIiIIl-h-
I H<m: "pnitiallj -," sMaycd (.y
' any link ol •idinily.
Affinity : family connections.
Against: in view of.
Agate : alludhiK to the (Iijnre-; cm red
upon BKate stone.s set In rinjrs-
lienrc symbol of smallness.
Aggravate: subdue; "— his «tylc "
irel liim a worse name.
Agnize: avow, confesH.
Aim : conjecture ; " — b(!tter at mc, "
form a b<tter opinion of nie.
> Alarm : call to arni:^.
: Albeit : alt hougli.
All-hallowmass : Novemlwr 1st,
ah<)ut five wcf^k^aftn- .Mich lelnias
(Mmple M blunder).
All hid: tlio call in the tranic of
I ni(lo and seek.'
! AUiance: marriu{!:n.
AUicholy: Sli^trcaa Q.'s blunder
lor ' melancholy, ■
Alligant : Mixtrcss Q.'a pronuncia-
tion of 'olcKant.'
Allow: acknowIedKe: to approve.
Allowance: "and your -,'aiid has
your ?anction.
Allowed: " vou are — , ' you have ii
fuol's privilei,'c.
All's one: 'all right.'
All SduIs' Day : November 2nd.
All-thing: all ways, every way.
Almost: "cannot reajou — ," cnn
lianlly speak.
Amainion: name of a demon 9;r,).
pose.l to have dominion over ' tl;o
north part of the infernal uulf.*
Amaze: to bewilder.
Am put: have cause.
An alms : a elmiiiy.
Anchor: plot.
Ancient: en-ii^n-bparcr.
..rrsl • :,::;3rHi:ir. spirii; a goid coin
worth about ten .sliillintf«-
Annothanize : Arniado's blunder for
'iinatomize.'
Annoyance: mischief, injury.
Answer: " bound to your — ,' com-
pelled Ia) )?ivo account of your
conduct ; be hold responsible for
GLOSSARY
>•■
Antbropopba«inian: cannibal.
Antick: buffoon; Krotcsque ; "an-
tirkly," funtutitically.
Antique : antic.
Antres: caverns.
Apes: "lead — to hell," the penalty
of dyinK an old maid.
Apology: explanatory address.
Apostrophas: probably diuToses,
which tlolfernes says Nallmnicl
should have read.
Apparent: manifest.
Appeal: challenge.
Appealed: charged against nie.
Appear Itself: disclose ittc f in
reality.
Apple : " upon the — of her eye," at
a glance from her.
Appointment: preparation.
Apprehension: "professed — ," set
up for a wit ; appreciation.
Approve : testify ; to prove, to test ;
oearout; adore; to prove guilty.
Approved allowance : wcTl-tested
capability.
Apncocks: apricot.s.
Apt: natural, lifelike,
▲rcli : arrant, diro.
Argument: sniject for raillery;
proof; subject
Armlgero : ablat ive case of arm ingcr,
b"arer of arms, cr esquire.
Aroint: probably from l^t. aver-
ruiico. I drive away evil.
Arrainging: upbraiding.
Artificial: skilfully acoomplished ;
creative.
Aspics : asps, poisonous snakes.
Assay : to essay, to try, to exert ; to
test.
As thick as tale: as quickly as
countinyr.
At a word : in a word.
Ate: Kodrtoss of discord, malice and
strife, ".^^fs," disturbiinces.
At once: briefly, in a word.
Atone : to reconcile.
Attach: arrest.
Attainder: distrrace.
Attainder of suspect: taint of sus-
picion.
Attempt: tempt
Attend: listen to; to await.
..attorney: " by —," as deputy.
Attribute: reputation.
Augur: soothsaying, prediction.
Aunt: xossip.
Authentic : of acknowledged author-
ity.
Avail: gain advantage.
Aves : acclamations (Lat. ore-=hail ! i.
Aviscd: aware, informed, "be—,"
reflect, consider.
Avouch: assert.
Aweless: no longer awe inspiring.
Awful: holy, reverent
Awkward : adverse.
Badged: blotched.
Bailie : hand over (Fr. ballkz).
Baldrick : belt.
Banbury cheese : a flat thin cheese
said to be all rind (alluding to
Slender's leanness).
P
708
Band : old form of ' bond.'
Bane : destruction ; to poison ;
I)er — ," own destruction.
Barbason: the name of a demon.
Barbed: caparisoned witli warl
r.cooulremonts.
Bark : strip off.
Barm: yeast
Bams : quibble on ' bairns.'
Base : slavish.
Bases: embroidered skirls worn
kuighUt on horsirback, huuKi
from the wa'st to the ku'-es.
Basilisk: a fabulous reptilf, wlu
look and breath wire !-:iiJ to
fatal (v. 'corkulrire').
Bastard : u sweet ana heady Spani
wine.
Bate: blunt.
Bated : brought down, reduced; Ii
out, omitted; "I cannot be — ,'
cannot get them to rebate me.
Battle : army.
Bay: extremity; an architectin
term for a ceitaiu division of
building.
Beadle : one of whose duties was
execute public whippings.
Beads : n sary.
Bear: the o ustellation of tl e Hea
" — in hand," beguile with fa!
hope.s.
Bear-ward : bear-keeper,
beaver: helmet
Bede : the n ime of a fairy.
Beer: "small—," petty househo
accounts.
Beg : " you cannot — us," you canii
hold us in ward us iiliuts (I I
gUrtrdianship of an idiot wii
management of his property «i
ufien a prufltable appointment).
Beholding : beholden, indebted.
Bel: '"K'Jtl IM'a priests,' a stniin-
flins representation of Btl a lU t.
)rai<on.
Believe bim not : i.e. the voice (
conscience.
Belongings : endowments.
Bend up: btruin.
Beaevoiences:taxe8,nname).:ivon i
conceal the real nature of the lev;
Benison: blessjn;^.
Bent: "full — ," utmos^t inten^^it
(extreme tension of the bow i
archery); di-ipo-iiion.
Ben venuto : welcome.
Best: "at the — ," making the be3
of it.
Bestow : conceal.
Beteem : pour forth, allow.
Betide of : happen to.
Betlme : betide ; early.
Bettering: exaggerating.
Bias: particular bent (technically, li
the game of bowls, a bowl weiglitci
so as to swerve in a parliiiila
dirt^elionV
Fid: endured; invite.
Bilbo: "lat ten — ," worthless swonl
Ititten, a base metal composed n
copper and alloy ; bilbo, naiiict
after Dilbao in Spain, famous (oi
excellent sword-blades.
GLOSSARY
Billets : small logs of wood.
pro- 1 Bill«: halbnrds, pikes: -eet up his
— ," pablioljr placarded hjs chal-
longe.
B|rd-Dplt : a short blunt arrow that
killed by the blow without piercinir
il>art of the outtit of thejicensfld
jester).
Birdlime : limo <o catrh birds.
Birthdom: mother-land.
Bite tbe law by the nose : treat the
law conlem piuouslf.
Black: of dark complexion.
Blank: the aim (properly the white
mark in the centre of the tariret).
Blazon : interprotation.
Blazoning: naisn,', laudatory
Blench: aeviaie.
Blent: blended.
Blind-worm : irlow-worni.
Blood : ' in —;' full of vitalitr ; tern-
(leranicnt; passion.
Blood-boltered : ploatered with
<loit«d blood.
BJoody Are : iioatinir of the blood.
Blown - swolhm ; filled ; foully ex-
:Wkreratcd, infamous.
Boarded : accosted.
Bobbed : obtained by trickery.
Boding: forebodiPK.
Boitier : a box (of ointment).
Bold: contidint.
Bold-bea ing : brow-beatintr.
Bollns: bow lines.
Bombast: padding nsed in dress.
Bonum,quo, etc. : the more ancient a
tfood thing is the be ter it is.
Book : tablets (for memoranda).
Book of Biddies: a popular collec-
tion of 7 Kid les and proverb-".
"OOK Of Songi and Sonnets : prob-
ably alludin;* to the book of S'onnH
Olid ^o:,neta by ' the Khri of Sairey
and others,' published in 1557.
Books: 'Kooii tiooks.'
Boot: makeweight ; to aid, to avail •
prolit advantage; "to -," i,,
addition.
Bootless : u.seless, profitless, vain,
goraejn hand (v.^tearmVmni"').
Besom: hearts desire; private, in-
Bottle: barrel or koar ; "_ of hav "
Bottled: bottle-shaped.
^Ittom : hol.l of a ve.-sol.
'S??!'* ^°^^ '• ^''^''^^^ ^^ malicious
Bra-:e: armour for tho arm (Fr
f.''""*""^' ^1"'P'"«'>' for de-
Braid : upbrrtid.
Bra™^ H..*-°* ' /eft/ft'""-. of chastity.
ao?rf.W ■* ''"««*'«^'«««'
Rrawi . •* • ^y ''lalicioiiy bravado.
• J}' "■•*'"« ">e outc.y; a danoe
wlicrcin many (men and women)
holding hands, somoiimes ina rfng
and otherwhilcs a Iwigth, more all
together (Cotgrave).
Break: divulaic; broach the matter;
draw recklessly.
Breathed : full of vigour.
Breathing : verbal ; exercise.
Bwclmocfc : Brecknock CastJe,
JJiickingham's estate in South
Wales.
Breed-bate: mlsohlef-maker, Insti-
gator of mmrrels.
Breeds with it : grows by reason of
It.
Brewa^e : brewed drink.
Bribed: poached.
Bridge: Lon«on Bridge, upon which
traitors heads were exposed.
Brief: short note ; curt
ulnded: brindled, streaked.
Bring: accompany; escort
Broached: stabbed, pierced.
Broad : bold.
Broken rancour: wound that has
begun to heal.
Broke with : bi onolied the matter to.
JSrooch: an ornament worn in the
liat, hence ' badge. •
Bruise : lines of care.
iJi^iif^"^"??; *"'*'? '^"'e maces.
Buck . a quibble on tho animal and
Its horns.
Buck-basket: a basket for clothes
rojiuinng burkhia - wa'hing.
Bucklers: "give thee the -f" sur-
render, own myself defeated.
Bucklersbury : close to the Alansion
ilo so, London, the nsidence of
the grocers and apothecaries.
Buck-washing : laundry work.
Building: (probably) flxturo.
Bulk: body; projection.
Bully : boaster, swaggerer
Bully-rook: a^hin- follow.
Bunch-backed: hunch-backed.
Burdened: burdensome.
Burial: Ki"a>'p.
Burn daylight : wander from the
matter.
But answer: only just compensate.
Butt : goal, limit.
Buttons: -In his -," within his
compass, 'just what lie is capable
Butt-shaft: a kind of unbarbed
IZV ^ shooting at tho
Buxom : fresh, lively.
^yy \akin : ' Hy our Ladykin,' i.e.
the V iigin Marj? ; an oaili.
By-the-way : by indirect means.
709
Cabined : checked, constrained.
Cable : scope, power.
Cicodemon : evil spirit
Cain-coloured: yellow, as Cain's
beard was conventionally repre-
spiiti'd in old 'ii-ioKtrioa
Caitiff : wretch, slave ; ' " poor - "
poor thing used as a condc*cend-
ing term of endearment,
callat : a low woman.
Call in: revoke.
Ca^^od : becalmed, restrained from
GLOSSAUV
ife^.; ■■ jr
''^JJ'.^' * ^"^Ption of the earlier
Canakin : little can.
mKISSJ ^robabijr. the ncarrst
^^^= * .1"'«='«. lively dance;
Island?. **'"* ^™" ""* ''«"«'i/
^^ dS^tf****" • '•bookworms/ stu-
Cankar : doR-ro8c ; a worm that in-
fests and eats ttowera.
capable: quick of couiprohension •
fS^**?- *"**' 1" w*u-Jike ttccou-
ucments.
Capon: love-letter, need as the Kr
ifr!i, Lx, » co"'euiptuou3 exprcs-
a?Mroad^'''^"'"«°"'*^*P«"'
''^N^i: * ^'^'' ''''"' °^ nierchant-
''"SS?.^ ^'^'"'^ ^'""dcr for
^^^i^oiu. Benedictus: the holy
thislle, believed to have the power
of curing any disease. " P" " <^ '
tS^fist^) *' f"ll8:aHop(aterui of
c^;^£^l /•?!' *>' <^'"«- anxious.
l/amres: ' conclusions passed the
. k® t"^*** *^« <** : an old proverb
the force Of which lies in the sur!
ri'^ii." ''J?'^ S*'8 have nine lives,
l^ty. ^«"*»-consuminfe', blood-
Carooaed: drunk.
r^Sui^.".??®?/ 'carpet knights.'
Carriage: V7««l»'ontt--," assume an
unnatural bearing. -aouiJean
Sjjty : perform, curry out.
i/arw: tomake amorous gestures-
CMhl^^S*/ T7'«"-.'ind..lKT ''
r^£^ • '^"eved of his cash.
Casing: encompassing.
CMtl^lAn""vf- J ;je8raded in office.
^'"■"Uon, King'-Uriiial: a grotcsona
title constructed probablFot X^
''^it'r. ^^^ '°^*'='" P^caice 'of
caattnff the water.' and the
£***!*» • t/'hlnaman (a thief '
Cat*.mountain : wild cut
rf'»-rL?*'^i"''^'y°'»'a'n: tojjrip.
cates: choice dainties.
J^iiu • ^ '^*"". '*'■'«'' of thf n gruel.
C-^ViUT ^ca^v^alV"'^ '''''^■•^ '^^''^'
*^mlm[*'°''*'*'**°' sentence; jndg-
Cerecldtti: a cloth saturated with
bcSil^f "^ '" *"'°"*""f «n'balmed
*'^T?i?*Kli??'VT *'*? ^«n entitled
tbe Kings Chamber' since (he
Norman Conquest "
Chamberers: e/teminate, drawing.
room creatures. "io«iiig
^amplon : cballengs.
^anoM : events.
» human child.
Cbamnen: sellers.
Chapa: jaws.
^*ract«r: handwriting.
cnaractera : written records.
^^"ipWe on 'marked dispoMti
cnaracts: inscriptionf., mono.'*.
boaive : cost, expense ; comnn
appointment; "-you." be an
pense to you. . "»- au
^awe-house: Bchool-housc.
cnartnesB : strictness, consiancj
cSffc *"' ~' '^° charity ]
Charm : silence, restrain.
rhflSF' ^'''■'■'^'•ess, fortune.lcll
Jjnarms: enohantmeuts.
Chaudron : entrails.
ChSL*J?.= bargain, bargain for.
Cheater: escheator, an oHioerof
7^/ii 'l"^'' employed to exact fi
cheat's')! P'*^ "P°" '""" ^
Cheer: aspect, conntenniK-e. face
Chidden: laehed to fury.
SS?1- Quarrel.
Childing: fruitful.
Choose: leave it alone.
('hose: choice.
Choiigh : a crow.
Chuclc : a term of endeariiioiit.
a rustic; an ill-bred ji
710
Churl:
son.
°^f%".^'!**"'= " ''"'ek lively da,
or fl\e paces or steps,
urcum drca: rouiid and round
Clrcummm^d : walled about.
*^"S^"""=""'"'^"°"'«'"^''
Circumgtance : circumstantial «
ptanation; circumlocution ; apDii
yield to circumstances.
Cited up: recal'cd. recounted.
^stri.a^''kts.r.L-h!^,
.Td^'g^Uter'""^-^^''-"
Civet: a musk flavoured perfuin
™*;'«fact"rcd from a secretion ,
^^i^ed. """"'»» O'' Seville; civi
clTUlty : civilization.
C«f*-<»l»h; beggarV dish, with i
sKtrnfir.** ^^ ^'-'-' "
Oap : begin at once.
Clapper-daw : thrash.
Claw: to stroke, to tlHtter.
mSlV!"""'' '-■""'''•etely, entire;--
Cl»n ttebered : well built.
Clear : pure ; honourable.
Sw?^,\,S!*"' '*■"'" '"«»"'-'""
ciiSl* • ,^.K"*^'.'"'"/e land.
Cup : embrace.
^^^^mM^HMi^
GLOSSARY
ibstituted tor
records, with
diji positions."
, rnottofi.
.'command ;
i>" be an ex-
lOUSC.
!on»innCT.
charity! lu.
rtuiie-tcller.
I.
rain for.
oflicerof tilt'
o exact fines
' one wliLi
ince, face,
d coin.
rjiiont
ll-brcd i«-<:
Ively dill >
I round.
l)out.
ion, encorii-
tnntial ex
on ; appiir
mataiurit"
ited,
» or srnilftr
«<iue hciid
>f tlie necl:
perftinip.
icivtion of
lie; ciril-
il law.
I. with A
hukril \^)
eiitnv;
icion.
1.
Close : secret, reserved, nncotnmuni-
oatire; combine; make peace;
"— delations," secret accuM*
tions.
Clomire : enclosure.
Cloudy : frownini;, gloomy.
Clont: the white mark in the centre
of the target.
ClyBter-pipes : tabes for syringing.
Coat: coat of -anas; suit of armour.
Cock : cock-crowing.
Cockatrice : a fabulons creature said
-, **»,H»H.**y * ^^^ <^- ' basilisk-).
Cockled : enclosed in a shell.
Cock-shnt time : twilight; cock-shut
nets were stretched across avenues
in the woods at dusk to catch wood-
cock.
Codpiece : the bagged appendage to
the hose in male attire.
Cog: to cheat, to deceive, to delude.
Coign : angle, corner ; ' coigns; allud-
ing to the four points of the com-
pass.
Coll: disturbance, turmoil, aproar;
1 »i ~j'!>1?"*«*^ '"*8, -a prett
kettle of fish.
Cold : restrained.
Coldly: patiently.
Coined : dark ; clouded, obscured.
Coloquinttda : the bitter apple, colo-
cynih.
Colour; "show no—," make no ex-
cuse.
Colourable colours: specious pre-
texts.
Colours : banners, ensigns.
Colt : a foolish, wild young fellow,
Combinate: betrothed-
Combined: biuud.
Come off: pay dearly.
Commend : commit.
Commodity : bundle, quantity ; com-
niercial transactions.
Commoner: harlot.
Common bouses : brotheN.
Common sense : ordinary percep-
Compact : joined in conspiracy;
coaiposed. ' '
Companion: rascally fellow; "her
mildn^s. "*** <^<»"P*'>io'» <>' »»cr
Compasses : circuits of the earth, i.e.
Compassionate: filled with self-
Competitor: confederate, associate
complements: accomplishments ('a
past master of etiquette ). ^
Complete : f ally armed.
mind **" ' **"'P«™™<^if. nature ;
Complices: accomplicps.
Compliment: etiquette; "— ex-
rn.tfJ!?i— °°***'^ appearance,
tomplots: conspiracies,
rS?^"°°^'^"''"'""o'»: terms of
peace ; consistency.
Comprehended: Dogberrys blunder
tor 'apprehended.'
711
Compunctiou : consciencc-stlrrinse.
con: Uaxon connan, to leaia by
rote.
Conceit: conception, imagination;
comprehension. Judgment, ideu ■
nitE2.'4*''2"*l**"' power of thinking.
Conceited: ingenious.
Concern : suit.
Conceniing her observance: thai;
she should observe.
Conclnde: arrange inattcra aroic-
- ably.
Concluded: offlcJallv decreed.
Concollnel: probalJly the title of
Moth 8 song.
Condition: dispoRition, nualitiea.
Conflneless : boundleBs.
Confirmed: immovable; ''.liy ago
— , thy riper years.
Confixed : fixed.
Confound : destroy ; spend, consumo
(in imagination).
Conftaaions; conclusion .s, cxncri
menta ^ y<-'i
Conlunctlve: 'hcHrt to heart.'
Conjured: bewitched.
Consent: advice; -—in," conspire
together.
Conscionable : act\ia,.ed by coi>-
Considenite: criticiil.
Consist: "on peace — ," stand on
peace, come in peace.
Consistory: repository of confidences
(properly 'clerical court ').
Consorted : confederate.
Constancy: consistencv.
Constant: firm, rcsoluie.
Contain : hold, keep.
Contemptible : contemptuous, scoriv
Content: joy; reward, recompense :
l-ay.
Continent: restraining; that which
contains anything; complete em-
bodiment ; — canon : law of con-
tinency.
Continents : banks.
Oontlnuate: continuous, uninter-
runted.
Contract : betrothed.
Contrary: wron.!f.
Contrive : to conspire, to plan, to
act deliberately.
Controlment : restraint.
Conveniences: sati-sfactions.
Convented: summoned.
Conversation : intercourse ; conduct
U.e. Pericles).
Converse of breath : words.
Convert : to change.
Convey: steal, cheat; carry oi^
secretly.
Conveyance: "made quick -,"
speedily removed ; " impossible
— ," incredible dexterity.
Convince: ovorpowcr; confute.
Conv-eatoh : poach, steal (cony =;
rabbit). '
Cope : requite ; meet ; the dome of
the sky.
Copped: conical.
Copy : copy-hold (legal term for life-
tenure j.
GLOSSARY
Coram : Slender has seen the formula
jurat coram me above the eigna-
ture of the Jnstice in atitt<<tatinn8,
and mistaken it for part of the title.
Cormoxmnt : glutton ; ravenous.
Comar-cap: the biretta. or three-
comered cnp of the Bouian
Catholic priest.
Comnto: cuckold.
Corporal axent: bodily faculty.
Corporal of the field : aid»<le-camp.
Corri^b'e : corrective.
Corse : corpse.
Costard : colloquialism for ' bead.'
Cotsall: referrinsr to the annual
sports held at WhitsunUde on tbe
Cfotswold Hills.
Coach: crouch.
Council : the SUr Chamber.
Counsel: "known in — ," kept
secret.
Counsellor : proser, babbler.
OouBiels : serreta. confidences.
Counted : acknowledKed.
Countenance: deceptive appearance.
Counter-caster: acoountaiit (in con-
trast to a man of a«tion, a soldier).
Counterfeit: picture, portrait.
Counter - gate : the jjaie of the
Counter, the chief debtor's prlsun
ill Ijondon.
Counter vail: equal.
Counties : counts.
Country : district.
Couplement: couple.
Courageous : fortunnte.
Course for Tyre: which is now for
'I'yio.
Coursing: chasinpr-
Courtesy: curtsey, used for the
obeisHnces of both sexes.
Courtship : courtesy, line manners.
Cousin : nephew (used for any kins-
man or kinswoman).
Cousin-germane : combining pl.iy
upon coimin and ' cozen '=a cheat,
and ffciTriar.a = (i) kinsmen, f)
natives of Germany.
Cousins: kinsfolk, evidently In (he
dependent poNiiiun of attendant-i.
Covert'st sheltered : most screened
by secrecy.
Cowl-sta£f : a pole on which a bucket
or biu>*ket was carried between two
persons.
Coxcomb : fooi rnllnding to tbe cap
topiK?d with a cock's comb).
Coy: fondle, caress.
Coystril: low fellow.
Cozeners : ihievini: scoundrels.
Cozening : m sleading. cheating ; de-
ceiving.
Crabs: crab-apples.
Crack : boast.
Cradcs : explosions, reports.
Creation: nature.
Credent bulk : consiilerahle credit.
Crest: " beauty's —." l.ri^htnesu.
Cried I aim ? Did I enccnnih''^ you :
To cry 'aim' whs an cxpiesHion
of applause and incitement to the
competitors in archery.
Cried on : announced, proclaimed.
Cries on : cries out
712
Crisped : curled.
Critto: caviller, reviler: cvnical.
Croeby Place: Crosby Hall in Bishop
gate Street. London ; Richard
residence when Duke of Olo'
oester.
OroM: "broke — ," broken acra
tbe opponent's body.
Orouet : coins, money (stamped wit
a croasK
Crossly : adversely.
Cro8»-row : alphabet.
Crotchets : whims (quibbling on tli
musical sense).
Circwn: head.
Cruelty: mispry.
C!rasaaoei: Portuguese go' ' coiiv
marked with a croKS, and won
between six and seven shilling
each.
Cry: pack of hounda
C^ckoo-birds : with quibbling alU
sioii to cuckolds.
Cuckoo-buds: probably cow&i:i
bud*
Cunni n g: knowledge; clever, ir
Reniniis.
Cupid 8 flower : the pansy.
Curious : dainty, refined.
Curious-knotted: with inlricatel
devised flower beds.
Curled darlings: dandies havinj
I heir hair curled in ringlets
Current : intrinsic.
Curst: shrewish, spiteful.
Curtal : dock-tailed, indicating nn
fitU' MS for the chase.
Custalorum: corruption of cuiito:
rotulorum. Keeper of the Rolla
Custom: "lose nothing by — ," guii
by the cugi omens it attracts.
<3ustomor : har ot.
Cut and long tail : properly applied
to horses and dogs, 'any kind u
man."
Daff : to doff, to put off; take off, aei
aside.
Daff'st : put me off.
Dancing-horse: a famous pcrrorm-
in« horse. Ultimately both hoinc
and mnster were burnt at liome ua
wizards.
Danger: power (to do harm).
Dangerous: threatening; "— suc-
cess." doiib'fiil issue.
Darkling : in the dark.
Date: duration ; period of life.
Daubery: trickery, jugglery.
Dby-beo: couch.
Day-woman: Utiirymaid.
Dauling: (inlrans.) being dasudid.
Dead: evil.
Dear: extreme;momentoup, weighty;
flivgrant, 8can<lui0us; dii-e; costlv.
Intensely felt ; " — iiappinees," nol-
ablo tdcssing.
Dearest : bigtiest, host ; most strenu-
flUS.
Death: "to tho — ," I would rather
(lie.
Death-like : deadly.
Debate: conflict.
Daceivable: deceitful, false.
GLOSSARY
Decline: review all these qoeations
in succession.
Defeat : destroy ; to deceive, to cheat;
••— thy favour," disflgure thj
face.
Defect : cffeot.
Defend: forbiif.
Defiance: refusal.
Defiled: slandered (Ct. V. L 88.
' slandered to death ').
Deftly: skilfully.
Defused: shapelc-s.
Defy: reject.
Delations: (see 'close').
Delighted: dfiightful.
Deliver: relate, ttll, say.
Demerits : merits.
Demise : bequeath.
Demonstrable : "made — ," come to
liglit..
Denier : a tenth of a penny.
Denunciation : proclaumtion.
Deny : to refuse.
Depart : p«irt.
Depose : examine upon oath.
Deprave: malign, vilify.
Deputation : deputyship.
Dem : dismal, solitary.
Descant: comment, almost in the
technical sense: 'pint? a part ex-
tempore upon a pluiii-soug'; dis-
vaxiTHe.
Design : maris out, sbow.
Designment : design, plan.
Desired : beloved.
Desperately mortal : doomed here
and liercat'ter.
Despised : hateful.
Despite: contempt, abuse.
Determinate: certain, compelling;
set a term to.
Determined: limited, bound.
Determines: allots.
Detest: Mistress Q.'a and Elbow's
blunder for ' protest.'
Dewlap : loose rtesh about the throat
(properly applied to cattle).
Dian's bud: a herb said to have the
virtue of keeping m.n and women
chaste {IHuna, goddess ot chastity).
Dickon: Dick.
Dlctynna: one of the names of
Diana.
Diet : physical habiti of life ; feed.
Difference: technieal term in her-
oUiry for the di-«tiri«[uisliing mark
in the coat armour of ditferent
branches of the same family.
Blffuaed : confused, incolierent.
Digression: transxressiun.
Dilate : relate fully.
Direction: "of sound—." skilled in
diivctmg military tactics.
Directly: straiglitforwardiy.
Disabling: underesiimatin)?.
Dlscema: Dogberry s blunder fo.
concerns.'
Discbarge: perform.
Discomiortable : aflTording no com-
fort.
Discontented: complninitig.
Ducorer: expoee ; reiognise ; to dis-
close.
Discoursed : treated of.
Dlscoarae of thought : meditation.
the flow of thoughu through the
mind.
Disfigure : destroy.
Disgrace : disfigurement.
DisukeB : displeases.
Dlspaxk: to divest a park of its
name and cliaractcr, deslroying
boundaries and Kame.
Dispenses with : excuses.
Displaced: driven away.
Displeasure: the displeasure you
liave incurred.
Disports : pleanurcs, pastimes.
Dispose: dis ositiou.
Disposed: inclined to be somewhat
loosf- in merriment.
Dispute it: endure it, strive with it.
Dissemble not: do not merely
ittnore.
Dissembling: i.e. by concealiner a
man s true disposition in an inap-
propriate form.
Dusoived :
Ss—w-'
713
Siender's blunder for
'resolved.' — 'ami dissolutely,' =
and resolutely.
Distaln : uuti age ; stain.
Distance: hosriiity.
Distas e : be distasteful.
Dls temperature : disagreement ;
nialiuly.
Dlsvalued : depreciated.
Disvonctaed : contradicted.
Divided councils : Holin-'hed relates
that Richard summoned a council
of those who were faithful to the
Km}<. and on the same day called
together his own followers to pro-
cure till! crown for himself.
Divine: prtidict.
Division : method of arrangement.
Doit: a small co n.
Dole : lot, portion ; grief.
Dominical: tiie red letter In old
aimiiuucs denoting Sundays— in
allusion to Katherine's hair.
Don worm: the 'gmwing' of con-
science was formerly attributed to
a worm, hence the w orm became
the symbol of remorse.
Dooms: decision, judgment.
Dotage : doting love.
Double : overruling all others ; false,
deceitful.
Double-'atal : the wooii being used
for iiows, and the leaves beiiiK
poisonous.
Double set : twice twelve hours, a
day and a night straight olf.
Doublet and hose, etc. : i.e. without
his cloak, which completes his
attire as wit (good sense) complet.s
his mental equipment (alluding to
the removal of the cloak fur duel-
linn).
Doubt : fearj suspicion ; " — it," us-
pect it.
Doubtlngly lest: Bupposiiig, fcui--
ing.
Draw: i.e. draw the bow across the
siringj.
Drawn in: taken in, swindled.
Dream : onception, expiectatiou.
tiribbllng: trilling, ineffectual.
GLOSSARY
! 1
Driye: comirmto.
Dropping : dripping (with water)-
DrowM : get drowsy.
Drumble : dawdle.
Diy-beaten : thraslied soundly.
Dry liand : a sign of cool blood
(111 contrast to the vioiat hand of
a lover).
Ducat: there were two Venetian
silver diicatf), worth 48. 4d. and
•is. lOd. respectively.
Dudgeon: haft, hilt.
Duke: leader, general.
DuU : fatal.
Dumps: melancholy.
Donnest : darkest
Dwell : remain, continue.
Eaaingtime: "on my—," just when
I should have been delivered.
Eanllnga : new-bum lambs.
Ear : tin, plough.
Earnest : pledge, deposit.
Ecbe : ' eke out,' extend.
Ecstasy: strong emotion ; madness ;
trance.
EflTect : execntor, perpetrator.
Effects : actions.
Eftest: quickest, readiest.
Eftsoons : soon.
Egally: equally.
Eglantine : sweet brier.
Qd: age = old age, aged people.
Elder : " heart of — ," i.e. pith (con-
trast with ' heart of oak ').
Elements: pure product, concen-
trated e-<seiice.
Eleven : " to — ," to eleven years of
age.
Elvish marked: disfigured by
fiiiries.
Embassage: messt^.
Embayed: enclosed in a bay.
Ember-eves : the eves o( ember-
days (days appointed for fasting).
Empisry : empire.
Encave: conceal.
Enchafed : lashed to fury.
Enftanchise : liberate.
Engaged : pledged.
Engines : instniments of torture.
Englnts : engulfs.
Engross : pamper.
Enmew: encage (technical term in
falconry).
Enov: enough.
Ensconce : seek protection as in a
fortffss.
Ensliield: concealed.
Enskied : dwelling in heaven.
£nsteei>ed: lyiu^; buried under the
water.
Entertain : show, maintain ; employ ;
crave for ; to engage, to take into
olflcc.
Entertainment : reinstated in office.
Entreats : entreaties.
Envy : malice, hatred.
Enwneel : enfold, encompass.
Eptaeslan: boon-companion.
Epltiieton: Armados extension of
the word 'epithet.'
Equinox: parallel, match.
Ergo: therefore.
ErlngOM : sea-holly, supposed to be
provocative.
Erring : straying.
Erst: erstwhile, formerly.
Escape: escapade, prank.
Esqture: landed proprietor, squire.
Estate: resources, health and
spirits; '*— unto," confer upon.
Estimation : reputation.
Eternal: infernal, duiuned.
Eternal lewel: immortal soul.
Even: plain.
Ever: always.
Every-day : every day after.
Evil: scrofula.
Evils : privies.
Eyas-musket: young male sparrow-
hawk.
Exactly: duly, implicitly.
Excellent: surpusHin^.
Except : object to ; excepted.
Excess : interest.
Exclaims : lamentations.
Excommanication : examination.
Excrement: outgrowth, hair and
nails.
Execution: activity, complete ser-
vice.
Exercise : technically, ' oxpo«ition
of Scripture,' i.e. of his priestly
duties.
Exhales : hales out, draws forth.
Exhibit : propose, move.
Exhibition: maintenance: present,
gift; "—toexamine," probably "ex-
amination to exhibit, i.e. to sliow
Leonato (Cf. III. v. £21.
Expectation: the expected guests.
Expedience: expedition.
Experimental seal : the seal of ex
perience.
Expiate : terminated, complete.
Exposition: interpretation.
Exsufflicate: inflated, empty.
Lxtempond: spontaneous.
Extenuate: mitigate.
Extincted: extinguished.
Extravagant: wandering, roviiiK,
noiiiadtc.
Exteeme parts: precipitancy (/^'n-/'?.
plural in reference to the inuiiy m
stances of the kind).
Extremity : misery ; *' — out of ad,
keenest Buifering with ciiliiini'ss.
Facile : easy.
Fact: act ; deed, crime.
Faculties : Royal prerogatives.
Fadge not: comes to nothing.
Fain: gladly.
Fair : well ; beauty.
Fairings: presents (originally tho'-e
bought at fairs).
Faitb : fidelity to his friends ; '• by -
enforced," in honour bound.
Faitliftil: accepting the C'iiristi.iii
faith.
Fall: let full, drop; fdi, tliioif
down.
Fallible: groundless.
F&lBO * illctrstl
False-bo£ng: falsely propfaesyini;.
Familiar: familiar spirit.
Fancy : lore.
iH
.3- ■■■.?.
GLOSSARY
Fantastical: creatures of imagina-
tion.
Fantasy : fanry.
Fap : a slaiiK term for 'maudlin
drunk.'
Farrow : litter of pigrs.
Fartlilngala : a hooped petticoat.
Fartuons : MiHtress Q.'8 pronuncia-
tion of • virtuous.'
Faslilon-monging : fopplHh.
FasUons: "from all — ," deflant of
conventions.
Fast: faithful.
Father-in-law : i.e. stepfather.
Father's herself: features her
lather.
Fathom : capacitr, resource.
Fatting : " to — ," for fullcning.
Fault : misfortune.
Faultless : innocent.
Faastuses: the name was familiar
from Marlowe's ' Doctor Fau8t\is.'
Favour : leave, permibsion ; present ;
with a play upon ' fac(! ' ; face,
features, countenance, appearance ;
forsjixenesg.
Fear : fear for ; frighten.
Feared : frightened.
Fearful: full of fear: terrified;
iilarniing, t'ear-compcllin){.
Feature: body, personal appear-
ance.
Fcdary: originally 'feudal vassal,'
tised also for 'confederate,' here
'one of the human race.'
Fell : fierce, cruel ; furious, ferocious,
relentless; dire; scalp.
Fere : mate.
Fetch me in: draw a confession
from me.
Fewness: in few words.
Flco: tig.
Fierce : fervent.
Fights: canvas screens hung in
bliips during an engagement.
File : " valued — ." list arranged in
order of value.
Filed : polished ; defiled,
nil-horse : shaft-horse.
Fine : consequence, conclusion :
— and recovery," absolute
ownership, a legal term for con-
verting a conditional tenure into
perpetual possertsiou.
Fineless : limitless.
Fire-new : brand new.
First head : fifth year.
Fitchew : pole-cat.
Fits : emergencies ; befits.
Flaky : flecked with glimmers of the
dawn.
Flap-dragon: a small burning sub-
stance flouted in liquor and swal-
lowed flaming.
Flap-Jacks : pancakes.
flask : powder tla.sk.
Raw : sudden bla.st ; fi^i'inga. faults •
sudden burst of passion.
Fleer : sneer ; to grin.
rleet: comijany.
Fleetiiur : shifty, inconstant.
xiemish: the Dutch were notorious
oiimkards.
fleshed : brutaliscd.
newed : with overhanging upper lip.
FUtht: » kind of Ught and well-
fealhered arrow,
nighty : fleeting.
Flood : sea.
Flood-gate : unquenchable.
nooriih : mere semblance ; decorate,
adorn.
Flout odd ends : ridicule me with
old endings of letters.
Foil: setting.
Foin : to thnint.
FolBon: abundance, picniy.
Folly: unnhastity.
Fond: foolish, weak.
Fool-gudgeon : »h« gudgeon was re-
garded as a souseless fish and
easily caught.
Foot-doth: adorned with a Ion"
cloth under the saddle, reatliiuii
nearly to the ground.
Popped: duped, uiade afool of.
Foppery: folly.
Forbear: spare, tolerate, bear with.
rorold: cursed, o.xcotnmuniiated.
Force: care : to reinforce.
Fordo : to dctroy, to overr onio.
Forehand sin: wrong only in being
premature.
Foreign passages : pilgrimajros.
Foreward : vanguard.
Forfeit: transgress, offend (Kr. for
faire) ; "the— of my servants life '
the pardon of my servunl whoso
life is forfeit to the law.
Forfend: loibid.
Forge : foment
Forgeries: inventionn.
Forgot: "are thus—," have so for-
gotten yourselves.
Fork: forked tongue.
Formal Tice : conventional Vice (of
the old Morality plays).
Forswear: to commit perjurv.
Fortitude : military strength'.
Fortune : chance.
Foul : foully ; plain.
Founded : immovably fixed.
Fou complexions: humours, viz.
blood, phlegm, choler, and melan-
choly.
Frame: order; "nature's — ," tho
order of the Universe ; shape their
course.
Frampold : troublous, harassing.
Franchlsed : free, untainted.
Franked up : confined in a frank or
sty.
Fraught: freighted; freight, bur-
den.
Free: clear, put away; faithful,
honest; liberal, generous; inno-
cent.
French crown : bald head.
French thrift : alluding to the econo-
mical practice of employing a page
in tilnnc of a l»,-\nd of retaintrs.
Ftetted : rotted.
Friend : " to — , " offer opportunities ;
lover.
Frlze: a coarse woollen materia]
manufactured chiefly in Wales.
Fruitful: bountiful, gcncmn<<.
Fulham: a kind of fal e dice.
GLOSSARY
Full : fully proficient ; " yon hare It
— ," jou are completely answered.
Function : action ; control and gold-
a.-ice of Ills fucultlea.
Fuitlan: nonacnao.
Oaberdlflid : a lanre loose cloak.
Oajred: pleii^ed, bound to pay.
OaUantHiprliiglns: fall of youthful
iH-auty and promise.
Galled : sore.
Gallimaufry : hotch-potch, all
kinds.
Gallow glaases : Irish foot^oldiera
bearinB pole-axes.
Oallow«: knave.
Galls: iciiiper, capacity for resent-
ment.
Oar: I)r. Caius' pronunciation of
Garb: "rank-," coarsest fashion,
Kiossest manner.
Garland : crown.
Garnered : treasured.
Garnish : clothing, euit.
Garter : part of ti»e insignia of the
Older of the Garter.
Gat: bcRat.
Gawds : baublpR, finery.
Gear : business in hand.
Gelded: cuttratcd; mutilated;
robl)ed.
Geminy : couple.
Gender : specien, sort.
General: populace.
Generally: singly.
Generous: noble; higrh-born, of
noblo rank.
Genius : guardian spirit.
Gentle: soothed; kind ; well-bred.
George: the tijcnre of St. George as
part of the insignia of the Order of
tbe Garter.
Germins : seeds.
Get: beget.
Get the sun : get the right way of the
sun, 80 that it is in their eyes.
Ghastness: ghastlineas.
Ghostly: spiritual.
Gig: a kind of lop.
Giglots: wantons.
Gin : bird trap.
Oing: gang.
Girdle: "turn his — ," give a chal-
lenge : tlie buckle of the girdle was
turned to the back for wrestling.
Glance: hint.
Glassy : used to express both the re-
flecting power and the fragiUty of
a mirror.
Gleek : scoff
Glozes: sophistries.
Gnarling; snarling, growling.
Oobbo : Italian for hunchback.
God dig you den : a (grotesque form
of the common rustic corruption of
*God give you good den ' (day).
Gcd 'ild US : corruption of ' Uud yield
us.'
Ctoes to the world : gets married.
Golden stamp : a coin called an
angel ; wortii about ten shillings.
Gone through : bid the higliest price,
'done my level best.'
Ooed d«n : corruption of 'good eren
Ooodjer: corruption of Fr. govjcre
a diwaae.
Good life: respectability.
Goodness: success.
Good tlms : opportunely.
Goodyear: v. '^aoodjer.'
Goose : a tailor's fiat iron.
Gossips: godmothcn*. heno« (con-
temptuously) ' patronesses.'
Gossip's bowl: a nuxture of ^^<\
spice, sugar, and crab-apples, aa
prenared for christening feasts.
Gourd : a kind of false dice.
Gouts : congealed drops (Kr. gouttc.s).
GoTemment : self-coutrol.
Graced: gracious.
Gracious : comely.
Gramercy: many thanks (Fr. grand
merci).
Grange : a granary, a solitary fanii-
house.
Grant: "fairest -, etc.," most sui:-
able gift Is that which meets the
need.
Gratify : recompense, reward.
Gratulate : congratulate; subject
for congratulation.
Grave : w eighty, valuable.
Graved: burieo.
Graymalkin : cat. ' gray cat," familiar
spirit of the first witch.
Greasily : foully.
Great: filled with emotion.
Great Cham : the Khan of Tartarv.
Green wit : probably, as si;K-
gested by the Cambridge Editors
an alluoion to the 'green wiihs'
with which Delilah Dound Sjaiii-
Bon.
Giief: tale of woo.
Griefs: grievances.
Grieve : trouble us.
Gripe: grasp.
Grise : stage, step.
Groat : a coin worth fonrpenco.
Gross: denae; "— in sense," ob-
viously certain.
Ground: (technically 'plain-son^')
theme.
Guards: trimming, ornamentatiou.
Guerdon: recomponso.
Guiled: treacherous.
Gulf: gul'et.
Gull: tric{.
Gyve : catch, entrap ; a fottcr.
H : ache (formerly pronouncod
' iiitcli •).
Habit : behaviour ; " the out ward — ,
etc., " apparently an inversion.
Habits: ''thin — ," Bupeiflciul as-
sumptions.
Hack: probably, 'become common
and degraded.'
Haggard : a wild untrained hawk.
Hair: "against the — ." 'against tt.e
grain.'
Halberd : a pike.
Hale : to haul, to drag.
Half-cbeek: profile.
Hands: "of all — ," unavoidall)-,
anyhow.
716
GLOSSARY
Hang: "you nin«t hang it flret."
alluding to the ancient barbarity of
Hi
draiKing on hurdles lo cxocution.
[annibal: £lbow'a blunder for
'cannibal
3
fclospd.
1 (half-door)
Haply : perhaps, mavbe.
Happily : haply, pernups.
HappineH: good luck; "ffood out-
ward — ," attractive appearance.
Happy: accomplished.
Hardly : scarcely, with dltHcultr.
Hardneia: hard&hip.
Hare-flnder : " tell us Cupid is a irood
— , etc.." ie. propound mockeries to
us, suuh as tlmt the blind Cupid is
Qiiiik of biifht, and Vulcun tlio
blanksinith a (;ood cariieuter.
Harms: injuries.
HamesB : armour.
Hatched: with the hatch
flatefUl : full of hate.
Haugbt: haughty.
Have with you : come along with me;
I'm going with you.
Having: allownnce; c-ttate.
Hawthorn-bads: dandies.
Hay: a country dance.
Head: face.
Heap: body, crowd, throng.
Hearted throne : throne in my heart
Heat: urgency.
Heavy : sad, sorrowful ; slumberous,
diowsy.
Hector: sharper.
Heage-prlest : travelling priest of
the lowest order.
Heed: guide, lodestar.
Height: highest decree.
Hell's: liell being regarded as a
community of evil t-piiits having
"their factors" on earilj.
Helm: helmet.
Helmed : steered, guided.
Helpless: unavailmg.
Hempen homespuns ; conree home-
bred fellows.
Renchman : a page of honour.
Hent: taken possession of.
Hermits: beadsmen, bound to pray
Im- their patrons.
Herod : the violent tyrant of the old
.Miniclo plays.
Hesparides: the garden of the He.^-
pendes; properly the daughters of
Hctperus, the guardians of the
golden apides which it was ono of
Mcrcules labours to procure.
Hie: hurry, hasten.
Hiems: winter.
High-proof: to I he last degree,
fflgh-stpmached : proud, wrathy.
Hight: IS called, is named,
mnd: quibble on 'peasant,' 'boor,'
ami a deer (i.e. an iVrutional hind);
a servant.
Hint: iheme.
Hip; -oil iho — ,'" completely in ray
„IJU"cr (a term in wre.siliiiK).
uobby-^horse : a wooden horse
iiuimpuial^d by a boy, the ballad
liuinorously lamenting its disuse
,, J "?* •""* festivals is frequently
alluded to by Shakespeare; a buf-
foon, a dolu
38- >v** 717
Hold him : keep liim lingorinff.
Holds you well: regards you with
att'oetion.
Holp: helped.
Holy-ales : church festival holidays.
Home: to the point, touching tne
spot ; to the end, to the utmost ; ' to
the heart of the matter.'
Honesty: beftiting.
Honoriflcabilltudinltatibus : ' the
stale of being loaded with Imimura':
the longest word in niediieval
I^Atin, and frequently mentioned
as an example of the extravugint
word-makinK of the rolleges.
Hood: condition, position.
Hope : " I died for — ,' death was tl e
reward of my att4.'mpt to support
you.
Horn-book : primer, so called from
the cover of thin honi by nhich it
was kept clean and intact.
Horologe : clock.
Hot-house: warm-bathhouse.
Howlet : owlet.
Htill: float, drift.
Human: humane.
Rumble: voluble in gralitudc.
Humility: kindness, benevolence.
Humorous: capricious.
Humour: constHutly used (by \ym)
in ridicule of the currtnt misuser
of the word by the Elizabethan
world of f.'kshion.
Humours : moods.
Hungarian : poverty stricken (with
allusion togypsic).
Hungerly: hungrily.
Hydra : the many headed monster of
(Jrecian fable.
Hyrcanian deserts : a district south
of iho Caspian Sea, noted for
tigers.
Idea: likeness.
Idle : barren.
lU-erected : illfatedly erected.
Illness: evil.
Image : notion, conception.
Imbrue : st&in.
Immediately : purposely.
Imp: (properly) to artincially rc-
place missing feathers in a falcon
Impeach : lower oneself.
Impertinent: Gobbo's blunder for
' pertinent.'
Important: importunate.
Imiwsition: imuuciion; penalties.
Impress : heraldic motto or device ;
press into his service.
Incapable ; Licking understanding.
Incarnadine : redden.
Incarnation: Gobbo's blunder for
'incarnute.'
Incensed : instigated ; incited.
Incision: lancisit?.
Incontinent : imlucdiatcly.
Incony Jew : dainty, delectable pet :
jew, probably derived from choux
=a plaything, or fcyou^a jewel.
Increase: produce.
Index: preface, explanatory intro.
duction (the incUx was formerly
placed at the beginning of a book).
GLOSSARY
f-i
2ndiff«r«nt : Impartial.
Indlsn: unworthy, nmligniflcd.
Induction : jirepai m inn.
Infection: MistrcM Q.'s error for
' alfeciion ' ; plaKUi-.
Infer : allege.
Infinite : faoundloa runsc.
Inflict : aftlict.
Infonnal : demnKoil.
luforme : takcx (iirin.
In^ener: iuventur (of laudatory
phroBcs).
In hao Bp« yIvo : ' In that hope
live.'
Inheritor: possessor, (;ainer.
Inhibited: nrohibitid.
Inlolnte ' : Joined, united.
Injarle- " In your — ," while inflict-
ing iiguries.
Inkle : tape ; some kind of silken
embroidered strips.
Inn : originally a dwelling-place.
Inordinate: inmiudurate.
Insane : causing insanity.
insanle: madness.
Insculped: carved in baa-reliof.
Instance: "wanting — ," un-
gi'oundcd ; intiniution ; "old — ,"
mit-of-rlate argunient.
Intellect : character, implying Hpeci-
ticjilly 'signature.'
Intelligencer: couimissioncr, negoti-
ator.
Intend : to pretend, to atFict.
Intendment : intention.
Intention : scrutiny.
Intentlvely : with undivided atten-
tion.
Interdiction : exclusion.
Intermission: delay, hesitation.
Intrencbant: indivisible.
Invention: imagination.
Inward: intimate; contidenlinl.
Iron-wltted : dense, biock-hcuded.
Issues: conclusions.
Iterance : reiteration, repetition.
Jack: Jack o' the clock (q.v.) ; low-
born follow ; Jackanapes.
Jack-a-Lent : a puppot set np, during
l.*nt, for boTs to throw at.
Jack o' the clock : the small figure
which at the division of the hours
struck a gong in old clocks.
Jade : a worthless horse.
Janus: the two-headed god of
Itoinan mythology.
Jatmclng: hard riding.
Jays : loose women.
Jealousies: suspicions.
Jesses: straps fastened to the legs
1 of hawks and held by the falconer.
Jet : strut, insolently encroach.
Jew : used as a term of endearment.
Joan : a general name for a common-
place woman.
JoinVring: a ring so divided into
Two thai the parts rould be placed
together and show no division, the
f-eparate pieces were worn by
lovers as token?.
Journal: datty (Fr. Jotn-nalier).
Jump : to accord, to agree ; hazard,
risk ; precisely.
Just: exact; Joust, comi'He in the
liKts.
Justly: tnithfully, faithfully.
Jutty : projection
JuTenal: youth
Annado's pcrvcr-
ri8
slou of 'juvenile.'
Keels : C' lols by stirring or skinmiinp.
Keep: remain within; to dwell; u>
iirtttociate.
Koms : Irish foot soldiers.
Kersey : a coarHc woollen cloth.
Key-cold : deadly cold, a proverbial
expression from the practice nt
placing a key against the spine to
stop bleeding of the nose.
Kibe: chilblam.
Kind: taken by the munlcrcr to
mean ' natural ' ; (in this) respect ;
natural : those of the same natioii.
Kingly-poor flout : having no merit
beyond its iillurance by a king.
Kissing-comflti : sugar-plums.
Knapp : to snap, crack, or nibble.
Knave : servant.
Kne*-crookins : obsequious.
Knot-grass: a low growing 'nr^h
8uppo.scd to be able to stunt clui-
dren's growth.
Knots: flower-beds of fantastic
shapes.
Know : reflect, consider; maUosurc.
Labras: Spanish for 'lips.'
Lack: miss.
Lady-smocks: the cardaminr prn-
tenais, so-called for the rcripin-
blance of its flower* to little vxhiie
smocks hung out to dry.
Lag: late.
Lances: lancers.
Lap: wrap.
Lapped in proof: enca^ied in lestid
armour.
Lapwing: the female loptn'nu (.r
plover) when disturbed ilies nuift-
Icssly close to the ground so iis not
to disclose the wherealiouts of h<r
nest, and chirps when atadisiance.
Large: liberal 'broad': free, gross.
Last : continue still to oe.
Latch : catch.
Latched : smeared, anointed.
Late: recently.
Late dignltiei: lately conferred (Ik
nitics.
Lated : belated.
Laundry : for ' launder.'
Lavish: uncurb<!d.
Leaped : covered.
Leave your courtesy : cea^cbowinp.
Leavened : ripened.
Lee'd : disposed of on the lee, i.e. tlie
sheltered side.
Leets and law-days: days on whicJi
courts were held.
Lelger : rr.sjdc7iiai:ih.T33.idor.
Leisure: the epare time (ijcing to
brief).
Leman : lover.
Lessoned : taught.
Lethe : water of oblivion.
Lsvtl : aim.
Levels : is in keeping w iih.
^.•.2"v?*|' '-'i-:
m-'^.^iQ^.i
GLOSSARY
i
I
Leviathan: n ■o«-nion«tOT often
Identlflnd with the whale.
Lewd: worthies*, KToanUleag
Lewaten: iibcrtinea.
Liable : suitable, correct.
Ubela : defainatorjr wrltlncrx.
I4''*'?'! : licentious : fr^o-spokon.
Lie: i.e. In prison : lodire.
Ueii:lalD.
Ufht: fallen.
Uchtad: alighted, desrendwt.
LlSbt-foot: swift fxavolllng.
H*Sr'.',*'^''''y •■ ''•oquently, nsually.
IMBIO love: an old dancc-tuno.
Like: likely to bo believed.
Llkelibood : eiitn, Indication.
Llkei : plcascfi.
LUdnc: phynical charanterlatlrs.
LUy-Urered: cowardly.
Lime : put Itme in the sack to make
It sparkle.
Limed : trapped (as birds with llmo).
Limit : to appoint, to tlx ; appointed
time.
Line : reinforce.
Lingered : proloni^od.
List : to longr. to crare ; sclredire :
iiinit, boundary: listen to, 'mark
what 1 say,' " patient - ," the liiniu
of patience.
Lists : place appointed for trials by
combat
Liver : heart ; the h'rrr was formerly
regarded as the seat of passion.
Llvenea : proper ^arb.
Liver-vein : the style of a lover, the
lifer being the seat of lovo.
Living : vital, i.e. not circiiiustantial.
Livings : estates.
Lob : clumsy person.
^u^ ■ ? ' love ?oe*, a lonsr fork of
hair tied with a ribbon which hunir
•lown^ behind the ear to the
shojilders ; grratuitonsly associated
with kev by Dogberry.
Loae-star : pole-star.
Lodge : lay low ; a solitary hut occu-
pied by a watchman or gaiiio-
Lodged: beaten down.
Long of you : your doin&r.
Longs : belong to.
Loon : bnite.
Loose; "his very -.•• the very
moment of letting the arrow (of
ncsfiny) fly. *
Lop : cut oflr, destroy.
">"* liave mercy on us": the
words inpcribed upon tho doors of
I'luguc-strickeu houses.
Lose : forget.
Lost: groundless.
Loud music: the clashing of '
armour. * ,
Love-in-idleness : pansr. i
Loves: attracts ; "of all — ." 'with
"?)noi'^'' ''^*'''^'" '^y «" y<»«* bold i
T ''<^^f Ij"! eiirnest request
wve s Tyburn : suggested by the tri-
angular form of the khIIows i
(Tybui-n, the usual place of exe- I
Kution in London). ;
Low : short.
Lower-chair: casychair. '
71'J
I ^JjJ,'^'*'*'*''' '"'*'^' 'out: low-born
Lucee: pikes, " the dozen white -
no duubtan allusion to tli« coat of-
2f"lSJ'' Sbakespearos old entiny
■Sir Thomas Lucy.
Luclna : the K(Kides8 of childbirth.
Lunee : attack-t of luna.ry.
Lux toa vlU mlhl : ' li.y light is lie
'O me.
Luxury: lust wantonness.
Machlayel: cunning schemer, pn,-
yerblally namod after Machiavelli.
■acniflcent: pompous.
SUffJ^"*?* • *•''* 'o'"'" of naagples.
Mafdhood: maidenhood.
Main flood : the ocean.
Make a leg : bow or kneel.
Make away : get away.
MUCet : does ; makes nii«c!ilef
MaJapert : cheeky.
MaUdn : a coarse wench.
Manunerlng: hesitat.iiir.
Man: wield.
Manace : handling. tr.iining:
measures; use; crry on; man-
agement ; control (of a horse).
Manager: vielder.
Mandra«ora: mundrakc. the root of
which was used medicinally as au
opiate and ansesthetic.
Mane : crest.
Manner : " taken with the — ," innt<i.
owr, a legal term: 'taken with the
plunder in his possession.'
Manslonry: dwellintf.
Mantuan : Baptisu Spagnolns.
surnanied Mantuanu.i. who-c
writ ngs rivalled Virgil in tli.s
opinion of many pediuts of tbo
time. The lin»j quoted is the
opening of his llrst eclogue.
Map : picture.
March-chick: U. hatched early, in-
f I icatiiig precocity.
Margent: margin (alluding to tho
practice of writing quotations and
notes in the margin of books).
Market: alluding to the Italian
proverb Three women and a i;oo£e
make a market'
Karl : clayey earth.
Marry : corruption of ' Virgin Mary.'
a mild oath.
Marry-trap: probably, equivalent to
catch who catch can.*
Masked Neptune : i.e. with a calm.
M tsque : a display by masked pti--
fonners.
Master of fence : one who has taken
ins denroe us master of fencini; by
iiublic trial.
Mated: astounded, bewildered,
natter : serious sens<».
May: can.
Mazzard : jaw.
Mealed : mingled, mixed, Fr. mCh'.
wean : means.
Meastpe : a stately dance ; quibbling
on the dance.
Mechanical=artisan, here used for
-.vulgar, contemptible,
mediclnable : medicinaL *
GLOSSARY
!t||lf:
MadleiiM : doctor.
MMt: even.
HMUt: flMMt, inodt appropriata.
MtlAneooiy: ■ullen; inlsuied by
MistrtMM (J. for 'tfiiniuod.'
McmorlM: make ineinurablc, com-
tiiFinoi'Htu.
Maphlttopliolna : a name familiar-
iiicd In Kngland hy piilillc perform-
anceiof Marlowe 8 ' JJtxtor J-iius-
Ms pompB provexit apex: I no
iloHlro ot renown drew nio to this
enterprise.'
Mercy ; " cry thee — , " ask your pcr-
don.
Mere : ab«oIute. certain ; parficuiar;
complete, utter: itlircr, unniili-
tratcd ; of jour — own," abno-
lutcly yo ir own.
Merely a dumb-ihow ; abwilutcly a
imntoininiH.
Merit: recomprnse.
Men: the set of four; 'at great din-
ners the coiiipiiny wa» usually
arranged in foura, who were served
touciher."
Metapbyilcal : supernatural.
Mete: to lako moitsure, tonim.
Metbeglln: meml. a mrunK liquor
compoiK'd of hiini'y una water
fermented with yeast.
Methoughts : nuilioii^jht (cf. me-
thinks).
Mewed: imprii^oned.
Middle-eartb : ».«• suRpcndcd bo-
twoen heuveu and hell.
Mill-Blxpences : the fii-st niiUe.l
coins nmile in KiikIuiuI, ami
iised for rouniers iu adding ui)
otlier money.
Mimic : actor.
Mince: walk affectedly (willi
extreme propriety).
Minimus : a being of the Hnmlli'st
size.
Minion : favourite, darlinir.
Minstrelsy: "use hin> for my — ,"
appoint him one of my min^lreU
Minutely : every minute.
Mirrors : i.e. Kdwnrd and Clarence.
Miscarry: fail to recover.
Mischiefs : de.apair'8. misery's.
Misconster : mis'-onstrue.
Mis-dread: misgivini,'.
Misgovemment : abandoned con-
dnct.
Misgroffed : prafted on a w rong or
unsuitable stock.
Misprison: mistuke, misconception,
minapi>rehension.
Missives: messenRpra.
Misuse : deceive ; to abuse, to rail at.
Mock: ridicule.
Mockery : pretended.
Model : plan ; copy.
Modem: ordinary, commonplace,
conventional:"— seeming," com-
mon probability.
Mofl : more.
Molestation : turmoil.
Momentany : momentary.
Monarcbo : the name of an eccentric
and ridiculously pretentious Italiun
who waa a well-known renident in
I.()ndon. mentionod by other con
teniiwirary wnurn.
Montando : ) an upward thrust lit
Hontajit : ( fencing.
Monument: memory.
Moral: occult mcauing, inuucndo ;
Kli" In moroli/.ini^.
Moralise: expound.
More, if might: more would be
repre!««uite<T if the conditions (of
the Hi age) pennitU'd.
Mortal : deadly, fatal ; " — starinK,"
Hturing with deadly fl.xity. pilileH.H ;
" — conitequences," forlhcuiuiiig
eeoiils of this mort-al life.
Mortl&ed man : an aHcetio.
Motion : na(ui*al impulHe; emotion,
ttensat.ion ; ' motion!' 'a workii.g
pnl^^o' (just proved uxperimcui-
iillv.
Motions : proposals ; Impulses.
Motive : in'trunient.
Motmtain-forelgner : alluding to ili •
mounliiutoiis cuuformaliou u(
Wales.
Mountebanks : quacks, sorcerers.
Mouse : tear to ijieces.
Mummy : a preparation nuule from
corpses or muiiiinies and supiio^cil
to have ma^ieal pioiiurtica.
Murders: wounds.
Murky : dai k.
Murrain : a di&ea80 of sheep ai.d
cattle.
Muse : wonder, marvel.
Mussel-sbell: appliud to SimpI '
who stands with hia ntoutU oimu.
Must: wiiiatcome to.
Mutualities : familiarities.
My brother's love: lovo for my
brother.
Mystery : trade.
Naked : unarmed.
Napkin: handkerchief.
Native: by nature ; natural, actual.
Nature: the realm of nature.
Nature's mischief: evil tcndcLeiL4
of human nature.
Naught: wortlilest creature.
Naughty : wicked, evil, corrupt.
Nay-word : watchword, password.
Ne : nor.
Near: intimate with.
Nearest of life : most vital rcccj^n
of my life.
Neat: ox.
Needle : from ' nceld.'
Nepze : enee/.e.
Neglect : cause neglect ^if.
Nelir : a flat.
Neighbour : intimate of.
Neighbours: "good -," ic. who up-
hold instead of slandering cadi
other's character.
Ne intsUigis, domiue?: Do yow
underatand me, sir)
Next : nearest, surest.
Niece: for 'grand daughter.'
Nice: coy; over-scrupulous, unim
portant : minutely "orreot.
Nicely : " iniiatuc too -," render you
fastidiously b',r ipuloua.
720
GLOSSARY
(IrcMlnic-irowfi.
: wboM err *«• »n IH-
KUrht-ffOWB :
MiCht-raTtn
iiinen.
Vl|tht-ral«: nlKht-rorel.
Kin: ooniraclion of 'ne will,' will
not.
Nit: parlieir, ainin.
Moblt : a void noiii worth six shlllln«Ta
and eiKhtptjncr.
NoblMi : old form of noblpnc^t.
NolM : miiale.
Nonas* : minoriif.
Non-oom : properly an abbreviation
of not* rompoH menlia -- not of
■uiind mind ; DoKbt-rty ]irob«bly
inMtnHl nnn plu». <|uan(iarr.
North: north wind.
NorwaSTi: Norwci^iann.
Nothing : prun. um ' n'jtlng,' hence
tlio pun.
Notion : ImaKlnHtfon.
Notorious : ettrvgioux : ' who shonld
bo exposed to notorliity.'
Nouile : nunc, cherinh.
Novice: vouih.
" NoTl homlnem, etc." : ' I know the
nmn tw well as I know yoii."
NoTum: a K»ine of dice at which
the Biiccemful thrown were five
aud nine, honcf the full name was
novftn quint/iie.
Nowl : head (!S;ix. knot).
Nttthook: a contemptuoufl term for
' catihpolc,' upplicd in the sense of
'biiiliir."
Obliged : tiledired.
Obscure bird : bird of night, the owl.
Obsequiously: as a niotinifr.
Obaervancy : cxafwerated homage.
Observation : observance.
Obstruction : congcnllnK of the
blond.
Occasion: "sort — ."Hoek an oppor-
tunity; "quarrelling with - " at
odds with the matter In question.
Occident : the West.
Odd even: the 'small hours,' wiilch
are both "late ' and 'early.'
Odds : qunrrol.
Od's heartllnys: 'Ood'a heartlln«'
(little hciirt): an oath.
Od's nonns : Mistree* Q. s eupho-
iiiiMru for 'God's wounds," an oatli.
(Eillades : inviting glances.
O'er - looked : bewitched (by the
(jlanccof a fairy).
O'er-parted : overwhelmed by his
part.
O'erpast: In the past.
Of: ill : "too late — ," too late for;
•■ - ail tlie day," during the whole
(lay.
Offends : hurts pains.
Offered : attempted.
Offlced instruments : vision ap-
_ V"""'""' ^^ )""r- Bcf vit-c.
Offices : kitchens, larders, etc., ser-
vants' quarters ; services, employ-
ment. ''
Old : a colloquialism for abundant,
exceMive; 'the old-established
custom of,'
Once : ever.
721
Open : hunting term for 'foil ory';
reveal.
Opinion: belag self ouinloaatMl :
reputation : " rich -, the high
etdeeni In which you are held.'
Oplnloned : Uugberry'a blunder for
■ pinioned.'
Oppoalte : uasubmiH^lvo, at enmUy :
niMlile, anlagunisilo; opponent;
opposed ; " daring an — ," otfering
blmiielf as an antagonisl, boldly
oppoHing himself.
Oppreu : suppress.
Orba : rimrs of luxuriant graae said
to be caused by fairy dauccm;
sphere ».
Orchard : garden.
Order: "take -," uke measure*
make arrangements.
Original: originator*.
Ork : Kvan's pronunciation of 'work.'
Orphan hein: unfathered beings,
supiHised, like Merlin, to have
come spontanrouslv to birth, and,
being hupernat(?ral In origin, to
be unchanged by time ('of fixed
de«tlny ').
Orthography: orihographor. 'eu-
phuiHt'- bombastic phrase -iiiuker.
O'a : smallpox marks.
Ostent: detncnnour, appearance ;
ostentation, display.
Ounce : an auiuial of the leopard
tribe.
Ouphe* : goblins.
Ousel-OOCk: Maekhlrd.
Out-facing: hraeen. bold-faced.
Out-tosgue; over-ride, outweigh.
Overcome : overslmdow ; •' to — ," by
conquering.
Overgo : exceed.
Owe : to own, to possess ; by owning.
Oyes : Old Fr. ovez = he>ir ye. -
with wliich a public crier precedes
his onnoDnci'iiient.
Ozlip : a larger kind of cowslip.
Pac* : exercise.
Packed in : party to.
Paddle : toy, play.
Paddock : toad (u familiar spirit of
the witches).
Pageant : show, display.
Pain: penalty; labour.
Pains : services.
Painted : Hham.
Painted cloth : wash-drawings of
Alexander and oilier 'worthies'
were frequently seen on wall-
hangings.
Palabras: for the Spanish poena
palabraa, 'few words.'
Pale : enclosure.
Pall: cover, envelop.
Pandarus of Troy : Crossida's uncle,
who acted as go-tttweeu in her
amours with Tioiius.
Paper: letters.
Paragons : excels ; beggars.
Parcel : conipany, group ; ' part and
parcel ' ; a part, a fragment.
Parcel-bawd : part bawd.
Parcelled: individual, limited to
particular objects.
GLOSSARY
,-fl.
u
Pard : leopard.
ParlotU ^ perilouR : un cnfaut ttr-
rihU : daiiKorousIr precocionH.
Part: "my — in him," my govern-
ment deputed to him.
Partake* : imparts.
Parted: left.
Party-Terdict : nfcrecment, assent.
Paai : portray, enact.
Paaaado : a forward thmst in fencintc.
Pasaaire: people passint; by. [aldry.
Passant: walking: a teriu in lier-
Passed : passed all bounds.
Passes: proceedings; posses all
bounds.
Passing : surpassingly ; " — on,"
piissint< sentence on.
Passion : Krieve : emotion, over-
w^rought emotion ; outcry ; grief.
Patcb : fool, clown.
Patent : privilexe : pcrmiasinn
Pathetloal : chamilug, fascinating.
Pattern : sample.
Pauca verba : TmI. few words.
Paul's : Old St. Paul's, used fur public
announcements.
Paved fountain : a stream with a
pebbly bottom.
Pawn : a pledge ; to pledKc.
Peaches: impeaches.
Peak: fade, shrink ; to sucak.
Peculiar: personal.
Pedant : schoolmaster.
Peevisb: silly, foolish; senseless;
"pc«nsA-fond," weakly foolish.
Pegs: i.e. on which the strmgs of a
musical instrument are fii»lencd
and wound up to the required ten-
pion.
Pelse: weigh; weigh down. (Fr.
peaer, to weigh.)
Pelican : suppc^ed to feed its young
with its own bloo<l.
Peltlns : paltry, petty.
Penance : misapplied br Dull.
PenoUa : fine paint brushes used for
portraits.
Pensioners : gentlemen of the royal
bodyguard : retainers.
Pent-botue lid : eyo-lid.
Pent-bonse like : overhanging, like
the projecting roof of a shop (an
affectation of profundity).
Perch : a measure of b\ yards=' rod,'
* pole.' or ' perch.'
Perdurable : enduring, lasting.
Perdttrably fined : everlabtingly
punished.
Peremptory: audacious.
Perfect: perfectly informed; blame-
less, immaculate.
Perfeotest : most reliable.
Period : conclusion, end, ending.
Perjure: perjurer (a convicted per-
jurer was compelled to wear a
I paper on his breast setting forth
his crime).
Peijtired note : stain of perjury.
Pert: brisk: lively.
Perttaunt-llke : an unexplained
phrase, evidently implying com-
plete EUbJection ; It is pla«nib!y
8ugKcnt«d that pour fotif underlies
' jwrttannt.'
Pomaed: examined.
PeitUenoe : poison.
Pew-fellow : comrade
Phantaalme: a fantastic personage.
Pheeaur: bumorouitly formed from
pheeze, to fluster, to worry.
Pnlbtmi : Phmbus.
Philemon's roof: alluding to tiie
st'iry of Philemon and Iteuci.s.
who received Jupiter into their
cottage in the guise of a poor wan-
derer.
Philomel: Philomela, a classical
name of the uigbtingale.
Phlegmatic: misapplied by Mistre-.-i
Q. for ' choleric."
Pla mater: the inner membrane en-
closing the brain, here applied to
the brain itself.
Picked: genicel, fa3tidiou<).
Pickt-hatch : a disreputable quurt<.'r
of Loudon.
Piece : masterpiece, marvel.
Pled : flecked with dashed of colour ;
spotted.
Piety: Dogberry's blunder for 'ini-
Dicty.'
Pikes : spiked centre pieees screw oil
intn sixteenth-century shields.
PlUed : pillaged.
Pilot thought: "think his — ," &<■
sume thought to be his pilot.
Pin : the wooden pia tliat upheld tlte
target.
Pines: plague.<i.
Pinnace : scouting vessel.
Pioneers : the roughest of the traop><.
em))loyed on road-making and
similar labour, generally as puniili-
ment for misconduct.
Pipe-wine : wine drawn directly
from I lie pipe or cask, with qiiil>-
blinii :illusion to pipinu for a dam''-,
and canary, the nanio of a quick
lively dance.
Pitch: loftiest aspirations (techniciil
expression in falconry for tin;
highest point attained by the
hawk).
Pitch: played on by Biron in tin-
sense of 'entanglement' in the
snare (love) that he has alwsvs
disdained (q/*. '^(fc/(-baf/s Stuck m
her face').
Plttie-ward : t (Petty) Litt'o Park.
Pin por dulzura. etc. : 'more I'V
sweetness than by force.' (liil-
'piu,' used instead of Spun.:
'mas.')
Place: pitch (in falconry) q.i'.
Placket : a part of I'emalo dress.
Plagued : requited.
PlalnlJig: complsinincr.
Plaln-song: song without vni.i-
tion.s.
PlaintilRi : Dogberry's blunder fur
' prisoners.'
Planched: planked, made of bounl:<.
Pleached : folded ; entwined.
Plsasanee: pleasure.
Pliant : convenient.
Pluck on: compel, provok'.- ; dr.iw
sword on.
Plummet: sounding line.
iZ'S
GLOSSARY
Point: a pun on the French nega-
tive particle, 'not at all,' 'by no
means,' " at a — ," thoroughly pre-
pared.
Folnt-deTise : precific.
Polsa: moment, importance (with
.allusion to ' nice balance ').
Pole : a long pole or quartcr-Rtaff
with which the north-country men
were very skilful.
Pomewater : a kind of apple.
Pompous : magnillcent,, gorgeous.
Pontl3 Sea: Black Sen.
Pooped: despatched (properly a nau-
tical term).
Poorly : downcast.
Port: appearance, reputation.
Portable: endurable.
PortctUlls: an iron or wooden
grating made to slide vertically in
agate.
Position : positive aosertion.
Possess : fill : to inform.
Possessed: gone mad; informed,
worked upon.
Posset: a hot drink, a 'night-cap';
specifically, " hot milk, i>oured on
'e. having sugar, grutcd bisket
:iscuit), cgg8, with other ingre-
fiicnts iKiiled in it, which goes all
to a curd " ( Holmes).
Possibilities: g aspects.
Posters : rapid travellors.
Posy: motto, inscription.
Pottle : a half-gallon tankard ;
"po///cdcep," drained the pottle to
tlie bi>ttom.
Power : army, fighting force.
Practice: plot; plotting, scheming.
Preambola : let us walk apart.
Precedent: original draft; proof.
Freceptial medielne : the medicine
of precepts.
Precise: tliorough.
Freeches : breeches, i.e., whipped.
Prefer: promota, advance; bring
forward: "pre fern itself," take
pri'cedciice of all other matters;
proHciont ; self-evident.
Preferred : proffered, proposed ; re-
commended.
Pregnant ; plausible ; apt, prompt.
Preparations : accomplishments,
^eposteronsly : perversely.
Present : document for presentation ;
ininiediate, instant ; represent.
Presently: immediately, forthwith.
Freserved : kept pure.
Press : alluding to the torture called
7»rne forte et dure, which consisted
of crushing the body with Jieavy
wciKhts.
Prest: already prepared; ready,
prompt. "
f tester John : thn fabulous Asiatic
Christian king described by
Mandeville.
Pretence : purpose.
B~™«** ■ dMlgn. ntirpo-.c. ffiuasion.
^revaumeat : weight, power of per-
Prevented : anticipated, forestalled,
^ey • ravage.
Pnbbles and prabbles : wrangling
ami gossip.
723
racket : buck of the second year.
Prime : first.
Mmero : a game at cards.
Print:," in—," prcc^Isely (probably
alluding to a book of manners (c/.
Touchstone's • We quarrel in print
by the book,' As you like it. V.
iv.).
Prints : impressions.
Priscian: a famous Athenian
grammarian, whose name h.-\d
become typical of accuracy in
I/itin ; " — a little scratched," a
si wilt error In Latin grammar.
RlTllega : safeguard.
Privy order : secret measures.
Prized : considered.
Probal : probable.
Probation: proof.
Probation with : proving to.
Proceeded well : playing upon the
academic meaning of proceed^ lo
take a degree.
Process : story.
Prodigious: monstrous.
ProfuiaUon: Elbow's blander for
profession.'
Profane : infamous.
^Oflt: warning; prosperity.
Profound : possessed of occult prop-
erties.
^ohiUt: misapplied by Dogberry.
Prolizious : superfluous, hindering.
Prolonged: postponed, deferrel.
Prompture : incitoment, instiga-
tion.
Proof : experience ; tested annour ;
" m your own — ," making trial of
her yourself.
Propagation: increase by remaining
at interest
Proper: exclu-sively; "— to," com-
muted by; comely, well-propor-
tioned, handsome; own.
Properties : stage requisites, apart
from scenery und dresses.
Property: inherent virtue.
Proponuc: the sea of Marmora
(which "floweth and runneth out
into Fropontis ; but never retireth
backe agiUne within Pontus."
Holl.and'8 trans, of I'liny's Natuiul
HuitoruX
Proportion: measure ; portion, com-
petence.
Propose : to discourse, to talk.
Prorogue : " but to — only," enough
to linger out.
Prosperous: propitiotis: felicitous.
Protest: exhibit.
PrOTOkest: invokest.
Pruning: preening, trimming.
Puddings: intestines, stuffed and
seasoned.
Puddled: deranged.
Puissance: strength.
Piunplon: pumpkin.
Punk : strumpet.
Pnnto: a back-handed stroke in
fencing.
Purchase: gain, profit ; win.
Pure: unaided.
PursuiTEUt : one of the lowest orders
of heraldry.
GLOSSARY
If
1
in
Parrejror: preciirBor (properly an
oftic«r of the King sent before to
secure proTisions for the Koysl
party).
PiUb: attack; "made a — at,"
braved.
Pttab-pln : a child's Ram« in which
pins are pushed alternately.
Put on: to inutigate, to incite; to
urge, to press forward.
Quail : overpower.
Quaintly: skilfully.
Qualittcation : paciflcation.
Qualify: to dilute; to lower, to
bring down.
Quality: profession, avocation.
Ql^alm: withquilibeon 'cHlni.'
Quarry: a heap of t-laughtered
gaiiie.
Quat: pimple.
Quean : a general name for a wo:r an,
but often used as au abusive
epithet.
Queasy: fastidious.
Quell: kill, murder (Saxon q^tellam,
to kill).
Quern : a hand-mill.
Quest: inquest, ^ury.
Question: consideration; converse,
debate; "in—," in dtMuatid (al-
luding to the legal exntiiination
nmter trial) ; " with more facile
— bear it," win it by an easier
contest ; examination.
Questionless: unquestionably.
Questions : cross-examiniiiK.
Quests: spyinKS, search parties.
Quiclc : alive; brishi, lively ; vita!,
heart-felt ; "set— ," planteti alive
up to my neck ; invigorating.
Quicken : begin life.
Quiet : pence.
Quillets: Ici^aI sabtletios; quibbles.
Quirks : jokes ; whims ; extrava-
Kuiices.
Quit: requite: recompense; remit;
acquit, fortrive; "the portage—,"
tliy tiirth compensate.
Quod me allt, me extinguit : ' that
which gives me lite, gives mu
death.'
Quoniam: since that.
Quote : read, interpret.
Quoted : " for foul hath amber — ,"
makes ambor plain by compari-
son.
Rabato : collar.
Rack : stretch to its utmo.H ; to test.
Raged: enraged.
Ragged : rugg>^d, harsh.
Raised up : ai-oiis>>d.
Rank: "somcihiug—," in readiness,
in full swinK.
Rapture : violent seizure.
Raught: reached.
Ravin : to devour eagerly.
Ravlned : ravenous.
Raw : inexperienced.
Rawness : n tste.
Raze: to tear otf ; to raze out = to
erase.
Reasoned: conversed.
Reasons : reasoning.
Rebate: repress.
Receipt :! receptacle ; money I had
received.
Received : unflerstood.
Recbeat winded : a blast blown on
the horn to recall the hounds.
ReclusiTe : secluded.
Reconciliation: "present — ," im-
mediate reinstatement in odice.
Recorder : a small flute.
Records: sings.
Recure: redress.
Redemption : Dogberry's blunder
for 'perdition.'
Red-lattice pLrases: tavern talk.
Alc-houscs were denoted by their
red lattice windowH.
Redoubted : ' high and mighty.'
Reduce: return tas the rivers brini;
the water back ultimately to tlie
sea) ; bring back.
Reechy : emoky, dirty.
Re-edifled: rebuilt.
Refelled : rcpulsc<l.
Reference: assignment.
Reformed: Dogberry's blunder fui
' informed.'
Regard : approval ; " indi^tiner
— ," in.'ieparublo to our vision ui,
the horizon.
Regreet : greet -, greet again.
Kegreets : salutations.
Re.ent : repent.
Relume : rekindle.
Remember: remind; "— tliy
co .riesy,' a T>olite phrase for 're-
place your but.'
Remembered: "if I had been — ,"
if it had occurred to nie.
Remission : " apt — ," i-eadii:css to
pardon.
Remit: pardon.
Kemonstrancs : demonstration.
Remone: goutlene^s; pity, coin-
pa-^iou.
Remove: twnisli ; "in our — ," dur
ingour ubiicucc.
Rent : rend.
Repasture: repast.
Repeals : seeks the repeal of hi^
•InKradatinii.
Repeated : disclosed.
Repeat: regret.
Replenished : perfect
Report : reputation.
Reproach : Lanctslot's blunder for
' apmoach.'
Reprobance : reprobation.
Reprove : disprove.
Require: request
Rere-mice : bats.
Reserves: keeps.
Residence: "forted — ," rcsidcnei'
fortified.
Kesist: repel, are distasteful to.
Resolve: answer; mform; solve.
Resolved : resolute ; reconciled ;
assured.
Respect : idea ; " sudden — ," speedy
reeoKtiition.
Respected : Elbow's blunder for
' suspected.'
Respective : careful, mindful
724
^^^^^::^^m-^m^,M
f^j
GLOSSARY
Respaeto: oon8i<:e:aUoit3) rennls,
considers.
Retpectstliareof: pointe raised.
Respite: " detHrmlnod — of my
wronus,' fixed limit of my freedom
from the penalty of .jiy misUoeds.
Re-stam : retrace.
Reatrain : wiihhoM.
Restrained: forltiJden.
Retailed : repeated, related.
Return : tell ; renly to.
Revolt : unfaithfulnees.
Rbeum : tears.
Ribs : walln.
Right: "do me -." duellincr phraae
/or 'give nie Hatisraction.'
Rlgbt for rlgbt : ' measure for
nieasnre."
Rinslets : hand-in-han'l circlea.
Ripe : urgent ; ready to be gatherod :
ripen.
Roads : roadsteads, liarbour.
Ronyon : scurvy wretch ; manzy
creature.
Rood : cross.
Rooky: gloomy.
Rooting hog: alluding to the white
boar 111 Uichard's armorial bear
inas.
Rosemary and bays : used for dress-
ing disiie4.
Round : plain, straightforward ;
crown.
Roundel: a circular dance: also
used for a Rong.
Roundly: rudnlj'.
Rouse : a de<>n drauKht.
Royal : a ifold coin, » alue IO3.
Royal battle : a battle for the throne.
Rub: an obstruction (technical tenii
in bowls).
Rude: haroh.
Rufflaned : blustered, stormed.
Ruin: refuse. IuisUh.
Runagate : renegade.
Russet: plain (the common colour
of homespun worn by ptasanis).
Sackerson : a celebrated hear kept
for haitin; at the Paris Garden in
^outhwark.
Sacrament : oath ; the Sacrament
.liken m conarmation of an oiUh.
Sad : seriou').
tally: troubled: "—borne," serl-
Kiisly conducted.
Safe toward: regarding well,
Sa^ : sink.
Sain : said.
Saint Denis: the patron saint of
I' ranci".
Salt : lutifiil, impurn.
Salve : ointment ; Moth quibbles on
the I^t. saloe, a word of salutation
Salved: palliated.
Sand-blind: half blind.
Sanded : of a candy colour.
Sans : without.
Satisfy : sustain.
saUs quod lufflcit: 'enough is as
good as a feast.'
Saiorn : '■ born under — , ' saturnine,
melancholy by nature.
Saucy: intrusive, iuiolcnt; wanton.
725
Savours : sweet perfumes.
Saw: maxim.
5s.?'* y** • ^'^^0 h»^« 7 ft essayed.
'Sblood : corruption of ' God's b.'ood.'
an oath.
■cab : low fellow (used quibbllngly).
scaled: weighed in tbo KCales, t.e.
tried.
Scall : scabby, scurvy.
ScambUiig : scramblfng. contentious.
BoantedTlimited, stinted.
Scapes: sallies; escapes.
Scarfed : decorated.
Scarf up: blindfold.
Scathe: injury.
Scattering : casual, chance.
Scion: oti' shoot.
Scope : libertv.
Scored me : ' branded nie'(Steevcns)i
ronj. 'scored agiiinst me."
Scorn : subject of jest or mockery.
Scorns: scornful expressions.
Scotched : inflicted sImhIics or cuts.
Scrip : scroll, corruplinn of bcriut.
Scrivener: public scribe.
Scroll : document.
Scrubbed: stunted. f^niall.
Scut: the short tail of a rabbit or
deer.
Sea-coal fire : coal was a novelty at
the period, and being entirely im-
ported from over sea, was known
as aeacoal.
Seal : the Htitte Sral.
J Seas : cea»eless troubled of govem-
Season : restorative. [ment.
Seated: fixed.
Sect: cutting.
Sects : classes.
Se ure: unsuspecting; credulous
overconfl ent; 'believed to be
unsullied'; "1 do not so secure
me in the error," I do not feel se-
cure t.ecau8c of ihe errors in these
reports.
Security : over-confldenco ; legal 'se-
curi'ie.^.'
See : Uome.
Seel: to blind (technical term in
fnlconry)
Seeming : hypocrisy, pretence ; plau-
sible.
Seems : " that aeema to speak things
strange," ' whose appearance < orre-
sponds with the -tningeness of his
me.i«HKe ' (Clar. Vv.)
Seen the day of wrong : found my-
self wronged.
Seething: active, excited.
Begregatltn: a separated portion.
&0'f-abuse: "my strange and — ,"
decejition of others and myself.
Self-bounty: inheiit kindness and
geiierosity.
f-charlty: lelf-protection, self-
defence.
Self-comparisons: an rqutJ force.
Sennet : a certain set of tunes played
on t'.p cornet or trumpet
Se'nnight : soven nights, a week.
Sense : " to iho ■-.•• ^to the qnii^k,'
Senseless ooAjuration: words ad-
dn-ssed to inorganic or aetiaelesa
objects.
GLOSSARY
-• 1 ;. .
ill
S«nseleu-ot>itlaat« : irrationall/ ob-
stinate.
SmulUe : perceptible.
Sentences: saws.
Sequeiter: ttcqucstration.
Seqneetratlon : mutual alienation,
breaking away.
Serpigo : a disease of the skin.
Set : technical term in tennis.
Set np b'a rest : made up his mind ;
a KHHi' iiinif phrase meaning ' stiiked
all )ie> has.'
Several: divided: mpectire; pri-
vate, enclosed, as opposed to com-
mon luiiil where all might grneo;
■with quibble on several — severed,
divided.
Sewer : an officer whose duty it was
to taste each dish to prove it was
not poisoned.
Sbag-eared : having hairy ears.
Shall deal unadTlaedly : inevitably
act rashly.
Shanefast : shamefaced.
Shard : scaly wlnjc-case.
Sharp provided : keen and apt.
Shaven Hercules: probably allud-
ing to Hercules when disguised
as a woman, in the service of
Omphale.
Sheen: snining, bright
Sheep-biting : tkieviuh.
flhoAiT * clo&r
Shent': used (or both 'soundly rated'
and ' undone,' mined.
Shift : act fui lively.
Shine : radiance.
Shipman's : senmnn's; sailor's;
" ahipman's card," the dial of the
compass printed on a card.
Ship-tire: headdress resembling a
ship in full sail.
Shore : B'*vered.
Shores: sewern.
Shoughs : shaggy ^.ogs.
Shotuderedin : pushed violently into.
Shovel-boards: Hhillings of Eawnrd
VI. used in the game of ahoeel-
board. In which the counters were
sh'^red towards numbered spots
on (he board.
Show: appear.
Shrewd: precocionn; mischiovons,
vicious, evil; harsh; accursed:
shrewish.
Shrift: confession ; confessional.
Shriving work: only fit to be re-
vealed under the secrecy of priestly
confession.
Shrews: shrews.
SidUOl : be surfeited.
Sic speetanda fides : so faith is to be
tested.
Si«M : official seat ; rank.
Sightless: invisible.
Significant: sign, symbo].
Slgnior Sooth Sir Flatterer
SignoilM: estates.
Sims of war : armour
tfficMi' nmoothtongiKKl.
Simple : mcdirtwil herb.
Simplicity : innoc-cncc ; iJubecSity,
drivelliiiif.
Sisel: Macbeth s father, according
to Holinshed.
Single: individual; weak.
Smster: left.
Sir: addressed to inferiors of either
sex ; the cnatnmary title of a pur-
son ; " play the — ," play the fine
gentleman.
Sirrah : a common form of address
to inferiors.
Sisters Three : the Kates.
Sit: weigh.
Sith : Kince.
Skillet: kettle.
Skipping: trivial, frivoloiH.
Sklrn : scour.
Slab : glutinous.
Slack: neglect.
Slanders: slanderero.
Sleave: raw silk: "ravelled — ,"
tangled skein.
Sleek o'er: smooth.
Sleided: raw, nutwisted.
Slice: suggested by iSleitder's lean-
ness.
Slight : paltry, ptierile.
Slighted: coolly idtchod.
Slipped : let pass.
Slipper: slipiery.
Slivered: si inert.
Slop: wide loose trousers (usual'y
oalled French slopn).
Slower: better weighed, more ecu-
sidered.
Slubber: sloven; mar, soil.
Small: elfemlnateiy.
Smoking: fumigating with bum:
perfumes.
Smooth: to flatter.
Smog : trim, neat.
Snatches: sallies of wit, repartee.
Sneapins : nipping.
Snipe : di>lt, poltroon.
SntuT: otfence, with quibbles on I'l
the caudle-wick, and (2) a, hiitf.
expressed by atnifftnu with ihe
nose.
So: like itself.
Soft yen : stop ! Pause !
Solace: find comfort.
Sold him a bargain: beguiled Imu
into proclaiming himself a fool.
Sole name : name alone.
Solemn : state, ceremonious.
Soliciting: prompting.
Something: somewhat.
Sometime: > once; erstwhile
Sometimes : ( formerly.
Sonnet : l sonneteer llanmer's c or
rection.
Sonties : aaints.
Sooth : truth-
Soothe : flatter.
Sop: properly the cakeor waferfloat-
ing i,i the wiuecupa at a wedding
feast.
Sore : a buck of the fonrth year.
Sorel : a buck of the third year.
Sorriest : gloomiest, most diamal.
Sorry : horrible : painful.
Sort: pack. herd, eompsiny, assem-
blage ; lottery ; arrange ; raiiU ;
ooeiir, fall out.
■Ml : liking.
TIG
GLOSSARY
"ent to *peaAr and not nee," enraffed
at beioK unable to see aa welTas
f22SS^.*!?I*i obserrant. watchful.
iSSS^J. . •»«*'•»« - of." outran,
speken : npcak.
SSSL^'**'*'^*"*' ridicule him.
Spent: exhausted.
Splcery: "nest of-,- alluding to the
l^mZ^' ''.'**'''<'»» only one wSb
»aid to exwt at a time : this bird
fY.i-1 K """fi? °" * "0=** of Rpic<>a
m-ed bj the sun, a new Phoenix
arising from the ashes.
splay : castrate.
Spleen: passionate violence; con-
vuision of lauKhter; paroxysm of
mission i (laughter as well as 111-
Lumour was 'Believed to take rise
in the spleen).
Splinter : set in splinta.
Spotted : evil, impure.
opng : sprack, alert.
square : quarrel.
Squarer : brawler.
ISfUff5i..*V?'?P« wa pod.
squeaked: 8hrieke<l (without mwlcrn
humorous si.srgre'tionX "'""«'™
Sauler:s<,uare measurcmentCknow
hi^ liiimours to a turn ').
Staff : lunte.
^hil^s.^"'""''^*' **'® '"^"« o'
aiJSP."i**i" (''"'"P^d with a oro8sX
lt?«5<-«- v""'v P08i»ion ; remain.
'Wll^ffiti.*'^^^''-"'''^-'-'
S }fJ*™"'*'>Pon •• «8 incumbent
raiiU;
^ H^flir^ ^^^ ^*«-.= «ccordinjf to
» I itaroli. Alexander's head was wot
Star: the sun.
Star Cmunber: this Court took
|J*rt : disturb, alarm.
's^ti;'^au,ir"'*''*^'^''''°'
^Me!'ra?k°''"= ''°''"''° '" "'«
|JaJ«» : estates.
foHhSH**.*"". woollen caps pr,
??' .n k1^ ^^"' ?' Parliamont^in
,po°nta„7."'--^^»'-sof
l«^>i). "''*'^ <'"»"'^'^8 «' the
Ufyja^ait wait for.
furtjier"''^' '"'*•''• «"PPort. aid;
'»ab,;'p^;Ji!;,'l>' "-''"^- -
Steerage : i.e. ihotmht.
727
Jtew : oaoldron.
^I ?i'*r; «'wa7i : continual : fre-
n^^All - 'aV'"»r •verlasting.
SS5£**0** • ™P'«>" thrust fl. **
St2Sl'-S certain thrust In fencing.
Btomacb: appetite.
Btone: harden.
^^i,H» '^^'''."?^«»»«' : crooked ;
projeoting, bulging
^i?S;(wJth°"q^i'b\li;'r'!JCL^'.S
8tout:'ti:}f,^''-"'^-
f towed: bestowed.
aSI^i.'"'*^* P'*"*: 'ineage, race.
Hcrange: new,
8ta»ngely-yl8lte<l : afflictod with
strange diseases.
swaageness : estranfrement.
!*£««: stroke Hghtlr.
d!wt * ■ '''•'''<""<^^' rifirorous coii-
^^SJi?i* "''eep'st the-," Ivoepeat ou
B*t.»il"*f = * '•'»'«d pen mark.
irHr**' over-burden<-ri
Sic?* <l"'bbleon 'stile.'
Bnpoued : subjected.
Subora: secure, bribe.
fubrorlbed : signed.
Substances : forms.
Succeed: inherit.
.F5?"*' • .,*=<»?8c*l"«"''e''. the issue:
vi^w~' '^^"'^ '*^ "i' ""«'■•
anSS?}*.^''^ •■>-'' ^}^^*^ o' 8ucee.«sioii.
%?ffi^ • «P««''"y' promptly,
StuTer: perish.
Sufferance : sufferinj?.
'Wcfe'ni.aV""'*''"** ''^''^^'y-'
'"^SfenV""**^"*" '"""'''•»• '«>•
8^1** • to tempt, to instigate, to
*•?!* ■ J?PP«rel impossibly • school • (in
"'k£U''*?^,'""' Q"»>-tos) stands for
C«nag<ri.!d\^4"««^^'^'* ""' ""'^
*'^*" '\ f'o'iosf Quartos ' «Aoo/r,- • to^
accentuate the pun. the two word*
being pronounced nearly alike.
Sullen : sombre.
Snileiu : mnrpsenesR.
.Si^:"^S°^"*.= appearing liko
summer; seeming to be theelKoct
2;?'u''^1*''9'"'' a"*i short-lived hcin
of the blood" (Schmidt). '^" """
^r5?^*- dark-complexioned, uii.
attractive.
*'Jki'5^'?"'^ = i' Pnnning alhiBion to
K.^™^K* "iC * '*^''«. adopted OS u
badge by M ward IV. kfter tlic
battle of Mortimer's Criiss.
^t **"' riots: riotoua siiikt-
Supposed : false.
Snppoiinc: Imsginatloii.
Surceaw: ending.
Sure : trust worth v.
Surreying: percciviDg,
suspect: misapplied by Dogbeirv
for 'respect.' »j^i/5uc.ij
GLOSSARY
i'!
i 1
5^i-
l-iilll 1^
IN
Suapicion : viz. : that there arc horns
un<ier it.
Sway : am Kuidod.
Bwean: iwears alleKianecu
Sweat: sweatinK-Bickneu.
Sweetnesa : Bolf Indulgence.
SwelUns: enmttcd.
8wia<aa: whipped, flogged.
Sword : 08 emblem of government.
Swonnd: swoon.
SympatUes : equality of social posi-
tion.
Table : palm of the hand.
Ta'en out : copied.
Ta'en tardy : found lagKlng-^ , , .
Taffeta: a rich smooth material of
silk, here used for the tatteU
maHks. , ,
Tailor: an pxclamation used when
anyone fell backwards otf a seoU
Taint : bo moved ; to disparage, to
impuicn.
Talie: rtrlke; to strike with dis-
ease ; '• take-out " (v. fa e«-Ottf). ,
Taken up : " taken up of these men s
bills,' (1) obtain thosn men's bonds
on credit; wiih quibble on (2) ar-
rrsted by these men with halberds.
Taking : mortal terror.
Taldng-off: murder.
Talk me : ss eak to me.
Tall: valorous, bold; effective,
powerful.
Tax: (lisparaf^e.
Techy: peevish.
Teems: teems with: becomes pro-
ductive.
Teen: trricf, sorrow, trouble.
Tell o'er : enumerate, count.
Tellua: thee-.nh.
Tempers : influences, inotiidc.
Temporary meddler: meddler in
temportti-y or » orldly attaiis.
Temporize: comply.
Tender: oifer; ^'well I — .' with
watchful care ; cheriHh, am devoted
to- . ..
Tendering : havn g regard for.
Terminauona : terms.
Tester : sixiK me.
Tbarborough : thirdborough, con-
stable. . , „
Thetis : the godde=s of the Soa. .
Thick-pleached : closely intonwuicd
with foliage. , . , , , .
Thick-4kin : thickhead, blockheao.
Thin : thinly clad.
Thin-belly doublet: ns porirayuK
the man in love i contrasted with
the fasliionab.e 'great -bcllud
doublet'). ., , .. , , 1
Think: " that you — ,' from thinkinir.
Tborongb: formerly useii iuier-
ctmnueably with ' tlirough.'
Thought: "in—," but not uttered;
" upon a — ," as quick aa t ought ;
"always -," keoi> coii-.t«niljf in
mind; "change of thouuMs. all
absMrhinn inversion of thuuKht.
Tboughtea : "be you — ," you "»«»t
believe.
Thraaonical: boast ful
Thread : thread of li'
Thrae-pUad : superfine.
1 liroiifedap : overwhelmed.plerceu.
Ttmiua : niicseWthnish.
Tbnunmed : made of coarse woollen
cloth (the f ArHmaare the unwoven
ends of the warp).
Thwarting: crossing.
Tib : cant term for a tow woman.
TieUa : insecurely.
Tick-tack: properly backgnmmon
(used equivocally).
TUd : compelled.
Tightly : promptly.
TUtli: tillage.
Time : term of life.
Tim^aaa : nniimely.
Timoroua: terriiied.
Tire: head-dress; exhoust; ? bc'i-
furniture. . . , ,
Tire: valiant: a fantastic hca.l
T^ed : arrayed, adorned.
Tirtng-houM : dressing-room.
'Tla once : once for ali-
Titlea : property, estate.
Toged : wearing the toga, the uis-
ttnction of civil authority.
Toil : a net used in hinting.
To-night : last night.
Top : fore luck.
Top-(UU : brim-fulU
Topped : lopped.
Tom their aoula : committed treason.
Touch : touchstone (for testing gold) ;
stroke of mischief ; atfect.ion, feel-
ing-
Tourney : meet in tournament.
Touse : pull, tear.
Toy : trifle ; idle fancy, whim.
Trace : follow, succeed.
Trade : custom, usual practice.
Trains: devices.
Trammel : impede.
Tranect : a ferry.
Translated: tiansforined. ,
Trash : lebtrain, hold back (teclinio.al
term in dog-traiuing for weight iuij
atoohupetuom div).
Travelling lamp : the sun.
Traverse: a particular ihruht m
fencing; march, procetd.
Trenched: Fr. trancUcr: to cut,
slice.
Trencher-knight : fervlng-mnn.
Treys: three.-* (at dice or curds).
Trick: idle fashion.
Tricldng: costumes.
Trifled : made insignificant
Triumph: tournaniout; pageant,
proceHhion.
Trlumviry: triumvirate. .
Trot: iJr. < aius' pronunciation or
•troth,' truth.
Trow : do you think.
Troyan: Trcjan, cant term rr
'robber.' 'scouudn;'.' ,_ . , ,
Truckle-bed : a small low bed \hn\
could be puslied under tho 'atiind
iiiu bed' when not in use.
TruBt: credit. ^^ .,,.
Truth: faitlifulnf'Bs to the KiitK.
Tub : sweating tub, used as a cure.
Tucket : flourish on a trumpet (iw
foccato).
7'2S
to
^ «i i Mij*miw iiiii w ii i i H ii Mi|iii iiiiii iiii iiiii II iijiii iiiii I iiiiiiii '^w.Jimmiik's^Mmm
GLOSSARY
J
Tuition : KU.inlianship.
Tnn-disb : funnel.
Turn: shove; return; "— thjcom
plexion," change colour.
Turned Turk: properly 'tfone to the
liad, here ' turned asuinst your
nmn-batingr creed.'
Turtles : turtle doves.
Twig gen : wioker-work.
Tyrant : usurper ; ruthless critic.
Vnavoided : unavoidable ; inevit-
able.
Untoonneted: withont dofflng the
hat(t.e. 'on equality with," 'with-
out defprence ).
UnbookiBh : nilsiuformcd, ' unwar-
ranted by fact.'
Unborn : not here revealed (but In
the forthcoming scene)
Vnbreattaed: unexercised.
Uncape : uncurtli.
Unconfirmed: ignorant, inexperi-
enced.
Underbome : trimmed.
Undergoes : has accepted.
Undertaker: "his -,'• accountable
for his despatch.
Undervalued : inferior.
Unfold : show up. bring to notice.
UnroiOlng: narrative, communica
tion.
Ungot : iinbegottcn.
Ungradous : grae^lese. traitorous.
unhandsome: graceless, unjust
Unhappiness : evU disposiUon ; mia-
Unhappy : roguish.
Unharaen<!d: inipressionablc.
Unbatcbed : " — practice," undeve-
loped plot
Unhoused : free from household and
inatriiuonial tie.s.
Unlace : relinquish.
Unmeritable: undeservin?.
Unperfectness : iiiiperf< ction.
Unpregnant: inapt, disqualified.
unprovlde: prevail against, over-
Unrespectlve : unobservant.
Unrougb : bei -(lless.
unsbapen: misshaiien.
Unshunned: inevitable.
Unsiating : resistless.
Untainted: unaccus<;d.
Untkrifts: s-pemlthrifis.
irSllil^ii '»c''l'>K rightful claim.
nS^HSf*J in'^'uftble. priceless.
Unvarnished : unadorned,
unweighed : inconsiderate,
up and down : exactly.
•/P'Oir : rouse into uproar,
urcnins : mischievous sprites.
r^,;.^*"''"-""'''"/"^ = "*"fy} interest;
r>i3tom, wont, usage: ''in —"in
I nisi (allowing Shylock the interest
during Ins lifetime!,
staiit '•'""''""'"^ t'* do ; usual, con-
vti^^ •■.c'lcoiiraging, nursing.
L.Mir^°^-**° • alluding to the long
< iiiints and money lenders,
usurping : counterfeit, false.
Uttmranct: "to the -," Fr.dVcu-
trance = to the death.
Vagrom: Dogberry's blunder for
'vagrant'
. ■; ^° lower, to bend down ; tu let
fall : to dp homage ; a gratuity.
Vain: vanity.
Vantage : opportunity ; in addition ;
729
denies theo -."'wiU be of "no
avail.
Vamlsbed : painted.
Vast : lM)undle88.
Vastldity : vastneds.
Vaward : fore part early portion ;
vanguard.
Vegetives : p] »nt8.
Veneys : bouts.
Venice: proverbially the city of
pleasure and gallantry.
Venom : envenomed.
V«?trt«de Of memorir : regarded as
tue hindmost of throe chambers
composing the brain.
Venue : a single hit in fencing.
Verge : sono, circlet.
Vessel : body.
Vesture: "essential -," real gar-
ment, actual embodiment.
Via: spealc up! Italian term of
encouragement
Viewless : invisible.
Viol : a Htringednnusical instrument,
rather lilce a guitar but piaved with
a bow (from which the violin has
been developed).
Virtuous : etfective, iiuwerful : bene-
ficial.
Visard : ) . „„„.
Vi«ard:f *™n9'f-
Vixamenta: advisements, circum-
spection.
Vlouting stog : i.e laughing stock.
voice: vote; accordant voices:
name ; decision ; sanction, ap-
proval. "^
Volable : nimble-witted.
Voucb : assert : bear witness ; " put
on the — ," compel the aclcnowledg-
nient ; to avow, to proclaim.
Vulgarly : pubUcly.
Wag : fly away ; ' slope.' ' scoot,' to
stir, to move.
Wage: "wake and — ," Invlt* and
meet, provoke and confront.
Wages: balances.
Wail : bewail
Wanion: "with a -," with a
vengeance.
Want : lack ; " cannot -," can avoid.
wanton: luxurious.
Ward : guard.
Warder : a truncheon or staff held by
the umpire at a touruameiit.
Ware : beware of.
Warn : summon.
Warp : deviate.
Watcb : watch eiindle (a candle
marked in sections denoting the
hoiirs as it liurns); •• — ' liini
tame," tame him by keeping him
awake (a practice in taming
hawks).
GLOSSARY
i^
\H
Water-roc : a rougli-CMted poodle.
Watery moon : i.e. wboae dooiinant
iniliienre cauBe* flood tidea.
WaT«d: bcekoBod.
Wax: grow (quibbling on 'acoling-
t/rcue.'aboTcX
Wazm: eiwily penetrable: iucroaso.
Weak: unintereating, foolish.
WMltk: welfare.
Wear: faahion.
yrmitag: clothes.
Weatber: stornit.
weeds: gnrnicnts.
Week : ■• in by the — ," at my estire
ooiuniand like a hired servant, i.e.
truly in love with me.
Welgb not: (l) am not of equal
vvcluht with ; (2) Katharine replies
ill the sense of ' value,' ' esteem.'
Weird : Saxon wynl = a fate.
Welkin : sky, the region of the air.
Well-a-day : misery, distresa.
WeU-a-naar : old provincial form of
' wella day,' alas.
Well-Uking: well conditioned, used
c-onicinptuously for 'vulgar.*
Well said : well dune.
Wlialea bone : the tusk of the walms,
remarkable for its whiteness (for-
nierly pronounced ' wliales').
Wbera: whereas.
Whereas: where.
WIiipat«r: one who irhipa out his
sword on theslightCHtprovocatimi.
WUta: with punning allusion to
' wight.*
Wbite-Utrared: cowardly (oouraffe
and love were believed to take nsu
ill the liver).
Wbitely : ? pale, apparently an Inap-
propnate epithet as applied to the
dark-comploxionod Kiisaline.
WMtinff-time: season for bleaolilng.
Wtaitaters: bleachers.
Wide: neglecttuL
Widow: ^'King Edward's — ," the
widowed lady whom King Kdward
had married ; give as jointure.
Wight : maa
Wildemeaa: wildneMi.
Wimbled: hooded (fiotn falconry),
blindfolded.
Windows: eyelids.
Windy aide: windward, sheltered
side.
Wink: blink.
Wis : know ; " I
without doubt
Wish trat fort : by merely wishing
to have it.
WistlT : an old form of wistfully.
Wit : Intelligence, wisdom ; observe,
know.
With : on : by.
iris," certainly.
Withal : with.
^therlng: dclayincr.
Wlthflvt : oouidf>.
Wita: "Ave vyitit," ir. the five
mental ' facultioR,'— loniinon wir.
imagination, fantasy, csiluiation,
niemory.
WittOiUy: cuckeldy.
Woda: distracted, mad (the Mid<ll<>-
Kngilsh fonn of ' wood,' hence iho
qnioble).
Woa : woeful offering.
Womaned: accompunieil by a
woman.
Woodcoeki' fools, simpUions (flm
woodcock was proverbially bruin
less).
Woodbnan : a hunter of fcmali* Knmr.
Woollen: in blanketH, wiihoiit
sheets.
Woolward: with the wool next Die
skin.
Word : motta
Worm: snake; tootlmdio wns
formerly supposed to arise from
the gnawing of a worm.
Wonhipmi: worshiptully, obsequi-
ously.
Wort: unfermented iRor: "vortn."
roou (playing ujion Kvan's |"io-
nunciation).
Wot : to know.
Wreathed : folded.
Wretch: used as a term of endear-
ment.
Wretched: accursed, villainous.
Wring: writhe.
Writ: goeiiel, scripture.
Wroth : misfortune.
Wrought: worked npon.
Tare : ready.
TawniniT : making .Irowsy.
Ycleped: vclept, ealled (Koiio pivcs
'yoliped' to emphasise the iiluy
upon * clip ' in the next line).
Tead: an old abbreviation or
' Edward.'
Year: "in — ." Into wrinkles and
' crow's-feet.
Teamed : grieved.
Tellowness : the colour of jonloiisy.
Yerked : thrust, dufr.
Testy : frothy, foaming.
Tet : at present.
Younker : youth.
Tslaked : laid to rest.
Zany : buffoon ; properly the cIowph
mimic, a humorous "clmrRCicr in
old plays.
Zenelophon: thus irivcn in Iniins
and Quartoe for ' I'enelonhou ' of
the old ballad.
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