Pleaseityourmajesty，Ihavedonealready：
Theblushesinmycheeksthuswhisperme，’Weblushthatthoushouldstchoose；but，berefused，Letthewhitedeathsitonthycheekforever；
We’llne’ercomethereagain。’KINGMakechoice；and，see，Whoshunsthyloveshunsallhisloveinme。HELENANow，Dian，fromthyaltardoIfly，AndtoimperialLove，thatgodmosthigh，Domysighsstream。Sir，willyouhearmysuit？FirstLordAndgrantit。HELENAThanks，sir；alltherestismute。LAFEUIhadratherbeinthischoicethanthrowames—aceformylife。HELENAThehonour，sir，thatflamesinyourfaireyes，BeforeIspeak，toothreateninglyreplies：
LovemakeyourfortunestwentytimesaboveHerthatsowishesandherhumblelove!SecondLordNobetter，ifyouplease。HELENAMywishreceive，WhichgreatLovegrant!andso，Itakemyleave。LAFEUDoalltheydenyher？Antheyweresonsofmine，I’dhavethemwhipped；orIwouldsendthemtotheTurk，tomakeeunuchsof。HELENABenotafraidthatIyourhandshouldtake；
I’llneverdoyouwrongforyourownsake：
Blessinguponyourvows!andinyourbedFindfairerfortune，ifyoueverwed!LAFEUTheseboysareboysofice，they’llnonehaveher：
sure，theyarebastardstotheEnglish；theFrenchne’ergot’em。HELENAYouaretooyoung，toohappy，andtoogood，Tomakeyourselfasonoutofmyblood。FourthLordFairone，Ithinknotso。LAFEUThere’sonegrapeyet；Iamsurethyfatherdrunkwine：butifthoube’stnotanass，Iamayouthoffourteen；Ihaveknowntheealready。HELENA[ToBERTRAM]IdarenotsayItakeyou；
butIgiveMeandmyservice，everwhilstIlive，Intoyourguidingpower。Thisistheman。KINGWhy，then，youngBertram，takeher；she’sthywife。BERTRAMMywife，myliege!Ishallbeseechyourhighness，InsuchabusinessgivemeleavetouseThehelpofmineowneyes。KINGKnow’stthounot，Bertram，Whatshehasdoneforme？BERTRAMYes，mygoodlord；
ButneverhopetoknowwhyIshouldmarryher。KINGThouknow’stshehasraisedmefrommysicklybed。BERTRAMButfollowsit，mylord，tobringmedownMustanswerforyourraising？Iknowherwell：
Shehadherbreedingatmyfather’scharge。
Apoorphysician’sdaughtermywife!DisdainRathercorruptmeever!KING’Tisonlytitlethoudisdain’stinher，thewhichIcanbuildup。Strangeisitthatourbloods，Ofcolour，weight，andheat，pour’dalltogether，Wouldquiteconfounddistinction，yetstandoffIndifferencessomighty。IfshebeAllthatisvirtuous，savewhatthoudislikest，Apoorphysician’sdaughter，thoudislikestOfvirtueforthename：butdonotso：
Fromlowestplacewhenvirtuousthingsproceed，Theplaceisdignifiedbythedoer’sdeed：
Wheregreatadditionsswell’s，andvirtuenone，Itisadropsiedhonour。GoodaloneIsgoodwithoutaname。Vilenessisso：
Thepropertybywhatitisshouldgo，Notbythetitle。Sheisyoung，wise，fair；
Inthesetonatureshe’simmediateheir，Andthesebreedhonour：thatishonour’sscorn，Whichchallengesitselfashonour’sbornAndisnotlikethesire：honoursthrive，WhenratherfromouractswethemderiveThanourforegoers：themereword’saslaveDebosh’doneverytomb，oneverygraveAlyingtrophy，andasoftisdumbWheredustanddamn’doblivionisthetombOfhonour’dbonesindeed。Whatshouldbesaid？
Ifthoucanstlikethiscreatureasamaid，Icancreatetherest：virtueandsheIsherowndower；honourandwealthfromme。BERTRAMIcannotloveher，norwillstrivetodo’t。KINGThouwrong’stthyself，ifthoushouldststrivetochoose。HELENAThatyouarewellrestored，mylord，I’mglad：
Lettherestgo。KINGMyhonour’satthestake；whichtodefeat，Imustproducemypower。Here，takeherhand，Proudscornfulboy，unworthythisgoodgift；
ThatdostinvilemisprisionshackleupMyloveandherdesert；thatcanstnotdream，We，poisingusinherdefectivescale，Shallweightheetothebeam；thatwiltnotknow，ItisinustoplantthinehonourwhereWepleasetohaveitgrow。Chequethycontempt：
Obeyourwill，whichtravailsinthygood：
Believenotthydisdain，butpresentlyDothineownfortunesthatobedientrightWhichboththydutyowesandourpowerclaims；
OrIwillthrowtheefrommycareforeverIntothestaggersandthecarelesslapseOfyouthandignorance；bothmyrevengeandhateLoosinguponthee，inthenameofjustice，Withoutalltermsofpity。Speak；thineanswer。BERTRAMPardon，mygraciouslord；forIsubmitMyfancytoyoureyes：whenIconsiderWhatgreatcreationandwhatdoleofhonourFlieswhereyoubidit，Ifindthatshe，whichlateWasinmynoblerthoughtsmostbase，isnowThepraisedoftheking；who，soennobled，Isas’twerebornso。KINGTakeherbythehand，Andtellhersheisthine：towhomIpromiseAcounterpoise，ifnottothyestateAbalancemorereplete。BERTRAMItakeherhand。KINGGoodfortuneandthefavourofthekingSmileuponthiscontract；whoseceremonyShallseemexpedientonthenow—bornbrief，Andbeperform’dto—night：thesolemnfeastShallmoreattenduponthecomingspace，Expectingabsentfriends。Asthoulovesther，Thylove’stomereligious；else，doeserr。
ExeuntallbutLAFEUandPAROLLESLAFEU[Advancing]Doyouhear，monsieur？awordwithyou。PAROLLESYourpleasure，sir？LAFEUYourlordandmasterdidwelltomakehisrecantation。PAROLLESRecantation!Mylord!mymaster!LAFEUAy；isitnotalanguageIspeak？PAROLLESAmostharshone，andnottobeunderstoodwithoutbloodysucceeding。Mymaster!LAFEUAreyoucompaniontotheCountRousillon？PAROLLESToanycount，toallcounts，towhatisman。LAFEUTowhatiscount’sman：count’smasterisofanotherstyle。PAROLLESYouaretooold，sir；letitsatisfyyou，youaretooold。LAFEUImusttellthee，sirrah，Iwriteman；
towhichtitleagecannotbringthee。PAROLLESWhatIdaretoowelldo，Idarenotdo。LAFEUIdidthinkthee，fortwoordinaries，tobeaprettywisefellow；thoudidstmaketolerableventofthytravel；itmightpass：yetthescarfsandthebanneretsabouttheedidmanifoldlydissuademefrombelievingtheeavesseloftoogreataburthen。
I
havenowfoundthee；whenIlosetheeagain，Icarenot：yetartthougoodfornothingbuttakingup；andthatthou’tscarceworth。PAROLLESHadstthounottheprivilegeofantiquityuponthee，——LAFEUDonotplungethyselftoofarinanger，lestthouhastenthytrial；whichif——Lordhavemercyontheeforahen!So，mygoodwindowoflattice，faretheewell：thycasementIneednotopen，forIlookthroughthee。Givemethyhand。PAROLLESMylord，yougivememostegregiousindignity。LAFEUAy，withallmyheart；andthouartworthyofit。PAROLLESIhavenot，mylord，deservedit。LAFEUYes，goodfaith，everydramofit；andIwillnotbatetheeascruple。PAROLLESWell，Ishallbewiser。LAFEUEvenassoonasthoucanst，forthouhasttopullatasmacko’thecontrary。Ifeverthoube’stboundinthyscarfandbeaten，thoushaltfindwhatitistobeproudofthybondage。Ihaveadesiretoholdmyacquaintancewiththee，orrathermyknowledge，thatImaysayinthedefault，heisamanI
know。PAROLLESMylord，youdomemostinsupportablevexation。LAFEUIwoulditwerehell—painsforthysake，andmypoordoingeternal：fordoingIampast：asIwillbythee，inwhatmotionagewillgivemeleave。
ExitPAROLLESWell，thouhastasonshalltakethisdisgraceoffme；scurvy，old，filthy，scurvylord!Well，I
mustbepatient；thereisnofetteringofauthority。
I’llbeathim，bymylife，ifIcanmeethimwithanyconvenience，anheweredoubleanddoublealord。I’llhavenomorepityofhisagethanI
wouldof——I’llbeathim，anifIcouldbutmeethimagain。
Re—enterLAFEULAFEUSirrah，yourlordandmaster’smarried；
there’snewsforyou：youhaveanewmistress。PAROLLESImostunfeignedlybeseechyourlordshiptomakesomereservationofyourwrongs：heismygoodlord：whomIserveaboveismymaster。LAFEUWho？God？PAROLLESAy，sir。LAFEUThedevilitisthat’sthymaster。Whydostthougarterupthyarmso’thisfashion？dostmakehoseofsleeves？dootherservantsso？Thouwertbestsetthylowerpartwherethynosestands。Byminehonour，ifIwerebuttwohoursyounger，I’ldbeatthee：methinks，thouartageneraloffence，andeverymanshouldbeatthee：Ithinkthouwastcreatedformentobreathethemselvesuponthee。PAROLLESThisishardandundeservedmeasure，mylord。LAFEUGoto，sir；youwerebeateninItalyforpickingakerneloutofapomegranate；youareavagabondandnotruetraveller：youaremoresaucywithlordsandhonourablepersonagesthanthecommissionofyourbirthandvirtuegivesyouheraldry。Youarenotworthanotherword，elseI’ldcallyouknave。
Ileaveyou。
ExitPAROLLESGood，verygood；itissothen：good，verygood；
letitbeconcealedawhile。
Re—enterBERTRAMBERTRAMUndone，andforfeitedtocaresforever!PAROLLESWhat’sthematter，sweet—heart？BERTRAMAlthoughbeforethesolemnpriestIhavesworn，Iwillnotbedher。PAROLLESWhat，what，sweet—heart？BERTRAMOmyParolles，theyhavemarriedme!
I’lltotheTuscanwars，andneverbedher。PAROLLESFranceisadog—hole，anditnomoremeritsThetreadofaman’sfoot：tothewars!BERTRAMThere’slettersfrommymother：whattheimportis，Iknownotyet。PAROLLESAy，thatwouldbeknown。Tothewars，myboy，tothewars!
Hewearshishonourinaboxunseen，Thathugshiskicky—wickyhereathome，Spendinghismanlymarrowinherarms，WhichshouldsustaintheboundandhighcurvetOfMars’sfierysteed。TootherregionsFranceisastable；wethatdwellin’tjades；
Therefore，tothewar!BERTRAMItshallbeso：I’llsendhertomyhouse，Acquaintmymotherwithmyhatetoher，AndwhereforeIamfled；writetothekingThatwhichIdurstnotspeak；hispresentgiftShallfurnishmetothoseItalianfields，Wherenoblefellowsstrike：warisnostrifeTothedarkhouseandthedetestedwife。PAROLLESWillthiscapriccioholdinthee？artsure？BERTRAMGowithmetomychamber，andadviseme。
I’llsendherstraightaway：to—morrowI’lltothewars，shetohersinglesorrow。PAROLLESWhy，theseballsbound；there’snoiseinit。’Tishard：
Ayoungmanmarriedisamanthat’smarr’d：
Thereforeaway，andleaveherbravely；go：
Thekinghasdoneyouwrong：but，hush，’tisso。
ExeuntSCENEIV。Paris。TheKING’spalace。EnterHELENAandClownHELENAMymothergreetsmekindly；isshewell？ClownSheisnotwell；butyetshehasherhealth：
she’sverymerry；butyetsheisnotwell：butthanksbegiven，she’sverywellandwantsnothingi’，theworld；butyetsheisnotwell。HELENAIfshebeverywell，whatdoessheail，thatshe’snotverywell？ClownTruly，she’sverywellindeed，butfortwothings。HELENAWhattwothings？ClownOne，thatshe’snotinheaven，whitherGodsendherquickly!theotherthatshe’sinearth，fromwhenceGodsendherquickly!
EnterPAROLLESPAROLLESBlessyou，myfortunatelady!HELENAIhope，sir，Ihaveyourgoodwilltohavemineowngoodfortunes。PAROLLESYouhadmyprayerstoleadthemon；andtokeepthemon，havethemstill。O，myknave，howdoesmyoldlady？ClownSothatyouhadherwrinklesandIhermoney，Iwouldshedidasyousay。PAROLLESWhy，Isaynothing。ClownMarry，youarethewiserman；formanyaman’stongueshakesouthismaster’sundoing：tosaynothing，todonothing，toknownothing，andtohavenothing，istobeagreatpartofyourtitle；
whichiswithinaverylittleofnothing。PAROLLESAway!thou’rtaknave。ClownYoushouldhavesaid，sir，beforeaknavethou’rtaknave；that’s，beforemethou’rtaknave：thishadbeentruth，sir。PAROLLESGoto，thouartawittyfool；Ihavefoundthee。ClownDidyoufindmeinyourself，sir？orwereyoutaughttofindme？Thesearch，sir，wasprofitable；
andmuchfoolmayyoufindinyou，eventotheworld’spleasureandtheincreaseoflaughter。PAROLLESAgoodknave，i’faith，andwellfed。
Madam，mylordwillgoawayto—night；
Averyseriousbusinesscallsonhim。
Thegreatprerogativeandriteoflove，Which，asyourdue，timeclaims，hedoesacknowledge；
Butputsitofftoacompell’drestraint；
Whosewant，andwhosedelay，isstrew’dwithsweets，Whichtheydistilnowinthecurbedtime，Tomakethecominghouro’erflowwithjoyAndpleasuredrownthebrim。HELENAWhat’shiswillelse？PAROLLESThatyouwilltakeyourinstantleaveo’thekingAndmakethishasteasyourowngoodproceeding，Strengthen’dwithwhatapologyyouthinkMaymakeitprobableneed。HELENAWhatmorecommandshe？PAROLLESThat，havingthisobtain’d，youpresentlyAttendhisfurtherpleasure。HELENAIneverythingIwaituponhiswill。PAROLLESIshallreportitso。HELENAIprayyou。
ExitPAROLLES
Come，sirrah。
ExeuntSCENEV。Paris。TheKING’spalace。EnterLAFEUandBERTRAMLAFEUButIhopeyourlordshipthinksnothimasoldier。BERTRAMYes，mylord，andofveryvaliantapproof。LAFEUYouhaveitfromhisowndeliverance。BERTRAMAndbyotherwarrantedtestimony。LAFEUThenmydialgoesnottrue：Itookthislarkforabunting。BERTRAMIdoassureyou，mylord，heisverygreatinknowledgeandaccordinglyvaliant。LAFEUIhavethensinnedagainsthisexperienceandtransgressedagainsthisvalour；andmystatethatwayisdangerous，sinceIcannotyetfindinmyhearttorepent。Herehecomes：Iprayyou，makeusfriends；Iwillpursuetheamity。
EnterPAROLLESPAROLLES[ToBERTRAM]Thesethingsshallbedone，sir。LAFEUPrayyou，sir，who’shistailor？PAROLLESSir？LAFEUO，Iknowhimwell，I，sir；he，sir，’sagoodworkman，averygoodtailor。BERTRAM[AsidetoPAROLLES]Isshegonetotheking？PAROLLESSheis。BERTRAMWillsheawayto—night？PAROLLESAsyou’llhaveher。BERTRAMIhavewritmyletters，casketedmytreasure，Givenorderforourhorses；andto—night，WhenIshouldtakepossessionofthebride，EndereIdobegin。LAFEUAgoodtravellerissomethingatthelatterendofadinner；butonethatliesthreethirdsandusesaknowntruthtopassathousandnothingswith，shouldbeonceheardandthricebeaten。Godsaveyou，captain。BERTRAMIsthereanyunkindnessbetweenmylordandyou，monsieur？PAROLLESIknownothowIhavedeservedtorunintomylord’sdispleasure。LAFEUYouhavemadeshifttoruninto’t，bootsandspursandall，likehimthatleapedintothecustard；
andoutofityou’llrunagain，ratherthansufferquestionforyourresidence。BERTRAMItmaybeyouhavemistakenhim，mylord。LAFEUAndshalldosoever，thoughItookhimat’sprayers。Fareyouwell，mylord；andbelievethisofme，therecanbenokernelinthislightnut；
thesoulofthismanishisclothes。Trusthimnotinmatterofheavyconsequence；Ihavekeptofthemtame，andknowtheirnatures。Farewell，monsieur：
Ihavespokenbetterofyouthanyouhaveorwilltodeserveatmyhand；butwemustdogoodagainstevil。
ExitPAROLLESAnidlelord。Iswear。BERTRAMIthinkso。PAROLLESWhy，doyounotknowhim？BERTRAMYes，Idoknowhimwell，andcommonspeechGiveshimaworthypass。Herecomesmyclog。
EnterHELENAHELENAIhave，sir，asIwascommandedfromyou，SpokewiththekingandhaveprocuredhisleaveForpresentparting；onlyhedesiresSomeprivatespeechwithyou。BERTRAMIshallobeyhiswill。
Youmustnotmarvel，Helen，atmycourse，Whichholdsnotcolourwiththetime，nordoesTheministrationandrequiredofficeOnmyparticular。PreparedIwasnotForsuchabusiness；thereforeamIfoundSomuchunsettled：thisdrivesmetoentreatyouThatpresentlyyoutakeourwayforhome；
AndrathermusethanaskwhyIentreatyou，FormyrespectsarebetterthantheyseemAndmyappointmentshaveinthemaneedGreaterthanshowsitselfatthefirstviewToyouthatknowthemnot。Thistomymother：
Givingaletter’TwillbetwodaysereIshallseeyou，soIleaveyoutoyourwisdom。HELENASir，Icannothingsay，ButthatIamyourmostobedientservant。BERTRAMCome，come，nomoreofthat。HELENAAndevershallWithtrueobservanceseektoekeoutthatWhereintowardmemyhomelystarshavefail’dToequalmygreatfortune。BERTRAMLetthatgo：
Myhasteisverygreat：farewell；hiehome。HELENAPray，sir，yourpardon。BERTRAMWell，whatwouldyousay？HELENAIamnotworthyofthewealthIowe，NordareIsay’tismine，andyetitis；
But，likeatimorousthief，mostfainwouldstealWhatlawdoesvouchmineown。BERTRAMWhatwouldyouhave？HELENASomething；andscarcesomuch：nothing，indeed。
IwouldnottellyouwhatIwould，mylord：
Faithyes；
Strangersandfoesdosunder，andnotkiss。BERTRAMIprayyou，staynot，butinhastetohorse。HELENAIshallnotbreakyourbidding，goodmylord。BERTRAMWherearemyothermen，monsieur？Farewell。
ExitHELENA
Gothoutowardhome；whereIwillnevercomeWhilstIcanshakemyswordorhearthedrum。
Away，andforourflight。PAROLLESBravely，coragio!
ExeuntACTIIISCENEI。Florence。TheDUKE’spalace。Flourish。EntertheDUKEofFlorenceattended；thetwoFrenchmen，withatroopofsoldiers。DUKESothatfrompointtopointnowhaveyouheardThefundamentalreasonsofthiswar，WhosegreatdecisionhathmuchbloodletforthAndmorethirstsafter。FirstLordHolyseemsthequarrelUponyourgrace’spart；blackandfearfulOntheopposer。DUKEThereforewemarvelmuchourcousinFranceWouldinsojustabusinessshuthisbosomAgainstourborrowingprayers。SecondLordGoodmylord，ThereasonsofourstateIcannotyield，Butlikeacommonandanoutwardman，ThatthegreatfigureofacouncilframesByself—unablemotion：thereforedarenotSaywhatIthinkofit，sinceIhavefoundMyselfinmyincertaingroundstofailAsoftenasIguess’d。DUKEBeithispleasure。FirstLordButIamsuretheyoungerofournature，Thatsurfeitontheirease，willdaybydayComehereforphysic。DUKEWelcomeshalltheybe；
AndallthehonoursthatcanflyfromusShallonthemsettle。Youknowyourplaceswell；
Whenbetterfall，foryouravailstheyfell：
To—morrowtothefield。
Flourish。ExeuntSCENEII。Rousillon。TheCOUNT’spalace。EnterCOUNTESSandClownCOUNTESSIthathhappenedallasIwouldhavehadit，savethathecomesnotalongwithher。ClownBymytroth，Itakemyyounglordtobeaverymelancholyman。COUNTESSBywhatobservance，Iprayyou？ClownWhy，hewilllookuponhisbootandsing；
mendtheruffandsing；askquestionsandsing；pickhisteethandsing。Iknowamanthathadthistrickofmelancholysoldagoodlymanorforasong。COUNTESSLetmeseewhathewrites，andwhenhemeanstocome。
OpeningaletterClownIhavenomindtoIsbelsinceIwasatcourt：ouroldlingandourIsbelso’thecountryarenothinglikeyouroldlingandyourIsbelso’thecourt：
thebrainsofmyCupid’sknockedout，andIbegintolove，asanoldmanlovesmoney，withnostomach。COUNTESSWhathavewehere？ClownE’enthatyouhavethere。
ExitCOUNTESS[Reads]Ihavesentyouadaughter—in—law：
shehathrecoveredtheking，andundoneme。Ihaveweddedher，notbeddedher；andsworntomakethe’not’
eternal。YoushallhearIamrunaway：knowitbeforethereportcome。Iftherebebreadthenoughintheworld，Iwillholdalongdistance。Mydutytoyou。Yourunfortunateson，BERTRAM。
Thisisnotwell，rashandunbridledboy。
Toflythefavoursofsogoodaking；
TopluckhisindignationonthyheadBythemisprisingofamaidtoovirtuousForthecontemptofempire。
Re—enterClownClownOmadam，yonderisheavynewswithinbetweentwosoldiersandmyyounglady!COUNTESSWhatisthematter？ClownNay，thereissomecomfortinthenews，somecomfort；yoursonwillnotbekilledsosoonasI
thoughthewould。COUNTESSWhyshouldhebekilled？ClownSosayI，madam，ifherunaway，asI
hearhedoes：
thedangerisinstandingto’t；that’sthelossofmen，thoughitbethegettingofchildren。Heretheycomewilltellyoumore：formypart，Ionlyhearyoursonwasrunaway。
ExitEnterHELENA，andtwoGentlemenFirstGentlemanSaveyou，goodmadam。HELENAMadam，mylordisgone，forevergone。SecondGentlemanDonotsayso。COUNTESSThinkuponpatience。Prayyou，gentlemen，Ihavefeltsomanyquirksofjoyandgrief，Thatthefirstfaceofneither，onthestart，Canwomanmeunto’t：whereismyson，Iprayyou？SecondGentlemanMadam，he’sgonetoservethedukeofFlorence：
Wemethimthitherward；forthencewecame，And，aftersomedispatchinhandatcourt，Thitherwebendagain。HELENALookonhisletter，madam；here’smypassport。
ReadsWhenthoucanstgettheringuponmyfingerwhichnevershallcomeoff，andshowmeachildbegottenofthybodythatIamfatherto，thencallmehusband：butinsucha’then’Iwritea’never。’
Thisisadreadfulsentence。COUNTESSBroughtyouthisletter，gentlemen？FirstGentlemanAy，madam；
Andforthecontents’sakearesorryforourpain。COUNTESSIprithee，lady，haveabettercheer；
Ifthouengrossestallthegriefsarethine，Thourobb’stmeofamoiety：hewasmyson；
ButIdowashhisnameoutofmyblood，Andthouartallmychild。TowardsFlorenceishe？SecondGentlemanAy，madam。COUNTESSAndtobeasoldier？SecondGentlemanSuchishisnoblepurpose；andbelieve’t，ThedukewilllayuponhimallthehonourThatgoodconvenienceclaims。COUNTESSReturnyouthither？FirstGentlemanAy，madam，withtheswiftestwingofspeed。HELENA[Reads]TillIhavenowifeIhavenothinginFrance。
’Tisbitter。COUNTESSFindyouthatthere？HELENAAy，madam。FirstGentleman’Tisbuttheboldnessofhishand，haply，whichhisheartwasnotconsentingto。COUNTESSNothinginFrance，untilhehavenowife!
There’snothingherethatistoogoodforhimButonlyshe；andshedeservesalordThattwentysuchrudeboysmighttenduponAndcallherhourlymistress。Whowaswithhim？FirstGentlemanAservantonly，andagentlemanWhichIhavesometimeknown。COUNTESSParolles，wasitnot？FirstGentlemanAy，mygoodlady，he。COUNTESSAverytaintedfellow，andfullofwickedness。
Mysoncorruptsawell—derivednatureWithhisinducement。FirstGentlemanIndeed，goodlady，Thefellowhasadealofthattoomuch，Whichholdshimmuchtohave。COUNTESSYou’rewelcome，gentlemen。
Iwillentreatyou，whenyouseemyson，TotellhimthathisswordcanneverwinThehonourthatheloses：moreI’llentreatyouWrittentobearalong。SecondGentlemanWeserveyou，madam，Inthatandallyourworthiestaffairs。COUNTESSNotso，butaswechangeourcourtesies。
Willyoudrawnear!
ExeuntCOUNTESSandGentlemenHELENA’TillIhavenowife，IhavenothinginFrance。’
NothinginFrance，untilhehasnowife!
Thoushalthavenone，Rousillon，noneinFrance；
Thenhastthouallagain。Poorlord!is’tI
ThatchasetheefromthycountryandexposeThosetenderlimbsofthinetotheeventOfthenone—sparingwar？andisitI
Thatdrivetheefromthesportivecourt，wherethouWastshotatwithfaireyes，tobethemarkOfsmokymuskets？Oyouleadenmessengers，Thatrideupontheviolentspeedoffire，Flywithfalseaim；movethestill—peeringair，Thatsingswithpiercing；donottouchmylord。
Whoevershootsathim，Isethimthere；
Whoeverchargesonhisforwardbreast，Iamthecaitiffthatdoholdhimto’t；
And，thoughIkillhimnot，IamthecauseHisdeathwassoeffected：better’twereImettheravinlionwhenheroar’dWithsharpconstraintofhunger；better’twereThatallthemiserieswhichnatureowesWeremineatonce。No，comethouhome，Rousillon，Whencehonourbutofdangerwinsascar，Asoftitlosesall：Iwillbegone；
Mybeinghereitisthatholdstheehence：
ShallIstayheretodo’t？no，no，althoughTheairofparadisedidfanthehouseAndangelsofficedall：Iwillbegone，Thatpitifulrumourmayreportmyflight，Toconsolatethineear。Come，night；end，day!
Forwiththedark，poorthief，I’llstealaway。
ExitSCENEIII。Florence。BeforetheDUKE’spalace。Flourish。EntertheDUKEofFlorence，BERTRAM，PAROLLES，Soldiers，Drum，andTrumpetsDUKEThegeneralofourhorsethouart；andwe，Greatinourhope，layourbestloveandcredenceUponthypromisingfortune。BERTRAMSir，itisAchargetooheavyformystrength，butyetWe’llstrivetobearitforyourworthysakeTotheextremeedgeofhazard。DUKEThengothouforth；
Andfortuneplayuponthyprosperoushelm，Asthyauspiciousmistress!BERTRAMThisveryday，GreatMars，Iputmyselfintothyfile：
Makemebutlikemythoughts，andIshallproveAloverofthydrum，hateroflove。
ExeuntSCENEIV。Rousillon。TheCOUNT’spalace。EnterCOUNTESSandStewardCOUNTESSAlas!andwouldyoutaketheletterofher？
Mightyounotknowshewoulddoasshehasdone，Bysendingmealetter？Readitagain。Steward[Reads]
IamSaintJaques’pilgrim，thithergone：
Ambitiouslovehathsoinmeoffended，ThatbarefootplodIthecoldgroundupon，Withsaintedvowmyfaultstohaveamended。
Write，write，thatfromthebloodycourseofwarMydearestmaster，yourdearson，mayhie：
Blesshimathomeinpeace，whilstIfromfarHisnamewithzealousfervorsanctify：
Histakenlaboursbidhimmeforgive；
I，hisdespitefulJuno，senthimforthFromcourtlyfriends，withcampingfoestolive，Wheredeathanddangerdogstheheelsofworth：
Heistoogoodandfairfordeathandme：
WhomImyselfembrace，tosethimfree。COUNTESSAh，whatsharpstingsareinhermildestwords!
Rinaldo，youdidneverlackadvicesomuch，Aslettingherpassso：hadIspokewithher，Icouldhavewelldivertedherintents，Whichthusshehathprevented。StewardPardonme，madam：
IfIhadgivenyouthisatover—night，Shemighthavebeeno’erta’en；andyetshewrites，Pursuitwouldbebutvain。COUNTESSWhatangelshallBlessthisunworthyhusband？hecannotthrive，Unlessherprayers，whomheavendelightstohearAndlovestogrant，reprievehimfromthewrathOfgreatestjustice。Write，write，Rinaldo，Tothisunworthyhusbandofhiswife；
LeteverywordweighheavyofherworthThathedoesweightoolight：mygreatestgrief。
Thoughlittlehedofeelit，setdownsharply。
Dispatchthemostconvenientmessenger：
Whenhaplyheshallhearthatsheisgone，Hewillreturn；andhopeImaythatshe，Hearingsomuch，willspeedherfootagain，Ledhitherbypurelove：whichofthembothIsdearesttome。IhavenoskillinsenseTomakedistinction：providethismessenger：
Myheartisheavyandmineageisweak；
Griefwouldhavetears，andsorrowbidsmespeak。
ExeuntSCENEV。Florence。Withoutthewalls。Atucketafaroff。EnteranoldWidowofFlorence，DIANA，VIOLENTA，andMARIANA，withotherCitizensWidowNay，come；foriftheydoapproachthecity，weshallloseallthesight。DIANATheysaytheFrenchcounthasdonemosthonourableservice。WidowItisreportedthathehastakentheirgreatestcommander；andthatwithhisownhandheslewtheduke’sbrother。
TucketWehavelostourlabour；theyaregoneacontraryway：hark!youmayknowbytheirtrumpets。MARIANACome，let’sreturnagain，andsufficeourselveswiththereportofit。Well，Diana，takeheedofthisFrenchearl：thehonourofamaidishername；
andnolegacyissorichashonesty。WidowIhavetoldmyneighbourhowyouhavebeensolicitedbyagentlemanhiscompanion。MARIANAIknowthatknave；hanghim!oneParolles：
afilthyofficerheisinthosesuggestionsfortheyoungearl。Bewareofthem，Diana；theirpromises，enticements，oaths，tokens，andalltheseenginesoflust，arenotthethingstheygounder：manyamaidhathbeenseducedbythem；andthemiseryis，example，thatsoterribleshowsinthewreckofmaidenhood，cannotforallthatdissuadesuccession，butthattheyarelimedwiththetwigsthatthreatenthem。IhopeIneednottoadviseyoufurther；
butIhopeyourowngracewillkeepyouwhereyouare，thoughtherewerenofurtherdangerknownbutthemodestywhichissolost。DIANAYoushallnotneedtofearme。WidowIhopeso。
EnterHELENA，disguisedlikeaPilgrimLook，herecomesapilgrim：Iknowshewilllieatmyhouse；thithertheysendoneanother：I’llquestionher。Godsaveyou，pilgrim!whitherareyoubound？HELENAToSaintJaquesleGrand。
Wheredothepalmerslodge，Idobeseechyou？WidowAttheSaintFrancisherebesidetheport。HELENAIsthistheway？WidowAy，marry，is’t。
AmarchafarHarkyou!theycomethisway。
Ifyouwilltarry，holypilgrim，Buttillthetroopscomeby，Iwillconductyouwhereyoushallbelodged；
Therather，forIthinkIknowyourhostessAsampleasmyself。HELENAIsityourself？WidowIfyoushallpleaseso，pilgrim。HELENAIthankyou，andwillstayuponyourleisure。WidowYoucame，Ithink，fromFrance？HELENAIdidso。WidowHereyoushallseeacountrymanofyoursThathasdoneworthyservice。HELENAHisname，Iprayyou。DIANATheCountRousillon：knowyousuchaone？HELENAButbytheear，thathearsmostnoblyofhim：
HisfaceIknownot。DIANAWhatsome’erheis，He’sbravelytakenhere。HestolefromFrance，As’tisreported，forthekinghadmarriedhimAgainsthisliking：thinkyouitisso？HELENAAy，surely，merethetruth：Iknowhislady。DIANAThereisagentlemanthatservesthecountReportsbutcoarselyofher。HELENAWhat’shisname？DIANAMonsieurParolles。HELENAO，Ibelievewithhim，Inargumentofpraise，ortotheworthOfthegreatcounthimself，sheistoomeanTohavehernamerepeated：allherdeservingIsareservedhonesty，andthatIhavenotheardexamined。DIANAAlas，poorlady!
’TisahardbondagetobecomethewifeOfadetestinglord。WidowIwarrant，goodcreature，wheresoe’ersheis，Herheartweighssadly：thisyoungmaidmightdoherAshrewdturn，ifshepleased。HELENAHowdoyoumean？
MaybetheamorouscountsolicitsherIntheunlawfulpurpose。WidowHedoesindeed；
AndbrokeswithallthatcaninsuchasuitCorruptthetenderhonourofamaid：
Butsheisarm’dforhimandkeepsherguardInhonestestdefence。MARIANAThegodsforbidelse!WidowSo，nowtheycome：
DrumandColoursEnterBERTRAM，PAROLLES，andthewholearmyThatisAntonio，theduke’seldestson；
That，Escalus。HELENAWhichistheFrenchman？DIANAHe；
Thatwiththeplume：’tisamostgallantfellow。
Iwouldhelovedhiswife：ifhewerehonesterHeweremuchgoodlier：is’tnotahandsomegentleman？HELENAIlikehimwell。DIANA’Tispityheisnothonest：yond’sthatsameknaveThatleadshimtotheseplaces：wereIhislady，IwouldPoisonthatvilerascal。HELENAWhichishe？DIANAThatjack—an—apeswithscarfs：whyishemelancholy？HELENAPerchancehe’shurti’thebattle。PAROLLESLoseourdrum!well。MARIANAHe’sshrewdlyvexedatsomething：look，hehasspiedus。WidowMarry，hangyou!MARIANAAndyourcourtesy，foraring—carrier!
ExeuntBERTRAM，PAROLLES，andarmyWidowThetroopispast。Come，pilgrim，IwillbringyouWhereyoushallhost：ofenjoin’dpenitentsThere’sfourorfive，togreatSaintJaquesbound，Alreadyatmyhouse。HELENAIhumblythankyou：
PleaseitthismatronandthisgentlemaidToeatwithusto—night，thechargeandthankingShallbeforme；and，torequiteyoufurther，IwillbestowsomepreceptsofthisvirginWorthythenote。BOTHWe’lltakeyourofferkindly。
ExeuntSCENEVI。CampbeforeFlorence。EnterBERTRAMandthetwoFrenchLordsSecondLordNay，goodmylord，puthimto’t；lethimhavehisway。FirstLordIfyourlordshipfindhimnotahilding，holdmenomoreinyourrespect。SecondLordOnmylife，mylord，abubble。BERTRAMDoyouthinkIamsofardeceivedinhim？SecondLordBelieveit，mylord，inmineowndirectknowledge，withoutanymalice，buttospeakofhimasmykinsman，he’samostnotablecoward，aninfiniteandendlessliar，anhourlypromise—breaker，theownerofnoonegoodqualityworthyyourlordship’sentertainment。FirstLordItwerefityouknewhim；lest，reposingtoofarinhisvirtue，whichhehathnot，hemightatsomegreatandtrustybusinessinamaindangerfailyou。BERTRAMIwouldIknewinwhatparticularactiontotryhim。FirstLordNonebetterthantolethimfetchoffhisdrum，whichyouhearhimsoconfidentlyundertaketodo。SecondLordI，withatroopofFlorentines，willsuddenlysurprisehim；suchIwillhave，whomIamsureheknowsnotfromtheenemy：wewillbindandhoodwinkhimso，thatheshallsupposenootherbutthatheiscarriedintotheleagueroftheadversaries，whenwebringhimtoourowntents。Bebutyourlordshippresentathisexamination：ifhedonot，forthepromiseofhislifeandinthehighestcompulsionofbasefear，offertobetrayyouanddeliveralltheintelligenceinhispoweragainstyou，andthatwiththedivineforfeitofhissouluponoath，nevertrustmyjudgmentinanything。FirstLordO，fortheloveoflaughter，lethimfetchhisdrum；
hesayshehasastratagemfor’t：whenyourlordshipseesthebottomofhissuccessin’t，andtowhatmetalthiscounterfeitlumpoforewillbemelted，ifyougivehimnotJohnDrum’sentertainment，yourincliningcannotberemoved。
Herehecomes。
EnterPAROLLESSecondLord[AsidetoBERTRAM]O，fortheloveoflaughter，hindernotthehonourofhisdesign：lethimfetchoffhisdruminanyhand。BERTRAMHownow，monsieur!thisdrumstickssorelyinyourdisposition。FirstLordApoxon’t，letitgo；’tisbutadrum。PAROLLES’Butadrum’!is’t’butadrum’？Adrumsolost!
Therewasexcellentcommand，——tochargeinwithourhorseuponourownwings，andtorendourownsoldiers!FirstLordThatwasnottobeblamedinthecommandoftheservice：itwasadisasterofwarthatCaesarhimselfcouldnothaveprevented，ifhehadbeentheretocommand。BERTRAMWell，wecannotgreatlycondemnoursuccess：
somedishonourwehadinthelossofthatdrum；butitisnottoberecovered。PAROLLESItmighthavebeenrecovered。BERTRAMItmight；butitisnotnow。PAROLLESItistoberecovered：butthatthemeritofserviceisseldomattributedtothetrueandexactperformer，Iwouldhavethatdrumoranother，or’hicjacet。’BERTRAMWhy，ifyouhaveastomach，to’t，monsieur：
ifyouthinkyourmysteryinstratagemcanbringthisinstrumentofhonouragainintohisnativequarter，bemagnanimousintheenterpriseandgoon；I
willgracetheattemptforaworthyexploit：ifyouspeedwellinit，thedukeshallbothspeakofit。
andextendtoyouwhatfurtherbecomeshisgreatness，eventotheutmostsyllableofyourworthiness。PAROLLESBythehandofasoldier，Iwillundertakeit。BERTRAMButyoumustnotnowslumberinit。PAROLLESI’llaboutitthisevening：andIwillpresentlypendownmydilemmas，encouragemyselfinmycertainty，putmyselfintomymortalpreparation；
andbymidnightlooktohearfurtherfromme。BERTRAMMayIbeboldtoacquainthisgraceyouaregoneaboutit？PAROLLESIknownotwhatthesuccesswillbe，mylord；buttheattemptIvow。BERTRAMIknowthou’rtvaliant；and，tothepossibilityofthysoldiership，willsubscribeforthee。Farewell。PAROLLESIlovenotmanywords。
ExitSecondLordNomorethanafishloveswater。Isnotthisastrangefellow，mylord，thatsoconfidentlyseemstoundertakethisbusiness，whichheknowsisnottobedone；damnshimselftodoanddaresbetterbedamnedthantodo’t？FirstLordYoudonotknowhim，mylord，aswedo：
certainitisthathewillstealhimselfintoaman’sfavourandforaweekescapeagreatdealofdiscoveries；
butwhenyoufindhimout，youhavehimeverafter。BERTRAMWhy，doyouthinkhewillmakenodeedatallofthisthatsoseriouslyhedoesaddresshimselfunto？SecondLordNoneintheworld；butreturnwithaninventionandclapuponyoutwoorthreeprobablelies：butwehavealmostembossedhim；youshallseehisfallto—night；forindeedheisnotforyourlordship’srespect。FirstLordWe’llmakeyousomesportwiththefoxerewecasehim。HewasfirstsmokedbytheoldlordLafeu：
whenhisdisguiseandheisparted，tellmewhataspratyoushallfindhim；whichyoushallseethisverynight。SecondLordImustgolookmytwigs：heshallbecaught。BERTRAMYourbrotherheshallgoalongwithme。SecondLordAs’tpleaseyourlordship：I’llleaveyou。
ExitBERTRAMNowwillIleadyoutothehouse，andshowyouThelassIspokeof。FirstLordButyousayshe’shonest。BERTRAMThat’sallthefault：IspokewithherbutonceAndfoundherwondrouscold；butIsenttoher，Bythissamecoxcombthatwehavei’thewind，Tokensandletterswhichshedidre—send；
AndthisisallIhavedone。She’safaircreature：
Willyougoseeher？FirstLordWithallmyheart，mylord。
ExeuntSCENEVII。Florence。TheWidow’shouse。EnterHELENAandWidowHELENAIfyoumisdoubtmethatIamnotshe，IknownothowIshallassureyoufurther，ButIshalllosethegroundsIworkupon。WidowThoughmyestatebefallen，Iwaswellborn，Nothingacquaintedwiththesebusinesses；
AndwouldnotputmyreputationnowInanystainingact。HELENANorwouldIwishyou。
First，givemetrust，thecountheismyhusband，AndwhattoyoursworncounselIhavespokenIssofromwordtoword；andthenyoucannot，BythegoodaidthatIofyoushallborrow，Errinbestowingit。WidowIshouldbelieveyou：
Foryouhaveshow’dmethatwhichwellapprovesYou’regreatinfortune。HELENATakethispurseofgold，Andletmebuyyourfriendlyhelpthusfar，WhichIwillover—payandpayagainWhenIhavefoundit。Thecounthewooesyourdaughter，Laysdownhiswantonsiegebeforeherbeauty，Resolvedtocarryher：letherinfineconsent，Aswe’lldirectherhow’tisbesttobearit。
NowhisimportantbloodwillnoughtdenyThatshe’lldemand：aringthecountywears，ThatdownwardhathsucceededinhishouseFromsontoson，somefourorfivedescentsSincethefirstfatherworeit：thisringheholdsInmostrichchoice；yetinhisidlefire，Tobuyhiswill，itwouldnotseemtoodear，Howe’errepentedafter。WidowNowIseeThebottomofyourpurpose。HELENAYouseeitlawful，then：itisnomore，Butthatyourdaughter，eresheseemsaswon，Desiresthisring；appointshimanencounter；
Infine，deliversmetofillthetime，Herselfmostchastelyabsent：afterthis，Tomarryher，I’lladdthreethousandcrownsTowhatispassedalready。WidowIhaveyielded：
Instructmydaughterhowsheshallpersever，ThattimeandplacewiththisdeceitsolawfulMayprovecoherent。EverynighthecomesWithmusicsofallsortsandsongscomposedToherunworthiness：itnothingsteadsusTochidehimfromoureaves；forhepersistsAsifhislifelayon’t。HELENAWhythento—nightLetusassayourplot；which，ifitspeed，IswickedmeaninginalawfuldeedAndlawfulmeaninginalawfulact，Wherebothnotsin，andyetasinfulfact：
Butlet’saboutit。
ExeuntACTIVSCENEI。WithouttheFlorentinecamp。EnterSecondFrenchLord，withfiveorsixotherSoldiersinambushSecondLordHecancomenootherwaybutbythishedge—corner。
Whenyousallyuponhim，speakwhatterriblelanguageyouwill：thoughyouunderstanditnotyourselves，nomatter；forwemustnotseemtounderstandhim，unlesssomeoneamonguswhomwemustproduceforaninterpreter。FirstSoldierGoodcaptain，letmebetheinterpreter。SecondLordArtnotacquaintedwithhim？knowshenotthyvoice？FirstSoldierNo，sir，Iwarrantyou。SecondLordButwhatlinsey—woolseyhastthoutospeaktousagain？FirstSoldierE’ensuchasyouspeaktome。SecondLordHemustthinkussomebandofstrangersi’theadversary’sentertainment。Nowhehathasmackofallneighbouringlanguages；thereforewemusteveryonebeamanofhisownfancy，nottoknowwhatwespeakonetoanother；soweseemtoknow，istoknowstraightourpurpose：choughs’language，gabbleenough，andgoodenough。Asforyou，interpreter，youmustseemverypolitic。Butcouch，ho!herehecomes，tobeguiletwohoursinasleep，andthentoreturnandsweartheliesheforges。
EnterPAROLLESPAROLLESTeno’clock：withinthesethreehours’twillbetimeenoughtogohome。WhatshallIsayIhavedone？Itmustbeaveryplausiveinventionthatcarriesit：theybegintosmokeme；anddisgraceshaveoflateknockedtoooftenatmydoor。Ifindmytongueistoofoolhardy；butmyhearthaththefearofMarsbeforeitandofhiscreatures，notdaringthereportsofmytongue。SecondLordThisisthefirsttruththate’erthineowntonguewasguiltyof。PAROLLESWhatthedevilshouldmovemetoundertaketherecoveryofthisdrum，beingnotignorantoftheimpossibility，andknowingIhadnosuchpurpose？
I
mustgivemyselfsomehurts，andsayIgottheminexploit：yetslightoneswillnotcarryit；theywillsay，’Cameyouoffwithsolittle？’andgreatonesIdarenotgive。Wherefore，what’stheinstance？Tongue，Imustputyouintoabutter—woman’smouthandbuymyselfanotherofBajazet’smule，ifyouprattlemeintotheseperils。SecondLordIsitpossibleheshouldknowwhatheis，andbethatheis？PAROLLESIwouldthecuttingofmygarmentswouldservetheturn，orthebreakingofmySpanishsword。SecondLordWecannotaffordyouso。PAROLLESOrthebaringofmybeard；andtosayitwasinstratagem。SecondLord’Twouldnotdo。PAROLLESOrtodrownmyclothes，andsayIwasstripped。SecondLordHardlyserve。PAROLLESThoughIsworeIleapedfromthewindowofthecitadel。SecondLordHowdeep？PAROLLESThirtyfathom。SecondLordThreegreatoathswouldscarcemakethatbebelieved。PAROLLESIwouldIhadanydrumoftheenemy’s：
IwouldswearIrecoveredit。SecondLordYoushallhearoneanon。PAROLLESAdrumnowoftheenemy’s，——
AlarumwithinSecondLordThrocamovousus，cargo，cargo，cargo。AllCargo，cargo，cargo，villiandoparcorbo，cargo。PAROLLESO，ransom，ransom!donothidemineeyes。
TheyseizeandblindfoldhimFirstSoldierBoskosthromuldoboskos。PAROLLESIknowyouaretheMuskos’regiment：
AndIshalllosemylifeforwantoflanguage；
IftherebehereGerman，orDane，lowDutch，Italian，orFrench，lethimspeaktome；I’llDiscoverthatwhichshallundotheFlorentine。FirstSoldierBoskosvauvado：Iunderstandthee，andcanspeakthytongue。Kerelybonto，sir，betaketheetothyfaith，forseventeenponiardsareatthybosom。PAROLLESO!FirstSoldierO，pray，pray，pray!Mankarevaniadulche。SecondLordOscorbidulchosvolivorco。FirstSoldierThegeneraliscontenttosparetheeyet；
And，hoodwink’dasthouart，willleadtheeonTogatherfromthee：haplythoumaystinformSomethingtosavethylife。PAROLLESO，letmelive!
AndallthesecretsofourcampI’llshow，Theirforce，theirpurposes；nay，I’llspeakthatWhichyouwillwonderat。FirstSoldierButwiltthoufaithfully？PAROLLESIfIdonot，damnme。FirstSoldierAcordolinta。
Comeon；thouartgrantedspace。
Exit，withPAROLLESguarded。AshortalarumwithinSecondLordGo，telltheCountRousillon，andmybrother，Wehavecaughtthewoodcock，andwillkeephimmuffledTillwedohearfromthem。SecondSoldierCaptain，Iwill。SecondLordA’willbetrayusalluntoourselves：
Informonthat。SecondSoldierSoIwill，sir。SecondLordTillthenI’llkeephimdarkandsafelylock’d。
ExeuntSCENEII。Florence。TheWidow’shouse。EnterBERTRAMandDIANABERTRAMTheytoldmethatyournamewasFontibell。DIANANo，mygoodlord，Diana。BERTRAMTitledgoddess；
Andworthit，withaddition!But，fairsoul，Inyourfineframehathlovenoquality？
Ifquickfireofyouthlightnotyourmind，Youarenomaiden，butamonument：
Whenyouaredead，youshouldbesuchaoneAsyouarenow，foryouarecoldandstem；
AndnowyoushouldbeasyourmotherwasWhenyoursweetselfwasgot。DIANAShethenwashonest。BERTRAMSoshouldyoube。DIANANo：
Mymotherdidbutduty；such，mylord，Asyouowetoyourwife。BERTRAMNomoreo’that；
Iprithee，donotstriveagainstmyvows：
Iwascompell’dtoher；butIlovetheeBylove’sownsweetconstraint，andwillforeverDotheeallrightsofservice。DIANAAy，soyouserveusTillweserveyou；butwhenyouhaveourroses，YoubarelyleaveourthornstoprickourselvesAndmockuswithourbareness。BERTRAMHowhaveIsworn!DIANA’Tisnotthemanyoathsthatmakesthetruth，Buttheplainsinglevowthatisvow’dtrue。
Whatisnotholy，thatweswearnotby，ButtaketheHigh’sttowitness：then，prayyou，tellme，IfIshouldswearbyGod’sgreatattributes，Ilovedyoudearly，wouldyoubelievemyoaths，WhenIdidloveyouill？Thishasnoholding，ToswearbyhimwhomIprotesttolove，ThatIwillworkagainsthim：thereforeyouroathsArewordsandpoorconditions，butunseal’d，Atleastinmyopinion。BERTRAMChangeit，changeit；
Benotsoholy—cruel：loveisholy；
Andmyintegrityne’erknewthecraftsThatyoudochargemenwith。Standnomoreoff，Butgivethyselfuntomysickdesires，Whothenrecover：saythouartmine，andeverMyloveasitbeginsshallsopersever。DIANAIseethatmenmakeropesinsuchascarreThatwe’llforsakeourselves。Givemethatring。BERTRAMI’lllenditthee，mydear；buthavenopowerTogiveitfromme。DIANAWillyounot，mylord？BERTRAMItisanhonour’longingtoourhouse，Bequeatheddownfrommanyancestors；
Whichwerethegreatestobloquyi’theworldInmetolose。DIANAMinehonour’ssucharing：
Mychastity’sthejewelofourhouse，Bequeatheddownfrommanyancestors；
Whichwerethegreatestobloquyi’theworldInmetolose：thusyourownproperwisdomBringsinthechampionHonouronmypart，Againstyourvainassault。BERTRAMHere，takemyring：
Myhouse，minehonour，yea，mylife，bethine，AndI’llbebidbythee。DIANAWhenmidnightcomes，knockatmychamber—window：
I’llordertakemymothershallnothear。
NowwillIchargeyouinthebandoftruth，Whenyouhaveconquer’dmyyetmaidenbed，Remaintherebutanhour，norspeaktome：
Myreasonsaremoststrong；andyoushallknowthemWhenbackagainthisringshallbedeliver’d：
AndonyourfingerinthenightI’llputAnotherring，thatwhatintimeproceedsMaytokentothefutureourpastdeeds。
Adieu，tillthen；then，failnot。YouhavewonAwifeofme，thoughtheremyhopebedone。BERTRAMAheavenonearthIhavewonbywooingthee。
ExitDIANAForwhichlivelongtothankbothheavenandme!
Youmaysointheend。
Mymothertoldmejusthowhewouldwoo，Asifshesatin’sheart；shesaysallmenHavethelikeoaths：hehadsworntomarrymeWhenhiswife’sdead；thereforeI’llliewithhimWhenIamburied。SinceFrenchmenaresobraid，Marrythatwill，Iliveanddieamaid：
OnlyinthisdisguiseIthink’tnosinTocozenhimthatwouldunjustlywin。
ExitSCENEIII。TheFlorentinecamp。EnterthetwoFrenchLordsandsometwoorthreeSoldiersFirstLordYouhavenotgivenhimhismother’sletter？SecondLordIhavedelivereditanhoursince：thereissomethingin’tthatstingshisnature；foronthereadingithechangedalmostintoanotherman。FirstLordHehasmuchworthyblamelaiduponhimforshakingoffsogoodawifeandsosweetalady。SecondLordEspeciallyhehathincurredtheeverlastingdispleasureoftheking，whohadeventunedhisbountytosinghappinesstohim。Iwilltellyouathing，butyoushallletitdwelldarklywithyou。FirstLordWhenyouhavespokenit，’tisdead，andIamthegraveofit。SecondLordHehathpervertedayounggentlewomanhereinFlorence，ofamostchasterenown；andthisnightheflesheshiswillinthespoilofherhonour：hehathgivenherhismonumentalring，andthinkshimselfmadeintheunchastecomposition。FirstLordNow，Goddelayourrebellion!asweareourselves，whatthingsarewe!SecondLordMerelyourowntraitors。Andasinthecommoncourseofalltreasons，westillseethemrevealthemselves，tilltheyattaintotheirabhorredends，sohethatinthisactioncontrivesagainsthisownnobility，inhisproperstreamo’erflowshimself。FirstLordIsitnotmeantdamnableinus，tobetrumpetersofourunlawfulintents？Weshallnotthenhavehiscompanyto—night？SecondLordNottillaftermidnight；forheisdietedtohishour。FirstLordThatapproachesapace；Iwouldgladlyhavehimseehiscompanyanatomized，thathemighttakeameasureofhisownjudgments，whereinsocuriouslyhehadsetthiscounterfeit。SecondLordWewillnotmeddlewithhimtillhecome；
forhispresencemustbethewhipoftheother。FirstLordInthemeantime，whathearyouofthesewars？SecondLordIhearthereisanovertureofpeace。FirstLordNay，Iassureyou，apeaceconcluded。SecondLordWhatwillCountRousillondothen？willhetravelhigher，orreturnagainintoFrance？FirstLordIperceive，bythisdemand，youarenotaltogetherofhiscouncil。SecondLordLetitbeforbid，sir；soshouldIbeagreatdealofhisact。FirstLordSir，hiswifesometwomonthssincefledfromhishouse：herpretenceisapilgrimagetoSaintJaquesleGrand；whichholyundertakingwithmostausteresanctimonysheaccomplished；and，thereresidingthetendernessofhernaturebecameasapreytohergrief；infine，madeagroanofherlastbreath，andnowshesingsinheaven。SecondLordHowisthisjustified？FirstLordThestrongerpartofitbyherownletters，whichmakesherstorytrue，eventothepointofherdeath：herdeathitself，whichcouldnotbeherofficetosayiscome，wasfaithfullyconfirmedbytherectoroftheplace。SecondLordHaththecountallthisintelligence？FirstLordAy，andtheparticularconfirmations，pointfrompoint，sotothefullarmingoftheverity。SecondLordIamheartilysorrythathe’llbegladofthis。FirstLordHowmightilysometimeswemakeuscomfortsofourlosses!SecondLordAndhowmightilysomeothertimeswedrownourgainintears!Thegreatdignitythathisvalourhathhereacquiredforhimshallathomebeencounteredwithashameasample。FirstLordThewebofourlifeisofamingledyarn，goodandilltogether：ourvirtueswouldbeproud，ifourfaultswhippedthemnot；andourcrimeswoulddespair，iftheywerenotcherishedbyourvirtues。
EnteraMessengerHownow!where’syourmaster？ServantHemetthedukeinthestreet，sir，ofwhomhehathtakenasolemnleave：hislordshipwillnextmorningforFrance。Thedukehathofferedhimlettersofcommendationstotheking。SecondLordTheyshallbenomorethanneedfulthere，iftheyweremorethantheycancommend。FirstLordTheycannotbetoosweetfortheking’startness。
Here’shislordshipnow。
EnterBERTRAM
Hownow，mylord!is’tnotaftermidnight？BERTRAMIhaveto—nightdispatchedsixteenbusinesses，amonth’slengtha—piece，byanabstractofsuccess：
Ihavecongiedwiththeduke，donemyadieuwithhisnearest；buriedawife，mournedforher；writtomyladymotherIamreturning；entertainedmyconvoy；
andbetweenthesemainparcelsofdispatcheffectedmanynicerneeds；thelastwasthegreatest，butthatIhavenotendedyet。SecondLordIfthebusinessbeofanydifficulty，andthismorningyourdeparturehence，itrequireshasteofyourlordship。BERTRAMImean，thebusinessisnotended，asfearingtohearofithereafter。Butshallwehavethisdialoguebetweenthefoolandthesoldier？Come，bringforththiscounterfeitmodule，hehasdeceivedme，likeadouble—meaningprophesier。SecondLordBringhimforth：hassati’thestocksallnight，poorgallantknave。BERTRAMNomatter：hisheelshavedeservedit，inusurpinghisspurssolong。Howdoeshecarryhimself？SecondLordIhavetoldyourlordshipalready，thestockscarryhim。Buttoansweryouasyouwouldbeunderstood；
heweepslikeawenchthathadshedhermilk：
hehathconfessedhimselftoMorgan，whomhesupposestobeafriar，fromthetimeofhisremembrancetothisveryinstantdisasterofhissettingi’
thestocks：andwhatthinkyouhehathconfessed？BERTRAMNothingofme，hasa’？SecondLordHisconfessionistaken，anditshallbereadtohisface：ifyourlordshipbein’t，asIbelieveyouare，youmusthavethepatiencetohearit。