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