Chapter 19

EnterCountessandSteward.Count.Alas! and would you take the letter of her?Might you not know she would do as she has done,By sending me a letter? Read it again.Stew.[Reads]I amSaintJaques' pilgrim, thither gone:5Ambitious love hath so in me offended,That bare-foot plod I the cold ground upon,With sainted vow my faults tohaveamended.Write, write, that from the bloody course of warMy dearest master, your dear son, may hie:10Blesshim at home inpeace, whilstI from farHis name with zealous fervour sanctify:His takenlabours bid him me forgive;I, his despiteful Juno, sent him forthFrom courtly friends with camping foes to live,15Where death and dangerdogsthe heels of worth:He is too good and fair for death and me;Whom I myself embrace to set him free.Count.Ah, what sharp stings are in her mildest words!Rinaldo, youdid never lackadvice so much,20As letting her pass so: had I spoke with her,I could have well diverted her intents,Which thus she hath prevented.Stew.Pardonme, madam:If I had given you this at over-night,She might have been o'erta'en; and yet she writes,Pursuit would be but vain.25Count.What angel shallBless this unworthy husband? hecannotthrive,Unless her prayers,whomheaven delights to hearAnd loves to grant, reprieve him from the wrathOf greatest justice.Write, write, Rinaldo,30To this unworthy husband of his wife;Let every word weigh heavy of her worthThat he does weigh too light: my greatest grief,Though littlehe dofeel it, set down sharply.Dispatch the most convenient messenger:35When haply he shall hear that she is gone,He will return; and hope I may that she,Hearing so much, will speed her foot again.Led hither by pure love: which of them bothIs dearest to me,I havenoskill in sense40To make distinction: provide this messenger:My heart is heavy and mine age is weak;Grief would have tears,andsorrow bids me speak.[Exeunt.

EnterCountessandSteward.

Count.Alas! and would you take the letter of her?Might you not know she would do as she has done,By sending me a letter? Read it again.

Count.Alas! and would you take the letter of her?

Might you not know she would do as she has done,

By sending me a letter? Read it again.

Stew.[Reads]I amSaintJaques' pilgrim, thither gone:5Ambitious love hath so in me offended,That bare-foot plod I the cold ground upon,With sainted vow my faults tohaveamended.Write, write, that from the bloody course of warMy dearest master, your dear son, may hie:10Blesshim at home inpeace, whilstI from farHis name with zealous fervour sanctify:His takenlabours bid him me forgive;I, his despiteful Juno, sent him forthFrom courtly friends with camping foes to live,15Where death and dangerdogsthe heels of worth:He is too good and fair for death and me;Whom I myself embrace to set him free.

Stew.[Reads]I amSaintJaques' pilgrim, thither gone:

Ambitious love hath so in me offended,

That bare-foot plod I the cold ground upon,

With sainted vow my faults tohaveamended.

Write, write, that from the bloody course of war

My dearest master, your dear son, may hie:

Blesshim at home inpeace, whilstI from far

His name with zealous fervour sanctify:

His takenlabours bid him me forgive;

I, his despiteful Juno, sent him forth

From courtly friends with camping foes to live,

Where death and dangerdogsthe heels of worth:

He is too good and fair for death and me;

Whom I myself embrace to set him free.

Count.Ah, what sharp stings are in her mildest words!Rinaldo, youdid never lackadvice so much,20As letting her pass so: had I spoke with her,I could have well diverted her intents,Which thus she hath prevented.

Count.Ah, what sharp stings are in her mildest words!

Rinaldo, youdid never lackadvice so much,

As letting her pass so: had I spoke with her,

I could have well diverted her intents,

Which thus she hath prevented.

Stew.Pardonme, madam:If I had given you this at over-night,She might have been o'erta'en; and yet she writes,Pursuit would be but vain.

Stew.Pardonme, madam:

If I had given you this at over-night,

She might have been o'erta'en; and yet she writes,

Pursuit would be but vain.

25Count.What angel shallBless this unworthy husband? hecannotthrive,Unless her prayers,whomheaven delights to hearAnd loves to grant, reprieve him from the wrathOf greatest justice.Write, write, Rinaldo,30To this unworthy husband of his wife;Let every word weigh heavy of her worthThat he does weigh too light: my greatest grief,Though littlehe dofeel it, set down sharply.Dispatch the most convenient messenger:35When haply he shall hear that she is gone,He will return; and hope I may that she,Hearing so much, will speed her foot again.Led hither by pure love: which of them bothIs dearest to me,I havenoskill in sense40To make distinction: provide this messenger:My heart is heavy and mine age is weak;Grief would have tears,andsorrow bids me speak.[Exeunt.

Count.What angel shall

Bless this unworthy husband? hecannotthrive,

Unless her prayers,whomheaven delights to hear

And loves to grant, reprieve him from the wrath

Of greatest justice.Write, write, Rinaldo,

To this unworthy husband of his wife;

Let every word weigh heavy of her worth

That he does weigh too light: my greatest grief,

Though littlehe dofeel it, set down sharply.

Dispatch the most convenient messenger:

When haply he shall hear that she is gone,

He will return; and hope I may that she,

Hearing so much, will speed her foot again.

Led hither by pure love: which of them both

Is dearest to me,I havenoskill in sense

To make distinction: provide this messenger:

My heart is heavy and mine age is weak;

Grief would have tears,andsorrow bids me speak.

[Exeunt.

LINENOTES:Scene iv..]Scene vi.Pope.[4]Stew. [Reads]Collier. Letter Ff. Ste. Capell.Saint]S. F1 F2 F3.St.F4.[7]have]haneF1.[10]Bless]'BlessCapell conj. MS.peace, whilst]F3 F4.peace. WhilstF1 F2.[12]His taken]HerculeanRann conj.[15]dogs]dogRowe.[18]Count.]Cou. Capell. om. Ff.[19]Rinaldo]RynaldoF1 F3 F4.RynardoF2.did never lack]ne'er lack'dHanmer.[22]me]om. Pope.[26]cannot]can'tS. Walker conj.[27]whom]whichHanmer.[29]Write, write]F1 F3 F4.Write and writeF2.Write, oh, writeHanmer.[33]he do]do heRowe (ed. 2).does heHanmer.[39]I have]I'vePope.skill in sense]skill or senseCollier (Collier MS.).[42]and]butHanmer.

LINENOTES:

Scene iv..]Scene vi.Pope.

[4]Stew. [Reads]Collier. Letter Ff. Ste. Capell.

Saint]S. F1 F2 F3.St.F4.

[7]have]haneF1.

[10]Bless]'BlessCapell conj. MS.

peace, whilst]F3 F4.peace. WhilstF1 F2.

[12]His taken]HerculeanRann conj.

[15]dogs]dogRowe.

[18]Count.]Cou. Capell. om. Ff.

[19]Rinaldo]RynaldoF1 F3 F4.RynardoF2.

did never lack]ne'er lack'dHanmer.

[22]me]om. Pope.

[26]cannot]can'tS. Walker conj.

[27]whom]whichHanmer.

[29]Write, write]F1 F3 F4.Write and writeF2.Write, oh, writeHanmer.

[33]he do]do heRowe (ed. 2).does heHanmer.

[39]I have]I'vePope.

skill in sense]skill or senseCollier (Collier MS.).

[42]and]butHanmer.

Enter an oldWidowof Florence,Diana,Violenta, andMariana,with otherCitizens.Wid.Nay,come;for if they do approach the city, weshall lose all the sight.Dia.They say the French count has done most honourableservice.5Wid.It is reported that he hastakentheirgreatestcommander; and that with his own hand he slew the Duke'sbrother.[Tucket.]We have lost our labour; they are gonea contrary way: hark! you may know by their trumpets.Mar.Come, let's return again, and suffice ourselves10with the report of it. Well, Diana, take heed of this Frenchearl: the honour of a maid is her name; and no legacy isso rich as honesty.Wid.I have told my neighbour how you have beensolicited by a gentleman his companion.15Mar.I know that knave; hang him! one Parolles: afilthy officer he is in those suggestions for the young earl.Beware of them, Diana; their promises, enticements, oaths,tokens, and all these engines of lust, arenotthe things theygo under: many a maid hath been seduced by them; and20the miseryis, example, that so terrible shows in the wreckof maidenhood, cannot for all that dissuade succession, butthat they are limed with the twigs thatthreatenthem. Ihope I need not to advise you further; but I hope your owngrace will keep you where you are, though there were no25further dangerknownbutthe modestywhich is so lost.Dia.You shall not need to fear me.Wid.I hope so.EnterHelena,disguised like a Pilgrim.Look, here comes a pilgrim: I know she will lie at myhouse; thither they send one another: I'll question her.30God save you, pilgrim! whither are you bound?Hel.To Saint JaquesleGrand.Where do the palmers lodge, I do beseech you?Wid.At the Saint Francisherebeside the port.Hel.Is this the way?35Wid.Ay, marry,is't.[A march afar.]Hark you!they come this way.If you will tarry,holypilgrim,But tillthetroops come by,I will conduct you where you shall be lodged;The rather, for I think I know your hostessAsampleas myself.40Hel.Is ityourself?Wid.If you shall please so, pilgrim.Hel.I thank you, and will stay upon your leisure.Wid.You came, I think, from France?Hel.I didso.Wid.Here you shall see a countryman of yoursThat has done worthy service.45Hel.His name, I pray you.Dia.The Count Rousillon: know you such a one?Hel.But by the ear, that hears most nobly of him:His face I know not.Dia.Whatsome'er he is,He's bravely taken here. He stole from France,50As 'tis reported, for the king had married himAgainst his liking: think you it is so?Hel.Ay, surely,mere thetruth: I know his lady.Dia.There is a gentleman that serves the countReports butcoarselyof her.Hel.What's his name?Dia.Monsieur Parolles.55Hel.O, I believe with him,In argument of praise, or to the worthOf the great count himself, she is too meanTo have her name repeated: all her deservingIs a reserved honesty, and thatI have not heard examined.60Dia.Alas, poor lady!'Tis a hard bondage to become the wifeOf a detesting lord.Wid.I write good creature, wheresoe'er she is,Her heart weighs sadly: this young maid might do herA shrewd turn, if she pleased.65Hel.How do you mean?May be the amorous count solicits herIn the unlawful purpose.Wid.He does indeed;Andbrokeswith all that can in such a suitCorrupt the tender honour of a maid:70But she is arm'd for him, and keeps her guardIn honestest defence.Mar.The gods forbid else!Wid.So, now they come:Drum and Colours.EnterBertram,Parolles,and the whole army.That is Antonio, the Duke's eldest son;That, Escalus.Hel.Which is the Frenchman?Dia.He;75That with the plume: 'tis a most gallant fellow.I would he loved his wife: if he were honesterHe were much goodlier:is't not ahandsome gentleman?Hel.I like him well.Dia.'Tis pityhe isnot honest: yond's that same knave80That leads him to theseplaces: were I his lady,I wouldpoison that vile rascal.Hel.Which is he?Dia.Thatjack-an-apes with scarfs: why is he melancholy?Hel.Perchance he's hurt i' the battle.Par.Lose our drum!well.85Mat.He's shrewdly vexed at something: look, he has spied us.Wid.Marry, hang you!Mar.And your courtesy, for a ring-carrier![ExeuntBertram,Parolles, and army.Wid.The troop is past. Come, pilgrim, I willbring you90Where you shall host: of enjoin'd penitentsThere's four or five, to great Saint Jaques bound,Already at my house.Hel.I humbly thank you:Please it this matron and this gentle maidTo eat with us to-night, the charge and thanking95Shall be for me; and, to requite you further,I will bestow some preceptsofthis virginWorthy the note.Both.We'll take your offer kindly.[Exeunt.

Enter an oldWidowof Florence,Diana,Violenta, andMariana,with otherCitizens.

Wid.Nay,come;for if they do approach the city, weshall lose all the sight.

Wid.Nay,come;for if they do approach the city, we

shall lose all the sight.

Dia.They say the French count has done most honourableservice.

Dia.They say the French count has done most honourable

service.

5Wid.It is reported that he hastakentheirgreatestcommander; and that with his own hand he slew the Duke'sbrother.[Tucket.]We have lost our labour; they are gonea contrary way: hark! you may know by their trumpets.

Wid.It is reported that he hastakentheirgreatest

commander; and that with his own hand he slew the Duke's

brother.[Tucket.]We have lost our labour; they are gone

a contrary way: hark! you may know by their trumpets.

Mar.Come, let's return again, and suffice ourselves10with the report of it. Well, Diana, take heed of this Frenchearl: the honour of a maid is her name; and no legacy isso rich as honesty.

Mar.Come, let's return again, and suffice ourselves

with the report of it. Well, Diana, take heed of this French

earl: the honour of a maid is her name; and no legacy is

so rich as honesty.

Wid.I have told my neighbour how you have beensolicited by a gentleman his companion.

Wid.I have told my neighbour how you have been

solicited by a gentleman his companion.

15Mar.I know that knave; hang him! one Parolles: afilthy officer he is in those suggestions for the young earl.Beware of them, Diana; their promises, enticements, oaths,tokens, and all these engines of lust, arenotthe things theygo under: many a maid hath been seduced by them; and20the miseryis, example, that so terrible shows in the wreckof maidenhood, cannot for all that dissuade succession, butthat they are limed with the twigs thatthreatenthem. Ihope I need not to advise you further; but I hope your owngrace will keep you where you are, though there were no25further dangerknownbutthe modestywhich is so lost.

Mar.I know that knave; hang him! one Parolles: a

filthy officer he is in those suggestions for the young earl.

Beware of them, Diana; their promises, enticements, oaths,

tokens, and all these engines of lust, arenotthe things they

go under: many a maid hath been seduced by them; and

the miseryis, example, that so terrible shows in the wreck

of maidenhood, cannot for all that dissuade succession, but

that they are limed with the twigs thatthreatenthem. I

hope I need not to advise you further; but I hope your own

grace will keep you where you are, though there were no

further dangerknownbutthe modestywhich is so lost.

Dia.You shall not need to fear me.

Wid.I hope so.

EnterHelena,disguised like a Pilgrim.

Look, here comes a pilgrim: I know she will lie at myhouse; thither they send one another: I'll question her.30God save you, pilgrim! whither are you bound?

Look, here comes a pilgrim: I know she will lie at my

house; thither they send one another: I'll question her.

God save you, pilgrim! whither are you bound?

Hel.To Saint JaquesleGrand.Where do the palmers lodge, I do beseech you?

Hel.To Saint JaquesleGrand.

Where do the palmers lodge, I do beseech you?

Wid.At the Saint Francisherebeside the port.

Hel.Is this the way?

35Wid.Ay, marry,is't.[A march afar.]Hark you!they come this way.If you will tarry,holypilgrim,But tillthetroops come by,I will conduct you where you shall be lodged;The rather, for I think I know your hostessAsampleas myself.

Wid.Ay, marry,is't.[A march afar.]Hark you!they come this way.

If you will tarry,holypilgrim,

But tillthetroops come by,

I will conduct you where you shall be lodged;

The rather, for I think I know your hostess

Asampleas myself.

40Hel.Is ityourself?

Hel.Is ityourself?

Wid.If you shall please so, pilgrim.

Hel.I thank you, and will stay upon your leisure.

Wid.You came, I think, from France?

Hel.I didso.

Wid.Here you shall see a countryman of yoursThat has done worthy service.

Wid.Here you shall see a countryman of yours

That has done worthy service.

45Hel.His name, I pray you.

Hel.His name, I pray you.

Dia.The Count Rousillon: know you such a one?

Hel.But by the ear, that hears most nobly of him:His face I know not.

Hel.But by the ear, that hears most nobly of him:

His face I know not.

Dia.Whatsome'er he is,He's bravely taken here. He stole from France,50As 'tis reported, for the king had married himAgainst his liking: think you it is so?

Dia.Whatsome'er he is,

He's bravely taken here. He stole from France,

As 'tis reported, for the king had married him

Against his liking: think you it is so?

Hel.Ay, surely,mere thetruth: I know his lady.

Dia.There is a gentleman that serves the countReports butcoarselyof her.

Dia.There is a gentleman that serves the count

Reports butcoarselyof her.

Hel.What's his name?

Dia.Monsieur Parolles.

55Hel.O, I believe with him,In argument of praise, or to the worthOf the great count himself, she is too meanTo have her name repeated: all her deservingIs a reserved honesty, and thatI have not heard examined.

Hel.O, I believe with him,

In argument of praise, or to the worth

Of the great count himself, she is too mean

To have her name repeated: all her deserving

Is a reserved honesty, and that

I have not heard examined.

60Dia.Alas, poor lady!'Tis a hard bondage to become the wifeOf a detesting lord.

Dia.Alas, poor lady!

'Tis a hard bondage to become the wife

Of a detesting lord.

Wid.I write good creature, wheresoe'er she is,Her heart weighs sadly: this young maid might do herA shrewd turn, if she pleased.

Wid.I write good creature, wheresoe'er she is,

Her heart weighs sadly: this young maid might do her

A shrewd turn, if she pleased.

65Hel.How do you mean?May be the amorous count solicits herIn the unlawful purpose.

Hel.How do you mean?

May be the amorous count solicits her

In the unlawful purpose.

Wid.He does indeed;Andbrokeswith all that can in such a suitCorrupt the tender honour of a maid:70But she is arm'd for him, and keeps her guardIn honestest defence.

Wid.He does indeed;

Andbrokeswith all that can in such a suit

Corrupt the tender honour of a maid:

But she is arm'd for him, and keeps her guard

In honestest defence.

Mar.The gods forbid else!

Wid.So, now they come:

Drum and Colours.

EnterBertram,Parolles,and the whole army.

That is Antonio, the Duke's eldest son;That, Escalus.

That is Antonio, the Duke's eldest son;

That, Escalus.

Hel.Which is the Frenchman?

Dia.He;75That with the plume: 'tis a most gallant fellow.I would he loved his wife: if he were honesterHe were much goodlier:is't not ahandsome gentleman?

Dia.He;

That with the plume: 'tis a most gallant fellow.

I would he loved his wife: if he were honester

He were much goodlier:is't not ahandsome gentleman?

Hel.I like him well.

Dia.'Tis pityhe isnot honest: yond's that same knave80That leads him to theseplaces: were I his lady,I wouldpoison that vile rascal.

Dia.'Tis pityhe isnot honest: yond's that same knave

That leads him to theseplaces: were I his lady,

I wouldpoison that vile rascal.

Hel.Which is he?

Dia.Thatjack-an-apes with scarfs: why is he melancholy?

Hel.Perchance he's hurt i' the battle.

Par.Lose our drum!well.

85Mat.He's shrewdly vexed at something: look, he has spied us.

Mat.He's shrewdly vexed at something: look, he has spied us.

Wid.Marry, hang you!

Mar.And your courtesy, for a ring-carrier![ExeuntBertram,Parolles, and army.

Mar.And your courtesy, for a ring-carrier!

[ExeuntBertram,Parolles, and army.

Wid.The troop is past. Come, pilgrim, I willbring you90Where you shall host: of enjoin'd penitentsThere's four or five, to great Saint Jaques bound,Already at my house.

Wid.The troop is past. Come, pilgrim, I willbring you

Where you shall host: of enjoin'd penitents

There's four or five, to great Saint Jaques bound,

Already at my house.

Hel.I humbly thank you:Please it this matron and this gentle maidTo eat with us to-night, the charge and thanking95Shall be for me; and, to requite you further,I will bestow some preceptsofthis virginWorthy the note.

Hel.I humbly thank you:

Please it this matron and this gentle maid

To eat with us to-night, the charge and thanking

Shall be for me; and, to requite you further,

I will bestow some preceptsofthis virgin

Worthy the note.

Both.We'll take your offer kindly.[Exeunt.

LINENOTES:Scene v.]Scene vii. Pope.Without the walls.]Capell. A public place in Florence. Theobald.A tucket...]Transferred to line 7 by Dyce.Diana]her daughter. Ff.Violenta]om. Capell.[1-14]As seventeen lines, endingcome ... city ... sight... done ... service ... reported ... commander ... slew ... labour ... hark ... trumpets ... again ... of it ... earl ... name ... rich ... honesty ... neighbour ... gentleman ... companionin Ff. First as prose by Pope.[3]Dia.]Violenta. Edd. conj.[5]taken]ta'enRowe.greatest]great'stFf.[7][Tucket.]Capell.[18]not]butHanmer. om. Warburton.[20]is, example]Rowe (ed. 2).is exampleFf.[22]threaten]Pope,threatensFf.[25]known]foundHanmer (Warburton).the modesty]of the modestyLong MS.[27]Enter...]Rowe. Enter Hellen. Ff.[31]le]F3 F4.laF1 F2.[33]here]om. Theobald.[34-37]Arranged asin Ff; as prose in Pope; as three lines, endingHark you!... pilgrim ... byin Capell.[35]is't]is itCapell.A march afar.]Ff. Tucket. Capell.[36]holy]om. Capell.[37]the]the theF2.[40]ample]amplyCapell conj.[40, 41]Is it ... pilgrim]As one line in Capell.[43]I did]True, I didHanmer.[48]Whatsome'er he is]What somere he isF1 F3 F4.What somere his isF2.Whatsoe'er he isRowe.[52]mere the]the meerHanmer.meerlyeWarburton.[54]coarsely]Johnson.courselyFf.[60]Alas]AhPope.[63]I write good creature,]F1.I right good creature,F2 F3 F4.Ah! right good creature!Rowe.Ah! right; good creature!Theobald.Ay, right:—Good creature!Capell.A right good creature:Steevens (Malone conj.).I weet, good creature,Steevens conj.I write, good creature,Grant White.[68]brokes]brooksRowe (ed. 2).[71]Scene VIII.Pope.[72]Enter Bertram...]Enter Count Rossillion... Ff (afterdefence, line 71).[77]is't not a]but is it not AHanmer.[79]he is]he'sHanmer.[80]places]pacesTheobald.pranksHeath conj.passesLettsom conj.[81]I would]I'dPope.[82-84]That ... well]S. Walker reads as three lines, endingmelancholy ... drum ... Well.[84]well]om. Hanmer.[87][Parolles bows to them. Capell.][88]Exeunt....]Exit. Ff.[89]bring you]Rowe (ed. 2).bring you,(youin next line) F1.bring You,F2 F3 F4.[96]of]F1.onF2 F3 F4.

LINENOTES:

Scene v.]Scene vii. Pope.

Without the walls.]Capell. A public place in Florence. Theobald.

A tucket...]Transferred to line 7 by Dyce.

Diana]her daughter. Ff.

Violenta]om. Capell.

[1-14]As seventeen lines, endingcome ... city ... sight... done ... service ... reported ... commander ... slew ... labour ... hark ... trumpets ... again ... of it ... earl ... name ... rich ... honesty ... neighbour ... gentleman ... companionin Ff. First as prose by Pope.

[3]Dia.]Violenta. Edd. conj.

[5]taken]ta'enRowe.

greatest]great'stFf.

[7][Tucket.]Capell.

[18]not]butHanmer. om. Warburton.

[20]is, example]Rowe (ed. 2).is exampleFf.

[22]threaten]Pope,threatensFf.

[25]known]foundHanmer (Warburton).

the modesty]of the modestyLong MS.

[27]Enter...]Rowe. Enter Hellen. Ff.

[31]le]F3 F4.laF1 F2.

[33]here]om. Theobald.

[34-37]Arranged asin Ff; as prose in Pope; as three lines, endingHark you!... pilgrim ... byin Capell.

[35]is't]is itCapell.

A march afar.]Ff. Tucket. Capell.

[36]holy]om. Capell.

[37]the]the theF2.

[40]ample]amplyCapell conj.

[40, 41]Is it ... pilgrim]As one line in Capell.

[43]I did]True, I didHanmer.

[48]Whatsome'er he is]What somere he isF1 F3 F4.What somere his isF2.Whatsoe'er he isRowe.

[52]mere the]the meerHanmer.meerlyeWarburton.

[54]coarsely]Johnson.courselyFf.

[60]Alas]AhPope.

[63]I write good creature,]F1.I right good creature,F2 F3 F4.Ah! right good creature!Rowe.Ah! right; good creature!Theobald.Ay, right:—Good creature!Capell.A right good creature:Steevens (Malone conj.).I weet, good creature,Steevens conj.I write, good creature,Grant White.

[68]brokes]brooksRowe (ed. 2).

[71]Scene VIII.Pope.

[72]Enter Bertram...]Enter Count Rossillion... Ff (afterdefence, line 71).

[77]is't not a]but is it not AHanmer.

[79]he is]he'sHanmer.

[80]places]pacesTheobald.pranksHeath conj.passesLettsom conj.

[81]I would]I'dPope.

[82-84]That ... well]S. Walker reads as three lines, endingmelancholy ... drum ... Well.

[84]well]om. Hanmer.

[87][Parolles bows to them. Capell.]

[88]Exeunt....]Exit. Ff.

[89]bring you]Rowe (ed. 2).bring you,(youin next line) F1.bring You,F2 F3 F4.

[96]of]F1.onF2 F3 F4.

EnterBertramand the two FrenchLords.Sec. Lord.Nay, good my lord, put him to't; let himhave his way.First Lord.If your lordship find him not a hilding,hold me no more in your respect.5Sec. Lord.On my life, my lord, a bubble.Ber.Do you think I am so far deceived in him?Sec. Lord.Believe it, my lord, in mine own directknowledge, without any malice, but to speak of him as mykinsman, he's a most notable coward, an infinite and endless10liar, an hourly promise-breaker, the owner of no onegood quality worthy your lordship's entertainment.First Lord.It were fit you knew him; lest, reposingtoo far in his virtue, which he hath not, he might at somegreat and trusty business in a main danger fail you.15Ber.I would I knew in what particular action to try him.First Lord.None better than to let him fetch off hisdrum, which you hear him so confidently undertake to do.Sec. Lord.I, with a troop of Florentines, will suddenlysurprise him; such I will have, whom I am sure he knows20not from the enemy: we will bind and hoodwink him so,that he shall suppose no other but that he is carried intotheleaguerof theadversaries, when we bring him to ourown tents. Be but your lordship present at his examination:if he do not, for the promise of his life and in the25highest compulsion of base fear, offer to betray you anddeliver all the intelligence in his power against you, andthat with the divine forfeit of his soul upon oath, nevertrust my judgement in any thing.First Lord.O,for the love of laughter, let himfetch30his drum; he says he has a stratagem for't: when yourlordship sees the bottom ofhissuccess in't, and to whatmetal this counterfeit lump oforewill be melted, if yougive him notJohnDrum's entertainment, yourincliningcannot be removed. Here he comes.EnterParolles.35Sec. Lord.[Aside to Ber.]O, for the love of laughter,hinder not thehonourof his design: let him fetch off hisdrum in any hand.Ber.How now, monsieur! this drum sticks sorely inyour disposition.40First Lord.A pox on't, let it go; 'tis but a drum.Par.'But a drum'! is't 'but a drum'? A drum so lost!There was excellent command,—to chargeinwith ourhorse upon our own wings, and to rend our own soldiers!First Lord.That was not to be blamed in thecommand45of the service: it was a disaster of war that Cæsarhimself could not have prevented, if he had been there tocommand.Ber.Well, we cannot greatly condemn our success:some dishonour we had in the loss of that drum; but it is50not to be recovered.Par.It might have been recovered.Ber.It might; but it is not now.Par.It is to be recovered: but that the merit of serviceis seldom attributed to the true and exact performer,55I would have that drum or another, or'hic jacet.'Ber.Why, if you have a stomach, to't, monsieur: if youthink yourmysteryin stratagem can bring this instrumentof honour again into his native quarter, be magnanimous inthe enterprise and go on; I will grace the attempt for a60worthy exploit: if you speed well in it, the Duke shall bothspeak of it, and extend to you what further becomes hisgreatness, even to the utmost syllable of your worthiness.Par.By the hand of a soldier, I will undertake it.Ber.But you must not now slumber in it.65Par.I'll about it this evening: and I will presentlypen down my dilemmas, encourage myself in my certainty,put myself into my mortal preparation; and by midnightlook to hear further from me.Ber.May I be bold to acquaint his Grace you are gone70about it?Par.I know not what the success will be, my lord;but the attempt I vow.Ber.I knowthou'rtvaliant;and, to the possibility ofthysoldiership, will subscribe for thee. Farewell.75Par.I love not many words.[Exit.Sec. Lord.No more than a fish loves water. Is notthis a strange fellow, my lord, that so confidently seems toundertake this business, which he knows is not to be done;damns himself todoand dares better be damned than to80do't?First Lord.You do not know him, my lord, as we do:certain it is, that he will steal himself into a man's favourand for a week escape a great deal ofdiscoveries; but whenyou find him out, you have him ever after.85Ber.Why, do you think he will make no deed at all ofthis that so seriously he does address himself unto?Sec. Lord.None in the world; but return with an inventionand clap upon you two or threeprobablelies: butwe have almost embossed him; you shall see his fall to-night;90for indeed he is not for your lordship's respect.First Lord.We'll make you some sport with the foxere wecasehim. He was first smoked by the old lordLafeu: when his disguise and heis parted, tell mewhat asprat you shall find him; which you shall see this very night.95Sec. Lord.I must go lookmy twigs: he shall be caught.Ber.Your brother he shall go along with me.Sec. Lord.As't please your lordship: I'll leave you.[Exit.Ber.Now will I lead you to the house, and show youThe lass I spoke of.First Lord.But you say she's honest.100Ber.That's all the fault: I spoke with her but onceAnd found her wondrous cold; but I sent to her,By this same coxcomb that we have i' the wind,Tokens and letters which she did re-send;And this is allI havedone. She's a fair creature:Will you go see her?105First Lord.With all my heart, my lord.[Exeunt.

EnterBertramand the two FrenchLords.

Sec. Lord.Nay, good my lord, put him to't; let himhave his way.

Sec. Lord.Nay, good my lord, put him to't; let him

have his way.

First Lord.If your lordship find him not a hilding,hold me no more in your respect.

First Lord.If your lordship find him not a hilding,

hold me no more in your respect.

5Sec. Lord.On my life, my lord, a bubble.

Sec. Lord.On my life, my lord, a bubble.

Ber.Do you think I am so far deceived in him?

Sec. Lord.Believe it, my lord, in mine own directknowledge, without any malice, but to speak of him as mykinsman, he's a most notable coward, an infinite and endless10liar, an hourly promise-breaker, the owner of no onegood quality worthy your lordship's entertainment.

Sec. Lord.Believe it, my lord, in mine own direct

knowledge, without any malice, but to speak of him as my

kinsman, he's a most notable coward, an infinite and endless

liar, an hourly promise-breaker, the owner of no one

good quality worthy your lordship's entertainment.

First Lord.It were fit you knew him; lest, reposingtoo far in his virtue, which he hath not, he might at somegreat and trusty business in a main danger fail you.

First Lord.It were fit you knew him; lest, reposing

too far in his virtue, which he hath not, he might at some

great and trusty business in a main danger fail you.

15Ber.I would I knew in what particular action to try him.

Ber.I would I knew in what particular action to try him.

First Lord.None better than to let him fetch off hisdrum, which you hear him so confidently undertake to do.

First Lord.None better than to let him fetch off his

drum, which you hear him so confidently undertake to do.

Sec. Lord.I, with a troop of Florentines, will suddenlysurprise him; such I will have, whom I am sure he knows20not from the enemy: we will bind and hoodwink him so,that he shall suppose no other but that he is carried intotheleaguerof theadversaries, when we bring him to ourown tents. Be but your lordship present at his examination:if he do not, for the promise of his life and in the25highest compulsion of base fear, offer to betray you anddeliver all the intelligence in his power against you, andthat with the divine forfeit of his soul upon oath, nevertrust my judgement in any thing.

Sec. Lord.I, with a troop of Florentines, will suddenly

surprise him; such I will have, whom I am sure he knows

not from the enemy: we will bind and hoodwink him so,

that he shall suppose no other but that he is carried into

theleaguerof theadversaries, when we bring him to our

own tents. Be but your lordship present at his examination:

if he do not, for the promise of his life and in the

highest compulsion of base fear, offer to betray you and

deliver all the intelligence in his power against you, and

that with the divine forfeit of his soul upon oath, never

trust my judgement in any thing.

First Lord.O,for the love of laughter, let himfetch30his drum; he says he has a stratagem for't: when yourlordship sees the bottom ofhissuccess in't, and to whatmetal this counterfeit lump oforewill be melted, if yougive him notJohnDrum's entertainment, yourincliningcannot be removed. Here he comes.

First Lord.O,for the love of laughter, let himfetch

his drum; he says he has a stratagem for't: when your

lordship sees the bottom ofhissuccess in't, and to what

metal this counterfeit lump oforewill be melted, if you

give him notJohnDrum's entertainment, yourinclining

cannot be removed. Here he comes.

EnterParolles.

35Sec. Lord.[Aside to Ber.]O, for the love of laughter,hinder not thehonourof his design: let him fetch off hisdrum in any hand.

Sec. Lord.[Aside to Ber.]O, for the love of laughter,

hinder not thehonourof his design: let him fetch off his

drum in any hand.

Ber.How now, monsieur! this drum sticks sorely inyour disposition.

Ber.How now, monsieur! this drum sticks sorely in

your disposition.

40First Lord.A pox on't, let it go; 'tis but a drum.

First Lord.A pox on't, let it go; 'tis but a drum.

Par.'But a drum'! is't 'but a drum'? A drum so lost!There was excellent command,—to chargeinwith ourhorse upon our own wings, and to rend our own soldiers!

Par.'But a drum'! is't 'but a drum'? A drum so lost!

There was excellent command,—to chargeinwith our

horse upon our own wings, and to rend our own soldiers!

First Lord.That was not to be blamed in thecommand45of the service: it was a disaster of war that Cæsarhimself could not have prevented, if he had been there tocommand.

First Lord.That was not to be blamed in thecommand

of the service: it was a disaster of war that Cæsar

himself could not have prevented, if he had been there to

command.

Ber.Well, we cannot greatly condemn our success:some dishonour we had in the loss of that drum; but it is50not to be recovered.

Ber.Well, we cannot greatly condemn our success:

some dishonour we had in the loss of that drum; but it is

not to be recovered.

Par.It might have been recovered.

Ber.It might; but it is not now.

Par.It is to be recovered: but that the merit of serviceis seldom attributed to the true and exact performer,55I would have that drum or another, or'hic jacet.'

Par.It is to be recovered: but that the merit of service

is seldom attributed to the true and exact performer,

I would have that drum or another, or'hic jacet.'

Ber.Why, if you have a stomach, to't, monsieur: if youthink yourmysteryin stratagem can bring this instrumentof honour again into his native quarter, be magnanimous inthe enterprise and go on; I will grace the attempt for a60worthy exploit: if you speed well in it, the Duke shall bothspeak of it, and extend to you what further becomes hisgreatness, even to the utmost syllable of your worthiness.

Ber.Why, if you have a stomach, to't, monsieur: if you

think yourmysteryin stratagem can bring this instrument

of honour again into his native quarter, be magnanimous in

the enterprise and go on; I will grace the attempt for a

worthy exploit: if you speed well in it, the Duke shall both

speak of it, and extend to you what further becomes his

greatness, even to the utmost syllable of your worthiness.

Par.By the hand of a soldier, I will undertake it.

Ber.But you must not now slumber in it.

65Par.I'll about it this evening: and I will presentlypen down my dilemmas, encourage myself in my certainty,put myself into my mortal preparation; and by midnightlook to hear further from me.

Par.I'll about it this evening: and I will presently

pen down my dilemmas, encourage myself in my certainty,

put myself into my mortal preparation; and by midnight

look to hear further from me.

Ber.May I be bold to acquaint his Grace you are gone70about it?

Ber.May I be bold to acquaint his Grace you are gone

about it?

Par.I know not what the success will be, my lord;but the attempt I vow.

Par.I know not what the success will be, my lord;

but the attempt I vow.

Ber.I knowthou'rtvaliant;and, to the possibility ofthysoldiership, will subscribe for thee. Farewell.

Ber.I knowthou'rtvaliant;and, to the possibility of

thysoldiership, will subscribe for thee. Farewell.

75Par.I love not many words.[Exit.

Par.I love not many words.[Exit.

Sec. Lord.No more than a fish loves water. Is notthis a strange fellow, my lord, that so confidently seems toundertake this business, which he knows is not to be done;damns himself todoand dares better be damned than to80do't?

Sec. Lord.No more than a fish loves water. Is not

this a strange fellow, my lord, that so confidently seems to

undertake this business, which he knows is not to be done;

damns himself todoand dares better be damned than to

do't?

First Lord.You do not know him, my lord, as we do:certain it is, that he will steal himself into a man's favourand for a week escape a great deal ofdiscoveries; but whenyou find him out, you have him ever after.

First Lord.You do not know him, my lord, as we do:

certain it is, that he will steal himself into a man's favour

and for a week escape a great deal ofdiscoveries; but when

you find him out, you have him ever after.

85Ber.Why, do you think he will make no deed at all ofthis that so seriously he does address himself unto?

Ber.Why, do you think he will make no deed at all of

this that so seriously he does address himself unto?

Sec. Lord.None in the world; but return with an inventionand clap upon you two or threeprobablelies: butwe have almost embossed him; you shall see his fall to-night;90for indeed he is not for your lordship's respect.

Sec. Lord.None in the world; but return with an invention

and clap upon you two or threeprobablelies: but

we have almost embossed him; you shall see his fall to-night;

for indeed he is not for your lordship's respect.

First Lord.We'll make you some sport with the foxere wecasehim. He was first smoked by the old lordLafeu: when his disguise and heis parted, tell mewhat asprat you shall find him; which you shall see this very night.

First Lord.We'll make you some sport with the fox

ere wecasehim. He was first smoked by the old lord

Lafeu: when his disguise and heis parted, tell mewhat a

sprat you shall find him; which you shall see this very night.

95Sec. Lord.I must go lookmy twigs: he shall be caught.

Sec. Lord.I must go lookmy twigs: he shall be caught.

Ber.Your brother he shall go along with me.

Sec. Lord.As't please your lordship: I'll leave you.[Exit.

Ber.Now will I lead you to the house, and show youThe lass I spoke of.

Ber.Now will I lead you to the house, and show you

The lass I spoke of.

First Lord.But you say she's honest.

100Ber.That's all the fault: I spoke with her but onceAnd found her wondrous cold; but I sent to her,By this same coxcomb that we have i' the wind,Tokens and letters which she did re-send;And this is allI havedone. She's a fair creature:Will you go see her?

Ber.That's all the fault: I spoke with her but once

And found her wondrous cold; but I sent to her,

By this same coxcomb that we have i' the wind,

Tokens and letters which she did re-send;

And this is allI havedone. She's a fair creature:

Will you go see her?

105First Lord.With all my heart, my lord.[Exeunt.

First Lord.With all my heart, my lord.[Exeunt.

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