Chapter 23

EnterHelena, Widow,andDiana,with twoAttendants.Hel.But this exceeding posting day and nightMust wear your spirits low; we cannot help it:But sinceyou havemade the days and nights as one,To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs,5Be bold you do so grow in my requitalAs nothing can unroot you. In happy time;Enter aGentleman.This man may help me to his majesty's ear,If he would spend his power. God save you, sir.Gent.And you.10Hel.Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.Gent.I have been sometimes there.Hel.I do presume, sir, that you are not fallenFrom the report that goes upon your goodness;And therefore, goaded with most sharp occasions,15Which lay nice manners by, I put you toThe use of your ownvirtues, for the whichI shall continue thankful.Gent.What's your will?Hel.That it will please youTo give this poor petition to the king,20And aid me with that store of power you haveTo come into his presence.Gent.The king's not here.Hel.Not here, sir!Gent.Not, indeed:He hence removed last night and with more hasteThan is his use.Wid.Lord, how we lose our pains!25Hel.All's well that ends wellyet,Though time seem so adverse and means unfit.I do beseech you, whither is he gone?Gent.Marry, as I take it, to Rousillon;Whither I am going.Hel.I dobeseech you, sir,30Since you are like to see the king before me,Commend the paper to his gracious hand,Which I presume shall render you no blameBut rather make you thank your pains for it.I will come after you with what good speedOur means willmake us means.35Gent.This I'll do for you.Hel.And youshall find yourself to be well thank'd,Whate'er falls more. We must to horse again.Go, go, provide.[Exeunt.

EnterHelena, Widow,andDiana,with twoAttendants.

Hel.But this exceeding posting day and nightMust wear your spirits low; we cannot help it:But sinceyou havemade the days and nights as one,To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs,5Be bold you do so grow in my requitalAs nothing can unroot you. In happy time;

Hel.But this exceeding posting day and night

Must wear your spirits low; we cannot help it:

But sinceyou havemade the days and nights as one,

To wear your gentle limbs in my affairs,

Be bold you do so grow in my requital

As nothing can unroot you. In happy time;

Enter aGentleman.

This man may help me to his majesty's ear,If he would spend his power. God save you, sir.

This man may help me to his majesty's ear,

If he would spend his power. God save you, sir.

Gent.And you.

10Hel.Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.

Hel.Sir, I have seen you in the court of France.

Gent.I have been sometimes there.

Hel.I do presume, sir, that you are not fallenFrom the report that goes upon your goodness;And therefore, goaded with most sharp occasions,15Which lay nice manners by, I put you toThe use of your ownvirtues, for the whichI shall continue thankful.

Hel.I do presume, sir, that you are not fallen

From the report that goes upon your goodness;

And therefore, goaded with most sharp occasions,

Which lay nice manners by, I put you to

The use of your ownvirtues, for the which

I shall continue thankful.

Gent.What's your will?

Hel.That it will please youTo give this poor petition to the king,20And aid me with that store of power you haveTo come into his presence.

Hel.That it will please you

To give this poor petition to the king,

And aid me with that store of power you have

To come into his presence.

Gent.The king's not here.

Hel.Not here, sir!

Gent.Not, indeed:He hence removed last night and with more hasteThan is his use.

Gent.Not, indeed:

He hence removed last night and with more haste

Than is his use.

Wid.Lord, how we lose our pains!

25Hel.All's well that ends wellyet,Though time seem so adverse and means unfit.I do beseech you, whither is he gone?

Hel.All's well that ends wellyet,

Though time seem so adverse and means unfit.

I do beseech you, whither is he gone?

Gent.Marry, as I take it, to Rousillon;Whither I am going.

Gent.Marry, as I take it, to Rousillon;

Whither I am going.

Hel.I dobeseech you, sir,30Since you are like to see the king before me,Commend the paper to his gracious hand,Which I presume shall render you no blameBut rather make you thank your pains for it.I will come after you with what good speedOur means willmake us means.

Hel.I dobeseech you, sir,

Since you are like to see the king before me,

Commend the paper to his gracious hand,

Which I presume shall render you no blame

But rather make you thank your pains for it.

I will come after you with what good speed

Our means willmake us means.

35Gent.This I'll do for you.

Gent.This I'll do for you.

Hel.And youshall find yourself to be well thank'd,Whate'er falls more. We must to horse again.Go, go, provide.[Exeunt.

Hel.And youshall find yourself to be well thank'd,

Whate'er falls more. We must to horse again.

Go, go, provide.[Exeunt.

LINENOTES:Marseilles. A street.]Capell. The Court of France. Pope.[3]you have]you'vePope.[6]Enter a Gentleman.]Rowe. Enter a gentle Astringer. F1. Enter a gentle Astranger. F2. Enter a Gentleman a stranger. F3 F4.[16]virtues]virtueS. Walker conj.[29]I do]IHanmer.[35]make us means.]make us.Anon. conj.[36-38]Printed as prosein Ff. First as verse by Pope.

LINENOTES:

Marseilles. A street.]Capell. The Court of France. Pope.

[3]you have]you'vePope.

[6]Enter a Gentleman.]Rowe. Enter a gentle Astringer. F1. Enter a gentle Astranger. F2. Enter a Gentleman a stranger. F3 F4.

[16]virtues]virtueS. Walker conj.

[29]I do]IHanmer.

[35]make us means.]make us.Anon. conj.

[36-38]Printed as prosein Ff. First as verse by Pope.

EnterClown,andParolles,following.Par.GoodMonsieur Lavache, give my Lord Lafeu thisletter: I have ere now, sir, been better known to you, whenI have held familiarity with fresher clothes; but I am now,sir, muddied in fortune'smood, and smell somewhat strong5of her strong displeasure.Clo.Truly, fortune's displeasure is but sluttish, if itsmell so strongly as thou speakest of: I will henceforth eatno fish of fortune's buttering. Prithee, allow the wind.Par.Nay, you need not to stop your nose, sir; I10spakebut by a metaphor.Clo.Indeed, sir, if your metaphor stink, I will stop mynose;or againstany man's metaphor. Prithee, get theefurther.Par.Pray you, sir, deliver me this paper.15Clo.Foh! prithee, stand away: a paper from fortune'sclose-stool to give to a nobleman! Look, here he comeshimself.EnterLafeu.Hereis apurrof fortune's, sir,or offortune's cat,—but notamusk-cat,—thathasfallen into the unclean fishpond of20her displeasure, and, as he says, is muddied withal: prayyou, sir, use the carp as you may; for he looks like a poor,decayed,ingenious, foolish, rascally knave. I do pity hisdistress in mysimilesof comfort and leave him to yourlordship.[Exit.25Par.My lord, I am a man whom fortune hath cruellyscratched.Laf.And what would you have me to do? 'Tis toolate to pare her nails now. Wherein have you played theknave with fortune, that she should scratch you, who of30herself is a good lady and would not have knaves thrivelongunder her? There's aquart d'écufor you: let thejustices make you and fortune friends: I am for otherbusiness.Par.I beseech your honour to hear me one single35word.Laf.Youbeg a single penny more: come, you shallha't; save your word.Par.My name, my good lord, is Parolles.Laf.You beg more than'word,'then. Cox my passion!40give me your hand. How does your drum?Par.O my good lord, you were the first that foundme!Laf.Was I, in sooth? and I was the first that lostthee.45Par.Itlies in you, my lord, to bring me in some grace,for you did bring me out.Laf.Out upon thee, knave! dost thou put upon me atonce both the office of God and the devil? One brings theein grace and the other brings thee out.[Trumpets sound.]50The king's coming; I know by his trumpets. Sirrah, inquirefurther after me; I had talk of you last night: thoughyou are a fool and a knave, you shall eat; go to, follow.Par.I praise God for you.[Exeunt.

EnterClown,andParolles,following.

Par.GoodMonsieur Lavache, give my Lord Lafeu thisletter: I have ere now, sir, been better known to you, whenI have held familiarity with fresher clothes; but I am now,sir, muddied in fortune'smood, and smell somewhat strong5of her strong displeasure.

Par.GoodMonsieur Lavache, give my Lord Lafeu this

letter: I have ere now, sir, been better known to you, when

I have held familiarity with fresher clothes; but I am now,

sir, muddied in fortune'smood, and smell somewhat strong

of her strong displeasure.

Clo.Truly, fortune's displeasure is but sluttish, if itsmell so strongly as thou speakest of: I will henceforth eatno fish of fortune's buttering. Prithee, allow the wind.

Clo.Truly, fortune's displeasure is but sluttish, if it

smell so strongly as thou speakest of: I will henceforth eat

no fish of fortune's buttering. Prithee, allow the wind.

Par.Nay, you need not to stop your nose, sir; I10spakebut by a metaphor.

Par.Nay, you need not to stop your nose, sir; I

spakebut by a metaphor.

Clo.Indeed, sir, if your metaphor stink, I will stop mynose;or againstany man's metaphor. Prithee, get theefurther.

Clo.Indeed, sir, if your metaphor stink, I will stop my

nose;or againstany man's metaphor. Prithee, get thee

further.

Par.Pray you, sir, deliver me this paper.

15Clo.Foh! prithee, stand away: a paper from fortune'sclose-stool to give to a nobleman! Look, here he comeshimself.

Clo.Foh! prithee, stand away: a paper from fortune's

close-stool to give to a nobleman! Look, here he comes

himself.

EnterLafeu.

Hereis apurrof fortune's, sir,or offortune's cat,—but notamusk-cat,—thathasfallen into the unclean fishpond of20her displeasure, and, as he says, is muddied withal: prayyou, sir, use the carp as you may; for he looks like a poor,decayed,ingenious, foolish, rascally knave. I do pity hisdistress in mysimilesof comfort and leave him to yourlordship.[Exit.

Hereis apurrof fortune's, sir,or offortune's cat,—but not

amusk-cat,—thathasfallen into the unclean fishpond of

her displeasure, and, as he says, is muddied withal: pray

you, sir, use the carp as you may; for he looks like a poor,

decayed,ingenious, foolish, rascally knave. I do pity his

distress in mysimilesof comfort and leave him to your

lordship.[Exit.

25Par.My lord, I am a man whom fortune hath cruellyscratched.

Par.My lord, I am a man whom fortune hath cruelly

scratched.

Laf.And what would you have me to do? 'Tis toolate to pare her nails now. Wherein have you played theknave with fortune, that she should scratch you, who of30herself is a good lady and would not have knaves thrivelongunder her? There's aquart d'écufor you: let thejustices make you and fortune friends: I am for otherbusiness.

Laf.And what would you have me to do? 'Tis too

late to pare her nails now. Wherein have you played the

knave with fortune, that she should scratch you, who of

herself is a good lady and would not have knaves thrive

longunder her? There's aquart d'écufor you: let the

justices make you and fortune friends: I am for other

business.

Par.I beseech your honour to hear me one single35word.

Par.I beseech your honour to hear me one single

word.

Laf.Youbeg a single penny more: come, you shallha't; save your word.

Laf.Youbeg a single penny more: come, you shall

ha't; save your word.

Par.My name, my good lord, is Parolles.

Laf.You beg more than'word,'then. Cox my passion!40give me your hand. How does your drum?

Laf.You beg more than'word,'then. Cox my passion!

give me your hand. How does your drum?

Par.O my good lord, you were the first that foundme!

Par.O my good lord, you were the first that found

me!

Laf.Was I, in sooth? and I was the first that lostthee.

Laf.Was I, in sooth? and I was the first that lost

thee.

45Par.Itlies in you, my lord, to bring me in some grace,for you did bring me out.

Par.Itlies in you, my lord, to bring me in some grace,

for you did bring me out.

Laf.Out upon thee, knave! dost thou put upon me atonce both the office of God and the devil? One brings theein grace and the other brings thee out.[Trumpets sound.]50The king's coming; I know by his trumpets. Sirrah, inquirefurther after me; I had talk of you last night: thoughyou are a fool and a knave, you shall eat; go to, follow.

Laf.Out upon thee, knave! dost thou put upon me at

once both the office of God and the devil? One brings thee

in grace and the other brings thee out.[Trumpets sound.]

The king's coming; I know by his trumpets. Sirrah, inquire

further after me; I had talk of you last night: though

you are a fool and a knave, you shall eat; go to, follow.

Par.I praise God for you.[Exeunt.

LINENOTES:Scene II.Before ... palace.]Edd. Inner-court of the palace. Capell.following.]Capell. ill-favoured. Collier MS.[1]Monsieur]MrFf.Lavache] Edd. (Tollet conj.).LavatchFf.LapatchJervis conj.[4]mood]moatTheobald.See note (xvii).[10]spake]F1.speakeF2.speakF3 F4.[12]or against]againstTheobald.[18]Here]Clo.HereFf.purr]purreF1 F2 F3.purF4.pussMason conj.or of]orWarburton.[19]musk-cat]Theobald.MuscatFf.mouse-catAnon. conj.has]hathPope.[22]ingenious]ingenuousAnon. conj.[23]similes]Theobald (Warburton).smilesFf.[31]under her?]F2 F3 F4.under?F1.quart'd'écu]Pope.cardecueFf.[36]You]If youAnon. conj.[39]'word']wordF1 F2.one wordF3 F4.a word Collier(Egerton MS.).[45]lies in you]lies on youCapell.[49][Trumpets sound.]Sound trumpets. Theobald, om. Ff.

LINENOTES:

Scene II.Before ... palace.]Edd. Inner-court of the palace. Capell.

following.]Capell. ill-favoured. Collier MS.

[1]Monsieur]MrFf.Lavache] Edd. (Tollet conj.).

LavatchFf.LapatchJervis conj.

[4]mood]moatTheobald.See note (xvii).

[10]spake]F1.speakeF2.speakF3 F4.

[12]or against]againstTheobald.

[18]Here]Clo.HereFf.

purr]purreF1 F2 F3.purF4.pussMason conj.

or of]orWarburton.

[19]musk-cat]Theobald.MuscatFf.mouse-catAnon. conj.

has]hathPope.

[22]ingenious]ingenuousAnon. conj.

[23]similes]Theobald (Warburton).smilesFf.

[31]under her?]F2 F3 F4.under?F1.

quart'd'écu]Pope.cardecueFf.

[36]You]If youAnon. conj.

[39]'word']wordF1 F2.one wordF3 F4.a word Collier(Egerton MS.).

[45]lies in you]lies on youCapell.

[49][Trumpets sound.]Sound trumpets. Theobald, om. Ff.

Flourish. EnterKing,Countess, Lafeu,the twoFrench Lords,withAttendants.King.We lost a jewelof her; and ouresteemWas made much poorer by it: but your son,As mad in folly, lack'd the sense to knowHer estimation home.Count.'Tis past, my liege;5And I beseech your majesty to make itNatural rebellion, done i' theblazeof youth;When oil and fire, too strong for reason's force,O'erbearsit and burns on.King.My honour'd lady,I have forgiven and forgotten all;10Though my revenges were high bent upon him,And watch'd the time to shoot.Laf.This I must say,Butfirst I beg my pardon, the young lordDid to his majesty, his mother and his ladyOffence of mighty note; but to himself15The greatest wrong of all. He lost a wifeWhose beauty did astonish the surveyOf richest eyes, whose words all ears took captive,Whose dear perfection hearts that scorn'd to serveHumbly call'd mistress.King.Praising what is lost20Makes the remembrance dear. Well, call him hither;We arereconciled, and the first view shall killAll repetition: let him not ask our pardon;Thenatureof his great offence is dead,And deeper than oblivionwe dobury25The incensing relics of it: let him approach,A stranger, no offender; and inform himSo 'tis our will he should.Gent.I shall, my liege.[Exit.King.Whatsays he to your daughter? have you spoke?Laf.All that he is hath reference to your highness.30King.Then shallwe have a match. I have letters sent meThatsethim high in fame.EnterBertram.Laf.He looks well on't.King.I amnot a day ofseason,For thou mayst see a sunshine and a hailIn me at once: but to the brightest beams35Distracted clouds give way; so stand thou forth;The time is fair again.Ber.My high-repented blames,Dear sovereign, pardon to me.King.All is whole;Not one word more of the consumed time.Let's take the instant by theforwardtop;40For we are old, and on our quick'st decreesThe inaudible and noiseless foot of TimeSteals ere we can effect them. You rememberThe daughter of this lord?Ber.Admiringly,my liege, at first45I stuck my choice upon her, ere my heartDurst make too bold a herald of my tongue:Where the impression of mine eye infixing,Contempt his scornful perspective did lend me,Whichwarp'dthe line of every other favour;50Scorn'da fair colour, or express'd it stolen;Extended or contracted all proportionsTo a most hideous object: thence it cameThat she whom all men praised and whom myself,Since I have lost, have loved, was in mine eyeThe dust that did offend it.55King.Well excused:That thou didst love her, strikes some scores awayFrom the great compt: but love that comes too late.Likea remorseful pardon slowlycarried,To the great sender turns asouroffence,60Crying 'That's goodthat's gone.'OurrashfaultsMaketrivialprice of serious things we have,Not knowing them until we know their grave:Oft our displeasures, to ourselves unjust,Destroy our friends and after weep their dust:65Ourownlove waking cries to see what's done,Whileshameful hatesleepsout the afternoon.Be this sweet Helen's knell, and nowforget her.Send forth your amorous token for fair Maudlin:The main consents are had; and here we'll stay70To see our widower's second marriage-day.Count.Which better than the first, O dear heaven, bless!Or, ere theymeet,in me, O nature, cesse!Laf.Come on, my son, in whom my house's nameMust bedigested, give a favour from you75To sparkle in the spirits of my daughter,That she may quickly come.[Bertram gives a ring.]By my old beard,And every hair that's on't, Helen, that's dead,Was a sweet creature: such a ring as this,The lastthat e'erI took herleaveat court,I saw upon her finger.80Ber.Hers it was not.King.Now, pray you, let me see it; for mine eye,While I was speaking, oft was fasten'd to't.This ring was mine; and, when I gave it Helen,I bade her, if her fortunes ever stood85Necessitiedto help, that by this tokenI would relieve her. Had you that craft, to reave herOf what should stead her most?Ber.My gracious sovereign,Howe'er it pleases you to take it so,The ring was never hers.Count.Son, on my life,90I haveseen her wear it; and she reckon'd itAt herlife'srate.Laf.I amsure I saw her wear it.Ber.You are deceived, my lord; she never saw it:In Florence was it from a casement thrown me,Wrapp'd in a paper, which contain'd the name95Of her that threw it: noble she was, and thoughtI stoodengaged:but when I had subscribedTo mine own fortune and inform'd her fullyI could not answer in that course of honourAs she had made the overture, she ceased100In heavy satisfaction and would neverReceive the ring again.King.Plutushimself,That knows the tinct and multiplying medicine,Hath not in nature's mystery more scienceThan I have in this ring: 'twas mine, 'twas Helen's,105Whoever gave it you. Then, if you knowThat you are well acquainted with yourself,Confess 'twas hers, and by what rough enforcementYou got it from her: she call'd the saints to suretyThat she would never put it from her finger,110Unless she gave it toyourselfin bed,Where you have never come, or sent it usUpon her great disaster.Ber.She never saw it.King.Thou speak'st it falsely, as I love mine honour;And makestconjecturalfears to come into me,115Which Iwould fainshutout. If it should proveThat thou art so inhuman,—'twill not prove so;—And yet I know not: thou didst hate her deadly,And she is dead; which nothing, but to closeHer eyes myself, could win me to believe,120More than to see this ring. Take him away.[Guards seize Bertram.My fore-past proofs, howe'er the matter fall,Shalltaxmy fears of little vanity,Having vainly fear'd too little. Away with him!We'll sift this matter further.Ber.If you shall prove125This ring was ever hers, you shall as easyProve that I husbanded her bed in Florence,Where yet she never was.[Exit,guarded.King.I amwrapp'd in dismalthinkings.Enter aGentleman.Gent.Gracious sovereign,WhetherI havebeento blameor no, I know not:130Here's a petition from a Florentine,Whohathfor fouror five removes come shortTo tender it herself. I undertook it,Vanquish'd thereto by the fair grace and speechOf the poor suppliant, who by this I know135Is here attending: her business looks in herWith animportingvisage; and she told me,In a sweet verbal brief, it did concernYour highness with herself.King.[reads]Upon his many protestations to marry me140when his wife was dead, I blush to say it, he won me. Now is theCount Rousillon a widower: his vows are forfeited to me, and myhonour's paid to him. He stole from Florence, taking no leave, andI follow him tohiscountry for justice: grant it me, O king! inyou it bestlies; otherwise a seducer flourishes, and a poor maid is145undone.DianaCapilet.Laf.I will buy me a son-in-law in afair,and tollforthis: I 'll none ofhim.King.The heavens have thought well on thee, Lafeu,To bring forth this discovery. Seek these suitors:150Go speedily and bring again thecount.I amafeardthe life of Helen, lady,Was foullysnatch'd.Count.Now, justice on the doers!Re-enterBertram,guarded.King.I wonder,sir, sith wives are monstersto you,And that you fly them as you swearthem lordship,Yet you desire tomarry.EnterWidowandDiana.155What woman's that?Dia.I am, my lord, a wretched Florentine,Derived from the ancientCapilet:My suit, as I do understand, you know,And therefore know how far I may be pitied.160Wid.I am her mother, sir, whose age and honourBoth suffer under this complaint we bring,And both shall cease, without your remedy.King.Comehither,count; do youknow these women?Ber.My lord, I neither can nor will deny165But that I know them: do they charge me further?Dia.Why do you look so strange upon your wife?Ber.She's none of mine, my lord.Dia.If you shall marry,You give away this hand, andthat ismine;You give away heaven's vows, and those are mine;170You give awaymyself, which is known mine;For I by vow am so embodied yours,That she which marries you must marry me,Either both or none.Laf.Your reputation comestooshort for my daughter;175you are no husband for her.Ber.My lord, this a fond and desperate creature,Whom sometime I have laugh'd with: let your highnessLay a more noble thought upon mine honourThan forto think that I would sink it here.180King.Sir, for my thoughts, you have them ill to friendTill your deeds gainthem: fairerprove your honourThan in my thought it lies.Dia.Goodmy lord,Ask him upon his oath, if he does thinkHe had not my virginity.King.What say'st thou to her?185Ber.She's impudent, my lord,And was a common gamester to the camp.Dia.He does me wrong, my lord; if I were so,He might have bought me at a common price:Do not believe him. O, behold this ring,190Whose high respect and rich validityDid lack a parallel; yet for all thatHegave it to a commoner o' the camp,If I be one.Count.He blushes, and'tis it:Of six preceding ancestors, that gem,195Conferr'd by testamentto the sequentissue,Hathitbeen owed and worn. This is his wife;That ring's a thousand proofs.King.Methought you saidYou saw one here in court could witness it.Dia.I did, my lord, but loath am to produce200So bad an instrument: his name's Parolles.Laf.I saw the man to-day, if man he be.King.Find him, and bringhimhither.[Exit an Attendant.Ber.What of him?He's quoted for a most perfidious slave,With all the spots o' the world tax'd and debosh'd;205Whose nature sickens butto speak a truth.Am I or that or this for what he'll utter,That will speak any thing?King.She hath that ring of yours.Ber.I think she has: certain it is I liked her,And boarded her i' the wanton way of youth:210She knew her distance, and did anglefor me,Madding my eagerness with her restraint,As all impediments in fancy's courseAre motives of more fancy; and, in fine,Herinfinite cunning, with her modern grace,215Subdued me to her rate: she got the ring;And I had that whichanyinferior mightAt market-price have bought.Dia.I must be patient:You, thathave turn'd offa first so noble wife,May justlydietme. I pray you yet,220Since you lack virtue I will lose a husband,Send for your ring, I will returnithome,And give me mine again.Ber.I have it not.King.What ring was yours, I pray you?Dia.Sir, much likeThe same upon your finger.225King.Know you this ring? this ring was his of late.Dia.And this was it I gave him, being a-bed.King.The story then goes false, you threw it himOut of a casement.Dia.I have spoke the truth.EnterParolles.Ber.My lord, I do confess the ring washers.230King.You boggle shrewdly, every feather starts you.Is this the man you speak of?Dia.Ay,my lord.King.Tell me, sirrah,but tell me true, I charge you,Not fearing the displeasure of your master,Which on your just proceeding I'll keep off,235By him and by this woman here what know you?Par.So please your majesty, my master hath beenan honourablegentleman: tricks he hath had in him, whichgentlemen have.King.Come, come, to the purpose: did he love this240woman?Par.Faith, sir, he did love her;but how?King.How, I pray you?Par.He did love her, sir, as agentlemanloves a woman.King.How is that?245Par.He loved her, sir, and loved her not.King.As thou art aknave, and no knave. What anequivocal companion is this!Par.I am a poor man, and at your majesty's command.Laf.He's a good drum, my lord, but a naughty orator.250Dia.Do you know he promised me marriage?Par.Faith, I know more than I'll speak.King.Butwilt thou not speak all thou knowest?Par.Yes, so please your majesty. I did go betweenthem, as I said; but morethan that, heloved her: for indeed255he was mad for her, and talked of Satan, and of Limbo,and of Furies, and I know not what: yet I was in thatcredit with them at that time, that I knew of their going tobed, and of other motions, as promising her marriage, andthingswhichwould derive me ill will to speak of; therefore260I will not speak what I know.King.Thou hast spoken all already, unless thoucanstsay they are married: but thou art too fine in thy evidence;therefore stand aside.This ring, you say, was yours?Dia.Ay, my good lord.265King.Where did you buy it? or who gave it you?Dia.It was not given me,nor I did notbuy it.King.Who lent it you?Dia.It was not lent me neither.King.Where did you find it, then?Dia.I found it not.King.If it were yours by none of all these ways,How could you give it him?270Dia.I nevergave ithim.Laf.This woman's an easy glove, my lord; she goesoff and on at pleasure.King.This ring was mine; I gave it his first wife.Dia.It might be yours or hers, for aught I know.275King.Take her away; I do not like her now;To prison with her: and away with him.Unless thou tell'st me where thou hadst this ring,Thou diest within this hour.Dia.I'll never tell you.King.Take her away.Dia.I'll put in bail, my liege.280King.I think thee now some common customer.Dia.ByJove, if ever I knew man, 'twasyou.King.Wherefore hast thou accused him all this while?Dia.Because he's guilty, and he is not guilty:He knows I am no maid, and he'll swear to't;285I'll swear I am a maid, and he knows not.Great king, I am no strumpet, by my life;I ameither maid, or else thisoldman's wife.King.She does abuse our ears: to prison with her.Dia.Good mother, fetch my bail. Stay, royal sir:[Exit Widow.290The jeweller that owes the ring is sent for,And he shall surety me. But for this lord,Who hath abused me, as he knows himself,Though yet he never harm'd me, here I quit him:He knows himself my bed he hath defiled;295And at that time he got his wife with child:Dead though she be, she feels her young one kick:So there's my riddle,—One that's dead is quick:And now behold the meaning.Re-enterWidow,withHelena.King.Is there no exorcistBeguiles the truer office of mine eyes?Is't real that I see?300Hel.No, my good lord;'Tis but the shadow of a wife you see,The name and not the thing.Ber.Both, both. O, pardon!Hel.O my good lord, when I was like this maid,I found you wondrous kind. There is your ring;305And, look you, here's your letter; this it says:'When from my finger you can get this ringAnd areby me with child,' &c.This is done:Will you be mine, now you are doubly won?Ber.If she, my liege, can make me know this clearly,310I'll love her dearly, ever, ever dearly.Hel.If it appear not plain and prove untrue,Deadly divorce step between me and you!O my dear mother, do I see you living?Laf.Mine eyes smell onions; I shall weep anon:315[To Parolles]Good Tom Drum, lend me ahandkercher:so,I thankthee: wait on me home, I'll make sport with thee:Let thy courtesies alone, they are scurvy ones.King.Let us from point to point this story know,To make the even truth in pleasure flow.320[To Diana]If thou be'st yet a fresh uncropped flower,Choose thou thy husband, and I'll pay thy dower;For I can guess that by thy honest aidThou kept'sta wife herself, thyself a maid.Of that and all the progress, moreorless,325Resolvedlymore leisure shall express:All yet seems well; and if it end so meet,The bitter past, more welcome is the sweet.[Flourish.

Flourish. EnterKing,Countess, Lafeu,the twoFrench Lords,withAttendants.

King.We lost a jewelof her; and ouresteemWas made much poorer by it: but your son,As mad in folly, lack'd the sense to knowHer estimation home.

King.We lost a jewelof her; and ouresteem

Was made much poorer by it: but your son,

As mad in folly, lack'd the sense to know

Her estimation home.

Count.'Tis past, my liege;5And I beseech your majesty to make itNatural rebellion, done i' theblazeof youth;When oil and fire, too strong for reason's force,O'erbearsit and burns on.

Count.'Tis past, my liege;

And I beseech your majesty to make it

Natural rebellion, done i' theblazeof youth;

When oil and fire, too strong for reason's force,

O'erbearsit and burns on.

King.My honour'd lady,I have forgiven and forgotten all;10Though my revenges were high bent upon him,And watch'd the time to shoot.

King.My honour'd lady,

I have forgiven and forgotten all;

Though my revenges were high bent upon him,

And watch'd the time to shoot.

Laf.This I must say,Butfirst I beg my pardon, the young lordDid to his majesty, his mother and his ladyOffence of mighty note; but to himself15The greatest wrong of all. He lost a wifeWhose beauty did astonish the surveyOf richest eyes, whose words all ears took captive,Whose dear perfection hearts that scorn'd to serveHumbly call'd mistress.

Laf.This I must say,

Butfirst I beg my pardon, the young lord

Did to his majesty, his mother and his lady

Offence of mighty note; but to himself

The greatest wrong of all. He lost a wife

Whose beauty did astonish the survey

Of richest eyes, whose words all ears took captive,

Whose dear perfection hearts that scorn'd to serve

Humbly call'd mistress.

King.Praising what is lost20Makes the remembrance dear. Well, call him hither;We arereconciled, and the first view shall killAll repetition: let him not ask our pardon;Thenatureof his great offence is dead,And deeper than oblivionwe dobury25The incensing relics of it: let him approach,A stranger, no offender; and inform himSo 'tis our will he should.

King.Praising what is lost

Makes the remembrance dear. Well, call him hither;

We arereconciled, and the first view shall kill

All repetition: let him not ask our pardon;

Thenatureof his great offence is dead,

And deeper than oblivionwe dobury

The incensing relics of it: let him approach,

A stranger, no offender; and inform him

So 'tis our will he should.

Gent.I shall, my liege.[Exit.

King.Whatsays he to your daughter? have you spoke?

Laf.All that he is hath reference to your highness.

30King.Then shallwe have a match. I have letters sent meThatsethim high in fame.

King.Then shallwe have a match. I have letters sent me

Thatsethim high in fame.

EnterBertram.

Laf.He looks well on't.

King.I amnot a day ofseason,For thou mayst see a sunshine and a hailIn me at once: but to the brightest beams35Distracted clouds give way; so stand thou forth;The time is fair again.

King.I amnot a day ofseason,

For thou mayst see a sunshine and a hail

In me at once: but to the brightest beams

Distracted clouds give way; so stand thou forth;

The time is fair again.

Ber.My high-repented blames,Dear sovereign, pardon to me.

Ber.My high-repented blames,

Dear sovereign, pardon to me.

King.All is whole;Not one word more of the consumed time.Let's take the instant by theforwardtop;40For we are old, and on our quick'st decreesThe inaudible and noiseless foot of TimeSteals ere we can effect them. You rememberThe daughter of this lord?

King.All is whole;

Not one word more of the consumed time.

Let's take the instant by theforwardtop;

For we are old, and on our quick'st decrees

The inaudible and noiseless foot of Time

Steals ere we can effect them. You remember

The daughter of this lord?

Ber.Admiringly,my liege, at first45I stuck my choice upon her, ere my heartDurst make too bold a herald of my tongue:Where the impression of mine eye infixing,Contempt his scornful perspective did lend me,Whichwarp'dthe line of every other favour;50Scorn'da fair colour, or express'd it stolen;Extended or contracted all proportionsTo a most hideous object: thence it cameThat she whom all men praised and whom myself,Since I have lost, have loved, was in mine eyeThe dust that did offend it.

Ber.Admiringly,my liege, at first

I stuck my choice upon her, ere my heart

Durst make too bold a herald of my tongue:

Where the impression of mine eye infixing,

Contempt his scornful perspective did lend me,

Whichwarp'dthe line of every other favour;

Scorn'da fair colour, or express'd it stolen;

Extended or contracted all proportions

To a most hideous object: thence it came

That she whom all men praised and whom myself,

Since I have lost, have loved, was in mine eye

The dust that did offend it.

55King.Well excused:That thou didst love her, strikes some scores awayFrom the great compt: but love that comes too late.Likea remorseful pardon slowlycarried,To the great sender turns asouroffence,60Crying 'That's goodthat's gone.'OurrashfaultsMaketrivialprice of serious things we have,Not knowing them until we know their grave:Oft our displeasures, to ourselves unjust,Destroy our friends and after weep their dust:65Ourownlove waking cries to see what's done,Whileshameful hatesleepsout the afternoon.Be this sweet Helen's knell, and nowforget her.Send forth your amorous token for fair Maudlin:The main consents are had; and here we'll stay70To see our widower's second marriage-day.

King.Well excused:

That thou didst love her, strikes some scores away

From the great compt: but love that comes too late.

Likea remorseful pardon slowlycarried,

To the great sender turns asouroffence,

Crying 'That's goodthat's gone.'Ourrashfaults

Maketrivialprice of serious things we have,

Not knowing them until we know their grave:

Oft our displeasures, to ourselves unjust,

Destroy our friends and after weep their dust:

Ourownlove waking cries to see what's done,

Whileshameful hatesleepsout the afternoon.

Be this sweet Helen's knell, and nowforget her.

Send forth your amorous token for fair Maudlin:

The main consents are had; and here we'll stay

To see our widower's second marriage-day.

Count.Which better than the first, O dear heaven, bless!Or, ere theymeet,in me, O nature, cesse!

Count.Which better than the first, O dear heaven, bless!

Or, ere theymeet,in me, O nature, cesse!

Laf.Come on, my son, in whom my house's nameMust bedigested, give a favour from you75To sparkle in the spirits of my daughter,That she may quickly come.[Bertram gives a ring.]By my old beard,And every hair that's on't, Helen, that's dead,Was a sweet creature: such a ring as this,The lastthat e'erI took herleaveat court,I saw upon her finger.

Laf.Come on, my son, in whom my house's name

Must bedigested, give a favour from you

To sparkle in the spirits of my daughter,

That she may quickly come.[Bertram gives a ring.]By my old beard,

And every hair that's on't, Helen, that's dead,

Was a sweet creature: such a ring as this,

The lastthat e'erI took herleaveat court,

I saw upon her finger.

80Ber.Hers it was not.

Ber.Hers it was not.

King.Now, pray you, let me see it; for mine eye,While I was speaking, oft was fasten'd to't.This ring was mine; and, when I gave it Helen,I bade her, if her fortunes ever stood85Necessitiedto help, that by this tokenI would relieve her. Had you that craft, to reave herOf what should stead her most?

King.Now, pray you, let me see it; for mine eye,

While I was speaking, oft was fasten'd to't.

This ring was mine; and, when I gave it Helen,

I bade her, if her fortunes ever stood

Necessitiedto help, that by this token

I would relieve her. Had you that craft, to reave her

Of what should stead her most?

Ber.My gracious sovereign,Howe'er it pleases you to take it so,The ring was never hers.

Ber.My gracious sovereign,

Howe'er it pleases you to take it so,

The ring was never hers.

Count.Son, on my life,90I haveseen her wear it; and she reckon'd itAt herlife'srate.

Count.Son, on my life,

I haveseen her wear it; and she reckon'd it

At herlife'srate.

Laf.I amsure I saw her wear it.

Ber.You are deceived, my lord; she never saw it:In Florence was it from a casement thrown me,Wrapp'd in a paper, which contain'd the name95Of her that threw it: noble she was, and thoughtI stoodengaged:but when I had subscribedTo mine own fortune and inform'd her fullyI could not answer in that course of honourAs she had made the overture, she ceased100In heavy satisfaction and would neverReceive the ring again.

Ber.You are deceived, my lord; she never saw it:

In Florence was it from a casement thrown me,

Wrapp'd in a paper, which contain'd the name

Of her that threw it: noble she was, and thought

I stoodengaged:but when I had subscribed

To mine own fortune and inform'd her fully

I could not answer in that course of honour

As she had made the overture, she ceased

In heavy satisfaction and would never

Receive the ring again.

King.Plutushimself,That knows the tinct and multiplying medicine,Hath not in nature's mystery more scienceThan I have in this ring: 'twas mine, 'twas Helen's,105Whoever gave it you. Then, if you knowThat you are well acquainted with yourself,Confess 'twas hers, and by what rough enforcementYou got it from her: she call'd the saints to suretyThat she would never put it from her finger,110Unless she gave it toyourselfin bed,Where you have never come, or sent it usUpon her great disaster.

King.Plutushimself,

That knows the tinct and multiplying medicine,

Hath not in nature's mystery more science

Than I have in this ring: 'twas mine, 'twas Helen's,

Whoever gave it you. Then, if you know

That you are well acquainted with yourself,

Confess 'twas hers, and by what rough enforcement

You got it from her: she call'd the saints to surety

That she would never put it from her finger,

Unless she gave it toyourselfin bed,

Where you have never come, or sent it us

Upon her great disaster.

Ber.She never saw it.

King.Thou speak'st it falsely, as I love mine honour;And makestconjecturalfears to come into me,115Which Iwould fainshutout. If it should proveThat thou art so inhuman,—'twill not prove so;—And yet I know not: thou didst hate her deadly,And she is dead; which nothing, but to closeHer eyes myself, could win me to believe,120More than to see this ring. Take him away.[Guards seize Bertram.My fore-past proofs, howe'er the matter fall,Shalltaxmy fears of little vanity,Having vainly fear'd too little. Away with him!We'll sift this matter further.

King.Thou speak'st it falsely, as I love mine honour;

And makestconjecturalfears to come into me,

Which Iwould fainshutout. If it should prove

That thou art so inhuman,—'twill not prove so;—

And yet I know not: thou didst hate her deadly,

And she is dead; which nothing, but to close

Her eyes myself, could win me to believe,

More than to see this ring. Take him away.

[Guards seize Bertram.

My fore-past proofs, howe'er the matter fall,

Shalltaxmy fears of little vanity,

Having vainly fear'd too little. Away with him!

We'll sift this matter further.

Ber.If you shall prove125This ring was ever hers, you shall as easyProve that I husbanded her bed in Florence,Where yet she never was.[Exit,guarded.

Ber.If you shall prove

This ring was ever hers, you shall as easy

Prove that I husbanded her bed in Florence,

Where yet she never was.[Exit,guarded.

King.I amwrapp'd in dismalthinkings.

Enter aGentleman.

Gent.Gracious sovereign,WhetherI havebeento blameor no, I know not:130Here's a petition from a Florentine,Whohathfor fouror five removes come shortTo tender it herself. I undertook it,Vanquish'd thereto by the fair grace and speechOf the poor suppliant, who by this I know135Is here attending: her business looks in herWith animportingvisage; and she told me,In a sweet verbal brief, it did concernYour highness with herself.

Gent.Gracious sovereign,

WhetherI havebeento blameor no, I know not:

Here's a petition from a Florentine,

Whohathfor fouror five removes come short

To tender it herself. I undertook it,

Vanquish'd thereto by the fair grace and speech

Of the poor suppliant, who by this I know

Is here attending: her business looks in her

With animportingvisage; and she told me,

In a sweet verbal brief, it did concern

Your highness with herself.

King.[reads]Upon his many protestations to marry me140when his wife was dead, I blush to say it, he won me. Now is theCount Rousillon a widower: his vows are forfeited to me, and myhonour's paid to him. He stole from Florence, taking no leave, andI follow him tohiscountry for justice: grant it me, O king! inyou it bestlies; otherwise a seducer flourishes, and a poor maid is145undone.DianaCapilet.

King.[reads]Upon his many protestations to marry me

when his wife was dead, I blush to say it, he won me. Now is the

Count Rousillon a widower: his vows are forfeited to me, and my

honour's paid to him. He stole from Florence, taking no leave, and

I follow him tohiscountry for justice: grant it me, O king! in

you it bestlies; otherwise a seducer flourishes, and a poor maid is

undone.DianaCapilet.

Laf.I will buy me a son-in-law in afair,and tollforthis: I 'll none ofhim.

Laf.I will buy me a son-in-law in afair,and tollfor

this: I 'll none ofhim.

King.The heavens have thought well on thee, Lafeu,To bring forth this discovery. Seek these suitors:150Go speedily and bring again thecount.I amafeardthe life of Helen, lady,Was foullysnatch'd.

King.The heavens have thought well on thee, Lafeu,

To bring forth this discovery. Seek these suitors:

Go speedily and bring again thecount.

I amafeardthe life of Helen, lady,

Was foullysnatch'd.

Count.Now, justice on the doers!

Re-enterBertram,guarded.

King.I wonder,sir, sith wives are monstersto you,And that you fly them as you swearthem lordship,Yet you desire tomarry.

King.I wonder,sir, sith wives are monstersto you,

And that you fly them as you swearthem lordship,

Yet you desire tomarry.

EnterWidowandDiana.

155What woman's that?

What woman's that?

Dia.I am, my lord, a wretched Florentine,Derived from the ancientCapilet:My suit, as I do understand, you know,And therefore know how far I may be pitied.

Dia.I am, my lord, a wretched Florentine,

Derived from the ancientCapilet:

My suit, as I do understand, you know,

And therefore know how far I may be pitied.

160Wid.I am her mother, sir, whose age and honourBoth suffer under this complaint we bring,And both shall cease, without your remedy.

Wid.I am her mother, sir, whose age and honour

Both suffer under this complaint we bring,

And both shall cease, without your remedy.

King.Comehither,count; do youknow these women?

Ber.My lord, I neither can nor will deny165But that I know them: do they charge me further?

Ber.My lord, I neither can nor will deny

But that I know them: do they charge me further?

Dia.Why do you look so strange upon your wife?

Ber.She's none of mine, my lord.

Dia.If you shall marry,You give away this hand, andthat ismine;You give away heaven's vows, and those are mine;170You give awaymyself, which is known mine;For I by vow am so embodied yours,That she which marries you must marry me,Either both or none.

Dia.If you shall marry,

You give away this hand, andthat ismine;

You give away heaven's vows, and those are mine;

You give awaymyself, which is known mine;

For I by vow am so embodied yours,

That she which marries you must marry me,

Either both or none.

Laf.Your reputation comestooshort for my daughter;175you are no husband for her.

Laf.Your reputation comestooshort for my daughter;

you are no husband for her.

Ber.My lord, this a fond and desperate creature,Whom sometime I have laugh'd with: let your highnessLay a more noble thought upon mine honourThan forto think that I would sink it here.

Ber.My lord, this a fond and desperate creature,

Whom sometime I have laugh'd with: let your highness

Lay a more noble thought upon mine honour

Than forto think that I would sink it here.

180King.Sir, for my thoughts, you have them ill to friendTill your deeds gainthem: fairerprove your honourThan in my thought it lies.

King.Sir, for my thoughts, you have them ill to friend

Till your deeds gainthem: fairerprove your honour

Than in my thought it lies.

Dia.Goodmy lord,Ask him upon his oath, if he does thinkHe had not my virginity.

Dia.Goodmy lord,

Ask him upon his oath, if he does think

He had not my virginity.

King.What say'st thou to her?

185Ber.She's impudent, my lord,And was a common gamester to the camp.

Ber.She's impudent, my lord,

And was a common gamester to the camp.

Dia.He does me wrong, my lord; if I were so,He might have bought me at a common price:Do not believe him. O, behold this ring,190Whose high respect and rich validityDid lack a parallel; yet for all thatHegave it to a commoner o' the camp,If I be one.

Dia.He does me wrong, my lord; if I were so,

He might have bought me at a common price:

Do not believe him. O, behold this ring,

Whose high respect and rich validity

Did lack a parallel; yet for all that

Hegave it to a commoner o' the camp,

If I be one.

Count.He blushes, and'tis it:Of six preceding ancestors, that gem,195Conferr'd by testamentto the sequentissue,Hathitbeen owed and worn. This is his wife;That ring's a thousand proofs.

Count.He blushes, and'tis it:

Of six preceding ancestors, that gem,

Conferr'd by testamentto the sequentissue,

Hathitbeen owed and worn. This is his wife;

That ring's a thousand proofs.

King.Methought you saidYou saw one here in court could witness it.

King.Methought you said

You saw one here in court could witness it.

Dia.I did, my lord, but loath am to produce200So bad an instrument: his name's Parolles.

Dia.I did, my lord, but loath am to produce

So bad an instrument: his name's Parolles.

Laf.I saw the man to-day, if man he be.

King.Find him, and bringhimhither.[Exit an Attendant.

Ber.What of him?He's quoted for a most perfidious slave,With all the spots o' the world tax'd and debosh'd;205Whose nature sickens butto speak a truth.Am I or that or this for what he'll utter,That will speak any thing?

Ber.What of him?

He's quoted for a most perfidious slave,

With all the spots o' the world tax'd and debosh'd;

Whose nature sickens butto speak a truth.

Am I or that or this for what he'll utter,

That will speak any thing?

King.She hath that ring of yours.

Ber.I think she has: certain it is I liked her,And boarded her i' the wanton way of youth:210She knew her distance, and did anglefor me,Madding my eagerness with her restraint,As all impediments in fancy's courseAre motives of more fancy; and, in fine,Herinfinite cunning, with her modern grace,215Subdued me to her rate: she got the ring;And I had that whichanyinferior mightAt market-price have bought.

Ber.I think she has: certain it is I liked her,

And boarded her i' the wanton way of youth:

She knew her distance, and did anglefor me,

Madding my eagerness with her restraint,

As all impediments in fancy's course

Are motives of more fancy; and, in fine,

Herinfinite cunning, with her modern grace,

Subdued me to her rate: she got the ring;

And I had that whichanyinferior might

At market-price have bought.

Dia.I must be patient:You, thathave turn'd offa first so noble wife,May justlydietme. I pray you yet,220Since you lack virtue I will lose a husband,Send for your ring, I will returnithome,And give me mine again.

Dia.I must be patient:

You, thathave turn'd offa first so noble wife,

May justlydietme. I pray you yet,

Since you lack virtue I will lose a husband,

Send for your ring, I will returnithome,

And give me mine again.

Ber.I have it not.

King.What ring was yours, I pray you?

Dia.Sir, much likeThe same upon your finger.

Dia.Sir, much like

The same upon your finger.

225King.Know you this ring? this ring was his of late.

King.Know you this ring? this ring was his of late.

Dia.And this was it I gave him, being a-bed.

King.The story then goes false, you threw it himOut of a casement.

King.The story then goes false, you threw it him

Out of a casement.

Dia.I have spoke the truth.

EnterParolles.

Ber.My lord, I do confess the ring washers.

230King.You boggle shrewdly, every feather starts you.Is this the man you speak of?

King.You boggle shrewdly, every feather starts you.

Is this the man you speak of?

Dia.Ay,my lord.

King.Tell me, sirrah,but tell me true, I charge you,Not fearing the displeasure of your master,Which on your just proceeding I'll keep off,235By him and by this woman here what know you?

King.Tell me, sirrah,but tell me true, I charge you,

Not fearing the displeasure of your master,

Which on your just proceeding I'll keep off,

By him and by this woman here what know you?

Par.So please your majesty, my master hath beenan honourablegentleman: tricks he hath had in him, whichgentlemen have.

Par.So please your majesty, my master hath been

an honourablegentleman: tricks he hath had in him, which

gentlemen have.

King.Come, come, to the purpose: did he love this240woman?

King.Come, come, to the purpose: did he love this

woman?

Par.Faith, sir, he did love her;but how?

King.How, I pray you?

Par.He did love her, sir, as agentlemanloves a woman.

King.How is that?

245Par.He loved her, sir, and loved her not.

Par.He loved her, sir, and loved her not.

King.As thou art aknave, and no knave. What anequivocal companion is this!

King.As thou art aknave, and no knave. What an

equivocal companion is this!

Par.I am a poor man, and at your majesty's command.

Laf.He's a good drum, my lord, but a naughty orator.

250Dia.Do you know he promised me marriage?

Dia.Do you know he promised me marriage?

Par.Faith, I know more than I'll speak.

King.Butwilt thou not speak all thou knowest?

Par.Yes, so please your majesty. I did go betweenthem, as I said; but morethan that, heloved her: for indeed255he was mad for her, and talked of Satan, and of Limbo,and of Furies, and I know not what: yet I was in thatcredit with them at that time, that I knew of their going tobed, and of other motions, as promising her marriage, andthingswhichwould derive me ill will to speak of; therefore260I will not speak what I know.

Par.Yes, so please your majesty. I did go between

them, as I said; but morethan that, heloved her: for indeed

he was mad for her, and talked of Satan, and of Limbo,

and of Furies, and I know not what: yet I was in that

credit with them at that time, that I knew of their going to

bed, and of other motions, as promising her marriage, and

thingswhichwould derive me ill will to speak of; therefore

I will not speak what I know.

King.Thou hast spoken all already, unless thoucanstsay they are married: but thou art too fine in thy evidence;therefore stand aside.

King.Thou hast spoken all already, unless thoucanst

say they are married: but thou art too fine in thy evidence;

therefore stand aside.

This ring, you say, was yours?

Dia.Ay, my good lord.

265King.Where did you buy it? or who gave it you?

King.Where did you buy it? or who gave it you?

Dia.It was not given me,nor I did notbuy it.

King.Who lent it you?

Dia.It was not lent me neither.

King.Where did you find it, then?

Dia.I found it not.

King.If it were yours by none of all these ways,How could you give it him?

King.If it were yours by none of all these ways,

How could you give it him?

270Dia.I nevergave ithim.

Dia.I nevergave ithim.

Laf.This woman's an easy glove, my lord; she goesoff and on at pleasure.

Laf.This woman's an easy glove, my lord; she goes

off and on at pleasure.

King.This ring was mine; I gave it his first wife.

Dia.It might be yours or hers, for aught I know.

275King.Take her away; I do not like her now;To prison with her: and away with him.Unless thou tell'st me where thou hadst this ring,Thou diest within this hour.

King.Take her away; I do not like her now;

To prison with her: and away with him.

Unless thou tell'st me where thou hadst this ring,

Thou diest within this hour.

Dia.I'll never tell you.

King.Take her away.

Dia.I'll put in bail, my liege.

280King.I think thee now some common customer.

King.I think thee now some common customer.

Dia.ByJove, if ever I knew man, 'twasyou.

King.Wherefore hast thou accused him all this while?

Dia.Because he's guilty, and he is not guilty:He knows I am no maid, and he'll swear to't;285I'll swear I am a maid, and he knows not.Great king, I am no strumpet, by my life;I ameither maid, or else thisoldman's wife.

Dia.Because he's guilty, and he is not guilty:

He knows I am no maid, and he'll swear to't;

I'll swear I am a maid, and he knows not.

Great king, I am no strumpet, by my life;

I ameither maid, or else thisoldman's wife.

King.She does abuse our ears: to prison with her.

Dia.Good mother, fetch my bail. Stay, royal sir:[Exit Widow.290The jeweller that owes the ring is sent for,And he shall surety me. But for this lord,Who hath abused me, as he knows himself,Though yet he never harm'd me, here I quit him:He knows himself my bed he hath defiled;295And at that time he got his wife with child:Dead though she be, she feels her young one kick:So there's my riddle,—One that's dead is quick:And now behold the meaning.

Dia.Good mother, fetch my bail. Stay, royal sir:[Exit Widow.

The jeweller that owes the ring is sent for,

And he shall surety me. But for this lord,

Who hath abused me, as he knows himself,

Though yet he never harm'd me, here I quit him:

He knows himself my bed he hath defiled;

And at that time he got his wife with child:

Dead though she be, she feels her young one kick:

So there's my riddle,—One that's dead is quick:

And now behold the meaning.

Re-enterWidow,withHelena.

King.Is there no exorcistBeguiles the truer office of mine eyes?Is't real that I see?

King.Is there no exorcist

Beguiles the truer office of mine eyes?

Is't real that I see?

300Hel.No, my good lord;'Tis but the shadow of a wife you see,The name and not the thing.

Hel.No, my good lord;

'Tis but the shadow of a wife you see,

The name and not the thing.

Ber.Both, both. O, pardon!

Hel.O my good lord, when I was like this maid,I found you wondrous kind. There is your ring;305And, look you, here's your letter; this it says:'When from my finger you can get this ringAnd areby me with child,' &c.This is done:Will you be mine, now you are doubly won?

Hel.O my good lord, when I was like this maid,

I found you wondrous kind. There is your ring;

And, look you, here's your letter; this it says:

'When from my finger you can get this ring

And areby me with child,' &c.This is done:

Will you be mine, now you are doubly won?

Ber.If she, my liege, can make me know this clearly,310I'll love her dearly, ever, ever dearly.

Ber.If she, my liege, can make me know this clearly,

I'll love her dearly, ever, ever dearly.

Hel.If it appear not plain and prove untrue,Deadly divorce step between me and you!O my dear mother, do I see you living?

Hel.If it appear not plain and prove untrue,

Deadly divorce step between me and you!

O my dear mother, do I see you living?

Laf.Mine eyes smell onions; I shall weep anon:315[To Parolles]Good Tom Drum, lend me ahandkercher:so,I thankthee: wait on me home, I'll make sport with thee:Let thy courtesies alone, they are scurvy ones.

Laf.Mine eyes smell onions; I shall weep anon:

[To Parolles]Good Tom Drum, lend me ahandkercher:so,

I thankthee: wait on me home, I'll make sport with thee:

Let thy courtesies alone, they are scurvy ones.

King.Let us from point to point this story know,To make the even truth in pleasure flow.320[To Diana]If thou be'st yet a fresh uncropped flower,Choose thou thy husband, and I'll pay thy dower;For I can guess that by thy honest aidThou kept'sta wife herself, thyself a maid.Of that and all the progress, moreorless,325Resolvedlymore leisure shall express:All yet seems well; and if it end so meet,The bitter past, more welcome is the sweet.[Flourish.

King.Let us from point to point this story know,

To make the even truth in pleasure flow.

[To Diana]If thou be'st yet a fresh uncropped flower,

Choose thou thy husband, and I'll pay thy dower;

For I can guess that by thy honest aid

Thou kept'sta wife herself, thyself a maid.

Of that and all the progress, moreorless,

Resolvedlymore leisure shall express:

All yet seems well; and if it end so meet,

The bitter past, more welcome is the sweet.[Flourish.

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